American meat eaters pivot to beans for health and savings

Black beans have emerged as the clear favorite among the 95% of Americans who already include legumes in their diet, securing 46% of the preference vote, followed by pinto beans at 41%. This shift comes as 62% of meat-eating respondents express an openness to reducing their overall meat intake. Financial pressure is a primary motivator, with 67% of those surveyed citing grocery costs as a major concern, closely followed by personal health and animal welfare, both at 64%.

Karla Dumas, vice president of farm animal protection at Humane World for Animals, noted that consumers are taking a holistic view of their dietary impact. The organization, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, recently launched the "Beansday" campaign alongside actor Kevin Bacon to encourage a weekly meat-free Wednesday. Younger consumers, specifically those aged 18-34, show a higher propensity for change, with 27% stating that animal welfare is a key driver for dietary shifts compared to 19% of those aged 55 and older. The study, conducted online with 2,003 adults in June 2026, suggests that small, consistent behavioral changes are gaining traction as a viable path toward broader lifestyle adjustments.