A recent poll found that more than half of Canadians are interested in or actively working to increase their intake of plant-based foods. While health is often the main reason cited for choosing plant foods, the top reason according to those surveyed was cost, followed by concerns for animals, the environment, and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Antibiotic resistance was also a priority for a significant portion of respondents.

The survey identified key barriers to plant-based uptake, including cost, taste and texture concerns, and nutritional worries. Humane World for Animals Canada called on the service industry, manufacturers, retailers, and the government to address these barriers by offering lower-cost ingredients, samples and incentives, emphasizing nutritional benefits, ensuring variety, and providing education and cooking skills for those interested in plant-based diets. Overall, the findings suggest that consumers are leaning towards more plant-based meals for their health, values, and the environment, and efforts to make plant-based choices easier and more delicious can help build a healthier, more sustainable food system.