Notable efforts at producing plant-derived meat substitutes and analogs abound. And sports and energy food and beverage designers tapped into the value of protein for active bodies years ago. Further, with a major shift under way to reduce reliance on meat as a primary daily source of protein, ingredient technologists are engaged in providing high-value, technologically advanced protein alternatives.
“Today, six in ten of the US population 15-70 years old are cutting back on meat-based products and ingredients, while an additional 17% claim to have totally or largely eliminated them from their diets,” says Steven Walton, general manager at the research group HealthFocus International. “These new data from the just completed ‘HealthFocus U.S.’ consumer study identifies, sizes, and profiles the growing non-meat protein alternative market with insights for action.”