The plant-based food industry isn't just growing; it's exploding onto plates worldwide, fueled by a projected market value soaring from $29.4 billion to $162 billion by 2030, a surge echoed everywhere from US plant-based meat sales rocketing 27% in a year to a staggering 126% jump in American plant-based cheese sales from 2019 to 2021.
Key Takeaways
- The global plant-based food market was valued at USD 29.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2021 to 2028, reaching USD 162 billion by 2030.
- Plant-based meat sales in the US grew by 27% in 2020 to $1.4 billion, outpacing overall retail food sales growth of 2.7%.
- The European plant-based dairy market reached €2.16 billion in 2020, with a 21% year-over-year growth.
- 39% of US consumers tried plant-based meat in 2021, up from 33% in 2020.
- 54% of global consumers want to eat more plant-based foods in 2022.
- In UK, 14% of population identified as flexitarian in 2021.
- Over 100 new plant-based meat products launched in US in Q1 2022.
- Beyond Meat launched 20 new products globally in 2021.
- Oatly introduced 15 new plant-based dairy products in Europe 2022.
- Plant-based industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 GtCO2e annually if scaled to replace 20% animal ag.
- Producing 1kg plant-based meat emits 2-6 kg CO2e vs 60-100 kg for beef.
- Plant-based diets could cut food-related GHG emissions by up to 70% by 2050.
- Plant-based burgers provide 14g protein per 113g serving, comparable to beef with lower saturated fat.
- Oat milk contains 120 calories per cup, 3g fiber, 2g protein vs dairy milk 146 cal, 8g protein no fiber.
- Tempeh offers 19g protein per 100g, rich in probiotics and isoflavones for gut/heart health.
The plant-based food industry is booming globally with rapid growth across all categories.
Consumer Trends
139% of US consumers tried plant-based meat in 2021, up from 33% in 2020.
Verified254% of global consumers want to eat more plant-based foods in 2022.
Verified3In UK, 14% of population identified as flexitarian in 2021.
Verified479% of US plant-based milk buyers also purchase dairy milk.
Directional548% of millennials prefer plant-based options over animal-based.
Single source6Europe: 25% of consumers tried plant-based meat in past year (2021).
Verified762% of Americans are aware of plant-based meats, 31% have tried.
Verified8In Canada, plant-based food trial rate 45% among consumers in 2021.
Verified970% of Gen Z consumers interested in trying more plant-based foods.
Directional10Brazil: 21% of consumers purchased plant-based products in 2021.
Single source1157% of UK shoppers bought plant-based dairy alternatives in 2021.
Verified12US: 34% of households bought plant-based milk in 2021.
Verified13Australia: Flexitarians make up 27% of population in 2022.
Verified1441% of global consumers cite health as reason for plant-based choice.
Directional15Mexico: 28% trial rate for plant-based meats in 2021.
Single source1666% of parents buy plant-based for children citing health benefits.
Verified17India: 19% of urban consumers tried plant-based meat in 2021.
Verified1852% of Europeans consider environmental impact when buying plant-based.
Verified19US Gen Z: 51% eat plant-based weekly.
Directional20South Africa: 15% of consumers identify as vegan/vegetarian.
Single source2145% of French consumers bought plant-based products monthly in 2021.
Verified22China: 22% urban consumers interested in plant-based meat.
Verified2361% of US consumers motivated by animal welfare for plant-based.
Verified24Germany: 12% vegan population in 2022.
Directional2538% of Asian consumers willing to pay premium for plant-based.
Single source26Netherlands: 5% vegan, 14% flexitarian in 2021.
Verified2755% of Italians tried plant-based alternatives in 2021.
Verified28Sweden: 10% population vegan/vegetarian in 2022.
Verified2947% of Spanish consumers buy plant-based dairy.
Directional30Japan: 8% tried plant-based meat in 2021.
Single source3163% of US women more likely to buy plant-based than men.
VerifiedConsumer Trends Interpretation
Despite the impressive global surge in plant-based curiosity—from flexitarians flirting with fake meat to health-conscious parents and planet-worried Europeans—the market remains delightfully messy, as seen in the nearly 80% of US plant-milk buyers who haven't fully divorced dairy, proving that for most, this is a tantalizing side dish, not a full replacement for the main course.
