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Beans Beat Burgers: Brits Shift to Pulses
28 Aug
Summary
- UK pulse sales surged 7.3% in early 2026, led by lentils.
- Real and plant-based meat sales declined in the UK.
- Shoppers seek affordability and health in bean consumption.
In the first half of 2026, British consumers significantly increased their purchases of beans, lentils, and soy products, a trend driven by cost savings and a desire for healthier options. Sales volume for these plant-based staples grew by 7.3% compared to the previous year, with a notable surge in demand for dried lentils and canned butter beans, which saw a 30.3% increase.
This dietary shift coincides with a decline in both conventional meat and meat-free alternatives. Real meat sales dropped by 1.8%, while sales of textured soya, pea, and wheat protein products decreased by 4.3%. This indicates shoppers are moving towards simpler, high-fiber foods that are less affected by rising food inflation.
The 'Bang in Some Beans' campaign, supported by celebrity chefs and supermarkets, aims to double UK bean consumption by 2028. This initiative highlights the growing recognition of legumes as a healthy, sustainable, and budget-friendly protein source, with major food companies committing to increasing their bean-based offerings.
