Data Shows That Vegan Barbecue Is On Trend This Barbecue Season

Summer days mean spending as much time in the outdoors as possible, and lots of barbecue parties. However, according to new data, that may not necessarily mean lots of meat, as new research by Mintel shows that people may be ditching the meat for more vegetarian options.

“Mintel’s global food and drink analysts take a closer look at the latest trends playing out this summer,” Mintel said. “Using our global new products database to analyze new products hitting store shelves around the world and observe the latest insights into consumer behavior, we have predicted the trends you can expect to see at parties and celebrations all summer long.”

“Although barbecue selection has become more diverse with the addition of fish and cheese in recent years, vegan barbecue might not have been a consideration for a meat-eater — until now,” said Melanie Zanoza Bartelme, global food analyst for Mintel.

This is mostly down to an increase in specialty vegan products which is making people (especially millennials) consider buying more plant-based products in the coming year.

“Vegan options are on the rise,” Ms. Zanoza Bartelme said. “Flavor-bursting new varieties of vegan alternatives made from innovative ingredients like Indian jackfruit, which due to its texture and flavor is becoming an increasingly popular meat substitute, will be the star of the vegan barbecue this summer.”

So, if you’re planning on having a barbecue this summer, make sure you stock up on some vegan options as well, because according to this data, at least one-third of people would probably enjoy it!