Discover a world of plantbased possibilities

The way people eat is changing and the demand for plant-based products is rising fast. Millions of people around the world are turning away from eating animal products. Between 2015 to 2019, new product launches with a plant-based claim increased by a CAGR of 57% globally, shows research by Innova Market Insights. In the same period, launches with vegan claims rose by 22% and vegetarian by 8%.

Amid this massive growth in demand, food and beverage companies have a prime opportunity to meet these needs and achieve success. In a changing world, understanding what consumers want is key, so you can tap into this global mega-trend and deliver value for your business.

HOW ARE CONSUMER HABITS CHANGING?

People around the world are increasingly avoiding buying animal-based products and are actively choosing meat and dairy alternatives. An estimated 15% of millennials are already meat-free and future generations are predicted to consume even less, a UK survey conducted in 2020 by Censuswide and Finder shows.

One of the major factors influencing this increase is that consumers are becoming very concerned over the effects their food has on the environment. A recent survey of meat analogue consumers in the UK, Germany and France showed that 63% of people worldwide were trying to positively impact the environment day to day. They want their food to do the same. Veganism and reduced meat lifestyles have been shown to be less detrimental to the environment than meat-based diets, thanks to a lower carbon footprint.

The global pandemic has accelerated this trend, with consumers looking for healthy plant-based products that satisfy. COVID-19 has focused consumers’ minds firmly on personal health and even after coronavirus restrictions end, markets around the world could see a boom in healthier eating – particularly of plantbased meat and dairy alternatives. This means food manufacturers will need to formulate nutritious products that reflect consumer desire for low-fat, -sugar and -salt, but also offer a positive health benefit by including good nutrients such as fibre and protein.

HOW CAN YOU CAPITALISE ON THIS OPPORTUNITY?

For manufacturers looking to tap into the growing demand for plantbased alternatives, there are a few key challenges to bear in mind in order to deliver the maximum ROI for your business.

When consumers reduce the amount of meat and dairy they eat, they look for alternative ways to get a similar amount of protein that those foodstuffs can provide. Meat and dairy alternatives with front-of-pack claims like ‘source of protein’ can attract health-conscious consumers who want to ensure they still get the nutrients they need when cutting down on animalbased food.

Consumers are often switching to meat and dairy alternatives because they are concerned about their health and where their food comes from. They want transparency and providing this can help you stand out from the competition. A cleaner label – with understandable, recognisable ingredients – builds trust with your consumers and gives them reassurance that they know what goes into their chosen product.

In addition, consumers are looking for variety in their meat and dairy alternatives. While plant-based burgers and sausages are perennially popular meat alternatives, there is a growing opportunity in other applications, such as plant-based seafood alternatives, for example. With the growth in home snacking since COVID-19 lockdowns, there is also significant room for growth of plant-based alternative snack products. In dairy alternatives, consumers are exploring beyond non-dairy milk and cheese, looking for dairy alternative drinks, vegan ice cream and spoonable nondairy yoghurt.

While you balance these challenges, it’s also essential not to neglect the eating experience of the final product. With meat alternatives, you need to ensure that your products have the satisfying, meaty texture that flexitarian consumers are used to. Equally, dairy alternatives need to deliver a creamy texture and satisfying eating experience to win consumer loyalty.

To achieve all these aims, you need innovative ingredient solutions and application expertise. Ingredion has the experience and technical knowledge in meat and dairy alternatives to provide the solutions you need. Ingredion’s Plant Possible report explores the ways in which food producers can make the most of the changing world of plantbased alternatives. Download the full report now at https://go.ingredion.com/plantbased-report.

Ingredion – www.ingredion.com