More than 60% of Latin Americans consume vegan products for animal welfare reasons, according to a study. Research carried out by Fundación Vegetarianos Hoy in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru -countries where the organization is present- provided interesting information on the consumption of alternatives to meat and dairy products.
In its constant interest in promoting a plant-based diet, with the aim of achieving a more ethical, healthy and sustainable future, where all people can have access to delicious and nutritious food without animal products, Fundación Vegetarianos Hoy held its first survey with consumers of plant-based products.
In Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, countries where Vegetarianos Hoy is present, more than 5,000 people who consumed a product of plant origin in the last three months were consulted.
In this regard, Ignacia Uribe, Director General of the NGO highlighted that “The objective is to find out consumers’ opinions about products made exclusively with plant-based ingredients, assess possible difficulties in obtaining them and highlight opportunities for improvement.”.
The survey of Latin Americans who consume vegan products
The survey, which will soon provide detailed country-by-country results, yielded interesting findings, with dairy alternatives at the forefront. Then, within the category of options for replacing meat products (occupying second place), those that imitate red meat (such as hamburgers) are the most consumed, with 46% of those surveyed.
When people are asked why they decide to make this dietary change, 61% say they do it for animal welfare, 15% for the environment and the rest for different reasons including health.
As for the characteristic that least satisfies those consulted in relation to products of plant origin, it is the price. In this regard, Soledad Rapimán, Director of Cambio de Alimentación de Alimentación de Vegetarianos Hoy, indicated “that this gives us the opportunity to continue working in the line of generating greater dissemination of plant-based food options accessible to people and to continue working to promote more vegan options It is certified products in the different stores, which we believe will help make it accessible to more people.”
Vegan consumer profile
Regarding the profile of those who responded to the survey, in Argentina and Chile most consume only or mainly plant-based foods, in Peru and Mexico they are in transition and in Colombia most respondents are not in this process. 85% identify with the female gender and live in large cities or capitals. 43% are between 25 and 34 years old.
It should be noted that every year thousands of people try products of plant origin for the first time, seeking to make a change in their diet. The Vegetarians Hoy Foundation has the challenge Plant Challengea free program to try delicious recipes and change your diet for 30 days.