In the year 2017, the meat substitute market globally brought in a revenue of over 4 billion US dollars. Now, this industry is projected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% from the years 2018-2025.

The growing demand for meat-free substitutes can be attributed to the health benefits these products possess, like lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight, as well as supporting healthy bones and boosting heart health. According to the World Health Organization, in the year 2016 alone, 650 million people were reported to be obese, and 1.9 billion adults were deemed overweight. These statistics may help support why consumers are opting for healthier products.

The growth rate of the meat substitute market can also be attributed to the growing awareness of animal welfare issues, as the consumption of meat has also significantly dropped. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture reported in 2014 that poultry, red meat, and fish consumption on an edible basis dropped to 181 pounds a person compared to larger sums reported in 1983.

Soybean based products, like tofu and tempeh, are expected to drive the market because of their nutritional content, offering nutrients like calcium, protein, antioxidants, minerals, and linoleic acid. In fact, in Mexico, the domestic consumption of soybeans has grown to 4,700 thousands of metric tons!

Key, innovative players like Amy’s Kitchen, Beyond Meat, MorningStar Farms, Garden Protein International, and Archer Daniels Midland Company are currently dominating the meat-free market offering an array of healthy, meat substitutes to support consumer needs.

Do you want to opt for meat-free meals?

Leaving meat off of your plate is super easy, especially with all the meat substitutes popping up in our market today. We also have some delicious plant-based options available on our Food Monster App to check out!

Swedish Veggie Meatballs

Image Source: Swedish Veggie Meatballs

These veggie meatballs are loaded with flavor and are very inexpensive to prepare. Toss these “meat” balls in a creamy, cashew based sauce, and you have a delicious plant based meal!

Steak Sandwich 

Image Source: Steak Sandwich

This “steak” sandwich is absolutely mouthwatering. Silken tofu and vegan beef crumbles make up the heart of this sandwich and are accompanied by fried onions, sauteed mushrooms, and BBQ sauce!

Almond Taco Meat

Image Source: Almond Taco Meat

Almonds and kidney beans lend this taco filling its meatiness, while cumin, coriander, and red chili powder add a kick of flavor.

For more news like WOW! Research Finds 79% of Gen Zers Are Regularly Ditching Meat, we recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out! 

Lead Image Source: Meatless Meatball-Sub/One Green Planet