Meat-Free

Lack of meat doesn’t equal lack of flavor. See how meat-free options are opening new avenues to menu creativity and sales.

TREND 4

Meat-Free

CREATIVE, CRAVEWORTHY SANDWICHES CAN BE ON-TREND AND MEAT-FREE

As plant-based meat alternatives grow, so too do sandwich possibilities. The days of alfalfa sprouts on wheat have made way for truly creative sandwich combinations that mix new plant-based options like fried plant-based chicken and faux fish with unique and delicious toppings. According to NielsenIQ, plant-based meat options are growing exponentially due to three factors: a greater shift in consumer behavior toward health, wellness, and social issues; product innovation that has improved the taste, quality, and variety of meat-free foods; and an increase in dollars invested in plant-based innovation and competition.

According to NPD’s Eating Patterns in America, 78% of consumers prefer to eat meat analogues at restaurants and other foodservice outlets rather than at home.

The term “meat substitute” can be a stand-in for more than a dozen items ranging from seitan to tempeh to tofu. One of the most popular places for consumers to enjoy faux meat, or meat analogues, is in foodservice. In fact, NPD research reports that in 2019 more than 11,000 commercial operators began purchasing meat analogue burgers after the introduction of the Impossible Burger the year prior, with 93.5% keeping meat-free burgers on the menu. Innovation has since branched out to include plant-based meatballs, sausages, chicken, seafood, pork, and more in classic and creative sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time.

On the Menu

Cheese steak made with plant-based meat, melted American cheese, mushrooms, and onions
Roasted cauliflower topped with Chinese and Thai eggplant spread, carrots, cucumbers, and chili soy
Two slices of “neatloaf” made from grains, eggs, ricotta cheese, tofu, and spices, blended and baked. Topped with tangy tomato-based sauce and served on vegan whole wheat-seeded bread
“Catfish” Tofu Sandwich: cornmeal battered fried tofu, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun
Plant-based bourbon BBQ fried chicken sandwich with creamy slaw, pickles, and chili garlic aioli on a sesame seed bun

According to the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based meat and fish-free seafood have increased 74% since 2018, and it’s not solely due to vegans and vegetarians. Research shows that 98% of Americans who buy plant-based meat also purchase animal meat. This means that the market for plant-based meats may be much larger than originally predicted. Consumers may not be ready to give up animal meat altogether, but with experts predicting that pricing could sway more consumers to choose faux over real meat, those days could arrive sooner rather than later.

A Toast to Health

Consumers have a renewed interest in beverages that promote healing and stress reduction. Mintel research has found an increase in drinks that promise immune-boosting properties, such as juices containing high levels of vitamin C, and teas, such as blue butterfly pea tea, with antioxidant properties. Fermented beverages, such as kombucha, designed to improve gut health, have been growing in popularity, along with ingredients such as L-Theanine, which offer relaxing benefits.

Offer a hot sandwich that’s also meat free. Grab this easy and delicious grilled cheese recipe

_{^{Sources: NielsenIQ, Growing Demand for Plant-Based Proteins, September 2021; NPD, Consumers’ Top Plant-Based Choices at Home Are Dairy Alternatives, and From Restaurants, It’s Meat Analogues, November 2020; National Restaurant Association, Plant-Based Meats Create a Paradigm Shift for Consumers, July 2020; VegNews, Plant-Based Food Sales Up 54 Percent to 7.4 Billion Since 2018, March 2022; VegNews, Plant-Based Meat Will Be Cheaper Than Animal Meat Sooner Than You Think, February 2022; Mintel, 3 Drink Trends to Watch-Out for in 2022, January 2022.}}