March 19, 2026

Top Eaten and Bought Plant-Based Foods in South Africa

This is your 2025 price and usage analysis of the top-eaten and bought plant-based foods in South Africa.

Table of Contents

Why Plant-Based Foods in South Africa are Booming in 2025

The South African food market is changing very quickly. More people are choosing to eat plant-based foods every day.

The vegan food market in South Africa was valued at around USD 89.39 million in 2024. Experts predict it will exceed USD 188 million by 2033.

Nowadays, you do not have to be a strict vegan to enjoy these foods.

Specifically, many people identify as “flexitarians.” This means they still eat meat sometimes, but they are trying to eat more plants for their health and the planet.

Because of this, shops are filling their shelves with more options than ever before. Plant-based eating is now popular. People choose it for religious reasons, health, or saving money. It is a significant part of how South Africans fill their plates.

Traditional Plant-Based Foods in South Africa: From Maize to Imifino

When we talk about plant-based food in South Africa, we must start with the basics.

Long before “vegan burgers” hit the shelves, South Africans had been enjoying a plant-based diet.

First and foremost, white maize is the most important staple crop. Most families eat maize meal, often called pap, as their primary source of energy.

In addition to maize, legumes are a top choice for protein.

In provinces like KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), sugar beans and dried beans are the top foods. These are often cooked into stews or mixed with maize to make a filling meal called umngqusho.

Legumes are awesome! They’re high in protein and fibre, making them a healthier, cheaper option than meat.

Legumes and grains on display for your plant-based pantry south africa.

Historically, leafy greens known as “imifino” have also been very popular.

These dark-green leaves often grow wild or come from veggies like pumpkin and sweet potato. Common types are amaranth and spider plant. These greens are rich in vitamins A and C, which help keep the body strong.

Traditional african morogo for plant-based living at south african universities.

Furthermore, root crops like sweet potatoes and amadumbe (taro) are essential. Sweet potatoes are the second-largest root crop in the country. They are easy to grow and very healthy.

The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has created “orange-fleshed” sweet potatoes. These have extra Vitamin A to help children grow better.

These foods are traditional. Still, they are the most popular plant-based items in the country today.

Most Popular Meat Alternatives and Plant-Based Protein Products

Traditional foods remain essential, but modern meat alternatives are rapidly expanding in cities.

Many South Africans enjoy plant-based foods that mimic the look and taste of real meat. Recent surveys show that the most popular formats people buy are plant-based burgers (64%) and sausages (58.5%).

Moreover, chicken-style products are becoming a big hit. In 2024, some stores saw demand for plant-based chicken breasts and nuggets rise by 20%.

Even meat-free fish is becoming popular. Some retailers say demand doubled in just three months.

You can find top brands like Fry’s Family Food in nearly every major grocery store. This includes Checkers, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay.

These products are usually found in the frozen section. They’re popular because they’re easy to cook. You can use them in traditional recipes, like a “boerie roll” with a plant-based sausage.

Another big reason for the success of these products is a legal victory.

In the past, the government tried to ban words like “burger” and “sausage” for plant-based foods.

ProVeg South Africa fought this in court and won. So now, shoppers can easily find what they need without confusing labels.

Finally, the fast-food industry is helping too. Many big chains now offer plant-based patties or nuggets.

In early 2025, the global chain Pret opened in South Africa. They offer a variety of vegan sandwiches and wraps. This helps busy people pick plant-based meals on the go.

Dairy Alternatives: Oat Milk, Almond Milk, and Soy Milk Trends

The way South Africans drink milk is also changing.

Dairy-free milk ranks second in the plant-based market, just after meat alternatives. This shift is happening because many people are lactose intolerant. Others want to lower their cholesterol.

Oat milk is currently the star of the show.

It is popular in coffee shops. It foams nicely and has a creamy taste.

Experts predict the oat milk market will grow by 10% each year until 2029. Almond milk is another top seller, often used at home for breakfast cereals and smoothies

However, there is still a significant price difference between plant milk and cow’s milk. For example, almond milk costs R18 to R23 more than regular fresh milk. A litre of Ayrshire milk at Woolworths is about R29.99, while unsweetened almond milk can reach R48.99.

As a result, many families still choose cow’s milk because it is cheaper. Long-life cow’s milk is often the most budget-friendly option, priced at around R20.99 per litre.

To help shoppers, some brands like Blue Diamond offer specials. For example, in late 2025, some stores sold 1L of Almond Breeze for R28.79.

Even though prices are high, the variety is impressive. You can now find milk made from soy, coconut, rice, and hemp. It’s usually in the refrigerated or pantry sections of most supermarkets.

Price Analysis: Is a Plant-Based Diet Expensive in South Africa?

A big question for many shoppers is: “Can I afford to eat plant-based?”

