Vegetarianism and flexitarianism continue to grow in popularity, driven by health concerns as well as demand for greater sustainability and animal welfare. This means that alternative protein ingredients will continue to be of high interest to consumers, and therefore also to food and beverage formulators.

While several factors have been driving interest in plant-based analogs of meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy, the phenomenal explosion in such options that the market is experiencing today came from a perfect convergence of two indispensable factors, technology and demand.

As demand for alternatives to animal products is at an all-time high among omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike, Zero Egg, San Francisco, is cracking the US market by boldly taking over the decades-old traditional World Egg Day on October 9 to introduce the first plant-based egg replacement that tastes, looks, and functions like an ordinary egg, but is entirely made with plants. 

AIDP, Inc. announced that it has acquired the core technology and related intellectual property of Olygose SAS (France). This includes the transfer of patents, manufacturing technology, trademarks, but also pre-clinical and clinical studies, regulatory certificates, and other intellectual know-how.

ADM introduces new Arcon® T textured pea proteins, Prolite® MeatTEX textured wheat protein and Prolite® MeatXT non-textured wheat protein. These highly-functional protein solutions improve the texture and density of meat alternatives, and are particularly useful for achieving consumer-preferred, meat-like texture.

Four Sigmatic, a US-based wellness company, continues to expand its Plant-Based Protein line with the launch of a new flavor: Sweet Vanilla.

Construction of Merit Functional Foods’ 94,000-square foot production facility is underway.Merit’s facility will produce the high purity and quality pea and canola protein

OZO features a high-quality pea protein that is a great source of iron, and has been known to aid in muscle growth, weight loss and heart health. The OZO product line uses recyclable trays and cartons to store products, and plant based ink on all of its packaging.

Lightlife aims to make it easier for consumers to make healthier food choices by offering plant-based meat products made only with simple, recognizable ingredients, like pea protein, brown rice, dried red bell pepper, and beet and cherry powders.

Nick's Sticks, a Castleray Company, and premium producer of grass-fed beef, free-range turkey and free-range chicken meat snacks announced the addition of a Nick's beef stick that includes pea protein, a high quality, beneficial protein.