MZ Generation's 'Veganism' Craze... Convenience Stores Expand Vegan Food Options

The Unlimited Vegetarian Ready-to-Eat Meal Series Released by CU.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Recently, as the 'Veganism' trend spreads mainly among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), convenience stores are launching various vegan food products.

According to the industry on the 7th, sales of vegetarian-related products at CU increased 15 times from January to July this year. At GS25, vegan food sales during the same period increased 18 times compared to the same period last year.

The number of vegan products sold at convenience stores is also increasing. CU sells about 10 types of products, including ramen, jelly, and tteokbokki. This is more than three times the number of vegan products compared to about three types during the same period last year. On the 4th, CU additionally launched lunch boxes, triangular kimbap, and yubu kimbap using the alternative meat brand Unlimit.

GS25 expanded its vegan products from 3 types last year to 15 types this year, a fivefold increase. Among them, the best-selling items were 'Vegigarden Spicy Tteokbokki and Jjajang Tteokbokki.' On the 5th, GS25 released mushroom chips and potato snacks certified as vegan and plans to expand vegan products to about 30 types within the year.

An industry official said, "We are rapidly developing various vegan-certified products reflecting the trend of increasing social interest in eco-friendliness and animal welfare," adding, "We expect to attract not only vegan customers but also general consumers who want to enjoy healthy food."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.