A clear trend toward plant-based diets has been noticeable for quite some time now, with an increasing number of people embracing vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
Plant-based diets have the potential to be healthier, but they can also be a more ethical and sustainable option. Also, these diets are probably going to draw an increasing number of followers as they gain popularity. Recent inflation, though, seems to have put a brake on this trend.
The potential for better health outcomes is one of the key benefits of a plant-based diet, as they have been linked to decreased rates of chronic diseases. Research has indicated that individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet typically have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMIs than people who eat meat.
This is so because diets based mostly on plants tend to be higher in fiber and lower in saturated fats, which can aid in promoting a healthy digestive system and lowering inflammation. Furthermore, diets based mostly on plants tend to be higher in nutrients than diets high in animal products. Excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that promote general health and wellbeing include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Antioxidants, which can help guard against oxidative stress and inflammation, are also abundant in many. Plant-based diets are advanced by vegetarianism and veganism, which completely forego animal products. While vegans abstain from all animal products, including dairy and eggs, vegetarians usually eschew meat, poultry, and fish. These diets have extra advantages even if they can be harder to stick to.
It’s increasingly simple to obtain plant-based substitutes for meat, dairy, and other animal products because many stores have departments dedicated to selling only plant-based foods – but prices are sensibly higher. A wide range of alternatives, such as plant-based cheeses, meats, milks, and yogurts, are frequently found in these areas. Certain retailers even provide plant-based substitutes for items like hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers that are typically made with meat. Many grocery stores now include plant-based departments in addition to labeling their products as “plant-based” or “vegan.” This eliminates the need to thoroughly study the ingredient list and makes it simple to immediately determine which goods are appropriate for a plant-based diet.
The impact of high inflation
Last year, Mintel published a report showcasing the interest in the plant-based food and drink sector and arguing that things seem good in the long run. According to Mintel data, more than 75% of Germans aged 16 to 24 routinely consume plant-based foods. Still, some customer interest has decreased because of the recent economic slump.
Following a sharp increase, the market is currently confronted with a short-term obstacle. Customers are becoming less inclined to buy pricey plant-based meat substitutes as they start to worry about their own financial situation. As an example, Mintel looks at Beyond Meat’s recent sales decline. According to the research company, the strain on household finances is the reason why the market for meat substitutes is lower now than it was a year ago.
The plant-based movement will probably pick up steam again once people start to feel better about their financial situation. Long-term demand should also be supported by knowledge of the plant-based industry’s environmental credentials and beneficial effects on global warming. Brands might emphasize the promotion of desirable attributes like high protein and fruit/vegetable content.
Protein is a huge opportunity since, according to Mintel’s research on plant-based food trends, most consumers who eat a plant-based diet would like to see more high-protein plant-based dairy substitutes. Food and beverage firms have a chance to support customers who are looking for pro-plant diets, not necessarily vegan ones, by appealing to the significant portion of consumers who wish to investigate vegan options and include fruits, vegetables, and grains in their meals. Sustained market development requires more variety in plant-based proteins.
Innovation in plant-based protein types, formats, and sources will also keep evolving to satisfy consumer demand for viable substitutes for dairy and meat. Burger alternatives are among the most widely used plant-based foods, and their popularity can be largely attributed to their accessibility and the advancements in taste and texture that manufacturers have made. Like Impossible Foods and Beyond animal did with burgers, brands can discover ways to remain ahead of the market by elevating new alternative formats to various sorts of animal products, Mintel goes on to explain.
And here’s a funny story underlying the fact that plant-based isn’t going anywhere: Emirates, a premier airline, has observed a forty percent increase in customer demand for plant-based meals. Emirates will add even more dishes to its “vegan vault” of more than 300 carefully chosen plant-based recipes later this year to fulfill this demand in 2024. This will include a variety of new vegan dishes that will be available onboard and in lounges. Emirates increased the number of plant-based meals it offered onboard from 280,000 in 2022 to over 450,000 in 2023.
Consumption of vegan meals has increased 40% annually in line with the number of passengers; however, in some regions, such as Africa, where consumption has increased by 4%, Southeast Asia, where it has increased by 5%, and the Middle East, where it has increased by 34%, consumption has outpaced the growth in passenger volume. The Economy Class had the largest growth in the consumption of vegan meals. Particularly on Emirates’ flights to China, Japan, and the Philippines, significant increases were observed. Since Emirates started providing vegan meals for its cabin crew in 2018, many them are also adopting a plant-based diet.
Customers of Emirates can savor appetizing delicacies in Economy class, such as a robust chickpea kale stew with parsley pilaf rice and baby spinach, a textured pumpkin frittata, a tofu tikka masala, or a chickpea crepe loaded with carrot, peppers, mushroom, and tomato concasse.
Delicious vegan desserts at Economy include chocolate pudding with cocoa soil, delicious banana cake with chocolate crumble, and coconut mousse with mango compote. Customers who like vegan food will be treated to wholesome, delectable delicacies in Premium Economy class, such as creamy squash chestnut stew paired with light chocolate tofu cheesecake, or smooth and velvety raspberry parfait with a hint of orange compote. Emirates will introduce additional vegan main meals later in the year, along with a variety of delicious vegan appetizers like vegan pizza and fruit muffins, as well as a chocolate pecan cake, pistachio raspberry, and raspberry tonka cake.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe March-April, 2024 issue here.