Meat eaters king

More than 90% of New Zealanders are meat eaters, but according to a December 2021 study, we’re not eating as much as we used to because we’re considering issues such as cost and health.

The study is the work of Ag Research and Lincoln University scientists who carried out an online survey of 1061 people.

They concluded the outlook for meat consumption to be positive and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Consumption of meat alternatives was rated “very low” compared to other countries.

For Kiwis, the taste of meat is the king decider with 71% rating it “very important” attribute when buying, followed by price (55%) and use-by date (51%).

Results showed chicken to be the main meat eaten regularly, accounting for about 33% of the meals in an average week, followed by beef (22%), fish (13%), pork (10%), lamb (8%), and processed meat (7%). Plant-based meat products, venison, game/hunted meat, and other meat types make up only a minor portion in participants’ weekly diets (Iess than 2%).

The full published research, including the survey findings and information, can be viewed at bit.ly/3ODX22o