According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, last month saw the biggest increase in grocery prices in nearly 50 years. Food prices rose across the board, but the sharpest increase­ – 4.3 percent from March to April – was for meats, poultry, fish and eggs.

This price spike, along with widespread shortages in stores (which are, of course, a factor contributing to the price increases), has forced many people to adjust their usual meal plans. When you can’t find ground beef or chicken breasts, you have to make something else, and in many cases that’s resulting in people choosing plant-based options.

National Geographic, together with Morning Consult, conducted a poll recently that found 33 percent of Americans are preparing more meatless meals as a result of higher prices and limited options at the store. This is helped by the fact that during the pandemic, many plant-based sources of protein – such as lentils, beans and nuts – have not seen the level of price surges compared to those of beef, pork and poultry.

If you’re new to the idea of shopping for plant-based foods in the grocery store, our  shopping guide, In Pursuit of a Great Food, a Plant-Based Shopping Guide is invaluable. Our president, Amanda, is also offering a range of online classes to help get you started.