In the past decade, a growing number of people have aimed to scale down their meat consumption as part of their efforts to reduce their ecological footprint. This has created a whole new segment of the global meat market – vegan meat alternatives. They are popular primarily in the US and other developed countries.
A growing number of companies have adapted to this trend and have introduced meat substitute products. That includes wholesale meat distributors, businesses in the restaurant industry, and other companies in the food service and manufacturing sectors. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share more details about vegan meat products and how business owners can benefit from this trend.
Key takeaway: Vegan meat is usually a plant-based alternative to regular meat products. It’s made of soy, pea protein, gluten, mushrooms, or other products and ingredients. The demand for vegan meat alternatives has increased drastically over the past decade and is expected to grow further.
What Is Vegan Meat
The term vegan meat refers to products that resemble meat in texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Vegan meat substitutes are made from protein-rich products like soy, pea protein, or wheat protein. The fact that meat is rich in protein and other nutrients is why it has been a crucial part of our diets forever. However, there are other protein sources that can be found in nature. That’s why there are various ingredients that can serve as protein-rich food alternatives to meat. Grains, legumes, dairy products, seeds, and nuts are the main sources of protein besides meat.
Some people also consider cultured meat to be a vegan meat alternative while others claim that it’s not vegan. It is a cultivated meat product that is laboratory-grown from animal cells with the help of tissue engineering techniques. As such, even though it is slaughter-free meat, it is still an animal product.
Most Popular Vegan Meat Alternatives
Soy Products
The majority of vegan meat substitutes found on the market are made of soy. Soybeans are legumes that are rich in protein, fiber, and fats. Tofu is one of the most popular meat alternatives. It’s made from condensed soy milk and can be used in various dishes. Tempeh (a fermented soy product) and soy flour can also be used as ingredients to create vegan meat substitutes. As plant-based meat alternatives made from soy have become increasingly popular, they are frequently used as vegan meat in restaurants. Some meat distribution companies also offer bulk plant-based products (including wholesale deli meats made from soy) as the demand for them continues to grow.
Gluten Products
Gluten is the main protein in wheat. It is used to make seitan, also called wheat meat. This traditional East Asian food has a chewy or stringy texture. Therefore, seitan might resemble meat more compared to some soy-based vegan meat products.
Legume-Based Products
Pea protein is the most common legume used to create vegan meat alternatives. Its low price and the fact that legumes are rich in proteins make pea protein isolate a popular ingredient for the vegan meat industry. An additional benefit is that it’s hypoallergenic compared to gluten. Lentils and chickpeas are other legumes used to create meat substitutes. These legumes are among the main sources of protein worldwide and it’s no surprise that dishes like lentil burgers and falafel are used as meat substitutes.
Mushroom Products
Portobello mushrooms are known for their dense texture that resembles meat. They can be used as an ingredient in burger patties. Fungal protein (commonly known as mycoprotein) is also used as a vegan meat alternative in products like Quorn.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Vegan Meat
Advantages of Vegan Meat Alternatives
- Environmental benefits. One of the major reasons for the popularity of meat substitutes is that they have a lower environmental footprint. That’s why there are various startups and new businesses in that sector. If you’re interested in the topic, check out our article on how to start a meat business.
- Health benefits. Plant-based vegan meat might be suitable for people with high cholesterol or people with certain dietary restrictions.
- Benefits for businesses. Restaurant managers and other business owners can benefit from the trend of vegan meat products. Dishes with such products can be used as part of a restaurant’s marketing or included in seasonal menus to test their success. Furthermore, as the demand for meat substitutes increases, companies that purchase them at wholesale prices can include higher markup when they sell them retail.
- Ethical considerations. Animal welfare is among the major reasons why many people choose to go vegan. Vegan meat alternatives give them the chance to enjoy food that resembles meat but is slaughter-free.
Disadvantages of Vegan Meat Alternatives
- High price. The production costs of vegan meat alternatives are often higher compared to the livestock agriculture sector. That’s why plant-based meat products often come at higher prices compared to beef or other meat inventory.
- Highly processed. Most vegan meat alternatives contain a variety of additives and artificial ingredients that help the product resemble meat in texture and flavor.
- Reduced nutritional value. Some vegan meat alternatives have higher caloric content and more fat compared to regular meat. Furthermore, they often lack important vitamins and minerals such as B12, iron, and zinc.
- Impaired texture and flavor. Plant-based meat substitutes are different in taste and texture compared to regular meat products. That’s why not all consumers of meat are eager to switch to meat substitutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Meat
BlueCart helps distributors and their customers streamline certain processes like ordering, price management, marketing, and invoicing. We offer various solutions for wholesalers who wish to automate their processes and businesses who wish to find reliable suppliers. We also share useful information and tips related to B2B sales and eCommerce. Below we’ve answered some common questions regarding vegan meat substitutes.
Is Cultured Meat Vegan?
There’s a debate about whether or not cultured meat should be considered vegan. On one hand, it’s made of animal cells that are grown in laboratory conditions. On the other hand, cultured meat is slaughter-free meat. There are both advantages and disadvantages to cultured meat and it’s up to the individual to decide whether or not it should be considered as a vegan meat alternative or not. Currently, cultured meat products come at a much higher price compared to plant-based meat alternatives. However, prices have been dropping as the market becomes more competitive and new innovations in the field are introduced.
Is Vegan Meat Healthy?
Yes. Vegan meat substitutes can be a great addition to a healthy diet. People who wish to include them in their everyday meals need to keep in mind that plant-based meat should not be their only protein source. A healthy diet should also include various legumes, leafy greens, and other vegetables that are rich in vitamins and fatty acids.
There are various brands that sell different types of meat substitutes. Some of these products can be significantly more expensive than beef and poultry. That’s why some companies try to reduce their cost of goods sold by using products with lower quality which may not be as healthy.
How Big Is the Vegan Meat Market?
The global market for vegan meat substitutes is rapidly growing and is expected to continue its exponential growth with more than 20% annually. According to research, the current size of the vegan meat market is 4.40 billion USD. The main reason for its growth is that meat alternatives become more affordable. Furthermore, as a lot of consumers aim to reduce their environmental impact, vegan substitutes are among the biggest meat trends. The US and other Western countries are leaders in this niche market. Brands in this field benefit a lot from selling meat online and offering convenient solutions like vegan meat subscriptions.