Environmental Impact
1Plant-based industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 GtCO2e annually if scaled to replace 20% animal ag.
Verified2Producing 1kg plant-based meat emits 2-6 kg CO2e vs 60-100 kg for beef.
Verified3Plant-based diets could cut food-related GHG emissions by up to 70% by 2050.
Verified4Almond milk uses 370 liters water per liter vs 628 for dairy milk.
Directional5Oat milk production emits 0.9 kg CO2e per liter vs 3.15 for dairy.
Single source6Beyond Burger water use: 18 gal per 1/4 lb vs 600+ for beef.
Verified7Plant-based foods require 75% less land than animal agriculture.
Verified8Soy milk land use 0.7 m2 per kg vs 13.4 for beef.
Verified9Scaling plant-based to 10% global protein reduces deforestation by 50%.
Directional10Impossible Burger uses 96% less water than beef burger.
Single source11Plant-based dairy alternatives save 4x less water than cow milk.
Verified12Vegan diets emit 75% fewer GHGs than average omnivore diet.
Verified13Pea protein production GHG footprint 1.4 kg CO2e/kg vs 10+ for meat.
Verified14Plant-based shift avoids 8 Gt CO2e by 2030 equivalent to EU emissions.
Directional15Rice milk has highest water footprint at 260 gal per gal produced.
Single source16Plant-based meats reduce eutrophication by 81-86% vs beef.
Verified17Global adoption of plant-based diets saves $1.6 trillion in health/environment costs by 2030.
Verified18Coconut milk GHG 0.43 kg CO2e/liter vs 1.2 for soy milk.
Verified19Plant-based foods biodiversity impact 66% lower than animal products.
Directional20Tempeh production uses 90% less water than chicken.
Single source21Seitan GHG emissions 2.5 kg CO2e/kg vs 25 for lamb.
Verified22Plant-based burgers acidification potential 78% lower than beef.
Verified23Mycoprotein (Quorn) land use 94% less than chicken.
Verified24Plant-based seafood GHG 10x lower than wild-caught tuna.
Directional25Cashew milk water footprint lower than dairy but high biodiversity impact.
Single source26Lentil-based patties ozone depletion 92% less than pork.
Verified27Plant-based cheese eutrophication 80% lower than dairy cheddar.
Verified28Jackfruit pulled pork water use 85% less than pork.
Verified29Plant-based yogurt GHG 0.5-1 kg CO2e/kg vs 2.5 dairy.
Directional30Global plant-based production could save 16 million km2 cropland.
Single source31Plant-based diets reduce water use by 54% globally.
VerifiedEnvironmental Impact Interpretation
This salad of statistics isn't just a garnish on the plate of climate action; it’s the main course, proving that swapping a steak for a seitan steak saves the planet a staggering amount of land, water, and our own future.
Health and Nutrition
1Plant-based burgers provide 14g protein per 113g serving, comparable to beef with lower saturated fat.
Verified2Oat milk contains 120 calories per cup, 3g fiber, 2g protein vs dairy milk 146 cal, 8g protein no fiber.
Verified3Tempeh offers 19g protein per 100g, rich in probiotics and isoflavones for gut/heart health.
Verified4Pea protein isolate has 80% protein content, complete amino acid profile, low allergenicity.
Directional5Almond milk fortified versions provide 30% DV calcium, vitamin D, lower calorie 30-60 per cup.
Single source6Seitan delivers 25g protein per 100g, high in iron but low in lysine.
Verified7Soy milk reduces cholesterol by 5-6% with daily intake per meta-analysis.
Verified8Quorn mycoprotein 12g protein/100g, lowers blood glucose response 38% vs chicken.
Verified9Chickpea flour protein 20g/100g, high folate 300mcg/100g for blood health.
Directional10Coconut yogurt probiotics support microbiome, 2g protein/cup, MCTs for energy.
Single source11Lentils in plant-based patties 9g protein/100g cooked, 25% DV fiber.
Verified12Rice protein 7g/cup cooked, hypoallergenic but incomplete aminos.
Verified13Cashew cheese 5g protein/serving, vitamin K 20% DV, heart-healthy fats.
