If the pandemic shook up domestic and work routines, the knock-on effects that this has on other consumer habits extend far beyond the realms of work and play. Quite literally, what we consume has been evolving, although changes in diet may be attributed to numerous factors beyond the coronavirus itself.
Now it transpires that Belgians are increasingly moving away from meat to plant-based alternatives. And although this could in part be down to people coming to see the health and environmental benefits of eating less meat, the shift in diets is happening at a rate described by behavioural academics as "striking".
On one level, this shouldn't be surprising at all: vegetables, grains, cereals, and bread are all essential components of diets around the world and aren't even looked upon as "alternatives". Yet with the propagation of vegetarianism and veganism, demand has increased to solve the question of what could possibly take the place of a hunk of meat.
This has fuelled the public appetite for bean burgers, seitan sausages, and a plethora of other incarnations that can help ease the transition away from the traditional versions found in butchers. Importantly, people are coming round to the idea that it doesn't have to be all or nothing – you are allowed to choose oat milk in your coffee and still butter your brioche without descending into a moral morass.
Indeed, the labels "vegetarian" or "vegan" can sometimes be a little unhelpful and throw people off rather than encourage them to try something new. Thankfully, the broad church of "flexitarianism" now makes it possible to dip into the exciting world of new veg-based recipes without incurring the wrath of animal rights activists and blood-thirsty carnivores.
And if you find a convincing non-dairy cheddar, let @Orlando_tbt know.
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