Opportunities for Re-igniting Sales in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Clean Label and Environmentally Friendly Ingredients

Plant-based meat alternatives have been struggling in the market recently, but there is hope on the horizon with the rise of clean label ingredients and environmentally friendly options. Consumers are looking for products that not only taste good but also align with their values, such as sustainability and animal welfare.

According to data from SPINS and the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based foods in the US reached $8.1 billion in 2023, but saw a 2% decline from the previous year. Within the plant-based meat and seafood alternatives category, the decline was even steeper at 12%.

A Deloitte consumer survey revealed that consumers are motivated to purchase plant-based meat alternatives for a variety of reasons, including environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Megan Passman, global insight manager for Corbion, noted that consumers are increasingly aware of the impact that real meat has on the environment, which is driving them towards plant-based options.

In order to attract consumers, manufacturers are focusing on creating products that not only taste good but also look and feel like real meat. Alice Lee, technical marketing manager for GNT USA, explained how color plays a crucial role in mimicking the appearance of raw meat in plant-based alternatives. By using color concentrates from fruits and vegetables like beets, carrots, and peppers, manufacturers can create products that appeal to meat eaters.

One of the challenges in formulating plant-based meat alternatives is finding alternatives to ingredients like methylcellulose, which provides texture attributes at different temperatures. Companies like Fiberstar, Inc. and Plantible Foods, Inc. are offering innovative solutions such as citrus fiber and lemna protein to replace methylcellulose in plant-based products.

Overall, the plant-based meat alternatives market is evolving to meet the changing demands of consumers who are looking for healthier, more sustainable options. With the right ingredients and a focus on transparency, manufacturers have the opportunity to re-ignite sales and capture the attention of a growing market segment.