Global Plant-based Meat Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global plant-based meat market was valued at USD 9.57 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.81 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.72% during the forecast period. The market is experiencing robust growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, advancements in food technology, and increasing awareness of sustainability and health benefits. Flexitarians account for the largest consumer segment, comprising individuals who reduce meat consumption without fully eliminating it. Millennials and Gen Z are key drivers of the market, valuing sustainability and ethical consumption.

RECENT VENDOR ACTIVITIES

1. In 2024, Beyond Meat, a leading plant-based meat company announced the launch of its new product line with the introduction of Beyond Sun Sausage.
2. In 2024, The Kraft Heinz NotCo., a joint venture between The Kraft Heinz and TheNotCo., announced the launch of its first plant-based meat innovations: NotHotDogs and NotSausages.
3. In 2023, Novozymes, a global solutions provider, launched Vertera ProBite, an innovative solution for the plant-based meat industry. It replaces synthetic texturizers with a natural alternative, addressing consumer concerns about texture and long ingredient lists, and encouraging greater adoption of plant-based meats.
4. In 2023, ADM, a global leader in sustainably sourced nutrition, announced a Strategic Development Agreement with Air Protein, a pioneer in air-based protein production that eliminates the need for agriculture or farmland. This collaboration aims to advance research and development of innovative and novel proteins for nutrition, reducing dependency on traditional supply chains.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Market Growth: The global plant-based meat market was valued at USD 9.57 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.81 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.72% during the forecast period.
2. By Product Type: The burger patties hold the largest market share of over 45%. The segmental growth is driven by consumer preferences for healthier, sustainable, and ethical food choices.
3. By Meat Type: The chicken segment shows the highest growth of 16.79% as it is the most widely consumed meat globally due to its affordability, versatility, and cultural acceptance.
4. By Source Type: The soy segment holds the largest market share due to its versatile, sustainable, and nutritionally rich sources of plant-based meat alternatives worldwide.
5. By Storage segment: Shelf-stable plant-based meat products show the highest growth due to their convenience, versatility, and appeal to modern consumer lifestyles.
6. By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets & hypermarkets hold the largest market share. The segment is growing as it offers an expansive and efficient network that ensures plant-based meat products are easily accessible to a broad and diverse consumer base. 
7. By Geography: Europe dominates the global plant-based meat market as consumer demand for sustainable and healthy food alternatives has become one of the leading regions in the global shift towards plant-based diets.
8. Growth Factor: The global plant-based meat market is set to grow increasing consumer awareness and the rise of progressive protein choices.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Growing Demand For Clean Labeling

The demand for clean labeling in the plant-based meat market is a significant trend that reflects changing consumer preferences for transparency, health-conscious choices, and ethical food production. Clean labeling refers to products with simple, recognizable, and minimally processed ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and synthetic chemicals. This trend is not only reshaping the plant-based meat industry but also driving innovation and market growth globally. For instance, plant-based meat products like Beyond Meat emphasize their non-GMO and gluten-free credentials prominently, appealing to a health-savvy audience. With the proliferation of digital tools and apps like Yuka and SmartLabel, consumers can easily access information about ingredients and their potential health impacts. This pushes brands to adopt cleaner ingredient lists to maintain trust. Governments and food safety organizations are increasingly mandating transparency in ingredient disclosures. In the US, the FDA’s evolving guidelines on plant-based food labeling stress the accurate representation of product ingredients, leading brands to adopt clearer labels. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for clean-label products, which contributes to higher revenues. Clean labeling helps build consumer trust, a critical factor for long-term market growth. Thus, the clean-label movement has spurred the market growth.

