US Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Protein Market Report 2022

This report provides comprehensive and current information and analysis of the trending flavors and ingredients in protein market including trending flavors and ingredients in protein market size, anticipated market forecast, relevant market segmentation, and industry trends for the trending flavors and ingredients in protein market in the US.

Current market landscape

Despite the buzz around meat-free living, meat consumption remains the dominant dietary choice for US adults. Chicken, beef, fish and pork lead protein consumption, and only 6% maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Amid the prevalence of animal protein, habit shifts are seen. The youngest adults are least likely to consume meat and are more likely than average to eat plant-based options, evidence of a slow shift away from meat. In the short term, price inflation is causing nearly a third of protein eaters to trade down to less-expensive options. Cost consciousness favors protein sources that are viewed as affordable (eg chicken) and limits those perceived to be less so (eg beef, meat substitutes).

The majority of consumers purchase raw, unseasoned proteins, and they largely turn to dry spices to add flavor. Barbecue and spicy remain popular flavor profiles. Brands will find the widest reach by sticking with these favorite flavor families, while introducing nuance through regionality and heat variety.

Market share and key industry trends

• Chicken (87%), beef (79%), fish (65%) and pork (64%) lead protein consumption among US adults (see Protein Consumption). Only one in five eat vegetable-forward plant-based options (eg black bean burgers) and 17% eat plant-based options that imitate meat (eg Impossible Burgers). The youngest adults (18-24) are least likely to consume meat – especially fish and shellfish – and are more likely than average to eat plant-based options, evidence of a slow shift away from meat.
• Barbecue leads among flavors consumers would like to try in chicken (71%), beef (64%) and pork (67%), while garlic leads among seafood (53%) and plant-based protein (60%) (see Flavors of Interest Across Protein Types).
• Italian spices (73%), brown sugar (69%) and ranch seasoning (62%) lead flavors consumers have tried in proteins and would try again (see Experience and Interest in Protein Flavors). 29% of protein eaters haven’t tried Tandoori spice flavor but would be interested in trying it in protein, followed by apple cider vinegar-brined (28%) and red peppercorn (26%).

Flavors and ingredients in protein market trends

Poultry producers should lean into the versatility of their products to prevent fatigue that may come from another night of chicken, including expanding flavored options, promoting recipe variety and providing formats suited for trending cuisine types. Other protein producers can reinforce enjoyment and support the indulgence of a good, home-cooked meal with flavorful value-added inspiration.

The monumental and unsustainable growth of plant-based proteins is projected to slow. The category is dominated by meat mimics, which can help newbies looking for some dietary variety. However, over the longer term, the category will want to establish a footing as an independent option that stands on its own and not solely as a substitute for something else.

Read on to discover more about the trending flavors and ingredients in protein consumer market, read our US Plant-based Proteins Market Report 2022, or take a look at our other Food research reports.

Quickly understand the flavors and ingredients in protein market

• Types of protein consumed.
• Protein formats purchased.
• Protein preparations of interest.
• Protein flavor/seasoning preferences.
• Experience and interest in protein flavors.
• Protein attitudes/behaviors.

Covered in this flavors and ingredients in protein market report

Brands include: Oscar Mayer, Hooray Foods, Meijer, StarKist, Big Fork, Good and Gather, Jennie-O, Perdue, Tyson, Specialty Selected, SeaPak, Wicked Kitchen, Beyond Meat, Jack & Annie’s, Amazon Fresh, FreeBird, Premier Foods, Calle Sabor, Swift St., Signature Select, Wolf Family, Raw Seafoods, Dockside Classics, Chicken of the Sea, PK Korean BBQ, Hormel, Member’s Mark, Bristol My Fish Dish, H-E-B Select, Plant Boss, Loma Linda, Unreal Deli, Burgers by Amylu, Rose Ranch, Martin Purefoods, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Safe Catch Elite, Fremont FishMarket, Aplenty, Sweet Earth, Earth Grown, Mistica Ranch, Pilgrim’s Ocean Adventures, Humble House, Stonewall Kitchen, French’s, Lidl Premium, Chef Hak, McIlhenny Co.

Expert analysis from a specialist in protein market analysis

This report, written by Mimi Bonnett, a leading analyst in the Food and Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis on flavors and ingredients in protein market research to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

Rising prices are prompting consumers to trade down to less expensive protein options demanding that brands work to demonstrate their value: cue the merits of flavor experiences. Variety, versatility and convenience delivered through flavor in recipe, build and meal planning inspiration can help consumers to navigate tighter budgets, while still keeping meal time exciting and enjoyable.

Mimi Bonnett
Senior Director, US Food and Drink Research