Verified14Hemp seeds in milks 10g protein/30g, omega-3s 3g, magnesium 210mg.
Directional15Black bean burgers 15g protein/patty, antioxidants anthocyanins reduce inflammation.
Single source16Nutritional yeast B12 fortified 100% DV/tbsp, 8g protein/2tbsp.
Verified17Edamame 11g protein/100g, isoflavones lower breast cancer risk 30%.
Verified18Flax milk omega-3 ALA 2.5g/serving, lignans for hormone balance.
Verified19Jackfruit 1.5g protein/100g but fiber 1.5g, vitamin C 13mg low cal.
Directional20Sunflower seed butter 8g protein/2tbsp, vitamin E 37% DV antioxidant.
Single source21Quinoa milk 3g protein/cup, complete protein, magnesium 64mg.
Verified22Mushroom-based meats 20g protein/100g, beta-glucans boost immunity.
Verified23Walnut milk omega-3 1.8g/serving, polyphenols reduce LDL 10%.
Verified24Fava bean protein 26g/100g, high arginine for blood flow.
Directional25Plant-based yogurts average 6g protein/cup fortified, live cultures improve digestion.
Single source26Navy beans 15g protein/cup, folate 65% DV, prebiotic fiber.
Verified27Pumpkin seed protein powder 50g protein/100g, zinc 30% DV immune support.
Verified28Plant-based cheeses fortified B12 50% DV/serving, calcium 20%.
VerifiedHealth and Nutrition Interpretation
While the steakhouse purist may grumble, this roster of formidable, fiber-rich alternatives proves that the plant kingdom can not only match beef's brawn but also brings its own brigade of heart-healthy, gut-friendly, and inflammation-fighting superpowers to the table.
Market Growth
1The global plant-based food market was valued at USD 29.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2021 to 2028, reaching USD 162 billion by 2030.
Verified2Plant-based meat sales in the US grew by 27% in 2020 to $1.4 billion, outpacing overall retail food sales growth of 2.7%.
Verified3The European plant-based dairy market reached €2.16 billion in 2020, with a 21% year-over-year growth.
Verified4US retail sales of plant-based foods hit $7 billion in 2021, up 2.4% from 2020.
Directional5Plant-based milk sales in the US surpassed $2.5 billion in 2021, representing 52% of total milk sales dollars.
Single source6Global plant-based meat market size was USD 6.02 billion in 2021 and expected to grow at CAGR 19.5% to 2030.
Verified7UK plant-based food market grew 40% in value to £1.1 billion in 2021.
Verified8Plant-based cheese sales in the US increased 126% from 2019 to 2021.
Verified9Asia-Pacific plant-based food market projected to grow at highest CAGR of 13.2% from 2022-2030.
Directional10Canadian plant-based retail sales reached CAD 1.0 billion in 2021, up 65% YoY.
Single source11Plant-based egg market in US grew 15% to $19.7 million in 2021.
Verified12Global vegan cheese market valued at USD 528 million in 2021, projected to USD 2,086 million by 2030 at CAGR 16.4%.
Verified13US plant-based beverage sales up 6% to $2.6 billion in 2022.
Verified14Plant-based yogurt sales in Europe grew 27% in 2020.
Directional15India plant-based milk market expected to grow at CAGR 18.5% from 2022-2028.
Single source16Australian plant-based food market sales hit AUD 265 million in 2021, up 13%.
Verified17Plant-based butter and spreads in US up 20% in sales 2021.
Verified18Brazil plant-based meat market grew 30% in 2021.
Verified19Global plant-based protein market size USD 13.91 billion in 2022, to reach USD 36.25 billion by 2030 at CAGR 12.9%.
Directional20New Zealand plant-based dairy alternatives market up 25% YoY in 2021.
Single source21Plant-based seafood market projected to grow from USD 28.6 million in 2021 to USD 94.4 million by 2028 at CAGR 18.6%.
Verified22Mexico plant-based food market sales increased 22% in 2021.
Verified23Plant-based ice cream sales in US up 68% from 2019-2021.
Verified24South Korea plant-based meat market grew 50% in 2021.
Directional25Global non-dairy yogurt market valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2020, expected CAGR 12.5% to 2028.
