Plant-based alternatives outpace meat and dairy on price as inflation bites
Shoppers at nine leading Dutch supermarket chains are finding plant-based foods cheaper than their meat and dairy counterparts, according to fresh data collected this summer. With food inflation hitting all categories, the gap between traditional animal products and vegan options has never been wider.
Analysts tracked prices across Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi, Plus, Coop, Dirk, Hoogvliet and Spar between January and June. Highlights include:
- Average cost of plant-based mince: €3.40 per kilogram, compared to €5.90 for minced beef
- Vegan burger patties priced around €2.20 each, versus €3.80 for chicken fillets
- Dairy-free yoghurt at €1.20 per pot, against €1.50 for standard yoghurt
Over the past year, meat prices have surged by 12% and dairy by 10% on average, while plant-based options rose just 4%. Supermarkets have also expanded their vegan ranges, stocking 25% more plant-based SKUs than a year ago and featuring regular promotions on burgers, sausages and ready meals.
“Lower prices remove a major barrier for consumers,” says Linda Buijs of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. “When plant-based alternatives become the cost-effective choice, more people are willing to experiment and ultimately switch.”
Environmental advocates point out that this price shift could accelerate the country’s efforts to halve meat consumption by 2030. “Affordability is crucial, but taste and texture remain important,” notes food scientist Jos Verbeek of Wageningen University. “Continued innovation will determine whether plant-based products can maintain their edge.”
Meanwhile, some meat producers have started offering discounts and value packs to compete on price. As inflation persists, the battle for supermarket shelf space and consumer loyalty is intensifying, with plant-based brands aiming to cement their newfound cost advantage.