Global Meat Substitutes Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2031

Meat Substitutes Market Analysis

The meat substitutes market has been experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in technology and innovative methods. One of the latest methods includes the use of fermentation technology, which enhances the flavor and texture of plant-based proteins. Companies such as MycoTechnology are pioneering this approach, utilizing fungi to create mycelium-based products that mimic the texture of meat.

Moreover, 3D printing is emerging as a novel method, allowing for customizable shapes and textures, enhancing consumer appeal. This technology not only improves production efficiency but also caters to diverse dietary preferences. The extrusion technology has evolved, allowing for the production of high-protein, texturized plant products that closely resemble traditional meat in taste and appearance. For instance, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods employ this technology to create their popular plant-based patties.

Moreover, the incorporation of cellular agriculture is emerging, where lab-grown meat products are developed using animal cells, reducing the need for livestock farming. This method is gaining traction as consumers demand more sustainable and ethical food sources.

Meat Substitutes Market Size

The global meat substitutes market size was valued at USD 5.22 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.72 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.85% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, pricing analysis, brand share analysis, consumer survey, demography analysis, supply chain analysis, value chain analysis, raw material/consumables overview, vendor selection criteria, PESTLE Analysis, Porter Analysis, and regulatory framework.

Meat Substitutes Market Trends

“Growing Demand for Plant-Based Proteins”

One specific trend driving growth in the meat substitutes market is the increasing demand for plant-based proteins. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware, leading to a shift towards alternatives to traditional meat products. For instance, in January 2024, Continental Coffee Limited launched new vegan products under its meat substitutes brand, Continental Greenbird. These offerings include chicken-such as nuggets, chicken-such as seekh kebab, chicken-such as sausage, and mutton-such as keema, showcasing a commitment to delicious plant-based alternatives. By providing these options, Continental Greenbird aims to meet the rising consumer demand for meat substitutes, offering flavorful choices for those pursuing plant-based diets.

Report Scope and Meat Substitutes Market Segmentation   

Meat Substitutes Market Definition

Meat substitutes are food products designed to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of meat while using plant-based, fungal, or lab-grown ingredients. Commonly made from soy, peas, legumes, and grains, these alternatives cater to vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious consumers seeking to reduce meat consumption for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. Popular meat substitutes include tofu and tempeh, seitan, and other products which utilize innovative technologies to mimic animal proteins. The meat substitutes market is growing rapidly, driven by rising demand for sustainable food options and increasing awareness of animal welfare issues.

Meat Substitutes Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Demand for Soy in Meat Substitutes

The rising demand for soy in meat substitutes is driven by its complete amino acid profile, which is essential for human development. Raw soy contains all nine standard amino acids, making it a valuable ingredient in enhancing the nutritional quality of plant-based products. Its ability to improve water absorption, solubility, emulsification, viscosity, anti-oxidation, and texture is crucial for producing appealing alternatives to traditional meat. As consumer interest in diverse plant-based options grows, demand for soy is increasing for beef alternatives and also for chicken, pork, and seafood substitutes. This trend reflects innovative product development and marketing strategies within the plant-based industry, fueling market expansion. For instance, in October 2023, Beyond Meat celebrated a major milestone by launching the GO BEYOND GRILL, a dedicated concession stand at Madison Square Garden. This partnership with MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports positions Beyond Meat as the primary vegan meat substitute provider for the New York Knicks and Rangers. The initiative underscores the increasing acceptance and demand for plant-based options in high-profile venues, further promoting plant-based eating at sporting events.

• Increasing Vegetarian Population

The rise in the vegetarian population and the popularity of flexitarian diets significantly drive the meat substitutes market. These products are designed to closely mimic the texture, flavor, aroma, and appearance of animal meat, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters looking to reduce their consumption. Meat substitutes typically contain lower levels of saturated fat than traditional ground beef and are rich in fiber, iron, and folate. Ingredients such as coconut oil, beet juice, and vegetable protein extracts enhance their appeal. As consumer preferences shift toward healthier and more sustainable options, the demand for meat alternatives is expected to grow, further propelling market expansion in the coming years. For instance, in September 2023, MorningStar Farms launched the Steakhouse Style Burger, a premium plant-based alternative that captures the authentic flavors and textures of traditional steakhouse burgers. This new offering aims to deliver a satisfying experience for consumers seeking high-quality meat alternatives. MorningStar Farms remains committed to innovation in the plant-based sector, ensuring that diverse and flavorful options are available to meet various dietary preferences and needs.

Opportunities

• Influence of Celebrities and Media

The endorsement of plant-based diets by celebrities and influencers presents significant opportunities in the meat substitutes market. High-profile figures often inspire their followers to explore healthier, sustainable eating habits, leading to increased demand for meat alternatives. Documentaries such as What the Health and social media campaigns showcasing the benefits of plant-based diets further elevate awareness and consumer interest. As a result, brands can leverage this momentum by creating innovative, appealing products that align with the values promoted by these influencers. This cultural shift broadens the consumer base and also encourages food companies to invest in and diversify their meat substitute offerings. For instance, in November 2021, Tyson Foods Inc. announced the launch of its plant-based protein brand, Raised & Rooted, in Europe. This strategic move reflects Tyson's dedication to entering the growing plant-based market, responding to increasing consumer demand for sustainable protein sources. By introducing innovative plant-based products, Raised & Rooted aims to provide nutritious and flavorful options that align with the preferences of health-conscious consumers.

