While not fully committing to a meat-free lifestyle, ‘Meatless Mondays’ seem to be catching on among Americans as a way to cut back with new research from Mintel revealing that the top reason US consumers use meat alternatives is because they occasionally like to have meat-free days (31%).

This comes as the inherent benefits of plant-based products are being actively marketed to a more health conscious consumers.

The study found that 55% of people have used substitutions when preparing healthier recipes, and have done so in secret.

Based on their nutritional content and commercial value, soybean, pea and oat have emerged as the dominant plant sources.

New Food & Beverage Products Video: MorningStar Farms®, which has been developing plant-based food innovation for more than 40 years, released five new, 100% vegetarian heat-and-eat veggie bowls. The line of easy-to-prepare meals feature bold flavors and offer a unique twist on classic favorites.

#DoPlants is trending and the recent attention being paid to plant proteins, both by ordinary consumers and the food industry, begs the question, are consumers more willing to eat less meat to help save the planet than they are to reduce their own chances of developing heart disease?

These sources span a healthy range of products from beans & legumes to "fake meat."