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
- 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)
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)
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)
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)
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.