2025
10
A Year of Innovation in Meat Substitutes 2025
2026-01-05T12:00:50+00:00
REPCC522027_C578_4E88_9220_27C578CE8840
2195
190042
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Report
en_GB
Innovation in meat substitutes is primarily driven by consumer demand for high protein content, convenience, versatility and enhanced sensory appeal. Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst - Food & Drink and…
Global
Meat Alternatives
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A Year of Innovation in Meat Substitutes 2025

"Innovation in meat substitutes is primarily driven by consumer demand for high protein content, convenience, versatility and enhanced sensory appeal."

Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst - Food & Drink and Beauty & Personal Care

Explore the latest innovations in meat substitutes with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.

Key innovation trends in the global meat alternatives market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.

Collapse All
    • What we have seen
    • Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
    • Other innovative launches
    • Global spotlight: storage types in meat substitutes
    • Graph 1: meat substitute* launches, by share of storage types, 2024-25
  1. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)

    • Europe: high-protein claims on the rise in meat substitute launches
    • Protein is shaping European diet trends
    • European meat substitute launches are leaning heavily into protein positioning
    • Meat substitute brands embrace high-protein recipes with tofu, peas and beans
    • Brand renovation/innovation: This is Omami has launched chickpea tofu
    • Europe: private labels enhance functional appeal
    • Improved nutritional profile can drive consumer spending
    • Private-label offerings are becoming more competitive and appealing
    • Graph 2: meat substitute* launches, by share of private label, 2020-25
    • Producers are focused on making meat substitutes both delicious and nutritious
    • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Brands offer meat substitutes with quick and versatile cooking options
  2. ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)

    • Asia: high-fibre claims are declining in meat substitute launches
    • Emphasise the sensory appeal of meat substitutes
    • High-fibre claims dwindle in Asian meat substitute launches
    • Graph 3: meat substitute* launches with high/added fibre claims, 2020-25
    • Some brands highlight ‘high fibre’ on pack
    • Asia: meat substitute brands broaden their shelf-stable options
    • Shelf-stable foods are a great fit for the Asian market
    • Meat substitute brands expand their shelf-stable offerings
    • Graph 4: meat substitute* launches, by share of storage, 2020-25
    • Brands are offering a wider variety of shelf-stable meat substitutes
    • Australia & New Zealand: beyond meat imitation
    • Brands are prioritising variety over meat-like textures to broaden appeal
  3. THE AMERICAS

    • North America: vitamin/mineral fortification claims are increasing
    • Enhancing the quality of meat substitutes with micronutrients
    • Fortification with vitamins and minerals is a growing trend in meat substitutes
    • Graph 5: meat substitute* launches with vitamin/mineral fortified claims, 2020-25
    • Brands boost appeal by fortifying products with vitamins and minerals
    • Brand renovation/innovation: Jenny’s Tofu has launched tofu made from sprouted soybeans
    • North America: block/cube formats in meat substitutes are increasing
    • Versatile meat substitute formats could broaden their appeal
    • Versatility fuels block/cube format’s supremacy in meat substitutes
    • Graph 6: meat substitute* launches, by format type, 2020-25
    • Brands offer cube and block formats to add variety and indulgence to meat substitutes
    • Latin America: meat substitutes go flexible with egg and dairy
    • Plant-based meat substitute options are rising in Latin America
    • Graph 7: meat substitute* launches, by selected claims, 2020-25
    • Brands enhance meat substitutes’ appeal by adding dairy and egg ingredients

What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?

To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.

How We Analyse a Year of Innovation

By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.

A Deep Dive into Product Launches

The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.

Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)

Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.

Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts

Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.

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