Growing Investments in Plant-Based Meat Market

The trend of growing investments in the plant-based meat market is a global phenomenon, reflecting increasing consumer demand for sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious food options. This trend is underpinned by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and the global emphasis on sustainable food systems. As per the report by Good Food Institute published in 2024, as of 2023, public funding for the alternative protein sector, encompassing both research and development (R&D) and commercialization initiatives, reached an all-time total of $1.67 billion. In 2023 alone, governments allocated $523 million, with $190 million directed toward R&D, $162 million for commercialization efforts, and $170 million for initiatives combining elements of both. This highlights the growing investment and commitment to advancing plant-based meat innovation and infrastructure. Increased funding enables companies to diversify their offerings, catering to various tastes, dietary preferences, and cuisines. In 2023, Nestlé expanded its plant-based product portfolio to offer consumers a wider variety of nutritious and flavorful meat alternatives. This expansion includes the launch of Nestlé's first-ever shelf-stable plant-based minced meat. As this trend continues, it is expected to drive a transformation in the global food industry, aligning it with the demands of environmentally and socially conscious consumers.

Concerns Over Animal Rights and Environment

Animal rights activists and organizations have played a key role in raising awareness about the treatment of animals in factory farms. The ethical implications of meat production, such as factory farming practices, animal confinement, and inhumane slaughter methods, are prompting many consumers to seek alternatives that do not involve animal exploitation. High-profile advocacy from organizations like PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the Humane Society has pushed consumers toward plant-based diets. As more people adopt ethical consumption practices, there is an increasing demand for plant-based products, including plant-based meats. The environmental consequences of traditional animal agriculture are becoming increasingly evident. Animal farming is a leading cause of environmental degradation, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified animal agriculture as one of the largest sources of global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock contributing about 14.5% of global emissions. The increasing importance of sustainability and ethical practices in food consumption is also linked to broader shifts in consumer values and lifestyle choices. Consumers, especially among younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, are more conscious of how their food choices align with their values.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Priced Higher Than Traditional Meat

Plant-based meats often rely on ingredients like pea protein, soy protein, or mycoprotein, which are more expensive to source and process than traditional meat. Companies in the plant-based meat industry invest heavily in R&D to mimic the sensory attributes of traditional meat (taste, smell, mouthfeel, etc.). This includes costs related to experimenting with formulations, texture technology, and scaling innovative production techniques. Traditional meat production benefits from economies of scale, as the industry has been established for decades. Plant-based meat, being a newer industry, lacks the same level of infrastructure and scalability, leading to higher per-unit production costs. Many consumers, particularly in developing countries or lower-income demographics, are price-sensitive and unable or unwilling to pay a premium for plant-based meat. Traditional meat, being cheaper, remains their preferred choice.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

The global plant-based meat market by product type is segmented into burger patties, sausages, strips & nuggets, meatballs, and others. The burger patties segment holds the largest market share of over 45%. The market is witnessing significant growth, fueled by consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and ethical food choices. These innovative products are designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional beef burgers, providing a sustainable and appealing alternative for consumers worldwide. Their rising popularity highlights changing dietary preferences and a growing emphasis on sustainable food systems. Burgers, being a universally recognized and consumed food, serve as an ideal platform for introducing plant-based alternatives. The global accessibility and convenience of burger patties have played a crucial role in encouraging consumers to adopt plant-based diets. Major grocery retailers, fast-food chains, and restaurants across the globe have embraced plant-based burgers, offering them alongside traditional meat options to cater to a diverse audience.

INSIGHTS BY MEAT TYPE

The global plant-based meat market by meat type is categorized into beef, chicken, pork, fish, and others. The chicken segment shows significant growth with the fastest-growing CAGR of 16.79% during the forecast period. Chicken is among the most widely consumed meats globally, valued for its affordability, versatility, and cultural acceptance. This popularity seamlessly extends to plant-based alternatives, which are easier for consumers to incorporate into familiar recipes and diets. With its relatively mild flavor compared to red meats, chicken is easier for food innovators to replicate in terms of taste and texture using plant-based ingredients. Additionally, chicken is often perceived as a healthier option compared to red meat, further aligning plant-based chicken with the preferences of health-conscious consumers. Plant-based chicken has emerged as a key player in the alternative protein industry, driven by growing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and ethical food options. These products typically offer notable health advantages over traditional chicken, including lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. This makes them an attractive choice for individuals focused on heart health, cholesterol management, and overall cardiovascular well-being.

