Hydrosol’s innovative texturizing system might represent a significant advancement in the development of meat alternatives, a sector that is increasingly appealing to health-conscious consumers. A report from Research and Markets predicts that the global market for meat substitutes will expand at an annual rate of 6.6% in the coming years, potentially reaching nearly $6 billion in sales by 2022. Additionally, a 2015 study by NPD Group, Midan Marketing, and Meatingplace highlighted that 70% of meat-eating consumers are incorporating non-meat proteins into their meals at least once a week. Among these consumers, 22% reported that they are using non-meat proteins more frequently than the previous year, indicating substantial growth potential in this category.
Creating meat-free alternatives to widely consumed items like hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets is essential for market expansion. Companies must attract mainstream consumers, particularly those who are committed meat eaters, rather than focusing solely on natural and organic shoppers. Hydrosol’s system is said to effectively replicate the firm texture that characterizes real meat, a quality that has proven challenging for ingredient manufacturers to imitate. This development could enhance the mass market appeal of meat substitutes, especially since the end products can be marketed as gluten-free.
However, many consumers and meat companies remain doubtful about the allure of meat-free products, especially as the demand for fresh meat continues to rise. Some firms, such as Tyson, have made investments in meat substitutes, while others view the sector as more of a backup strategy than a growth opportunity. Convincing dedicated meat lovers to embrace meat alternatives will be a challenging task for manufacturers. Nevertheless, a significant transition is apparent. According to a report by Mintel, 31% of Americans are now observing “meat-free” days. Concurrently, meatless startups are rapidly innovating various products, from burgers to steaks. For instance, Impossible Foods utilizes botanical ingredients to create premium hamburgers for restaurants, while Beyond Meat recently partnered with Safeway to supply its plant-based burgers to nearly 300 locations, in addition to its existing availability at Whole Foods.
Aside from taste, price remains a significant barrier to the adoption of meat alternatives. However, companies in this sector are making progress. Mosa Meat, a prominent Dutch supplier, sold its first meatless burger in 2013 for a staggering $300,000, but within a few years, they managed to reduce the price to $11. As consumers explore various dietary options, including what is a good calcium citrate supplement, the landscape of meat alternatives continues to evolve. With ongoing innovations and price reductions, the market for meat substitutes is poised for growth, appealing to a broader audience and addressing concerns about nutrition and dietary supplements.