8 Top Vegan and Plant-Based Trends in 2024

The vegan and plant-based market is booming, with innovative products and sustainable practices leading the way. Here are the top trends in 2024.

1. Plant-Based Seafood

Sustainability is at the forefront, with plant-based seafood alternatives gaining popularity. Brands are creating products that mimic the taste and texture of fish using ingredients like konjac, soy, and pea protein. Notable products include vegan salmon, shrimp, and fish fillets.
 
  • Vegan Salmon by Oshi– Available in US restaurants, this product mimics the texture and flavor of traditional salmon. (Source: Eluxe Magazine)
  • Ocean Garden Vegan Shrimp – Made from konjac, this product offers a sustainable alternative to shrimp. (Source: PlanetFood News)
  • SeaSoy Fish Fillets – Soy-based fillets designed to replicate the texture of white fish. (Source: PlanetFood News)
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2. Fermentation and Cultivation

Fermented plant-based foods are on the rise, offering rich flavors and health benefits. This includes tempeh-based meats and fermented nut cheeses. The technology behind cultivated meats is also progressing, aiming to offer more sustainable meat alternatives.

  • Cultured Crisp Tempeh-Based Meats – These tempeh-based meats come in a variety of flavors, offering rich umami tastes. (Source: PlantFood News)
  • Fermento Vegan Cheese – A range of fermented nut-based cheeses that add complexity to vegan dishes. (Source: Plantet Food News)

3. Upcycled Foods

Food manufacturers are repurposing by-products into new, innovative products. This trend focuses on sustainability, with snacks and beverages made from spent grains, fruit peels, and vegetable pulp becoming more common.

  • Pulp Pantry Chips – Made from upcycled fruit and vegetable pulp, these chips are a sustainable snack options. (Source: PlantetFood News)
  • Fruit Water by Drink Waju – This beverage is derived from upcycled fruit and vegetables, providing a refreshing and eco-friendly option. (Source: PlantetFood News)
Waju

4. Whole Food Meat Replacements

Consumers are moving towards whole food-based meat replacements like walnuts, tempeh, legumes, and buckwheat, avoiding highly processed mock meats. This trend promotes healthier and more natural alternatives​.

  • Vegan “Ground Beef” from Power Hungry – A versatile and high-protein alternative made from natural ingredients like walnuts and legumes. (Source: PlanetFood News)
  • Jackfruit Pulled Pork by Jack of All Fruits – This canned young jackfruit in barbecue sauce mimics the texture of pulled pork. (Source: PlanetFood News)

5. Gut-Friendly Beverages

Probiotic sodas, kombucha, and other gut-friendly drinks are entering the mainstream. These beverages cater to the growing interest in digestive health and overall well-being​

  • Probiotic Soda – Beverages that combine carbonation with gut health benefits, available in various flavors. (Source: Eluxe Magazine)
  • Homemade Kombucha Kits– Allowing consumers to create their own kombucha at home, promoting digestive health. (Source: Eluxe Magazine)
Craft A Brew

6. Institutional Foodservice Expansion

Plant-based foods are expanding into institutional settings such as schools, corporate campuses, and healthcare facilities. This trend is driven by the nutritional benefits and broad appeal of plant-based options.

  • Plant-Based Meals in Schools – Schools are incorporating more plant-based meals into their menus, offering healthier options for students. (Source: The Food Institute)
  • Corporate Campus Cafeterias – Companies are adding plant-based options to their cafeteria menus to cater to the growing demand for vegan meals. (Source: The Food Institute)

7. Regenerative Agriculture

Products marketed with claims of regenerative agriculture are increasing. These products emphasize sustainable farming practices and enhanced traceability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers​.

  • Regeneratively Farmed Products – Brands are marketing products that use regenerative farming practices, emphasizing sustainability and soil health. (Source: The Food Institute)
  • Traceable Supply Chains – Companies are providing more information on the origins of their ingredients, promoting transparency and ethical sourcing. (Source: The Food Institute)

8. Nostalgic and Soulful Foods

“Newstalgia” is bringing back childhood favorites with a vegan twist. Additionally, hearty and comforting foods like soulful soups and stews are becoming popular, especially during colder months​.

  • Vegan Fruit Roll-Ups – A plant-based take on the nostalgic childhood snack, appealing to adult consumers.(Source: Eluxe Magazine)
  • Soulful Vegan Soups – Hearty options like Thai tom kha and classic tomato soup are becoming popular for their comforting qualities (Source: Eluxe Magazine)
Vegan Fruit Roll-Ups

These trends illustrate the diverse and innovative approaches the vegan and plant-based industry is taking to meet consumer demands for sustainable, healthy, and flavorful options in 2024.

By keeping up with these trends, consumers can enjoy a variety of innovative and sustainable vegan and plant-based products in 2024. The focus on health, sustainability, and flavor ensures that the plant-based revolution will continue to thrive.

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