New Protein Alternatives Are Gaining Acceptance
New and upcoming alternative protein sources are starting to hit the market.
Whether for health or ethical reasons or just plain preference, consumers are warming up to new alternative protein sources—from nuts and seeds, to seaweed and algae, to insects.1,2 Food manufacturers are getting inventive, and consumers are becoming more accepting of these new protein sources as demand for animal-based protein slows.3,4
The most common non-animal proteins used in the present market are soy, pea and whey proteins, and it’s predicted their presence will continue to become more ubiquitous.5
While soy-based foods, including tofu, tempeh and other soy products6 will take the lion’s share of the alternative protein market (up to 80 percent in the next ten years), second- and third-generation proteins are expected to grow at a fast pace in the coming years.7 Second-generation plant proteins include pea, rice and canola, while third-generation alternative proteins include insects, algae and synthetic biology sources, according to Lux Research.8
Several trends are driving consumers toward finding protein alternatives and reducing meat consumption, including food safety, ethical concerns, and food allergies and intolerances.9 Additional drivers are the desire for increased protein intake as part of health and wellness, reducing the environmental footprint associated with producing traditional proteins, and perceived health benefits associated with plant-based proteins.10
“Novel protein sources beyond meat and fish are finding opportunities for growth within the once static protein industry,” according to Camilla Stice, a Lux Research analyst. “Consumer preference, concerns over the planet’s ability to produce sufficient meat, impact of livestock agriculture on the environment, and mounting scientific advances are driving the changing protein demand.”11
According to Mintel, nearly 30 percent of Americans say they are eating more non-animal sources of protein.12 Notably, more than half of U.S. consumers indicate they prefer to get their protein from foods that are naturally high in the nutrient, versus fortified with protein.13 Nuts, seeds, tofu and other soy products, legumes, seaweed, algae, duckweed, rapeseed and some whole grains are emerging as potentially viable alternative proteins that may be used in myriad ways in food processing.14,15
“With the growing interest in protein and its many health benefits, alternative protein sources will be appearing in more mainstream applications,” according to Mintel.16 Food products can be fortified with protein by adding the fractionated concentrates and isolates of plant-based proteins.17 Manufacturers may even combine different types of protein sources to maximize taste, texture and cost, while also considering consumer demand.18 These alternative protein ingredients can be applied in various ways such as, breakfast foods, ready-to-drink beverages, and snacks, which may provide opportunities for consumers to spread their protein intake throughout the day.19,20
Slightly less than a third of U.S. consumers have not yet eaten, but are interested in trying plant, marine and insect proteins.21 Algal protein is a vegan, quality protein source that has been on the rise, with new product introductions with algae ingredients nearly doubling in the last five years.22 Duckweed, tiny plants often found blanketing the water’s surface, is also a plant-based protein source that can be harvested and ground into a flour containing 68 percent protein, which food company, Parabel, calls Lentein.23Furthermore, Exo, a food bar company, grinds dried crickets into flour as a protein source for their bars. Sixty-five percent of a cricket’s makeup is protein, according to Exo, compared to 23 percent for chicken.24 The company also touts that crickets produce 100 times fewer greenhouse gases than cows and require far less water than other livestock.25
As alternative proteins continue to rise, some products may encounter challenges in the marketplace, especially if they try to mimic meat.26 Mintel reports that just over one-third of current meat alternative consumers believe the products are healthier than meat from animal sources; 45 percent believe these products are too processed; and 42 percent say the products are too high in sodium.27
“The protein alternative market must embrace its role as a true alternative to meat by delivering options that are not necessarily intended to mimic meat but to stand in their own right,” according to William Roberts, Jr., Senior Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel.28
[1] Jacques, Carole. 24 Feb 2015. “Alternative Proteins to Claim a Third of the Market by 2054.” Lux Research, Inc. Accessed on 13 May 2016. Retrieved from http://www.luxresearchinc.com/news-and-events/press-releases/read/alternative-proteins-claim-third-market-2054
[2] Packaged Facts. 24 Feb 2016. “A Fertile Market for Plant Proteins.” Accessed on 13 May 2016. Retrieved from: http://www.packagedfacts.com/about/release.asp?id=3866
[3] Jacques, Carole.
[4] Packaged Facts.
[5] Pang, Kevin and Pranata, Joice. 4 May 2016. Lux Research, Inc. Email interview.
[6] “Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[7] Jacques, Carole.
[8] Jacques, Carole.
[9] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[10] Pang, Kevin and Pranata, Joice.
[11] Jacques, Carole.
[12] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[13] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[14] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[15] Fernandez, Colin. 14 Jul 2015. Updated 15 Jul 2015. “Would You Eat Pond Weed? Protein-rich powder made from duckweed could help feed the world.” The Daily Mail. Accessed on 13 May 2016. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3161195/Would-eat-pond-scum-Protein-rich-powder-duckweed-help-feed-world.html
[16] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[17] Packaged Facts.
[18] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[19] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[20] Packaged Facts.
[21] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[22] Mintel. 2014. “Alternatives everywhere!” Mintel Group Ltd.
[23] Fernandez, Colin.
[24] Exo, Inc. “Why Crickets?” Accessed on 13 May 2016. Retrieved from ExoProtein.
[25] Exo, Inc. “Exo Fact Sheet 2016.” Exo media kit. Accessed on 13 May 2016. Retrieved from ExoProtein.
[26] Mintel. Jan 2015. “Executive Summary. The Protein Report: Meat Alternatives.” Mintel Group Ltd. U.S.
[27] Mintel. Jan 2015. “Executive Summary. The Protein Report: Meat Alternatives.” Mintel Group Ltd. U.S.
[28] Mintel. Jan 2015. “Executive Summary. The Protein Report: Meat Alternatives.” Mintel Group Ltd. U.S.