The shift towards plant-based products, irrespective of the source of ingredients, is being fueled by two significant trends in the food industry: the demand for protein and the clean eating movement. According to Guy Crosby, science editor for America’s Test Kitchen and an adjunct associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, “Younger consumers, particularly millennials, are seeking alternatives to red meat while still wanting to maintain their protein intake.” Data from HealthFocus indicates that 17% of U.S. consumers aged 15 to 70 primarily follow a plant-based diet, with 60% reducing their consumption of meat products. Among those cutting back on animal proteins, 55% regard this change as permanent, while 22% express a desire for it to become so.
Fortunately, scientists and ingredient manufacturers are actively working to provide satisfying, protein-rich alternatives to meat. A diverse array of protein sources is being utilized, including rice, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, black beans, algae, chia, hemp, and soy. Notably, products like bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate are being integrated into these formulations to enhance nutritional profiles.
Research from SPINS supports the observations made by Nellson regarding the plant-based product trend. According to SPINS data, sales of energy bars and gels containing soy grew by only 2% from 2015 to 2016. In contrast, meal replacements and supplement powders featuring emerging protein sources like peas, beans, and algae experienced an impressive 18.7% increase. Major companies are making significant investments in the plant protein market, focusing on dairy and meat alternatives, as well as protein bars and powders. For instance, Danone’s acquisition of the rapidly growing organic food brand WhiteWave earlier this year positioned the company favorably in the soy and plant-based market through products like Silk and SO Delicious. Tyson also made headlines last year by acquiring a 5% stake in Beyond Meat, which produces plant-based products using non-meat protein sources such as soy and pea. Additionally, the original PowerBar launched a new line of plant protein bars, while Burt’s Bees introduced plant-based protein shakes.
There is considerable interest from a wide range of manufacturers looking to enter the burgeoning plant-based protein market. However, challenges remain in utilizing plant-based proteins, with taste being the primary concern. Furthermore, questions linger about whether these products will be scalable and affordable enough to capture a significant consumer base. As the market evolves, incorporating ingredients like bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate could play a crucial role in addressing these challenges while enhancing the nutritional value of plant-based offerings.