What’s Going on in the Plant-Based Space?

Trends in the plant-based food and beverage industry have been evolving rapidly in recent years as consumers continue to update their preferences. This industry looks very different than it did just a couple of years ago, and it’s only going to continue to change. Consumers have been setting their expectations for plant-based brands higher and higher, pushing for more innovation and new products that put sustainability and wellness in the spotlight.

Yet another challenge for brands? Consumers are also coming to expect that brands deliver great tasting plant-based products. With plant-based alternatives that claim to taste just as good – if not better – than their non-plant-based counterparts growing in prominence, consumers want to feel good about their plant-based purchases without feeling like they’ve sacrificed taste, flavor, or texture.

How can brands rise to the occasion and exceed consumers’ expectations in the plant-based space? Keep reading for some insights from our latest white paper.

Enhance the Health Halo

Plant-based foods and beverages already benefit from the much-coveted health halo, as consumers perceive them to be inherently healthy and nutritious. With health and wellbeing topping priority lists for many consumers, products that are not only plant-based but also feature flavors and ingredients that reflect the latest wellness trends are sure to grab consumers’ attention – and keep them coming back for more.

When consumers are going out of their way to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, they are going to want to feel good about the choices they’re making and like these products truly are better for them. Brands can enhance the health halo of their plant-based product offerings by looking to flavors and ingredients that also have the health halo.

Get Inspired by International Flavors

Although following a plant-based diet is an emerging trend in the United States, in other parts of the world, it’s a way of life. Especially in parts of Asia, India, and the Middle East, plant-based foods and beverages are dietary mainstays. For the past several years, one of the most influential trends in the American food industry has involved drawing inspiration from global cuisines. Consumers have been using food as a means of exploration when travel has been out of the question, and they’ve grown increasingly curious about how people in other parts of the world eat.

With consumers being so interested in international cuisines, now is the perfect time to introduce them to popular plant-based dishes from around the world. Consider innovating with plant-based foods and beverages from other cultures to give consumers something to get excited about.

Innovations at Plant-Based World

Recently, we showcased some of our own plant-based innovations at Plant-Based World. One of consumers’ biggest hang ups about purchasing plant-based alternatives is the potential for unappealing aftertastes. As such, we innovated to demonstrate how seasonings can overcome aftertastes and make plant-based alternatives equally delicious when compared to their non-plant-based counterparts. Among the innovations we showcased were our Plant-Based Chicken Salad Seasoning, dairy-free Cheddar-Cheez Puffs, and Creamy Caesar Dressing Seasoning. Looking to elevate your plant-based products? Our R&D experts are here to help. Click here to contact us.

Hungry for more? Download our latest white paper, Embracing Plant-Based Possibilities, here.