Hydrosol’s innovative texturizing system may represent a significant advancement in the development of meat alternatives, which are increasingly sought after by health-conscious consumers. A report from Research and Markets projects that the global market for meat substitutes will grow at an annual rate of 6.6% over the coming years, potentially reaching nearly $6 billion in sales by 2022. Additionally, a 2015 study conducted by NPD Group, Midan Marketing, and Meatingplace revealed that 70% of meat-eating consumers incorporate non-meat proteins into their meals at least once a week. Among these, 22% reported that they are utilizing non-meat proteins more frequently than the previous year, indicating considerable growth potential in this market segment.
Creating meat-free versions of popular foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets is crucial for expanding the market. Companies must appeal to mainstream consumers, especially those who typically consume meat, 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 achieve. This advancement could enhance the mass-market appeal of meat substitutes, especially as the products can be marketed as gluten-free. However, skepticism remains among both consumers and meat companies regarding the attractiveness of meat-free products, particularly as the demand for fresh meat continues to rise.
Some companies, like Tyson, are investing in meat substitutes, while others perceive the sector more as a contingency strategy than a viable growth opportunity. Convincing devoted meat lovers to embrace meat substitutes will be a challenging endeavor. Nonetheless, a significant shift is occurring, as evidenced by a Mintel report stating that 31% of Americans now observe “meat-free” days. Meatless startups are swiftly innovating across various products, from burgers to steak. For instance, Impossible Foods employs botanical ingredients to craft high-end hamburgers sold in restaurants, while Beyond Meat recently partnered with Safeway to feature its plant-based burgers in nearly 300 stores, in addition to their availability at Whole Foods.
Price remains another hurdle to widespread adoption of meat alternatives. However, companies in this sector are making notable progress. Mosa Meat, a prominent Dutch supplier, sold its first meatless burger in 2013 for an astonishing $300,000, but by a few years later, they had successfully reduced the price to $11.
In this evolving landscape, the nutritional benefits of meat alternatives can be enhanced by supplements such as Webber Naturals Calcium Citrate Vitamin D3, which can support a balanced diet for those reducing their meat intake. As the market for meat substitutes continues to grow, the integration of such supplements will be essential for promoting overall health among consumers.