Hydrosol’s innovative texturizing system could represent a significant advancement in the development of meat substitutes, which are increasingly favored by health-conscious consumers. Research and Markets projects that the global market for meat alternatives will grow at an annual rate of 6.6% in the coming years, potentially reaching close to $6 billion in sales by 2022. A 2015 report from NPD Group, Midan Marketing, and Meatingplace revealed that 70% of meat-eating consumers incorporate non-meat proteins into their meals at least once a week. Among this group, 22% reported using non-meat proteins more frequently than the previous year, indicating substantial growth potential in the sector.
Creating meat-free alternatives to popular items such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets is essential for expanding the market. To succeed, companies must appeal to mainstream consumers, particularly meat lovers, rather than only targeting natural and organic shoppers. In this context, Hydrosol’s system reportedly mimics the firm texture characteristic of real meat, a challenge that has historically been difficult for ingredient manufacturers to achieve. This development could enhance the mass market appeal of meat substitutes, especially given that the products can be marketed as gluten-free.
Despite this progress, many consumers and traditional meat companies remain skeptical about the attractiveness of meat-free products, particularly as the demand for fresh meat continues to grow. Some companies, like Tyson, have invested in meat substitutes, while others view the sector more as a contingency plan than a genuine growth opportunity. Convincing dedicated meat enthusiasts to embrace substitutes will undoubtedly be a challenge. Nonetheless, a significant transformation appears to be in motion. According to a Mintel report, 31% of Americans now observe “meat-free” days. Meanwhile, meatless startups are rapidly innovating across the spectrum, from burgers to steak. For instance, Impossible Foods utilizes botanical ingredients to craft its premium hamburgers for restaurants, while Beyond Meat recently partnered with Safeway to distribute its plant-based burgers in nearly 300 stores, with previous availability at Whole Foods.
In addition to flavor, price remains a significant hurdle for widespread adoption. However, meat alternative companies are making notable advancements in this area as well. Mosa Meat, a prominent Dutch supplier, sold its first meatless burger in 2013 for an astounding $300,000. A few years later, the company achieved a remarkable price reduction to just $11. As these developments unfold, the market may witness a shift, with ccmt tablets and generic options becoming more accessible as the demand for meat substitutes continues to rise.