Key facts
- UK shoppers are buying more beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh, while reducing consumption of meat and plant-based fake meats.
- Sales of beans, pulses, and soya bean derivatives increased by 7.3% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
- Sales of beans alone saw a 10% rise, with canned and jarred varieties, including butter beans, experiencing a 30.3% increase.
- Fake meat product sales decreased by 4.3%, with textured soya, pea, and wheat protein products showing a decline.
- Meat sales, particularly beef and lamb, fell by 1.8% year-on-year due to high prices.
- The 'Bang in Some Beans' campaign, supported by celebrity chefs and supermarkets, aims to double UK bean consumption by 2028.
British consumers are increasingly opting for legumes like beans and lentils, alongside tofu and tempeh, as a cost-effective and healthier alternative to meat and processed plant-based substitutes. Market data reveals a significant rise in the sales of beans, pulses, and soya derivatives, with a particular surge in demand for dried lentils and canned or jarred varieties.
This shift is attributed to several factors, including the rising cost of meat, the slower price increases of legumes compared to other food items, and a growing consumer focus on nutrition and high-fiber foods. The trend is further supported by new product launches, viral recipes on social media, and campaigns like 'Bang in Some Beans,' which aims to double bean consumption in the UK by 2028. Major retailers and food service companies have pledged to increase their offerings of legume-based products.
Conversely, sales of fake meats have declined, with textured soya, pea, and wheat protein products seeing a reduction. While traditional baked beans experienced a slight dip, this is linked to a decrease in mixed sausage-and-bean products. The overall trend indicates a move towards simpler, more affordable, and environmentally friendly protein sources.