The 19th Annual Weber GrillWatch Survey says 31 percent of American grill owners are grilling meat more than they were a year ago because they are “trying to eat healthier.” Nearly 40 percent said they are grilling leaner meats, more vegetables (38 percent), more poultry (34 percent) and more fish (22 percent) than they did a year ago. Meanwhile, six percent indicated they are grilling more meat substitutes such as veggie burgers and tofu, and 5 percent are grilling more fruit, although women are more likely to do so than men.
Grilling is growing in popularity, evidenced by the following factors, among others:
–Fifty-seven percent of all grill owners say they grill throughout the year. Among owners of different grill types, those who use electric grills (65 percent), gas stand-ups (61 percent) and smokers (60 percent) most often are more likely to define “grilling season” as year-round than charcoal grill owners (53 percent)
–Americans are grilling more times per week. Seventy-one percent report they use their grill “at least once a week” during their grilling season (up from 69 percent last year), and 47 percent say they fire it up “at least a few times per week,” compared with 43 percent last year
The Weber GrillWatch survey, conducted by third-party Greenfield Online, polled 1,000 grill owners. All respondents were more than 21 years of age and own a gas, charcoal or electric barbecue grill or smoker.
To view the study in more detail, click here.
By Tom Johnston on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 For Meatingplace.com.