CATEGORY INSIGHTS: PLANT BASED
Candy, Kids Drinks and Condiments: Plant Based Innovations Push New Boundaries
According to a new survey, more than half of consumers are seeking plant based meal solutions
Brand survey finds Americans are vegan-curious
With widespread interest in plant-based meals, Americans are seeking mealtime shortcuts
The plant-based food movement is on the rise, which is why Amy’s Kitchen, the national leader of organic and vegetarian frozen and canned foods, surveyed over 2,000 Americans nationwide to better understand the motivations behind the meatless mindset. Amy’s Kitchen found that while a majority of Americans express a curiosity in vegan foods, parents are especially intrigued, with two thirds (66%) of parents saying they’re curious about vegan foods.
With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for “vegan recipes” and “vegetarian recipes”, it’s clear there is high demand for plant-based meals. The survey found that 52% of adults are vegan-curious and illustrated consumers’ desire for time-saving solutions to preparing plant-forward dishes. In fact, 56% of adults said they want shortcuts to plant-based meals.
Every individual may have their own unique reasons, but the survey revealed Americans’ most common motivators for purchasing or eating plant-based foods were their health (55%), a desire to protect the environment (34%) and they preferred the taste of plant-based ingredients (28%).
By all accounts, incorporating more plants into your diet has its benefits. But for many busy adults, especially parents, preparing nutritious, family-friendly meals can be challenging. The survey found that nearly seven in 10 (69%) parents struggle to find convenient meals they feel good about feeding their kids and seek shortcuts to plant-based meals.
For the 61% of parents surveyed who look for frozen meal options that make it easier to prepare a healthy family meal, Amy’s Kitchen offers a variety of kid-friendly favorites that taste homemade, like Amy’s Spinach Pizza, Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese and Amy’s Organic Black Bean Veggie Burgers. From scratch-made sauces to veggies and other organic ingredients, Amy’s recipes are cooked, then frozen just like you might freeze leftovers at home.
While food trends indicate Americans crave convenient mealtime solutions, the need for inclusive food products is even more pronounced for those with lifestyle dietary restrictions and the 32 million Americans who have food allergies. The survey found that 45% of parents say they or someone in their household have dietary restrictions, nearly half of all households, and 72% of those parents claim that finding prepared foods that meet their family’s needs is very or extremely challenging.
Amy’s Kitchen prioritizes inclusion when developing new recipes and therefore does not use any meat, peanuts, fish, shellfish or eggs in any of their recipes. With more than 120 vegan, 100 gluten free and dozens of Kosher products, those with food sensitivities and allergies have a variety of snack and meal options to consider.
Tally Foods plant-based milk for kids
New dairy-free beverage is made with chickpeas and contains 21 vitamins and minerals
Tally Foods recently introduced a new line of sugar-free, nutritious plant-based milk for kids powered by chickpeas.
Available in both original and chocolate varieties, tally KIDS is bringing the chickpea to the forefront, and they have used the chickpea to create the most nutritious plant-based milk on the planet. Chickpeas are loaded with health benefits and are not a Big 9 Allergen.
Nutritional biochemist Susan Marie Fluegel, PHD developed a blend of ingredients for optimal levels of nutrition for children aged 1 and older. Each carton contains 21 vitamins and minerals, 60mg Choline, 420mg Omega-3, Fiber, and a complete B-Vitamin complex.
Hershey's Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt and Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups
The iconic brands' newest chocolate confections made with dairy alternatives
As more people reach for plant-based snacks, The Hershey Company is offering two options for a milk chocolate alternative. The chocolatier announced the nationwide launch of Hershey's Plant Based and the new addition of Reese's Plant Based.
Whether an individual is vegan or simply looking to limit dairy, the iconic Reese's and Hershey's brands offer consumers another experience with its latest treats made with dairy alternatives: Hershey's Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt and Reese's Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups.
NotMayo, from Kraft Heinz and The Not Company
Regional introduction planned for nationwide roll-out later in 2023
Kraft Heinz and The Not Company created a joint venture in 2022 with the ambition to democratize plant-based foods. One year after forming the joint venture, the companies are continuing to push the momentum by making plant-based products more accessible and approachable. Recently, the companies introduced the regional launch of NotMayo, a plant-based mayo.
With a suggested retail price of $5.99, NotMayo brings value to consumers relative to other plant-based mayos in the category. The plant-based mayo is on store shelves regionally, with the goal to expand nationally and into Canada later in 2023. Through the joint venture, the companies continue to scale products in record time using an agile approach to working with and combining NotCo’s expertise with the scope of Kraft Heinz.
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