Over the past few years, the popularity of plant-based foods has skyrocketed, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. As more people adopt vegetarian and vegan diets, restaurants are starting to take notice and adjust their menus accordingly. In fact, plant-based foods are now one of the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant industry, and this trend is only expected to continue in the future.
Plant-Based Foods Trend: Insights from Food & Beverage Magazine
Indeed, the future of plant-based foods in the restaurant industry looks bright. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global plant-based food market is expected to reach $74.2 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9%. This growth is being driven by a combination of factors, including increasing consumer demand, new product innovations, and more investment in the plant-based food industry.
Before you add plant-based options to your menu, consider the reasons why consumer palettes and diets are headed in this direction. Here are the three drivers you should consider:
- Health Considerations. One reason for the rise of plant-based foods is that more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. As a result, many people are choosing to eat more plant-based meals, and restaurants are responding by adding more vegetarian and vegan options to their menus.
- Environmental Impact. Another reason for the growth of plant-based foods in the restaurant industry is the increasing concern about the environmental impact of meat production. The livestock industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and many people are turning to plant-based diets as a way to reduce their carbon footprint. Restaurants are starting to recognize this trend and are incorporating more plant-based options into their menus in response.
- Ethical Concerns. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to adopt vegetarian and vegan diets than previous generations, and they are also more likely to prioritize ethical and sustainable food choices. A significant part of the growing demand for plant-based foods among younger consumers, who consider them “flexitarian.” As these demographics gain more purchasing power, restaurants will need to offer more plant-based options to stay competitive.
Restaurants that want to stay ahead of the curve will need to incorporate more plant-based options into their menus. This doesn’t necessarily mean going completely vegetarian or vegan, but rather offering more choices for customers who are looking for plant-based meals. For example, restaurants can offer vegetarian or vegan versions of popular dishes, allow consumers to easily “pick their protein” for a dish, or create entirely new dishes that feature plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Overall, the future of plant-based foods in the restaurant industry looks promising. As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, restaurants will need to adapt to meet this growing demand. By offering more plant-based options, restaurants can attract new customers, appeal to younger consumers, and stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly crowded market.
Read Also: The Importance of Plant-Based Food Alternatives – F & B Magazine
Written by Lauren Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Full Course
