UK Shoppers Increase Bean and Lentil Purchases by 7.3% Amid Cost and Diet Shifts
UKPulse Consumer Desk
British shoppers bought 7.3% more beans, pulses, and soya bean derivatives in the first half of 2026, driven by a surge in dried lentils, as they cut back on both real and plant-based meats.
- Sales of beans, pulses, and soya bean derivatives in the UK rose by 7.3% in H1 2026 compared to H1 2025.
- Dried lentil sales saw a 23% increase, while canned and jarred butter bean sales were up by 30.3%.
- Sales of fake meats declined by 4.3%, and the amount of meat sold by retailers fell by 1.8% year-on-year.
British shoppers are increasingly turning to beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh, with sales of these products rising by 7.3% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This increase is attributed to consumers seeking to save money and improve their diets, according to an analysis.
The growth was notably led by a 23% surge in cheap dried lentils. Shoppers also opted for more upmarket legumes, with sales of canned and jarred butter beans increasing by 30.3%.
Conversely, sales of both real and plant-based fake meats have seen a decline. The amount of meat sold by retailers fell by 1.8% year-on-year, while fake meat packages sold decreased by 4.3%.
A report by climate advocacy group Madre Brava suggests that shoppers are not abandoning plant proteins but are instead shifting towards simpler, higher-fibre foods. These alternatives are experiencing slower price increases than overall food inflation, widening their price gap with meat.
Why this matters: The shift in consumer purchasing habits towards legumes reflects a growing focus on affordability, nutrition, and health benefits, alongside environmental considerations.
What this means for you: You may find a wider variety of bean and lentil products available in supermarkets, potentially offering more affordable and healthy alternatives to meat.