Meat Analog Magic: Has Meatless Gone Mainstream?

A new type of vegetarian, the “lifestyle consumer,” is driving the growth in meatless alternatives and meat analogs, as these primarily health-concerned consumers constitute a growing base for these products.

Over the years, the definition of vegetarianism has grown to reflect a new category of consumer, the “lifestyle consumer.” These health driven consumers are now contributing to the expanding consumer base for meatless products, and consequently a new range of products are entering the marketplace to satisfy these consumers.

R & D in this area is focused on new applications for soy and vegetable proteins, and the main advancements in the area have been to remove “beany” flavors and improve texture.