Although plant-based protein alternatives are nothing new, they have historically been targeted to vegetarians and vegans. However, the larger market opportunity remains the vast majority of consumers who want to increase plant-based foods in their diet but who also eat meat. Enter the flexitarians.
Many flexitarians plan their food choices based on the basic benefits of a plant-based diet. But they do consume some animal proteins. Nothing is off the table.
Rising consumer demand
The rise of the flexitarian approach brings more demand for plant-based options. And until recently, plant-based burgers were an easy entry point for consumer engagement in the category. However, when it comes to meat consumption, consumers tend to purchase poultry over beef. Fish and pork are also popular options.
Inflation and other factors are having an impact on the shorter-term performance of alternate protein segments.1 But while traditional formats decline, newer formats continue to experience rapid growth as consumers show a willingness to experiment with innovative product ideas in these challenging times.2
In fact, globally, over the next five years, alternate protein segments are poised to grow faster than broader food and beverage segments.3
Further opportunities for growth
Some flexitarians (and even some vegetarians) still want the flavor and texture of meat—but in a plant-based form. Innovations that can help replicate properties of meat (such as taste, texture, cooking cues and color) point the way to potential growth opportunities. One example is new developments in taste modulation that can mask off-notes. Other examples of innovation are more meat-like texture solutions in the area of whole muscle protein alternatives. These new developments all show promising market expansion.
Certainly, these innovations are creating a new generation of plant-based products and are helping to win over meat-eating consumers. Where they are combined with expanding categories, such as different types of meat (fish, pork and poultry) and potential formats, like ready-meal products and even handheld entrees and shareables, opportunity for growth would seem exponential.
The benefit of expertise and a proven portfolio
Food developers need a partner with a broad portfolio of premium plantforward, sustainable, clean-label options that offer the taste, nutrition, texture and color consumers want. One supplier with over 75 years of technical mastery in this field is ADM. They understand the mechanics of taste and functionality and have the know-how to bring ingredients together and deliver perfect balance of taste and texture. All of which helps get brands to market quickly.
But beyond a broad, end-to-end system and a fully-stocked ingredient pantry, ADM is a partner that provides access to marketing, R&D, product development and culinary expertise. Developers know this will give them the knock-on benefits that come from ADM’s network of third-party manufacturers.
The demand for sustainability.
It would be a serious error to overlook developers’ ongoing demand for increased sustainability. Ever-more-stringent environmental goals underscore the importance of an increasingly sustainable supply chain— from farm to plate.
ADM also answers this need. Its supply chain is supported by 450 crop procurement locations, more than 330 food and feed ingredient manufacturing facilities, 62 innovation centers and one of the world’s best crop transportation networks. ADM controls its supply chain down to the last detail. This increases sustainability, improves cost optimization and gets brands to market faster.
A trusted source for meat alternatives.
ADM leads the way in plant-based meat alternatives with a portfolio of over 30 wholesome sources. These include a wide variety of soy, pea, wheat and textured protein ingredients.
As the alternative proteins market continues to expand, ADM continues to identify and invest in growing areas. By exploring innovative ideas and new ingredients, ADM offers ongoing solutions for opportunities as these emerge. Click here to find out more.
1. Nielsen
2,3. Euromonitor
