6 Plant-Based Trends to Watch

Welcome to the next evolution of plant-based! Experts from the Plant-Based World Expo, taking place in New York City on September 7 to 8, share their top trends to watch out for in 2023.

Plant-based foods and beverages aren’t new, but many of the demands placed on them are. Consumers are more aware of the need for a sustainable food system, and they’re more focused on their health. Plus, they’re now accustomed to being offered animal-free options, which means plant-based products not only have to taste better than their earlier counterparts—they also have to be better, for both people and the planet.
While this new era of the plant-based movement is complex, it’s also ripe with opportunity for retailers and foodservice professionals who are tuned into what their customers want now. Here are a few key things to look for.

Meet the New Meat Substitutes

According to a Datassential report, more than 40% of consumers plan to purchase plant-based meats in 2023, with 48% of those being millennials, the largest consumer group. But these aren’t the veggie burgers of yesteryear. Consumers expect to be offered plant-based options just about everywhere they go, so the bar is set high in terms of flavor, taste and texture. Plant-based meats that replicate the flavor and experience of real meat—especially whole-muscle meat analogs like steaks and chops—are creating opportunities for differentiation in an increasingly crowded, competitive market.

Go for Good-for-You…

A 2023 Plant Based Foods Association survey revealed that consumers prize the health benefits of plant-based foods over other factors, like taste/flavor and animal welfare. Not only is there a shift in the popularity of mushroom flavor being more prominent in 2023, but the uses for mushrooms have evolved, wince they have a variety of unique heart health and blood glucose control benefits. These consumers also don’t automatically assume “plant-based” is synonymous with “healthy,” and they’re more inclined to read labels. Brands that make it clear which ingredients are used and why (and steer clear of additive ingredients and high sodium content) will stand out to today’s more informed consumers.

…And Good-for-the-Planet, Too

The link between what we eat and the health of the planet has become (almost) common knowledge, prompting more people to turn to plant-based products for environmental reasons. As terms like “regenerative agriculture” continue to gain steam, opportunities are opening up for brands that communicate their green practices to consumers.

The Price Is Right

According to a Numerator study, more than three-fifths of consumers think the country is already in an economic recession. As shoppers and diners become more discerning with their dollars, opting for more accessible options will be key for driving sales. Offering samples and/or reviews can also help attract consumers; Plant Based Food Association research showed that 71% want to know something about the taste and texture of a product prior to purchase.

More Than Mealtime

Plant-based products are seeing rapid growth in categories like beverages (for example, adding functional boosts to beverages by incorporating mushrooms in ready to drink, or RTD, teas and milks), dairy (especially cheeses that melt well and have a pleasant texture), baby foods, sauces and condiments. Snack foods are also gaining a lot of traction, with plant-based options that offer a healthier take on classic indulgences like chips, cheese balls, jerky, etc.

Sea of Possibilities

Expect to see plenty of new seafood alternative products entering the market in the near future, as consumers seek more variety in their plant-based protein options. These products also appeal to people looking to navigate ethical and environmental concerns around seafood products, as well as those with allergies. Alternatives to shrimp, fish fillets and crab cakes have already started making waves in the market, and with so many types of seafood available for inspiration, this category is projected to experience rapid growth.

Reading about plant-based food trends is great, but seeing (and sampling) is even better. Join the Plant Based World Expo, the only 100% plant-based event for retail and foodservice, this year. Discover products from more than 250 exhibitors on the show floor, with more than 38% of them new to the 2023 edition!

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