[Survey on Plant-Based Foods] Over 30% of People Have Eaten Plant-Based Foods in the Past Year; Over 30% of Those Purchased with Awareness of Plant-Based Ingredients

<< TOPICS >>

Just over 30% of people have eaten plant-based foods in the past year. Of those, just over 30% purchased with awareness that the main ingredient is plant-derived.

Regarding plant-based foods, over 40% are concerned about taste, about 24% about high prices, and just under 20% about additives.

MyVoice Communications Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & Representative Director: Shintaro Shimizu) conducted its 4th internet survey on plant-based foods from May 1 to May 7, 2026.

The survey asked about consumption status, intentions, appeal, and concerns regarding plant-based foods. We are pleased to announce the results.

[Survey Target] MyVoice Communications survey monitors [Survey Method] Internet survey (online research) [Survey Period] May 1, 2026 – May 7, 2026 [Number of Respondents] 10,990 [Detailed Results] https://myel.myvoice.jp/products/detail/33406

◆ Plant-Based Food Consumption Status

Just over 30% of respondents had consumed plant-based foods in the past year.

Items consumed (multiple answers): "Plant-based milk" 14.3%, "Dishes cooked with meat alternatives such as soy meat or gluten meat" 10.1%, "Processed foods, side dishes, retort foods, frozen foods, instant foods using meat alternatives like soy meat or gluten meat" 8.0%.

◆ Awareness of Plant-Based Origin

Among those who consumed plant-based foods in the past year, 33.7% purchased them with awareness that the main ingredient is plant-derived. This ratio was higher among women, reaching over 40% for women in their 50s and 60s.

"Not aware of the plant-based origin, but purchased with awareness of nutrients, benefits, etc." was 18.4%, a trend higher among younger age groups.

◆ Reasons for Consuming Plant-Based Foods

Reasons for consuming plant-based foods in the past year (multiple answers): "For health" and "Seems good for the body" each just under 30%, "Wanted to try the taste" 16.1%.

◆ Intention to Consume Plant-Based Foods

Those who want to consume plant-based foods in the future, combining "Want to consume" and "Somewhat want to consume," totaled 24.0%.

◆ Concerns About Plant-Based Foods

Concerns about plant-based foods (multiple answers): "Whether it tastes good" 42.3%, "Price is high or seems high" 24.3%, "Worried about additives" 18.5%.

<< Respondent Comments >>

☆ Reasons for wanting or not wanting to eat plant-based foods (Total 6,503 comments)

Want to eat: Because food allergies might increase or become more severe in the future. (Female, 15)

Want to eat: Because almond milk and others are tasty and cheap. (Male, 31)

Want to eat: I got interested after seeing a commercial and bought some. I would buy and drink it if available. (Female, 70)

Don't want to eat: Because it wasn't very tasty, so meals weren't enjoyable. (Female, 32)

Don't want to eat: It feels like extremely processed artificial food, which feels a bit unpleasant. (Male, 39)

Don't want to eat: Because I want to stay healthy by properly balancing meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. (Male, 53)

Neither: I think it's good if plant-based foods are recognized as one option, not a matter of eating or not eating just because it's plant-based. (Female, 29)

Neither: I would eat it if available, but I wouldn't miss it if it weren't. (Female, 41)

<Detailed Survey Results>

Survey Results on Plant-Based Foods

https://myel.myvoice.jp/products/detail/33406

In addition to the above questions, the survey also asked about "awareness" and "appeal" of plant-based foods.

*Regarding publication and citation of survey results

This is an independent survey result conducted by MyVoice Communications Co., Ltd. via internet survey (online research).

When publishing or citing the survey results, please be sure to indicate "MyVoice Communications survey" or "MyVoice Communications Co., Ltd. survey."

<Inquiries>

For inquiries regarding survey results, please contact the following email address:

myel@myvoice.co.jp (MyEL Team)

<Related Information>

You can also view the survey database "MyEL" where MyVoice Communications' independent survey results are available, and introductions of the AI analysis tool "CotoEL" on note.

note page

<Company Profile>

MyVoice Communications Co., Ltd.

[Representative] President & Representative Director Shintaro Shimizu

[Established] July 1999

[Capital] 161.83 million yen (including capital reserve)

[Business] Internet surveys, offline surveys, text mining, survey database, AI analysis services

[Location] 5F, Eiyo Building, 3-17-11 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

[Company HP] https://www.myvoice.co.jp/

MyVoice Communications is a research company of the ITOCHU Group, primarily providing internet surveys.