Consumption of Pulses among Chilean Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the frequency of consumption, access to purchase, and type of preparations with pulses among people who eat a vegetarian/vegan or non-vegetarian diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were distributed using different digital platforms and social networks. We investigated the frequency of consumption, access to purchase any type of preparations. Descriptive analyses were performed. Differences between the types of diet were tested by Chi-squared statistics. Results: A total of 3339 adults participated in the survey in March 2021, 80% of the total participants were females; 13.6% were vegetarian or vegan (VV). The consumption of pulses increased by 25% among non-vegetarians and 54.5% in VV (p by 25% among non-vegetarians and 54.5% in VV (vey in March 2021, 80% of the total participants were females; 13.6% were vegetarian or vegan (VV). The consumption of pulses preparations. Descriptive analyses were performfood with high satiating power, when compared with the opinions of non-vegetarians (p ood with high satiating power, when cconsumption of pulses were observed in less than 30% of the respondents, but the percentage was lower among VV, the most common negative beliefs are “They are difficult to prepare” and “My family does not like them.” Food preparations including pulses are more diverse among VV, and consumption being significantly higher in the 10 alternatives of preparations included in the study. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of identifying the knowledge, practices, frequency, and preferences of consumption of legumes in the population to stimulate their consumption. Although we observed an increase in the consumption of legumes among those in the sample, the VV group showed a higher frequency of consumption, consumption of different types of legumes and varied preparation, and greater knowledge about the beneficial properties of legumes.