Meat Consumption in United Kingdom at All Time Low, Data Shows

Recently released data shows that meat consumption in the United Kingdom has fallen drastically over the past decade. The data looks at information up to March of 2022. It compares the information about meat consumption to that from past eras, stretching back to 1974. Since 2012, data shows that residents of the United Kingdom have decreased at-home meat consumption by 14 percent. Additionally, consumption of takeaways that include meats has fallen significantly in 2021 and 2022. While this decrease in meat consumption is good news, an even more significant reduction in animal product usage will be needed to meet goals established in 2020 by the country’s Climate Change Committee.

The United Kingdom began keeping records of meat consumption in the 1970s. The recently released data shows that residents of the country have reduced meat consumption to a level not seen since 1974. On average, Britons consumed 854 grams (1.88 pounds) of meat per week in 2022. This is a reduction from the 976 grams per week seen in 2021, as well as from levels of 949 grams in 2019-2020. The reduction in meat consumption can be attributed to several things. These include the increase in cost of living, the continuing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and various other lifestyle changes. 

Residents of the United Kingdom decreased carcass meat consumption (which includes red meats such as beef, lamb, and pork) by 26 percent. Additionally, other meat products (including chicken) saw consumption decrease by 11 percent. Fish consumption also followed this downward trend, decreasing from 148 grams per week before the pandemic to 135 grams per week in 2022. 

Reducing meat consumption is vital for several reasons. First, abstaining from consuming meat helps the fight for animal rights. Farmed animals are often treated cruelly and inhumanely in an industry where they are viewed as products rather than sentient beings. This is not right, and drastic measures must be taken to alleviate their suffering. 

Second, reduction of animal products is crucial to the fight against Climate change. A 2023 study published by researchers from Oxford University has revealed that vegan diets drastically slash emissions associated with Climate change. Adopting a vegan diet cuts these emissions by up to 75 percent, while also reducing the destruction of wildlife by 66 percent, and water use by 54 percent. These impacts cannot be ignored. Indeed, the United Kingdom’s Climate change Committee has called for reducing meat consumption by 35 percent per person by the year 2050. In a national food strategy, the United Kingdom has also recommended that meat consumption be cut by 30 percent by the year 2032. 

Although the recent decrease in meat consumption offers some hope, greater progress is still needed if humanity is going to beat Climate change. Prioritizing plant-based food options is just one key in a greater puzzle. Ultimately, meeting target rates of reduction in meat consumption will require ongoing public education and cooperation. 

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