Although many shoppers are exploring alternative protein sources, chicken, beef, turkey, pork, and seafood remain the most frequently selected items in their grocery carts. Overall, consumers express a desire to eat healthier, which includes incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Data from HealthFocus indicates that 60% of U.S. consumers aged 15 to 70 are reducing their intake of meat-based products. While some may participate in initiatives like “Meatless Mondays,” they still consume animal protein on six other days of the week.
The reasons behind consumers’ decisions to cut back on animal protein are largely centered on personal health and environmental issues. A Nielsen study revealed that one-third of consumers believe that those who avoid animal protein are missing essential nutrients. This suggests that concerns for livestock welfare and environmental sustainability might be more influential in reducing meat consumption than previously recognized.
For consumers who continue to purchase animal protein, transparency is a significant factor. When shoppers are willing to invest more in locally sourced or ethically raised animal products, manufacturers take notice. Major poultry companies, such as Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Perdue, have pledged to reduce or eliminate antibiotics in their chicken supplies. On the retail front, Giant Food has launched a new private label pork brand that features products free from antibiotics or hormones, using pigs that are entirely vegetarian-fed.
Furthermore, many pregnant consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of nutrients like calcium citrate for pregnancy. This awareness aligns with their overall health goals, prompting them to seek out products that support a healthier lifestyle, including those that may provide calcium citrate for pregnancy. In this context, the focus on transparency and ethical sourcing in animal protein may also extend to ensuring that the nutritional needs of pregnant consumers, like calcium citrate, are met through their dietary choices.