There are now over 3 million vegetarians in the UK - over 5% of the total population.

Over 2,000 product lines now display the Vegetarian Society's 'V' symbol.

With many meat-eaters sympathetic to the concept of vegetarianism, are meat substitutes such as Quorn and tofu set to increase their market share?

The number of vegetarians in the UK has grown sharply in the last 15 years to represent an estimated 5.4% of the total population, with the vegetarian-specific food market set to reach an estimated value of some £428 million in the year 2000. The Vegetarian Society was established in 1847 and remains dedicated to educating consumers about vegetarianism and the vegetarian diet, with much food packaging containing the special 'V' symbol, to give consumers the assurance that the foods are free of animal produce. However, with many consumers not relying solely on meat-based dishes for their diet, does vegetarian food still have a reputation for being tasteless or boring? How important is meat to the daily UK menu? Numbers of true vegetarians still appear to be small despite the large amount of people cutting amounts of meat from their diet, as many regularly adhere to vegetarian diets, but not exclusively. Do vegetarian food producers need to address the wider taste challenge?

There are now over 3 million vegetarians in the UK - over 5% of the total population.

Over 2,000 product lines now display the Vegetarian Society's 'V' symbol.

With many meat-eaters sympathetic to the concept of vegetarianism, are meat substitutes such as Quorn and tofu set to increase their market share?

The number of vegetarians in the UK has grown sharply in the last 15 years to represent an estimated 5.4% of the total population, with the vegetarian-specific food market set to reach an estimated value of some £428 million in the year 2000. The Vegetarian Society was established in 1847 and remains dedicated to educating consumers about vegetarianism and the vegetarian diet, with much food packaging containing the special 'V' symbol, to give consumers the assurance that the foods are free of animal produce. However, with many consumers not relying solely on meat-based dishes for their diet, does vegetarian food still have a reputation for being tasteless or boring? How important is meat to the daily UK menu? Numbers of true vegetarians still appear to be small despite the large amount of people cutting amounts of meat from their diet, as many regularly adhere to vegetarian diets, but not exclusively. Do vegetarian food producers need to address the wider taste challenge?

Traditionally, a greater proportion of women than men believe vegetarian food is more healthy, however, is this still the case today? This report examines the demographics of consumers with interests in vegetarianism and a vegetarian diet, examining attitudes among a number of the non-meat eating consumer profiles. With the health platform likely to gain converts to vegetarianism in the future, The Vegetarian analyses the impact that various significant health claims might have on future consumption. With the number of vegetarians in the UK having increased steadily over the last decade this report assesses whether the percentage in the UK is likely to increase in the future.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Special Report, British Lifestyles, 2000

- Functional Foods, Market Intelligence, March 2000

- Organic Food and Drink, Market Intelligence, November 1999

- Consumer Attitudes Towards GM Foods, Market Intelligence, August 1999

- Vegetarian Foods, Market Intelligence, March 1998

- Vegetarian Catering, Leisure Intelligence, January 1998.