Despite veganism being more popular than ever, new research claims it's not that popular when it comes to finding love.

According to YouGov research commissioned by supermarket Sainsbury's, 41 per cent of Brits claim they would be less interested in a potential partner if theyd listed vegan on their online dating profile.

It seems that the least desirable traits include opposing political views and differing dietary preferences.

This won't come as a massive shock though as going out for dinner and sharing snacks with a loved one is one of the best things about being in a relationship at all.

But what do the figures say exactly? If you're just not into animal bits in your food, are you destined to die alone?

Should vegans date vegans and carnivores date carnivores? Or perhaps there is a way we can all live in romantic mixed diet harmony after all.

Vegan love in numbers

The figures show that six in ten (62 per cent) of people dont agree that veganism is an attractive trait in a partner, with 41 per cent saying that they would be less interested in someone if they listed veganism as a trait on their online dating profile.

Differing dietary preferences (17 per cent) were found to be the second least attractive trait in a partner after opposing political views (37 per cent).

In fact, more people found dietary preferences to be a deal breaker in comparison to friendship circles (9 per cent) and even hobbies (7 per cent).

Sainsbury's are of the opinion that even though trends suggest otherwise, there is still a considerable gap to be bridged when it comes to vegans and non-vegans dating one another, highlighting the need for meal options that can help unify singles with contrasting diets.

They said: "Its not all doom and gloom although a key consideration, when asked to rank the importance of lifestyle factors when looking for love, the more traditional qualities, such as kindness (96 per cent) sense of humour (94 per cent), physical attractiveness (73 per cent), financial income (35 per cent) ranked more important than dietary preferences (23 per cent)."

When it comes to that all important first date, over two thirds (41 per cent) of respondents aged 18-24 were the most open to the idea of seeking a vegan dining spot to win over their date, compared to older generations.

Once love has been found, it seems that vegans do in fact influence their partners plate.

Brits who are vegan, or have previously been, revealed that the fourth biggest reason for turning to veganism is to align with their partners, or love interests, views.

The results confirmed that vegetarians and vegans would make the perfect match, with 74 per cent of vegetarians thinking that veganism is an attractive trait in a potential partner in comparison to only 7 per cent of meat-eaters.

This comes as Sainsburys has seen a 40 per cent year on year increase in spend on plant-based alternatives, and has just launched its new Plant Pioneers range to make catering for all lifestyles easier than ever.

Sainsburys new meat-alternative Plant Pioneers range offers delicious plant-based options for vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters alike.

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From its smash hit Gary vegan-friendly cheese in 2016, to the introduction of the first ever Meat-Free Butcher to the UK in 2019, Sainsbury's has now extended its meat-alternative offering to over 25 Plant Pioneers lines.

The new range offers delicious plant-based options suitable for both meat-eaters and vegans alike, and provides even more inspiration and choice to those who might want to explore a flexitarian lifestyle.

Vegans looking for love have found solace in the likes of vegan dating app, Grazer, which saw 4,000 downloads within its first week of launch in 2017.

CEO and founder of the vegan dating app, Lewis Foster said: Going plant-based is more than just a diet, its a lifestyle choice, which often means rethinking many habits and daily choices.

"We believe when people are looking for love, theyre looking for their people. The ones who can not only share the same meals but also live by the same like-minded values.

"Grazer is an app built solely for the plant-based, the ones who want their lovers to be plant-lovers too.

"However, for many couples who dont currently have this in common, its fantastic to see the offering of meat-alternatives widely available on supermarket shelves providing a great solution to enjoying meal times together, and in turn helping introduce non-vegans to tasty vegan food."

New products launching as part of the range include a meaty offering of banana blossom, a popular alternative to white fish, and a number of vegan cheat options, such as Smokey Vacon Rashers and Southern Fried Bites.

This comes two years after Sainsburys became the first supermarket to introduce pulled jackfruit to customers in 2018.

The extended range is perfectly placed to satisfy all relationships, whether plant-based or not, with its authentic and delicious taste and texture, making romantic meals a breeze.

Plant-Based Buyer for Sainsburys Plant Pioneers, Rosie Bambaji said: We can see from this research that there is still an element of uncertainty amongst vegans and meat-eaters when it comes to looking for love.

"Dining with a new love interest, or even a long term partner, is an opportunity to connect and try new things.

"The new Plant Pioneers range offers an innovative, not to mention delicious, option for both meat-eaters and vegans alike.

"Whats more, many of the products come with the benefit of having added B12 and iron, making them both tasty and healthy.

"For carnivores who might be tempted to explore a plant-based meal to enjoy with their vegan partner, but cant bear to wave goodbye to that meaty taste and texture, the range has plenty of options to satisfy that craving!"

The new range of 25 Sainsburys Plant Pioneers products launches in store and online from January 1, 2020 and can be found in the fresh, frozen and canned veg aisles.

What do you think is the most important trait for a partner to have? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media channels.

To read more about vegan food, click here.

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Do you love a vegan? Study claims 62 per cent of people don't think veganism is attractive trait in a partner - Gloucestershire Live