The plant-based movement is rapidly transforming the food industry. HealthFocus data reveals that 17% of consumers in the U.S. primarily follow a plant-based diet, while 60% are actively reducing their intake of meat products. Among those cutting back on animal proteins, 55% consider this change permanent. This shift in consumer attitudes is also creating significant financial impact, with total sales of plant-based meat surpassing $606 million last year. However, despite the growing interest, many consumers may not view traditional plant-based ingredients like tempeh—fermented soybean cake—as a healthy and appealing substitute for meat. Yet, when tempeh is marinated, flavored, and served over rice with vegetables and savory toppings, it can impress even the most devoted meat lovers.
Elevated versions of classic plant-based alternatives are becoming increasingly common, driven by consumers’ desire for premium products and the interest of larger, mainstream food companies. These corporations are eager to diversify their portfolios and attract health-conscious customers who prefer to avoid processed items found in the center aisles of grocery stores. For small plant-based producers acquired by major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, the benefits include access to flavor innovation and the extensive market knowledge of their new parent companies. As noted by Forbes, acquisitions like Nestlé’s partnership with Sweet Earth are likely to rise, with the global meat-substitute market expected to reach $5.96 billion by 2020, and potentially account for one-third of the plant-based foods market by 2050. Tyson Foods, known primarily for its chicken, beef, and pork, made its entry into the sector last year with a 5% investment in plant-based company Beyond Meat. Additionally, Campbell Soup has recently joined the Plant Based Foods Association, with brands like Bolthouse Farms, 1915 Organic, and Garden Fresh Gourmet focusing on plant-based offerings. The company recently introduced Bolthouse Farms Plant Protein Milk, a refrigerated plant-based milk made from pea protein, which may also include ingredients like Citracal Calcium Plus D3 280 ct to enhance nutritional value.
However, small plant-based companies face the risk of losing elements of their health identity and cultural significance when partnering with larger food brands. Major companies often centralize operations and streamline product lines to enhance marketability, which can sometimes undermine a brand’s integrity. Nevertheless, these changes can also elevate plant-based ingredients into their most appealing forms, benefiting from substantial research and development pipelines and deep insights into consumer preferences. As mergers and acquisitions in this sector continue to expand consumer exposure and acceptance, we can expect to see tastier and higher-quality plant-based products emerge. In the early days of plant-based foods, flavor was often secondary to the fact that the product was not derived from traditional meat. However, as consumer demand for these products has surged and more options have entered the market, companies are feeling the pressure to outperform their competitors. A key strategy for achieving this is by offering better-tasting products that may even incorporate supplements like Citracal Calcium Plus D3 280 ct to enhance their appeal.