Britons turn to pulses to save money and boost food quality

The Guardian has reported that a new analysis found sales of pulses and soy products in the UK rose by 7.3% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by a notable 23% increase in sales of low-cost dried lentils.

The Guardian added that sales of premium pulses, including organic varieties and those packaged in glass jars, also increased. Sales of canned and jarred white beans jumped by 30.3%, as British shoppers increasingly turn to beans, lentils, and tofu while cutting back on meat and plant-based meat alternatives in an effort to save money and improve food quality.

The report continued: although sales of baked beans fell by 1.2%, this decline was linked to a drop in varieties containing sausages. Meanwhile, plant-based meat alternatives continued to decline by 4.3% due to reduced demand for soy, pea, and wheat protein products.

The analysis indicated that consumers are not abandoning plant-based protein, but are shifting to simpler, higher-fiber options that are less prone to price increases. With the rising cost of meat, especially beef and lamb, sales of these meats have dropped by 1.8%.

This dietary shift comes amid a campaign to double pulse consumption in Britain by 2028, supported by celebrity chefs and major companies. The Food Foundation has described pulses as a "win-win choice for health, the environment, and the economy," while Lidl stores have reported a massive 694% increase in plant-based food sales since 2020.