Meat Alternatives are Here to Stay

Consumer expectations are growing when it comes to meat alternatives – and convincing texture is crucial for success

Until a few years ago, people who opted for a meatless lifestyle had to accept sacrifices in terms of indulgence when it came to meat alternatives. The market was limited – not least because those who lived a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle for animal welfare reasons were not necessarily looking for a “meat-like” sensory experience and were happy with a nut roast. Today, however, subjects like factory farming, with all its ethical and environmental implications, have had an impact on what most consumers put on their tables. As a result, those who actually enjoy eating meat and, as flexitarians, occasionally consciously abstain from animal products, want more from their meat substitutes. In particular, the texture must be right and it must provide a meat-like bite. With BeneoPro W-Tex, BENEO has developed a textured wheat protein that satisfies these demands and delivers authentic imitation meat.

The market research company Global Data predicts compound annual growth of 5.3 percent for this product category in Western Europe over the next five years. Bolognese sauces made from textured wheat, burgers from pea protein and sausages from tofu: products based on alternative vegetable protein sources are booming. Recent studies show that one in three consumers in Germany, France and the United Kingdom regularly choose imitation meat products. They perceive vegetable proteins as being natural and healthy. And it’s true: they are low in LDL cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, but extremely rich in vitamins.