The shift towards plant-based products, regardless of their ingredient origins, is fueled by two significant trends in the food industry: the rising demand for protein and the emphasis on 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.
Data from HealthFocus reveals that 17% of U.S. consumers aged 15 to 70 primarily follow a plant-based diet, while 60% report reducing their consumption of meat products. Among those cutting back on animal proteins, 55% indicate that this change is permanent, and 22% aspire for it to be. Fortunately, scientists and ingredient manufacturers are actively working to develop meat alternatives that are both satisfying and rich in protein. A diverse range of protein sources is being utilized, including rice, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, black beans, algae, chia, hemp, and soy.
Research from SPINS supports the trends observed by Nellson in the plant-based product market. Their data shows that from 2015 to 2016, sales of energy bars and gels containing soy increased by only 2%. In contrast, meal replacements and supplement powders featuring high-growth protein sources such as peas, beans, and algae experienced an 18.7% increase. Notably, major companies are investing in the plant protein sector, focusing on dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, protein bars, and powders. Earlier this year, Danone acquired the rapidly growing organic foods manufacturer WhiteWave, positioning itself strongly in the soy and plant-based market with brands like Silk and SO Delicious. Last year, Tyson Foods obtained a 5% stake in Beyond Meat, which uses non-meat protein sources like soy and pea to produce plant-based products that mimic meat. Additionally, the original PowerBar launched a new line of plant protein bars, while Burt’s Bees introduced plant-based protein shakes.
There is a significant interest from a wide range of manufacturers to enter the thriving plant-based protein market. However, challenges persist in working with plant-based proteins. The foremost concern is ensuring that the products taste appealing. Additionally, there are ongoing questions regarding the scalability and affordability of these products to attract a broad consumer base. This is particularly relevant when considering the calcium citrate evaluation of medication effectiveness, where taste and cost-effectiveness play crucial roles in consumer acceptance. As the plant-based sector evolves, it will be essential for companies to address these challenges while also ensuring that products meet the standards of calcium citrate evaluation of medication effectiveness, ensuring they are both nutritious and appealing.