Katch the Lifestyle Shifts Behind Saudi Arabia’s Growing Appetite for Plant Power

7th June, 2026 | Food and Beverage

by - Beth Laverty

Sustainable, locally grown meat alternatives, trendy restaurants serving plant-based creations, and a renewed focus on healthy eating are slowly reshaping how people eat across the Kingdom

 

As a nation whose cuisine has long celebrated hearty dishes like kabsa, mandi, and grilled lamb, it’s hard to imagine Saudi Arabia giving up meat anytime soon. However, with a young population that is more health-conscious and environmentally in tune than ever and a government that embraces innovation with open arms, a plant-based revolution may be closer than you think.

 

Continuing our three-part series on the plant-based movement across the globe, today’s blog takes a closer look at the Kingdom’s emerging vegan and vegetarian community. While the trend is still in its early days, we explore shifting attitudes towards the diet, government-backed initiatives powered by plants, and what brands can learn from the UK’s vegan rebrand.

 

Plant-Based Has Entered the Chat

If we look at the lifecycle of trends, they usually follow a familiar pattern: early adopters, rapid popularity, peak hype, and then a gradual settling into the mainstream. As we discussed in our UK blog on veganism, Britain sits at the far end of that curve, where the plant-based movement had what felt like a lifestyle revolution around 2019 and has since quietened down, becoming less of a trend and more of just another dietary choice.

 

In Saudi Arabia, however, the plant-powered lifestyle is still very much niche, but curiosity is growing, giving brands the opportunity to step in early and carve out space in a market that is only just beginning to take off.

 

Traditionally, Saudi cuisine has revolved around meat and dairy, shaped by the Kingdom’s desert landscape and generations of reliance on hardy livestock like sheep, goats, and camels. Thankfully, unlike our ancestors, diets in Saudi Arabia are far more varied now, and we no longer need to rely on animal products to survive.

 

While meat remains an important part of local culture, people are beginning to experiment with different alternatives, particularly in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, where plant-based milks are now standard café fare, and supermarkets carry far more vegan products than they did a few years ago.

You Are What You Eat

A big reason for this shift is health. Studies show that Saudi consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, with a recent PwC survey finding that 75% of respondents in the Kingdom rate their health as excellent or very good, compared to a global average of 46%. Eating a veggie diet comes with a long list of benefits, including a lower risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and even certain cancers, making it an attractive option for a nation that’s becoming more mindful of what it consumes.

 

Sustainability is also a major topic of conversation in the Kingdom. Younger, digitally connected audiences are paying closer attention to climate change, and 38% say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable food options. For those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, eating plant-based foods is a no-brainer as it significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers water consumption, uses less land, and preserves biodiversity.

 

Eating more plants goes hand in hand with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to boost sustainability through major investments in renewable energy, environmental protection, and green technology. The framework includes ambitious goals such as generating 50% of electricity from renewable energy, planting 10 billion trees, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2060. Cutting back on livestock-heavy diets has major potential for helping the Kingdom reach these targets.

Plant Power in Practice

Although it’s great to see so many well-known plant-based brands like Impossible Burger, Violife, and Quorn appearing on shelves in Saudi Arabia, most are imported and come with a hefty price tag. This means that choosing meat alternatives is often more expensive than buying meat itself. However, fear not, our veggie friends, as a growing focus on local production is beginning to change that.

 

One Saudi-born brand that’s already leading the way is Ayla’s Choice, which creates delicious, locally made vegan products using minimally processed ingredients. Some of the options may surprise you, like the carrot-based faux salmon. Made as an alternative for people with seafood allergies or for anyone simply looking to increase their vegetable intake, this creative substitute allows you to indulge guilt-free. Also on the menu is their soy-based shish taouk and lahme skewers, offering a veggie meal that taps into flavours Middle Eastern diners already know and love.

 

The Saudi government is already on board and proudly supporting these locally grown, sustainable meat substitutes. In fact, back in 2023, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture signed agreements with several organisations, including Ayla’s Choice, to develop plant-based food production in the Kingdom. The initiative aims to promote healthier diets, strengthen local manufacturing, and introduce advanced technology for producing meat and dairy alternatives.

 

Another voice backing the plant-based movement is none other than Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, who adopted a vegan lifestyle back in 2009. He made the change long before plant-based eating entered mainstream conversations, after struggling with weight issues and high cholesterol. A decade later, he has become one of the world’s most recognised vegan advocates and an early investor in some of the industry’s biggest success stories, including Beyond Meat.

How Brands Can Be Part of the Movement

As we’ve learned from different global markets such as the UK, it’s important to remember that diet trends come and go. That being said, the growing interest in vegan and vegetarian diets in Saudi Arabia reflects a wider shift towards healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. While food and beverage brands and restaurants should absolutely cater to plant-based diners, it’s also crucial to remember that the majority of people who still eat meat are simply looking to reduce their intake rather than give it up entirely.

 

Most Saudi residents are still only dipping their toes into the world of meat and dairy alternatives, so branding needs to feel simple and accessible. That’s why many companies are choosing the term “plant-based” rather than “vegan”, as it tends to resonate with a much broader audience. Ultimately, the focus should be on food that is minimally processed, uses local produce, and supports sustainability, values that appeal to meat eaters, flexitarians, and fully plant-based diners alike.

Our Favourite Veggie Dishes in Riyadh

Of course, we couldn’t finish this blog without sharing some of our go-to vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Riyadh. While there are a couple of fully plant-based eateries in the capital, these options have something to suit everyone, making them ideal for visiting with groups of friends or family.

 

As one of the best places to enjoy authentic Italian fare in the city, Cucina perfectly captures the beautiful simplicity of the cuisine using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Vegetarians visiting the modern trattoria will be spoiled for choice when it comes to veggie options, with standouts including creamy burrata topped with cherry tomatoes and basil oil, indulgent truffle tagliolini pasta, and the classic margherita pizza. Meanwhile, vegans can savour dishes like penne al pomodoro with fresh cherry tomato and basil, alongside hearty sides such as Tuscan-style beans in tomato and sage.

Another great spot for those looking to try delectable plant-based creations with a side of feel-good DJ sets and freshly brewed coffees is Beast House. Located within the JAX District, the venue serves up veggie favourites such as The Balad vegan burger, complete with plant-based cheese, tomatoes, dill pickles, and cinnamon ketchup. Other must-try dishes include the loaded wrapped sandwich with tofu, tahina sauce, and vegetables, and sides such as the fried corn cob with spicy mayo.

 

Kantami, the newly launched Japanese hotspot, also has its fair share of meat-free menu additions, spanning pan-seared vegetable dumplings, kabuki truffled eggplant baos, and signature yakisoba noodles. Alternatively, head to NOMAS for a taste of Saudi tradition, where diners can find a surprising amount of both vegan and vegetarian plates. Start things off with farm-fresh vegetable mutabbaq or a comforting bowl of Harris vegetable soup, before moving on to Qursan with textures of vegetables, and finishing on a sweet note with Masabib whole-wheat mini pancakes or a refreshing seasonal fruit platter.

 

What’s Next?

The plant-based movement is still fairly new in Saudi Arabia, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth paying attention to. Choosing to cut back on meat, buying local produce, or swapping cow’s milk for oat milk in your daily latte can all play a small role in building a better future for both people and the planet.

 

Stay curious, keep an eye on the trends, and stay tuned for part three, where we explore the plant-based market in Dubai and the brands and restaurants helping it grow.

 

For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!

 

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