Alternatives to typically consumed animal protein products come from a variety of sources. While the media are abuzz with news of meat and dairy analogs from sources such as such as algae, insects, microbial biomass, and cultivated animal, plants still rule the meat and dairy substitute kingdom.
Today’s vegetarians, vegans, and especially flexitarians are increasingly turning to plant-based options to take the place of meat and dairy. Citing everything from the environmental and health impact of conventional protein choices to ethical and sustainability concerns, consumers are eagerly sinking their teeth into burgers, bacon, and brats made from plants and washing them down with milk from nuts and seeds. The combined annual sales of meat and dairy analogs from plants total more than $1 billion.