Plant-based foods are showing signs of recovery in UK supermarkets, driven by growing demand for natural, veg-led products rich in protein and fibre, according to new market data.
Figures from Nielsen reveal that volume demand for chilled plant-based food increased by just under 1 per cent over the past year and accelerated to 1.7 per cent growth in the 12 weeks to 28 December 2025.
Tesco said it is seeing the trend reflected in its own sales, with shoppers becoming more selective and prioritising health benefits and whole-food ingredients. High-protein staples such as tofu and tempeh have recorded growth of more than 10 per cent over the last year.
The retailer also reported strong demand across several key plant-based segments, with plant-based mince up nearly 25 per cent year on year, plant-based proteins including tofu, tempeh and seitan up 12 per cent, and plant-based snacks such as falafels, picnic eggs and mini sausages rising by more than 5 per cent.
Bethan Jones, plant-based food buyer at Tesco, said the sector is showing early signs of a rebound after a period of slowdown.
“We are beginning to see the green shoots of recovery across the UK’s plant-based food sector, as a growing number of shoppers place long-term health and wellbeing at the centre of their food choices,” she said.
“Increasingly, the inclusion of vegetables and plant foods is being seen not as a passing preference, but as a fundamental part of how people expect to eat in the future.”
Jones added that growth is now being driven by whole-food plant proteins such as beans, lentils, chickpeas and wholegrains, signalling a shift away from highly processed meat alternatives towards more natural ingredients.
The plant-based category saw rapid expansion during the pandemic, but demand cooled as shoppers became more cautious with spending and moved away from ready-made alternatives in favour of simpler, ingredient-led meals.
Brands focusing on natural formulations are helping to support the category’s recovery. Gosh! said its Moroccan Falafel recorded 6 per cent volume growth over the past 52 weeks, reflecting shopper demand for minimally processed options.
Caroline Hughes, marketing director at Gosh!, said: “As more people eat their way to happier, healthier lifestyles by adding more plants to their plates, it’s no surprise that more natural products are helping to reignite category growth.
“Shoppers are looking for whole foods that are genuinely healthy, with no hidden nasties, and that supports their overall wellbeing.”
The Vegan Society also welcomed the latest figures, saying they demonstrate continued consumer interest in plant-based diets.
“These figures are positive and show that veganism is in good health,” said chief executive Libby Peppiatt. “Whether consumers are driven by animal welfare, dietary, environmental or simply cost of living concerns, a vegan or plant-based lifestyle is an all-round win.”