Meat Substitutes Gain Popularity as Meat Consumption Rates Drop Worldwide

Meat substitutes with similar texture, flavor and appearance will soon take over the meat industry market as research and development is in full swing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_meat_substitutes

The North American and the European regions have the reputation of consuming large quantities of meat. Meats such as beef, pork, ham, bacon and others are popular in the western countries. However, the trend is changing as more people are opting for meat substitutes in the region. The health risks that come with the consumption of red meat is one of the major factors for this changing trend. Allied Market Research recently published a report titled, “Meat Substitute Market,” that provides important data relevant to the market such as market share, size and growth. Manufacturers are working on techniques and methods to replicate the meat with similar properties such as taste, flavor and texture.

PETA steps up to promote veganism

In August 2016, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), setup an unusual barbeque with an aim to raise awareness about vegan meat alternatives such as seitan. The group made a unique barbeque at Trafalgar Square in London that tried to project that dog meat was barbequed to feed the people. The setup had a very important message for the masses which said ‘If you wouldn’t eat a dog, why eat a pig? Go vegan.’ The meat used was not actually dog meat but seitan which is a protein rich substitute of meat. The group tried to spread the message that meat free barbeque taste as good as the original thing with real meat. PETA director, Elisa Allen said, “When it comes to the capacity to suffer and feel pain and fear, a dog is no different from a pig, a chicken, or a cow.”

Know the Latest Industry Research in Meat Substitute at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/meat-substitute-market

Meat substitutes prove to be a healthier alternative

It has been observed that consumption of red meat brings multiple health risks along with them. The most common diseases associated with red meat consumption is cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer and obesity. Key industry manufacturers have shifted their focus to develop substitutes that negate these health risks. The challenge is to bring the same properties of the real meat to the substitute meat product. 

The risk of pathogens and other health problems is lower in plant based protein products according to researchers and other industry experts. However, meat alternatives contain liquid smoke flavoring which may be carcinogenic and other additives such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂). TiO2 is used a whitening agent in cosmetics and other products. Today, leaders and innovators are gradually adapting to the safety regulations and challenges. The industry in the U.S has to abide with the rules of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) rules and regulations. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates meat and poultry substitutes. According to the report from the research division of the World Health Organization (WHO), hot dogs, ham corned beef, sausages, bacon and other types of processed meat can lead to cancer. Meat industry groups do not agree with the report and state that there is no relation between meat and cancer.

Beef substitute is ready to enter the meat industry market

A clean tech specialist in New Zealand suggests that the new burger patty is a game changer in the meat industry. The meat looks like beef, cooks like beef, bleeds like beef and also tastes like beef. This feat was achieved by extracting a small molecule known as heme from plants. According to the founder of Impossible Food Patrick Brown, heme is responsible for the meaty flavor. The company who made this discovery, Impossible Foods received a funding of $200 million from Bill Gates. Dr Bosworth said, “We’ve got 9.6 million people by 2050. We’re not making any more land. We can 3D print meat but we can’t 3D print land. I would say that within the next five to 10 years max, it’ll be normal for us to be eating this kind of meat.” Experts have an opinion that the cost of vegan meat will reduce in the long run as new techniques and alternatives are being researched and developed.

Non vegetarians are buying less meat and more substitutes in the North American region

Vegan meats are slowly being accepted as an alternative to meat worldwide. Although people have concerns such as the flavor, texture and appearance of meat substitutes, the focus is shifting towards meat alternatives such as tofu, soy and others.

In 2013, 22 million Americans did not eat meat whereas 113 million people went ahead to buy meat substitutes.  Substitutes are gaining popularity due to a number of reasons such as increase in the prices of beef, health problems and excessive animal slaughter. These substitutes are also becoming more palatable as organizations are spending a lot of resources on the properties of these products. Looking at the overwhelming response received by Impossible Foods, other industry players have gained confidence to venture into the industry. Multiple mergers and collaborations have become common as companies are coming together to develop healthy and palatable meat substitutes. Pinnacle purchased Garden Protein, Kraft acquired veg burger makers Boca Burger are a few examples of recent mergers aimed at producing meat alternatives.

Tofu and Tempeh are one of the few popular meat substitutes in the markets worldwide

Tofu and Tempeh are the most dominant meat substitutes available in the markets. There are several other substitutes that are found in the market such as Quorn, Risofu, Seitan, Valess and others. Quorn contains mycoprotein and also uses egg albumen as a binder. Some people are sensitive to fungal proteins thus vegetarians have objected the use of Quorn. Risofu is a rice based alternative to meat. Wheat gluten is used to make Seitan is also referred to as white meat.

The meat substitute market is expected to grow at a fast pace in the coming years as people are avoiding red meat due to the health problems associated with it. High prices of beef and high rate of animal slaughter has also compelled people to opt for meat substitutes. As tasty and healthier meat alternatives are making their way in to the market, the industry is set to expand.