British consumers are increasingly incorporating legumes, such as beans, lentils, and tofu, into their diets, according to recent market analysis. Data from NielsenIQ, evaluated by the climate advocacy group Madre Brava, shows that sales of these plant-based staples grew by 7.3% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The growth was particularly pronounced in the category of dried lentils, which saw a 23% increase in sales.

This trend appears to be driven by a combination of economic and health-related factors. As shoppers look to manage household budgets, many are opting for legumes as a cost-effective alternative to both traditional meat and processed plant-based meat substitutes. While the data highlights a clear shift toward these staples, it also notes that consumers are diversifying their purchases, with interest extending to organic and premium legume varieties. The shift reflects a broader change in UK shopping habits, where price sensitivity is influencing dietary choices toward more affordable, nutrient-dense ingredients.