Welfare Science

Pig Welfare and Plant-Based Diets

The relationship between reduced pig meat consumption and pig welfare is complex, with demand reduction potentially reducing suffering while transition management affects livelihoods.

Key Facts

Global pig meat consumption continues to rise driven by Asian market growth
Reducing pig meat consumption in high-income countries reduces demand for intensive production
Plant-based alternatives to pork are increasingly available and improving in quality
Welfare improvements in remaining production may partially offset consumption reduction benefits
Farmer transitions require support as demand for conventional pork declines

Welfare Considerations

Reducing demand for pig meat addresses the root cause of intensive pig welfare problems by reducing the scale of production. Combined with welfare improvements in remaining production, diet shifts represent a powerful lever for improving aggregate pig welfare outcomes globally.

What You Can Do

Reduce your pig meat consumption starting with the most intensively produced products
Try plant-based pork alternatives that are increasingly realistic in taste and texture
When consuming pork choose the highest welfare products available to you