INSIGHTS BY SOURCE TYPE

The global plant-based meat market by source type is segmented into soy, pea, wheat, and others. The soy segment holds the largest market share in 2024. Soy has become one of the most versatile, sustainable, and nutritionally rich ingredients for plant-based meat alternatives worldwide. Its status as a complete protein—containing all nine essential amino acids—makes it an invaluable choice for consumers seeking sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious dietary options. This exceptional nutritional profile supports muscle growth and repair, positioning soy as a preferred alternative to traditional meat. Advances in food science and processing techniques have revolutionized the development of soy-based meat alternatives. Technologies such as high-moisture extrusion enable manufacturers to create soy protein isolates and concentrates with a fibrous texture that mimics meat. Innovations in flavor masking, emulsification, and fat encapsulation have further enhanced soy-based products, allowing them to closely replicate the taste and mouthfeel of traditional meat.

INSIGHTS BY STORAGE

Based on the storage, the shelf-stable segment shows prominent growth, with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Shelf-stable plant-based meat products have experienced significant growth in popularity worldwide, driven by their convenience, versatility, and alignment with modern consumer lifestyles. These products can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without the risk of spoilage, making them ideal pantry staples for individuals seeking durable and reliable food options. One of the key advantages of shelf-stable plant-based meat products is their ease of storage, transportation, and use. Unlike fresh or frozen alternatives, they do not require refrigeration or freezing, reducing logistical challenges for both retailers and consumers. This convenience allows consumers to keep these products readily available for quick, spontaneous meal preparation without the need for thawing or advanced planning. Their growing availability across diverse distribution channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, has further accelerated their adoption among consumers.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Based on the distribution channel, supermarkets & hypermarkets hold the largest share of the global plant-based meat market. These retail giants provide an expansive and efficient network, ensuring that plant-based meat products are accessible to a wide and diverse consumer base. Their widespread availability makes it convenient for millions of consumers to explore and adopt plant-based alternatives. By dedicating sections to plant-based foods or strategically placing these products alongside traditional meat items, retailers enhance visibility and appeal to both curious shoppers and those actively seeking plant-based options. A significant strength of supermarkets and hypermarkets lies in their robust supply chain infrastructure. Leveraging advanced logistics systems, established supplier relationships, and sophisticated inventory management technologies, these retailers ensure a consistent and reliable supply of plant-based meat products. This dependability is critical for building consumer trust and fostering repeat purchases, further solidifying their role in the market's expansion.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Europe dominates the global plant-based meat market with the largest share in 2024. Europe, driven by strong consumer demand for sustainable and healthy food alternatives, has emerged as a leading region in the global transition toward plant-based diets. This growth is supported by the increased availability of plant-based products, innovative offerings, and partnerships with food service providers. The rising popularity of veganism and plant-based lifestyles in Europe is closely linked to ethical concerns, which have expanded the consumer base for plant-based meat. Additionally, a growing segment of flexitarian consumers—those who primarily follow plant-based diets but occasionally consume animal products—has significantly boosted demand, particularly in urban areas where exposure to health and wellness trends is higher. Health-focused campaigns promoting reduced meat consumption for wellness reasons have further encouraged consumers to shift toward plant-based alternatives, solidifying Europe's position as a key market for plant-based meat.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global plant-based meat market report consists of exclusive data on 36 vendors. The competitive scenario in the market is currently intensifying with global and domestic players offering a diverse range of products. Companies in this market are continuously innovating to develop better and new products. In terms of market share, a few of the major players are currently dominating the market. Some companies that are currently dominating the market are Beyond Meat, Conagra, Hungry Planet, Impossible Foods, Kellanova, Maple Leaf Foods, Quorn Foods, Next Level, Tofurky & Tyson Foods. Major players are focusing on strategic agreements, acquisitions, and collaboration with emerging players to enter the market and gain access to commercially launched products.