Majority of US Meat-Eaters Open to Swapping Meat for Beans, Survey Finds

A recent survey conducted by market research firm The Harris Poll on behalf of Humane World for Animals found that the majority of US meat-eaters are open to swapping meat for beans. The survey, which polled 2,003 US adults, revealed that 57% of meat-eaters would be willing to replace meat with beans at least once a week, with 62% open to reducing their overall meat consumption. The Beansday campaign, launched by Humane World for Animals and backed by actor Kevin Bacon, encourages consumers to make this dietary swap for health, budget, and animal welfare reasons.

The survey also showed that nearly all respondents (95%) already consume beans, with black beans being the most popular variety. Concerns about household finances, health, and animal welfare were cited as motivations for the swap, with younger consumers showing a slightly higher emphasis on animal welfare as a reason for reducing meat consumption. Karla Dumas, vice president of farm animal welfare at Humane World for Animals, sees the findings as evidence of a more holistic approach to food decisions, where budget, health, and animal welfare are valued equally.