Plant-based mince is now significantly cheaper than beef, lamb, and pork mince at Tesco, with a 29% price difference reported by a recent analysis from GFI Europe. Additionally, plant-based meatballs were found to be 41% cheaper than their conventional counterparts, highlighting a growing cost gap between plant-based and traditional meat products. Despite beef burgers being an exception, being 9% cheaper than plant-based alternatives, the overall trend shows plant-based options becoming more affordable.

Rising costs in the conventional meat industry, driven by factors such as drought and conflict, have contributed to the widening price gap between plant-based and animal-based products. Increased feed costs due to poor grass growth and disruptions to fertiliser and fuel supply linked to conflict in the Middle East have raised input costs for livestock farmers. As food prices continue to rise, it is suggested that the government prioritize plant-based options in its food strategy and support farmers in diversifying their incomes by growing crops for plant-based foods.