In conjunction with its launch, Tastewise released a report exploring consumer food trends in the UK, analyzing how the pandemic has upended trends and consumer preferences. Among its findings, the report shows that health is a major driver in the food choices made by Brits.

In fact, vegan or plant-based options are experiencing considerable demand with the trend thriving particularly well in Wales wher 8.3% of all eating occasions are vegan. Scotland is also showing a fast-growing interest in vegan dishes, with interest in the cuisine up 47%, rising at twice the speed as in England.

While plant-based is hot, Brits are also interested in real spice. South Indian cuisine, which is a cuisine that is traditionally geared toward a vegan diet, has seen a 97% rise in demand from this time last year. Tastewise shows that a craving for spice doesn’t stop at South Asian cuisine. Korean gochujang, a sweet and spicy condiment, is outpacing the popularity of sriracha by 5 times.

However, traditional English staples have not fallen completely out of fashion. The stalwart English breakfast is making a comeback, but just a little healthier. Baked beans, which are a standard accompaniment to the morning fare, are being replaced by green beans. Interest in the vitamin-rich legumes is up 112% since January.

Ingredients, however, are only one part of the equation. Brits are also interested in replicating the experience of going out in a manner that is reminiscent of pre-pandemic life. Meal kits, which have waned in recent months, have seen a resurgence, with interest in these kits up over 200% across England, Wales and Scotland. In Wales, the interest stems from a desire for weight loss, which drove 70% of the searches for meal kits in the country.

Tastewise’s approach to market research is novel in that it instantly captures real-time data and allows manufacturers to analyze consumer preferences on a minute-by-minute basis. This approach allows for “laser-focused views” into consumer behavior, by offering in-depth insight into the motivations behind consumer choices to allow companies to innovate through data-driven product development, marketing strategy, and sales that are closely aligned with consumer demand.