The Future of Meat Substitutes 2026
"Growing interest in fibre and dietary diversity offers opportunities for a fundamental shift in the category's USP."
Alice Pilkington, Associate Principal
Discover the most important future trends in meat substitutes with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the meat substitutes industry over the next five years.
Upcoming global trends in meat alternatives are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
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- Where we are now
- In the next two years
- Five years and beyond
- Whilst the plant-based movement has stalled, its benefits remain
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IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
- Mintel’s perspective
- Shaking off the substitute shackles
- Proposed ban on meat-like names may actually be the jolt the category needs
- Growing interest in fibre will be the catalyst for change
- Brands will focus on what they are adding in, rather than what they are replacing
- Dietary diversity emphasis will offer opportunities for less common category ingredients
- A cultural exchange of plant-protein sources will take place
- Legumes’ digestive health perceptions will be addressed through purposeful processing
- Format and flavour horizons will broaden
- New formats will reinforce the category shift
- World cuisine flavours will help the category swerve the rise of gastronationalism
- Brands will combine convenient formats with flavour to boost value proposition
- Brands will use marketing to align ‘traditional’ formats with diverse meals
- Shifting dietary guidelines will offer opportunities for category blurring
- Other categories will leverage tofu’s health and textural credentials
- Global problem, local solution
- With a shift in the category’s USP underway, its sustainability message will also evolve
- Homegrown ingredients will protect brands in volatile geopolitical climate
- Local legumes can use tofu and tempeh format and avoid potential soy barriers
- Some brands will diversify away from soy within tofu and tempeh formats
- Legume-based products will offer a different angle on healthy and sustainable food
- Brands will position meat substitutes as complementing traditional agriculture, rather than threatening it
- Graph 1: any agreement that it’s important to support American meat producers, by dietary preference, 2023
- Mintel Spark imagines a meat substitute supporting farmers
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FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
- Mintel’s perspective
- Upcycling will become increasingly pertinent as supply chain challenges intensify
- Okara is just one of the ingredients with untapped upcycling potential in meat substitutes
- Mycoprotein will get a makeover to shore up protein supplies
- Gen Alpha’s thirst for Asian culture will see tofu further penetrate new categories
- Mintel Spark imagines a tofu-based chocolate mousse
- Meat substitute brands will evolve into longevity labels
- Key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
Powered by Robust Data
Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
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