Single source26Singapore plant-based food market projected CAGR 15% through 2025.
Verified27Plant-based cream cheese sales in US rose 30% in 2021.
Verified28UAE plant-based market expected to grow at CAGR 14.2% from 2022-2027.
Verified29Plant-based mayonnaise in Europe up 15% in 2021 sales.
Directional30Global plant-based food market CAGR 11.5% from 2023-2030, reaching USD 85.5 billion.
Single sourceMarket Growth Interpretation
It seems the global appetite for plants has shifted from salad bowls to boardrooms, growing not like a weed but like a well-funded hedge fund on a mission to put roots in every aisle and market on the planet.
Product Innovation
1Over 100 new plant-based meat products launched in US in Q1 2022.
Verified2Beyond Meat launched 20 new products globally in 2021.
Verified3Oatly introduced 15 new plant-based dairy products in Europe 2022.
Verified4Impossible Foods debuted plant-based chicken nuggets in 2023.
Directional5250+ new plant-based SKUs in UK supermarkets in 2021.
Single source6Alpro launched 10 new plant-based yogurts in 2022.
Verified7New plant-based egg products increased 50% in US launches 2021-2022.
Verified8Greggs added 5 plant-based items to menu in UK 2021.
Verified9Silk launched 8 new plant-based creamers in 2022.
Directional10First plant-based lobster roll launched by Good Catch in 2021.
Single source11300 new vegan cheese varieties in Europe 2021.
Verified12JUST Egg expanded to 12 new formats in 2022.
Verified13Plant-based bacon launches up 40% in US 2022.
Verified14Violife released 7 new cheese slices in 2021.
Directional15New plant-based seafood products: 50 launches globally 2021.
Single source16Chobani launched 4 oat-based yogurts in 2022.
Verified17Hellmann's vegan mayo variants: 6 new in 2021.
Verified18Motif FoodWorks debuted 3D-printed plant-based steak in 2022.
Verified19New plant-based butter products: 25 in Canada 2021.
Directional20Starbucks added 3 plant-based milks to menu in Asia 2022.
Single source21New plant-based jerky: 40 SKUs US 2021-2022.
Verified22Fry Family Food launched 5 new patties in 2022.
Verified23New almond milk ice creams: 15 launches Europe 2021.
Verified24Plant-based chicken tenders: 30 new products US 2022.
Directional25New coconut yogurt brands: 12 in Australia 2021.
Single source26Omnipork launched 4 new ground meat alternatives 2022.
Verified27New plant-based pizza toppings: 20 innovations 2021.
Verified28Forager Project: 9 new cashew-based products 2022.
Verified29Plant-based sausages: 55 new SKUs globally 2021.
Directional30New soy-free plant-based milks: 18 launches 2022.
Single sourceProduct Innovation Interpretation
The data paints a vivid picture of an industry furiously innovating, as if every food company suddenly looked at a cow, an oat, and a pea and declared, "Hold my beer."
