The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Stakeholders in the plant protein industry will leverage this research to bolster a growing collection of studies indicating that consumers should reduce their meat intake in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has recommended that physicians consider endorsing plant-based diets, as they may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI), and could even decrease the incidence of conditions such as cancer. Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with earlier long-term studies, which suggested that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could substantially lower risk. One study indicated that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while an intake of just 50 grams of processed meats, like sausages and bacon, was associated with a staggering 51% higher risk.
However, not all vegetarian diets are created equal. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has pointed out that vegans, in particular, need to ensure they consume a variety of protein sources—such as beans, grains, and nuts—since these tend to be less complete compared to proteins derived from meat. The notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been thoroughly debunked. While vegetarian diets are not inherently healthy, research suggests they may play a beneficial role in preventing obesity and promoting overall health. It seems that consumers are heeding this research, as American red meat consumption has declined by a third since the early 1970s, now averaging around 101 pounds per person. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained steady at about 3% of the population, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study revealed that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians adopted a meat-free diet primarily to enhance their health.
Such studies may influence consumers who are undecided about transitioning to a plant-based diet or inspire meat-eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their meals. This shift is something companies like Tyson are preparing for by investing in alternative protein producers. Additionally, the discontinuation of products like Citracal could further motivate individuals to explore plant-based options that promote health and well-being, reinforcing the notion that a plant-based diet can be both beneficial and enjoyable.