The future of plant-based foods: Whole-cut meat leads to the ‘next consumer resurgence’

“When I think about what the next stage will be, [of plant-based], there will be a growing polarization between those who place more emphasis on ingredients and those who make their own products at home. And on the other hand, premium products will really benefit from occasional buyers.[who] After making vegetable patties at home, I want to enjoy them,” Eliyahu said.

Can plant-based whole-cut meat avoid processing concerns?

As for the beleaguered plant-based meat category, Eliyahu said the market is still “waiting to see who can imitate whole cuts” in large-scale retail. According to Euromonitor data, the U.S. meat and seafood substitutes market was worth an estimated $1.821 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of $1.9 billion by 2028, with an expected growth in 2023. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 2028 to 2028.

“Now I’ve done the chunk.” [whole-cut] Very successful. However, they only go to restaurants. So the retail industry is still waiting. We’re still waiting for that to happen, but who can replicate everything in retail and scale it? I think that’s where the next consumer resurgence will be,” she explained.

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Despite consumer concerns about the level of processing in alternative meats, Eliyahu says brands can offer a “natural” experience by ensuring their products replicate the taste and texture of traditional whole-cut meats. pointed out.

“Regardless of the processing, the moment you can mimic a whole cut, its texture and shape alone create a natural halo. So even if it was made in a lab, even if it went through several processing steps, In their minds, consumers will think of this as natural. And I think that’s why so many companies are aiming for that whole-cut feel. “They no longer associate it with highly processed foods,” she explained.

Plant-based DIY: Consumers want benefits, not costs

Eliyahu explained that the plant-based beverage category is seeing “a resurgence of soy milk this year” as consumers have started incorporating it into more recipes.

According to Euromonitor data, the U.S. plant-based dairy market, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, is worth approximately $4.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $10 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 17.4%. has been done.

Similarly, plant-based products like Just Egg, which can be easily incorporated into recipes, are finding success in the market, she added. Recently, Just Egg expanded its portfolio of products, including breakfast burritos.After reviving the seasoning line.

“One of the reasons Just Egg is doing so well is because it’s also an ingredient in bread making, and that’s what we’re going to see in the next generation,” Eliyahu said.

Additionally, consumers are becoming more frugal with their grocery budgets and are turning to canned beans and lentils to get the health benefits of plant-based protein without spending a lot of money. She explained that there was.

“If you look at processed vegetables and canned vegetables, Euromonitor also includes beans and lentils, they are growing. And they are growing because people are …[are replacing] Meat made with materials used for simulated meat. So instead of going out to buy burgers, I use the beans to make burgers at home,” Eliyahu said.