Plant-based is now firmly a part of the foodie mainstream; but that doesn't mean this exciting category isn't brimming with innovation!
Indeed, plant-based brands and chefs are continuously upping the ante to deliver new experiences in flavour, format, cuisine, texture, and more – not to mention working hard to maintain health and sustainability credentials. We explore all this in detail in our Plant-Based 2025 categorywatching report.
Three top takeouts from this year's report are:
- Just like the real thing – Consumer's opting for plant-based alts, are less willing to compromise – they want food that tastes, looks and feels 'just like the real thing'. Cue, realistic imitations of seafood, steak, dairy, and eggs. For instance 3D printing creates convincing fish alts that make you look twice(!), while meaty mushrooms are employed iThe p plant-based steaks for meaty umami taste. Then there's gooey cheese that can be baked to create a stretchy, oozy topping or melted into a rich fondue, and cheeseboard-worthy fancy options with rinds and veins included.
- Turn up the heat – The plant-based sector is getting fired up with spicy influences from all over the world. Think Korean fried (not) chicken with hot gochujang, spicy tofu pepperoni, and harissa-spiced smashed chickpeas. Condiments and sauces are often being employed as versatile 'flavour bomb' to elevate beans, burgers, and salads – think fiery mango habanero hot sauce, spicy sambal or chipotle hot honey. Drizzle over anything, and everything!
- Between bread – Fully stuffed and loaded, we're seeing gourmet sandwiches and toasties that are chock-full of bright and bold flavours. There are realistic recreations of classic options like tuna melts and chicken Caesar, as well as plant-powered options focussed on veggie-centric fillings like spicy cauliflower, and curried chickpeas. And don't forget about everyone's favourite comfort food… burgers! Plant-based burgers continue to act as a blank canvas for both flavour and format innovation – often piled sky-high with imitation bacon, cheese, fried chicken alts… or whatever takes your fancy.
To deep dive fully into all things Plant-Based, check out our full categorywatching report live on the hub now!
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