The 2024 Food Frontier Consumer Survey Results Are Out!

The 2024 Food Frontier Consumer Survey Results Are Out!

The latest Food Frontier survey provides valuable insight into the dietary habits of Australians, highlighting growing trends around meat consumption and alternative diets.

Conducted by Toluna, the nationally representative survey examined the preferences and behaviours of 2,000 Australians, focusing on meat consumption, dietary shifts for themselves and even their pets, as well as the motivations behind these choices.

Who is Food Frontier?

Food Frontier is an independent think tank dedicated to accelerating the growth of plant-based and alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand. Their mission is to provide research, insights, and guidance to help the food industry and consumers transition towards healthier and more sustainable eating habits. By promoting the development of plant-based meats and cultivated protein products, Food Frontier aims to address the environmental and ethical concerns tied to traditional meat production. Their work supports a shift towards a more sustainable food system, benefiting not only individual health but also the planet.

The Findings 

Meat Reducers Lead the Way in 2024

In a significant finding, 21% of Australians now identify as “meat reducers”—making it the most popular dietary choice in 2024. This trend reflects a broader shift towards diets that prioritize health and environmental sustainability. As Australians become more aware of the benefits of reducing meat intake, the popularity of plant-based alternatives continues to grow. Alongside “meat reducers,” other top diets include intermittent fasting and organic eating, which ranked second and third, respectively.

Influences on Dietary Choices

The survey revealed that Australians rely heavily on friends and family for information on diets. This applies not only to meat reducers but also to those following intermittent fasting and organic diets. Notably, even vegans and vegetarians cited close relationships as a primary source of influence on their dietary decisions.

Shifting Attitudes on Meat Consumption

While 51% of Australians still maintain their current level of meat consumption (down from 56% in 2021), a quarter of the population has reduced their meat intake, with 2% cutting it out entirely. Health concerns remain the leading motivation for reducing meat consumption, but there is a rising awareness around environmental and financial factors as well. Interestingly, 79% of Australians go meat-free at least one day per week—a slight decrease from 80% in 2021.

A New Focus on Pet Diets

The survey also explored Australians’ views on pet diets, with growing interest in how a shift to plant-based options could impact their furry companions. This reflects a broader conversation around sustainability, where even our pets’ consumption is being considered.

For a deeper dive into these findings and other emerging trends on plant-based eating, be sure to check out the full report.

Read the full report from Food Frontier here.

Final Thoughts

To see more important plant based / vegan news such as this, take a look at our news section here.

LGV!