Plant-based diets primarily consist of plants and offer a healthier eating routine for consumers. Even if the general view might suggest that only vegans or vegetarians are into plant-based diets, with all the health benefits are taken into consideration, plant-based eating patterns appeal to common taste and consumer needs.
As an alternative lifestyle besides vegans and vegetarians, flexitarian diets have an increased popularity within META region. Flexitarian diet basically limits the meat consumption and enhances the intake of plant-based foods, when compared to vegans or vegetarians, flexitarians are not opposed to meat consumption, but they rather limit their overall intake of meat and meat derivatives.
As an alternative lifestyle besides vegans and vegetarians, flexitarian diets have an increased popularity within META region. Flexitarian diet basically limits the meat consumption and enhances the intake of plant-based foods, when compared to vegans or vegetarians, flexitarians are not opposed to meat consumption, but they rather limit their overall intake of meat and meat derivatives.
According to Innova’s META product launch research (2020), the percentage of product launches with a “plant-based” claim has increased by 18% from 2019 to 2020.
Even though the numbers are not outstanding, it is clearer when percentage changes are observed in comparison to the previous years. As shown on the graph right side, the number of product launches have started increasing after 2018, in proportion to consumer interest
In addition to that, as stated in Health Focus International’s 2020 research, 40% of consumers in META region are extremely/very interested in meat alternatives if the taste and texture qualities are exactly like meat.
Therefore, it is doable to put forward that consumer habits are open to change, and adapting to diversifying consumer needs has become a duty for food providers.
There are several key challenges about plant-based product development, such as texture optimization, stability management and taste enhancement. Taste is one of the major concerns when it comes to attracting consumers. In order to gain consumer acceptance, moisture, texture and flavor must be used in the right order and the right way.
There are several key challenges about plant-based product development, such as texture optimization, stability management and taste enhancement. Taste is one of the major concerns when it comes to attracting consumers. In order to gain consumer acceptance, moisture, texture and flavor must be used in the right order and the right way.
Plant Based, Vegan & Vegetarian Claims in Categories META, 2016 - 2020
Source: Innova database, 2020.