Hydrosol’s innovative texturizing system could represent a significant advancement in the development of meat substitutes, which are increasingly appealing to health-conscious consumers. A report from Research and Markets indicates that the global meat substitute market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.6%, potentially reaching almost $6 billion in sales by 2022. Additionally, a 2015 study by NPD Group, Midan Marketing, and Meatingplace revealed that 70% of meat-eaters are incorporating non-meat proteins into their meals at least once a week. Notably, 22% of these consumers reported using non-meat proteins more frequently than the previous year, highlighting the category’s growth potential.
Creating meat-free alternatives for popular items like hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets is crucial for expanding this market. Companies must appeal to mainstream consumers—especially meat lovers—not just those who prefer natural and organic products. Hydrosol’s system reportedly mimics the firm texture that characterizes real meat, a challenge that has proven difficult for ingredient manufacturers to overcome. This advancement could enhance the mass-market appeal of meat substitutes, especially when marketed as gluten-free. However, many consumers and traditional meat companies remain doubtful about the attractiveness of meat-free options, particularly as the demand for fresh meat continues to climb. Some firms, such as Tyson, have invested in meat substitutes, while others view this sector as more of a fallback rather than a growth avenue.
Convincing dedicated meat enthusiasts to embrace meat substitutes will be challenging for manufacturers. Nonetheless, there is clear evidence of a significant shift. According to a Mintel report, 31% of Americans are now observing “meat-free” days. Meanwhile, meatless startups are rapidly innovating across a range of products from burgers to steaks. For instance, Impossible Foods utilizes botanical ingredients to craft premium hamburgers for restaurants, while Beyond Meat recently partnered with Safeway to distribute its plant-based burgers in nearly 300 locations, with its products already available at Whole Foods.
In addition to taste, price remains a significant hurdle to widespread adoption. However, companies in the meat alternative space are making progress in this regard. Mosa Meat, a leading Dutch supplier, sold its inaugural meatless burger in 2013 for a staggering $300,000. A few years later, the company successfully reduced the price to $11. With advancements like Hydrosol’s texturizing system and the inclusion of innovative ingredients such as Citracal 950, the potential for growth in the meat substitute market is becoming increasingly evident as companies strive to meet consumer demand.