Consumer demand for chilled plant-based food has increased to 1.7 per cent in the last 12 weeks compared to an under 1 per cent growth across UK supermarkets last year, according to research from Nielsen.

Tesco has experienced growing demand for high-protein plant-based ingredients, including tofu and tempeh, which went up by over 10 per cent within the last year.

Additionally, plant-based mince and vegetarian snacks such as falafels, picnic eggs and mini sausages went up by almost 25 per cent and 5 per cent year-on-year, respectively.

This rise was driven by the trend leaning towards natural foods, which has led to shoppers at Tesco being more selective and seeking out fitness benefits when looking for groceries.

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According to the business, the plant-based shift peaked over the lockdown period; however, it changed as shoppers preferred to choose their own ingredients instead of ready-made options.

Tesco plant-based food buyer Bethan Jones said: “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.

“A growing micro-trend focused on whole-food plant proteins, including beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and whole grains, is helping to drive renewed sales, signalling a shift from short-term trend to lasting dietary change.”