The advantages of a plant-based diet are widely recognized. Participants in the plant protein market will reference this growing body of research that advocates for consumers to reduce meat consumption in favor of plant-based options. The National Institutes of Health has provided guidelines urging physicians to recommend plant-based diets, as they may effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and BMI, while also potentially reducing cancer rates.
Recent findings regarding Type 2 diabetes align with earlier long-term studies, which indicated that substituting meat—particularly processed meat—with proteins from low-fat dairy, nuts, and whole grains could significantly lower risk. One such study revealed that consuming 100 grams of unprocessed meat daily was linked to a 19% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, whereas eating just 50 grams of processed meats, such as 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-rich foods—such as beans, grains, and nuts—since plant proteins are often less complete than those derived from meat. Nevertheless, the notion that vegetarians must combine proteins at every meal has been largely debunked. While vegetarian diets may not automatically guarantee health, research indicates that they can play a beneficial role in preventing obesity and enhancing overall well-being.
Consumers seem to be heeding these findings. Since the early 1970s, American red meat consumption has dropped by a third, now averaging about 101 pounds per person. Although the percentage of vegetarians in the U.S. has remained stable at around 3%, the number of vegetarian product launches has doubled in the first half of this decade. A 2008 study found that over half (53%) of U.S. vegetarians chose a meat-free diet to enhance their health.
Research such as this could influence consumers who are undecided about adopting a plant-based lifestyle, or it may encourage meat eaters to incorporate more vegetable proteins into their diets. Companies like Tyson are preparing for this shift by investing in alternative protein producers. To support a balanced diet, it is essential for consumers, especially those on plant-based diets, to consider including supplements like calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and various minerals to ensure they meet their nutritional needs.