• Innovative Product Development

Innovative product development is driving significant opportunities in the plant-based meat market. Recent advancements in food technology, including 3D printing and fermentation processes, are producing more authentic and flavorful plant-based meats. For instance, in January 2022, ITC announced plans to develop a range of plant-based products in response to India's growing appetite for meatless meals. This includes vegan burgers and chicken-flavored patties, positioning ITC to tap into India's burgeoning plant-based substitute market. With these initiatives, ITC aims to cater to a demographic increasingly seeking healthier options, solidifying its role as a key player in the evolving meat alternatives sector.

Restraints/Challenges

• Taste and Texture

The taste and texture of meat substitutes significantly hinder market acceptance. Many consumers find it challenging to embrace these products due to their inability to accurately replicate the flavor and mouthfeel of traditional meat. Despite advancements in food technology, achieving the same juiciness, chewiness, and overall sensory experience of animal-derived meats remains elusive. This sensory gap deters potential buyers who are accustomed to conventional meat, fostering consumer skepticism and limiting broader adoption. As a result, brands struggle to compete effectively with traditional meat products, which can negatively impact the growth of the meat substitutes market and create obstacles for companies attempting to establish their presence.    

• Supply Chain Issues

Supply chain issues significantly hinder the plant-based meat market by affecting the availability and cost of crucial raw materials. The production of these products relies heavily on specific ingredients, including soy, pea protein, and other plant extracts, which agricultural fluctuations, climate change, and market demand can influence. Unexpected disruptions, such as adverse weather events or geopolitical tensions, can lead to shortages or price increases, impacting production efficiency. These fluctuations force manufacturers to alter pricing strategies, making plant-based meats less competitive compared to traditional meat products. Consequently, supply chain challenges impede market growth and limit consumer adoption of plant-based alternatives.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Meat Substitutes Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, category, form, and type. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Source

• Soy
• Wheat
• Mycoprotein
• Others

 Category

• Frozen
• Refrigerated
• Shelf-Stable

 Type

• Tofu and Tofu Ingredients
• Tempeh
• Textured Vegetable Protein
• Other Soy Products
• Seitan
• Quorn
• Other Meat Substitutes

 Form

• Solid
• Liquid

Meat Substitutes Market Regional Analysis

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, source, category, form, and type as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico in North America, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Italy, U.K., France, Spain, Netherland, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in Asia-Pacific (APAC), Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America as a part of South America, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the meat substitutes market and will continue to flourish its trend of dominance during the forecast period. The major factors attributable to the region’s dominance are the popularity of meat substitutes products among consumers.

North America is expected to show significant growth during the forecast period due to the rapid shift in consumers' diets from meat consumption to vegan or vegetarian products. In addition, in the U.S., people are more forced towards environmental, health, and ethical considerations, thus, they are switching to alternatives such as meat substitutes.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Meat Substitutes Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Meat Substitutes Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Ashland (U.S.)
• Dow (U.S.)
• Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (U.S.)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Exxon Mobil Corporation (U.S.)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• NALCO India (India)
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (U.S.)
• 3M (U.S.)
• FMC Corporation (U.S.)
• Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands)
• SNF Group (France)
• NASCO (U.S.)
• Clariant (Switzerland)
• Huntsman International LLC (U.S.)
• Orica Limited (Australia)
• ArrMaz (U.S.)
• Kemira (Finland)

Latest Developments in Meat Substitutes Market

• In May 2024, Tofurky made a significant impact at the National Restaurant Association Show by unveiling its new product line tailored for foodservice clients, featuring the Next Generation Plant-Based Deli Slices. This innovative offering is designed to enhance menu versatility for chefs and restaurant operators, catering to the growing consumer demand for plant-based foods that provide delicious, healthier alternatives in a dining setting
• In March 2024, The Kraft Heinz Not Company LLC announced the launch of NotHotDogs and NotSausages, expanding the Oscar Mayer brand's reach in the plant-based market. This collaboration with TheNotCompany, Inc. aims to deliver flavorful meat alternatives that appeal to a wide demographic. By focusing on taste and experience, they ensure that consumers can enjoy satisfying plant-based options without sacrificing flavor or quality
• In February 2024, Beyond Meat introduced its latest innovation, the Beyond IV platform, showcasing the fourth generation of its popular plant-based products, including the Beyond Burger and Beyond Beef. Set for a spring launch in U.S. stores, these new offerings promise improved taste and texture, aiming to attract a broader audience of plant-based enthusiasts. This advancement highlights Beyond Meat’s commitment to continuous innovation in meat alternatives
• In December 2023, Quorn, a leader in the U.K. meat-free market, reintroduced its popular vegetarian Quorn Fillet Pieces, renowned for their quality and flavor. This versatile ingredient is suitable for a variety of dishes, reaffirming Quorn's dedication to delivering tasty meat alternatives. By focusing on nutrition and taste, Quorn continues to strengthen its position in the expanding plant-based market, catering to health-conscious consumers
• In August 2023, Beyond Meat, Inc. expanded its burger lineup with the introduction of the Beyond Stack Burger, designed to offer an extraordinary taste experience. This innovative product reflects Beyond Meat's commitment to quality and flavor, catering to evolving consumer preferences for plant-based options. By providing satisfying meals that emphasize health and sustainability, Beyond Meat encourages more individuals to embrace a plant-based lifestyle

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