Connect
To Top

The Ambitious Industry Of Plant-Based Foods

Food Adventures

You are eating a burger, and so are hundreds of thousands of other people. Imagine the number of animals sacrificed just so that people can eat meat, never mind other dishes. With animals getting consumed at such a fast pace, no wonder that some people think they are going to go extinct. So what could be the solution to this problem?

The answer is simple, to substitute every animal-based food with a plant-based product. This solution has been in practice for years now. As a result, the vegan industry is thriving. Nevertheless, innovators feel a huge gap that they have to bridge to stand equal with the animal-based food industry. People have been used to the texture and flavor of meat for centuries, and to replicate that essence in plant-based food is for sure a difficult trick to master.

 

Taste And Range: A Challenge Ahead

Taste and flavor are the kings when it comes to food. So now you can imagine why it is probably the biggest challenge that the plant-based food industry is facing. It is evident from the Kerry research, according to which, around 37 percent of buyers want a product that is better in taste.

Also, a limited range of plant-based protein products is a big problem as well, as 26 percent of people want a wider variety of plant-based products from which they can choose.

 

Unsatisfying Texture

Another major issue that the vegan food industry is facing is the problem of texture. Therese O’Rourke, Chief Technology Officer at Kerry, Europe & Russia, has said that many plant-based products mimic animal fat by using coconut oil and fat flavors to mimic the taste and juiciness of animal fat. The result of this approach tends to be a dry product without the typical meaty, juicy notes.

 

What Lies Ahead?

The plant-based food industry has a long way to go, which also happens to be great news for innovators as there is plenty of room for them to try out their ideas. The estimates are high as the plant-based food market in Europe is likely to climb up to a whopping €18.3 billion by 2023, which is enough for people to invest in it.

More inFood Adventures

Related Items

You must be logged in to post a comment Login