A recent study from Food Foundation highlights the growing interest in plant-based meat alternatives and their environmental and nutritional impacts. Environmentally, these products are consistently more sustainable than traditional animal products, offering significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. This makes them a valuable addition to any food retailer or foodservice operation committed to sustainability.

Nutritionally, plant-based alternatives tend to perform better than their animal counterparts. Many products boast superior nutritional profiles, such as higher fiber content and lower cholesterol compared to animal meat. However, some of these alternatives are still heavily processed and may not be the best choice for health-conscious customers. 

For customers focused on reversing chronic illness or improving athletic performance, cleaner labels and whole foods are preferable. Meanwhile, those primarily interested in a more sustainable diet can enjoy a broader range of plant-based options without the same level of concern.

As a food buyer, it’s important to educate yourself on the nuances of these products to stock an array of options that cater to different customer needs. Educating your customers is equally important, so they feel confident that their local store or restaurant is an ally in helping them find the foods that are right for their specific health and environmental goals.

To stay informed on the latest trends in plant-based foods, consider attending industry events such as Plant Based World Expo, taking place in North America (New York City) and Europe (London). The expo floor features a wide variety of protein products, ranging from traditional vegan foods like tempeh and tofu made with limited processing, to more recent developments in food technology made to mimic the tastes and textures of meat. 

Overall, moving towards cleaner labels is a trend across the board for the food industry. Plant-based food brands are introducing cleaner ingredients, as seen by major manufacturers like Beyond Meat introducing avocado oil instead of canola, or oat milk-maker Oatly introducing a version of their milk with only 4 simple ingredients.

Buyers who are well-informed on the benefits of plant-based products and the choices their customers face have the best chance of serving those customers’ needs and retaining their business. 

For more details on the findings of the Food Foundation study, read the full article on The Guardian.