“Rising Demand for Plant-Based Products Driven by Protein Needs and Clean Eating Trends”
The shift towards plant-based products, irrespective of their ingredient origins, is being fueled by two major trends in the food industry: the demand for protein and the rise of clean eating. “Younger consumers, particularly millennials, are seeking alternatives to red meat while still wanting to maintain their protein intake,” stated Guy Crosby, science editor for America’s Test Kitchen and an adjunct associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, in an interview with Food Dive. HealthFocus data reveals that 17% of U.S. consumers aged 15 to 70 primarily follow a plant-based diet, while 60% are actively reducing their consumption of meat products. Among those decreasing their intake of animal proteins, 55% view this change as permanent, with another 22% hoping it will be.
Fortunately for consumers, scientists and ingredient manufacturers have been diligently working to develop satisfying, protein-rich alternatives to meat. A diverse range of protein sources is being utilized in food products, including rice, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, black beans, algae, chia, hemp, and soy. Research from SPINS supports the trend observed by Nellson in the plant-based product sector. SPINS data indicates that between 2015 and 2016, sales of energy bars and gels containing soy grew by just 2%. In contrast, meal replacements and supplement powders featuring rapidly growing protein sources like peas, beans, and algae experienced an impressive 18.7% increase.
Major corporations are also investing in the plant protein market, focusing on dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, protein bars, and powders. Earlier this year, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic food producer WhiteWave, solidifying its position in the soy and plant-based product sector with brands like Silk and SO Delicious. Last year, Tyson Foods purchased a 5% stake in Beyond Meat, a company that utilizes non-meat protein sources like soy and pea to create plant-based products that mimic meat. Additionally, the original PowerBar introduced a new line of plant protein bars, while personal care brand Burt’s Bees launched plant-based protein shakes.
There is significant interest among a wide range of manufacturers to enter the thriving plant-based protein market. However, challenges persist when working with plant proteins. The primary concern is that these products must be palatable, but there are also questions about whether they can be produced at a scale and cost that will attract a broad consumer base. For those looking to complement their plant-based diets, it is important to know how to take calcium citrate tablets to ensure adequate calcium intake, particularly when reducing dairy consumption. Understanding how to take calcium citrate tablets becomes essential for those dedicated to a plant-based lifestyle, as they seek to balance their nutritional needs effectively.