Sources & References
- Reference 1GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 2PLANTBASEDNEWSplantbasednews.orgVisit source
- Reference 3PROTEINREPORTproteinreport.orgVisit source
- Reference 4PLANTBASEDFOODSplantbasedfoods.orgVisit source
- Reference 5SPINSspins.comVisit source
- Reference 6FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 7THEGROCERthegrocer.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 8GFIgfi.orgVisit source
- Reference 9FUTUREMARKETINSIGHTSfuturemarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 10RESEARCHANDMARKETSresearchandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 11HORTICULTUREhorticulture.com.auVisit source
- Reference 12NZHERALDnzherald.co.nzVisit source
- Reference 13MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 14KOREAHERALDkoreaherald.comVisit source
- Reference 15ALLIEDMARKETRESEARCHalliedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 16STRAITSTIMESstraitstimes.comVisit source
- Reference 17MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 18NIELSENIQnielseniq.comVisit source
- Reference 19KANTARkantar.comVisit source
- Reference 20VEGANFOODANDLIVINGveganfoodandliving.comVisit source
- Reference 21MINTELmintel.comVisit source
- Reference 22EUROMONITOReuromonitor.comVisit source
- Reference 23MORNINGCONSULTmorningconsult.comVisit source
- Reference 24DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 25NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 26ROYALMENSWEARroyalmenswear.comVisit source
- Reference 27INNOVAMARKETINSIGHTSinnovamarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 28BUSINESS-STANDARDbusiness-standard.comVisit source
- Reference 29FORBESforbes.comVisit source
- Reference 30IOLiol.co.zaVisit source
- Reference 31LSA-CONSOlsa-conso.frVisit source
- Reference 32SCMPscmp.comVisit source
- Reference 33FAUNALYTICSfaunalytics.orgVisit source
- Reference 34VEGANE-GESELLSCHAFTvegane-gesellschaft.deVisit source
- Reference 35NIEUWEOOGSTnieuweoogst.nlVisit source
- Reference 36ILSOLE24OREilsole24ore.comVisit source
- Reference 37SVTsvt.seVisit source
- Reference 38ELMUNDOelmundo.esVisit source
- Reference 39NIKKEInikkei.comVisit source
- Reference 40BEYONDMEATbeyondmeat.comVisit source
- Reference 41OATLYoatly.comVisit source
- Reference 42IMPOSSIBLEFOODSimpossiblefoods.comVisit source
- Reference 43ALPROalpro.comVisit source
- Reference 44GREGGSgreggs.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 45SILKsilk.comVisit source
- Reference 46GOODCATCHgoodcatch.comVisit source
- Reference 47JUju.stVisit source
- Reference 48VIOLIFEviolife.comVisit source
- Reference 49CHOBANIchobani.comVisit source
- Reference 50HELLMANNShellmanns.comVisit source
- Reference 51MOTIFFOODWORKSmotiffoodworks.comVisit source
- Reference 52STORIESstories.starbucks.comVisit source
- Reference 53FRYFAMILYFOODfryfamilyfood.comVisit source
- Reference 54CHOICEchoice.com.auVisit source
- Reference 55OMNIMEATomnimeat.comVisit source
- Reference 56PIZZATODAYpizzatoday.comVisit source
- Reference 57FORAGERPROJECTforagerproject.comVisit source
- Reference 58OXFORDMARTINoxfordmartin.ox.ac.ukVisit source
- Reference 59SCIENCEDIRECTsciencedirect.comVisit source
- Reference 60NATUREnature.comVisit source
- Reference 61WATERFOOTPRINTwaterfootprint.orgVisit source
- Reference 62THEGUARDIANtheguardian.comVisit source
- Reference 63POOREANDNEMECEKpooreandnemecek.comVisit source
- Reference 64OURWORLDINDATAourworldindata.orgVisit source
- Reference 65WRIwri.orgVisit source
- Reference 66LUCRISlucris.lub.lu.seVisit source
- Reference 67BBCbbc.comVisit source
- Reference 68IPCCipcc.chVisit source
- Reference 69EATFORUMeatforum.orgVisit source
- Reference 70CARBONBRIEFcarbonbrief.orgVisit source
- Reference 71SCIENCEscience.sciencemag.orgVisit source
- Reference 72FRONTIERSINfrontiersin.orgVisit source
- Reference 73MDPImdpi.comVisit source
- Reference 74PUBSpubs.acs.orgVisit source
- Reference 75QUORNquorn.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 76LINKlink.springer.comVisit source
- Reference 77JOURNALSjournals.plos.orgVisit source
- Reference 78SCIENCEscience.orgVisit source
- Reference 79PNASpnas.orgVisit source
- Reference 80HEALTHLINEhealthline.comVisit source
- Reference 81NCBIncbi.nlm.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 82MAYOCLINICmayoclinic.orgVisit source
- Reference 83NUTRITIONDATAnutritiondata.self.comVisit source
- Reference 84AHAJOURNALSahajournals.orgVisit source
- Reference 85FDCfdc.nal.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 86WEBMDwebmd.comVisit source
- Reference 87EATINGWELLeatingwell.comVisit source
- Reference 88HEALTHhealth.harvard.eduVisit source
- Reference 89MANITOBAHARVESTmanitobaharvest.comVisit source
- Reference 90DAIRYFOODSdairyfoods.comVisit source
- Reference 91PCRMpcrm.orgVisit source