The answer depends on where you shop and what you buy. In South Africa, food prices have been rising. In early 2025, food inflation was around 2.3% to 3.2%.15

In late 2025, meat prices rose by 11.7%. In contrast, some plant products, such as maize and vegetables, remained stable. However, “fake meat” or processed plant-based items often cost more than real meat.

Retailer Price Comparison Table

Item	Woolworths (PB vs Meat)	Pick n Pay (PB vs Meat)	Checkers (PB vs Meat)
Mince	Save R10.00	Save R15.00	Pay R17.99 More
Chicken Strips	Save R27.00	Pay R14.00 More	Pay R16.00 More
Burgers	Save R40.00	Save R5.00	Save R5.00
Sausage/Wors	Save R14.81	Pay R2.99 More	Pay R17.00 More

Note: Data based on early 2023–2025 basket comparisons. Plant-based portions are often smaller (e.g., 300g) than meat portions (e.g., 500g).

For instance, at Woolworths, switching to plant-based items saves you money. This is because Woolworths’ meat is costly.

A shopper could save R116 by changing their whole basket to plant-based options.1

On the other hand, at Checkers and Pick n Pay, you will usually pay a “green premium.”

At Checkers, plant-based mince costs about R17.99 more than regular beef mince. This makes it harder for families trying to save money.

However, if you stick to whole foods, the story changes. A 1kg bag of sugar beans costs around R67.99.17. While this sounds like a lot, that bag can feed a family for many meals. In contrast, 1kg of meat might only last for one dinner.

Therefore, the cheapest way to be plant-based is to buy beans, rice, and fresh vegetables rather than fancy boxed meat substitutes.

Usage Patterns: Who is Choosing a Plant-Based Diet in South Africa?

Who is actually buying these foods? Research shows that young people are leading the way. Specifically, “Born-Frees” (people born after 1994) and Millennials are very interested. About 60% of these young adults say they are likely to buy plant-based meat.

Moreover, health is the biggest reason why people switch.

In a study in KwaZulu-Natal, 80% of consumers chose plant-based foods for health reasons. They want to avoid common diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

About 47% of plant-based fans eat these meals two to three times a week. Another 27.7% enjoy them daily. This shows they are not just a once-a-month treat. It is becoming a regular habit for many.

Because of this high demand, stores are making it easier to shop.

Vegan options increased in retail sales. Hypermarkets and speciality stores grew their shelf space for these products.

Even though 58.5% of people say cost is a concern, the demand for healthy food is greater. Many choose vegan foods for religious beliefs (37%) or to support the environment (26%).

Local Focus: Plant-Based Food Consumption in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is an excellent example of South African eating habits. In KZN, many farming households still rely on indigenous crops to survive.

In the Harry Gwala District, crops such as amadumbe (taro) and sweet potatoes are widely grown.

In this region, the number of women and children in a home affects what they eat.

Homes with more kids tend to eat indigenous crops. These crops are healthy and cheap to grow.

However, as families make more money, they often stop eating these traditional foods. Instead, they start buying processed foods from the supermarket.

Most farmers (88%) say they eat indigenous crops.

Yet, they still spend much time growing “exotic” vegetables like cabbage and spinach.

Experts believe the government should help farmers focus on traditional crops to boost food security. These plants are climate-resilient. They can survive heatwaves and droughts better than other vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plant-Based Foods in South Africa

What are the most eaten plant-based foods in South Africa?

The most commonly eaten items are white maize (pap), bread, and legumes such as sugar beans. Green leafy vegetables (imifino) are also ubiquitous in rural and peri-urban areas.2

Is it expensive to be vegan in South Africa?

It depends on what you buy. Buying “meat mimics,” like vegan burgers, can cost 30% to 60% more than real meat. But a diet of beans, rice, and seasonal veggies is usually cheaper than one that includes meat.

Where can I buy the best plant-based meat in South Africa?

Major retailers such as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar, and Woolworths offer plant-based options.

Checkers and Pick n Pay offer significant frozen sections featuring brands likeFry’ss. Woolworths, on the other hand, has its own “Plant-Powered Protein” range.

Are traditional African foods naturally plant-based?

Yes! Many traditional dishes are based on whole grains, pulses, and greens. Dishes such as samp and beans, or fermented sorghum porridge (Motoho), are healthy and plant-based. They are also a key part of SouthAfrica’ss heritage.

Conclusion: The Growing Path for South African Plant-Based Foods

To sum up, the plant-based food market in South Africa is growing every year. Traditional staples like maize and beans are still the most popular foods. However, modern meat and dairy alternatives are becoming widely accepted.

Ultimately, the biggest challenge is the price. Many families want to eat healthier, but the high cost of dairy-free milk and vegan meat makes it hard to do so. As the market grows and more local companies produce these foods, prices might drop.

South Africa can create a healthy, affordable, and sustainable food system. This can happen by blending traditional indigenous crops with modern innovations.

There are more plant-based options in South Africa than ever. This is great for full-time vegans and “flexitarians” alike.