Plant based trends in 2024

January 12, 2024

In the past few years, the plant-based field has experienced a rapid growth stage and has become an important innovation field in the food and beverage industry. However, it is worth mentioning that plant based research is still in its early stages and is expected to make breakthroughs in a broader field in the coming years.

The rapid development of plant-based ingredients, from mushroom ingredients to natural sugar substitutes, provides everyone with diverse choices.

mushroom

For thousands of years, mushrooms have been a part of our diet. Mushrooms have become a very popular alternative to meat. Consumers have an increasing number of mushroom products to choose from. With the important role of mushrooms in future meat substitutes, we can look forward to more discussions around this ancient natural ingredient.

Plant chocolate

The plant-based industry has experienced a turbulent year in 2023, with many claiming that it has reached its peak. However, there is still a lot of innovation in many sub industries of the industry, especially in the plant-based chocolate market. Some manufacturers have launched a series of special editions of low calorie plant-based chocolates, which are ketone free and gluten free and made from oat milk. In 2024, we can see more healthy plant-based alternatives to meet people's demand for dairy substitutes and stronger chocolate, which can meet the needs of consumers who value health and environmental protection.

Seaweed category

In 2023, we also witnessed the widespread application of various seaweed categories in the plant-based industry, whether in food production or as specialty ingredients on the dining table.

For a long time, seaweed and marine vegetables have played important roles in the food and beverage industry, but in recent months, their presence has shown significant growth in the plant-based market. This surge can be attributed to their high nutritional value, which includes essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, Vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium.

In addition to its nutritional value, seaweed also makes significant contributions to the flavor characteristics of plant-based products, especially those that replicate the taste of seafood. Seaweed and other ingredients have been proven to be transformative in creating plant-based seafood alternatives. Due to the surge in demand for this raw material, the Netherlands even established the first organic farm specifically producing seaweed for European consumers. Overall, seaweed will continue to grow in the coming years.

Plant based coffee

Instant coffee products are opening up an important niche market in the beverage market, with plant-based coffee choices leading the market towards healthier and more sustainable alternatives. The instant coffee industry is ready to take advantage of this trend and provide consumers with a plant-based refreshing beverage.

Egg substitute

The popularity of egg substitutes is also increasing and will continue until 2024. Plant based eggs are a product of cutting-edge food science and culinary innovation. Enterprises are using various plant sources such as mung beans, chickpeas, and algae to create texture and taste similar to eggs, imitating the diversity of traditional eggs.

An outstanding product that caused a sensation in this field is "Just Egg" launched by Eat Just, which is made from mung bean protein. In addition, the plant-based egg brand Yo Egg has launched plant-based poached eggs in the Los Angeles area of the United States. These products not only satisfy the taste buds of vegetarians and vegetarians, but also attract health conscious consumers seeking cholesterol free choices.

Plant based functional beverages

As health conscious consumers search for products that meet their health goals, plant-based functional soft drinks are accelerating their gaming. Many leading brands not only leverage the power of natural plant ingredients, but also add important micronutrients to their products. One trend is that there is an increasing number of energy drinks made from ingredients such as Madeira tea, Guarana, and ginseng. These plant ingredients can provide energy for consumers while avoiding artificial irritants, which is in line with the increasing emphasis on health among consumers.

Natural sugar substitutes

Traditional energy drinks or soft drinks often contain extra sugar and lack beneficial nutrients, causing consumers to worry about the link between excessive sugar intake and obesity. The shift in public awareness has prompted beverage manufacturers to produce low sugar or zero sugar products. With the rise of natural sugar substitutes such as siraitia grosvenorii and stevia, this trend will continue until 2024 and beyond.

Author:

Ms. Anne

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sales13@huikes.com

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