Jul 1, 2025 08:28 PM
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1089566
INTRO: More than 60% of U.S. adults incorrectly think that eating a plant-based diet is more expensive than eating a diet with meat and dairy, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. Baby Boomers were the most likely to believe this, with 67% saying plant-based eating is somewhat or much more expensive than the Standard American Diet.
The survey also shows 77% of adults say the cost of all groceries is currently too high. When asked what grocery item they spend the most money on, 70% said meats. The Physicians Committee poll included 2,206 U.S. adults surveyed June 10 to June 12, 2025.
Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee, a health advocacy group with 17,000 physician members, says the survey suggests many consumers may not realize that meals built around whole or minimally processed plant foods—like beans, grains, tofu, and vegetables—are often far more affordable than meals centered on animal products like meat and dairy.
This comes at a time when 3 in 5 U.S. adults say the cost of food at the supermarket is extremely or very important to them when deciding what to buy, according to the Pew Research Center. Pew research shows the cost of meats, poultry, fish, and eggs has seen the fastest inflation of any food category since January 2020; prices are up 36.4%.
“Centering a plant-based diet on whole, minimally processed foods is one of the most effective ways to not only nourish your body, but also cut grocery costs,” Mr. Toledo said.
Research supports this, including... (MORE - details, no ads)
INTRO: More than 60% of U.S. adults incorrectly think that eating a plant-based diet is more expensive than eating a diet with meat and dairy, according to a new Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult survey. Baby Boomers were the most likely to believe this, with 67% saying plant-based eating is somewhat or much more expensive than the Standard American Diet.
The survey also shows 77% of adults say the cost of all groceries is currently too high. When asked what grocery item they spend the most money on, 70% said meats. The Physicians Committee poll included 2,206 U.S. adults surveyed June 10 to June 12, 2025.
Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee, a health advocacy group with 17,000 physician members, says the survey suggests many consumers may not realize that meals built around whole or minimally processed plant foods—like beans, grains, tofu, and vegetables—are often far more affordable than meals centered on animal products like meat and dairy.
This comes at a time when 3 in 5 U.S. adults say the cost of food at the supermarket is extremely or very important to them when deciding what to buy, according to the Pew Research Center. Pew research shows the cost of meats, poultry, fish, and eggs has seen the fastest inflation of any food category since January 2020; prices are up 36.4%.
“Centering a plant-based diet on whole, minimally processed foods is one of the most effective ways to not only nourish your body, but also cut grocery costs,” Mr. Toledo said.
Research supports this, including... (MORE - details, no ads)
