GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2023

Critical Plant Based Food Trends [Fresh Research]

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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Highlights: The Most Important Plant Based Food Trends

1. Plant-based meats
2. Plant-based seafood
3. Dairy alternatives
4. Vegan cheese
5. Plant-based fast food options
6. Edible insects
7. Fermented foods
8. Mushroom-based proteins
9. Plant-based jerky
10. Meal kits and delivery services
11. Wholefood-based diets
12. Plant-based functional ingredients
13. Upcycled plant-based foods
14. 3D-printed plant-based foods
15. Lab-grown meat

Plant Based Food Trends: Our Guide

In an ever-evolving world where health and sustainability take center stage, a new wave of dietary choices has begun to shape our culinary landscape. Through extensive research into consumer behavior, we’ve surfaced cutting-edge trends sweeping the plant-based food arena. Dive in with us as we delve into the freshest insights and analyze intriguing dynamics revolutionizing the way we perceive and consume plant-based food products.

Plant-Based Meats

Companies are continuing to develop meat alternatives from ingredients like peas, soy, and wheat that mimic the taste and texture of real meat.

Plant-Based Seafood

Plant-based seafood innovations like Good Catch’s fish-free tuna and New Wave Foods’ shrimp mimic real seafood…

Dairy Alternatives

Dairy alternatives, like almond, oat, and coconut milk, have boomed, while others such as cashew, hemp, flax, and pea milk gain traction.

Vegan Cheese

Nut-based cheeses are becoming more popular, with brands like Miyoko’s and Kite Hill leading the way in creating dairy-free, artisanal cheeses.

Plant-Based Fast Food Options

Fast food chains embrace plant-based trend with options like Del Taco’s Beyond Meat Burrito and Burger King’s Impossible Whopper.

Edible Insects

As the demand for alternative protein sources grows, edible insects are increasingly being considered as a sustainable and nutritious food source.

Fermented Foods

Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh are gaining popularity because of their health benefits and probiotic content, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome.

Mushroom-Based Proteins

Mushrooms are an excellent plant-based protein source that can be used as a meat substitute, and brands like Quorn are incorporating them into their products.

Plant-Based Jerky

Companies are creating vegan jerky alternatives from ingredients like soy, seitan, and mushrooms, providing a high- protein, on-the-go snack option.

Meal Kits And Delivery Services

Plant-based meal kit options and delivery services are becoming more popular, offering convenient and easy ways to enjoy a plant-based diet.

Wholefood-Based Diets

The practice of consuming diets primarily made of whole, unprocessed plant foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains is increasingly being embraced by consumers.

Plant-Based Functional Ingredients

Moringa, spirulina, and maca gain popularity for health benefits in smoothies, supplements, and snacks.

Upcycled Plant-Based Foods

Companies are using upcycled plant ingredients such as vegetable pulp from juicing or “ugly” produce to create new, sustainable food products.

3D-Printed Plant-Based Foods

3D food printing technology is advancing, enabling the creation of customizable plant-based food products like 3D-printed meat substitutes and snacks.

Lab-Grown Meat

Lab-grown meat offers eco-friendly meat alternative, sparing animals.uction without harming animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key drivers behind the increasing popularity of plant-based food trends?

The key drivers of plant-based food trends include increased awareness of environmental sustainability, improved understanding of the health benefits associated with plant-based diets, a growing number of people adopting vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, heightened public concern for animal welfare, and advancements in food technology that allow better taste and texture in plant-based products.

How has the plant-based food industry evolved over the past few years?

The plant-based food industry has experienced significant growth, with an expanding array of product offerings ranging from plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and egg substitutes to ready-to-eat meals and plant-based snacks. Enhanced food technology has contributed to improved taste, texture, and nutrition profiles, making plant-based alternatives more appealing to a broader range of consumers. Additionally, major food retail and restaurant chains now showcase plant-based options, further contributing to this trend’s mainstream appeal.

What are some common misconceptions about plant-based diets?

Common misconceptions about plant-based diets include the belief that they do not provide sufficient protein, are deficient in certain essential nutrients, or are automatically healthier than animal-based diets. In reality, a well-balanced plant-based diet can provide all essential nutrients, including protein, and offers many health benefits, but it’s important to consume a diverse and nutrient-dense array of whole foods to ensure optimal nutritional value.

What are some emerging plant-based food trends to watch for in the near future?

Some emerging plant-based food trends include the development of plant-based seafood alternatives, the emergence of cultured meat (grown in a lab from animal cells), the incorporation of more diverse and sustainable plant-based protein sources (like legumes, algae, and fungi), and an increased focus on sustainability and regenerative agriculture practices in plant-based sourcing.

How is the adoption of plant-based food trends impacting the environment and the global food system?

The adoption of plant-based food trends has the potential to positively impact the environment and global food system by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving land and water-use efficiency, decreasing deforestation and habitat loss, and alleviating pressure on fisheries and other natural resources. Additionally, it may contribute to improved public health by promoting diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing the consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol found in animal-based products.

How we write these articles

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly. See our Editorial Guidelines.

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