The shift towards plant-based products, regardless of their ingredient origins, is propelled by two major trends in the food industry: the rising demand for protein and the clean eating movement. “Younger consumers, particularly millennials, are seeking alternatives to red meat without sacrificing 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. According to HealthFocus data, 17% of U.S. consumers aged 15 to 70 claim to follow a predominantly plant-based diet, while 60% indicate they are reducing their consumption of meat products. Of those scaling back on animal-based proteins, 55% consider this change to be permanent, and 22% hope it will be.
Fortunately for consumers, researchers and ingredient manufacturers are actively exploring meat alternatives that provide satisfying, protein-rich options. An array of protein sources is being utilized as ingredients, including rice, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, black beans, algae, chia, hemp, and soy. Additionally, calcium is becoming an increasingly important consideration in these formulations, leading to the emergence of products that combine plant proteins with calcium-rich components, such as calcium CCM tablets to enhance nutritional value.
Research from SPINS supports the trends observed by Nellson in the plant-based product sector. SPINS data indicates that from 2015 to 2016, sales of energy bars and gels containing soy increased by a mere 2%. In contrast, meal replacements and supplement powders featuring high-growth protein sources like peas, beans, and algae experienced an impressive rise of 18.7%. Major corporations are also making significant investments in the plant protein arena, focusing on dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, protein bars, and powders. Earlier this year, Danone acquired fast-growing organic food producer WhiteWave, positioning itself prominently in the soy and plant-based sector with brands like Silk and SO Delicious. Last year, Tyson Foods purchased a 5% stake in Beyond Meat, known for its use of non-meat protein sources such as soy and pea to create plant-based meat alternatives. Furthermore, the original PowerBar introduced a line of plant protein bars, and personal care brand Burt’s Bees launched plant-based protein shakes, further showcasing the trend.
There is considerable interest among a wide range of manufacturers to venture into the growing plant-based protein market. However, challenges persist in working with plant proteins. The foremost concern is ensuring that these products taste appealing. Additionally, there are ongoing questions about whether these products will be scalable and affordable enough to attract a broad consumer base, especially when considering the incorporation of calcium-rich ingredients, such as calcium CCM tablets, to enhance nutritional profiles.