The plant-based foods movement has grown from a niche lifestyle choice to a mainstream phenomenon, capturing the attention of consumers, chefs, and food producers alike. As we stand at the crossroads of health-conscious living, environmental sustainability, and culinary innovation, it’s vital to understand the dynamic landscape of plant-based trends. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a flexitarian looking to incorporate more plant-based options, or a curious food enthusiast, these trends are set to impact the way you think about food and the choices you make on your plate.
To gain a deeper understanding of the plant-based trends in the evolving foods industry, we engaged with six experts, including a nutritionist and a digital strategist. Their responses, spanning from the surge in plant-based milk alternatives to the emphasis on clean, recognizable ingredients, provide valuable insights into the comprehensive landscape of the new plant-based trends that are shaping this dynamic industry
- Surge in Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
- Trend Towards Minimal Ingredient Milks
- Rise of Plant-Based Seafood Alternatives
- Demand for Ethical and Transparent Sourcing
- Innovation in Whole-Cut Plant-Based Meats
- Emphasis on Clean, Recognizable Ingredients
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Surge in Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
A notable trend in the plant-based food industry that has recently garnered significant attention is the surge in plant-based milk alternatives. Grocery store shelves now feature a wide variety of non-dairy milk options, ranging from nut and seed milks to legume and grain-based alternatives. These range from almond milk and soy milk to oat milk.
The rising popularity of plant-based milk is closely tied to consumers’ growing concern for both their personal health and the well-being of the planet. In recent years, the majority of coffee shops and restaurants have also embraced these non-dairy options, further fueling the adoption of milk alternatives.
The upward trajectory of plant-based milks shows no signs of slowing down, as they continue to gain popularity for their health benefits and taste.
Lisa Young, Nutritionist and Author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, Dr. Lisa Young Nutrition
Trend Towards Minimal Ingredient Milks
Plant-based milks are trending towards “clean label” or “minimal ingredient” products, as health-conscious consumers seek shorter, natural ingredient lists. There is increasing research suggesting that certain emulsifiers may be tied to negatively altering the gut microbiome, possibly exacerbating conditions like Crohn’s disease and colitis (IBD forms).
Given these health concerns and the demand for more natural products, manufacturers are innovating. They’re aiming to produce milks with good texture and consistency, without these food additives, reflecting the move towards whole, unprocessed foods in the industry.
Danielle Gaffen, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Eat Well Crohn’s Colitis
Rise of Plant-Based Seafood Alternatives
One emerging trend in the plant-based foods industry is the increasing popularity of plant-based seafood alternatives. As people become more conscious of the environmental impact of traditional seafood production and the ethical concerns related to overfishing, there’s a growing demand for sustainable and vegan seafood options.
Companies are now developing plant-based versions of seafood classics like fish filets, shrimp, and crab cakes using ingredients such as algae, seaweed, and various plant proteins. I’ve even seen kelp “noodle” options. These alternatives aim to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional benefits of seafood while reducing the industry’s ecological footprint.
This trend aligns with the broader shift toward environmentally friendly and ethical food choices and offers consumers more diverse options within the plant-based diet spectrum.
Rhianna Jones, Registered Nurse, CanXida
Demand for Ethical and Transparent Sourcing
In the plant-based food industry, the need for consumers to know where their food is sourced from and if it’s done so properly is a growing concern. They want reassurance about ethical and sustainable sourcing.
To address this concern, companies are responding by providing transparency on ingredient origins, ensuring responsible practices, and helping consumers make informed choices.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO and Founder, Ingredient Brothers
Innovation in Whole-Cut Plant-Based Meats
Unlike earlier products that mimicked ground meat, companies are now creating plant-based alternatives to steaks, chicken breasts, and fish filets. Achieving the distinct texture and mouthfeel of whole animal muscle tissue requires innovative techniques. Some businesses are exploring 3D printing and shear cell technology.
As the plant-based movement grows, consumer demand for diverse and authentic meat-like experiences drives this shift towards more complex meat alternatives.
Alex Bayev, Chef, Founder, BayevsKitchen
Emphasis on Clean, Recognizable Ingredients
One emerging trend in plant-based foods is prioritizing clean, recognizable ingredients. Consumers increasingly demand transparency about what’s in their food and read labels closely. They favor products with short, simple ingredient lists over those with lab-created additives.
People believe stripping away complex chemical components to focus on whole, minimally processed foods will provide greater purity and nutrition. This “clean label” movement is especially popular among health-conscious demographics like millennials and Gen Z. A challenge for plant-based brands is maintaining quality standards with fewer, cleaner ingredients.
Those committed to this trend are finding solutions like using natural binding agents and preservatives or optimizing recipes. As more consumers scrutinize production processes, plant-based companies focused on sourcing recognizable, ethically produced ingredients will continue leading the market. The emphasis on transparency and simplicity is growing.
Mona Kirstein, Ph.D., Digital Strategist, Holistic Coach and Consultant, The Wholehearted Path