SALES of canned meats, burgers, bangers and bacon have soared as people turn to comfort foods in the pandemic.
The trend towards plant-based eating slowed last year as shoppers returned to familiar meaty meals.
The number of Brits limiting or not eating meat fell from 51 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in 2020, according to research by consumer analyst Mintel.
But sales of canned meat, such as Fray Bentos pies, rose by 22 per cent, with processed poultry and red meat main meal components up by 18 per cent.
Homeworking and increased eating at home also fuelled a nine per cent increase in sales of sliced poultry and meats, such as ham.
Stockpiling of tinned meat also fuelled the increase, while 58 per cent of meat-eaters said meals with processed meat products were comforting.
Edward Bergen, of Mintel, said: “Prior to the Covid outbreak, the meat reduction trend was gaining considerable momentum.
“But the huge disruption, uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic have caused a relaxation around some health and ethics-driven habits.”
However, Mr Bergen added the setback for so-called flexitarian eating would be short-lived, with half of people already consuming some meat substitutes.
