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 growing rapidly due to changing consumer preferences, advances in food technology, and increased awareness of sustainability and health benefits. Flexitarians, who reduce but don't fully eliminate meat, comprise the largest consumer segment. Millennials and Gen Z are key drivers, prioritizing sustainability and ethical consumption.

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.

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.

PLANT-BASED MEAT MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

By Product Type: The burger patties segment holds the largest market share of over 45%. The market is growing rapidly, driven by consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and ethical food choices. Plant-based burgers mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional beef burgers, offering a sustainable alternative. Their popularity reflects changing dietary preferences and a focus on sustainable food systems. Burgers, a globally loved food, are a great platform for plant-based alternatives. The availability and convenience of plant-based patties have encouraged more consumers to try plant-based diets. Grocery retailers, fast-food chains, and restaurants worldwide now offer plant-based burgers alongside meat options to meet diverse consumer needs.

By Meat Type: The chicken segment shows significant growth with the fastest-growing CAGR of 16.79% during the forecast period. Chicken is one of the most widely consumed meats, valued for its affordability, versatility, and cultural acceptance. This popularity extends to plant-based alternatives, which fit easily into familiar recipes and diets. With its mild flavor, chicken is simpler for food innovators to replicate in taste and texture using plant-based ingredients. Often seen as a healthier choice compared to red meat, plant-based chicken aligns with the preferences of health-conscious consumers. These alternatives offer health benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, making them an appealing option for those focused on heart health and cardiovascular well-being. Plant-based chicken has become a major player in the alternative protein market, driven by the demand for healthier, sustainable, and ethical food choices.

By Source Type: The soy segment holds the largest market share in 2024. Soy has become a leading ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives due to its versatility, sustainability, and nutritional value. As a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, soy is a top choice for those seeking ethical, healthy, and sustainable dietary options. Its nutritional benefits support muscle growth and repair, making it a popular alternative to traditional meat. Advances in food science, such as high-moisture extrusion, have improved the texture of soy-based products to mimic meat. Innovations in flavor masking and fat encapsulation further enhance these products, making them taste and feel like traditional meat.

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 grown in popularity due to their convenience, versatility, and fit with modern lifestyles. These products can be stored at room temperature for long periods without spoiling, making them ideal pantry staples. A key advantage is their ease of storage, transportation, and use, as they don’t require refrigeration or freezing like fresh or frozen alternatives. This reduces logistical challenges and allows for quick, spontaneous meal prep without thawing. Their availability across supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms has further boosted their adoption among consumers.

By Distribution Channel: Based on the distribution channel, supermarkets & hypermarkets hold the largest share of the global plant-based meat market. Retail giants offer a wide and efficient network, making plant-based meat products accessible to a diverse consumer base. Their availability helps millions of people explore and adopt plant-based alternatives. By dedicating sections to plant-based foods or placing these products next to traditional meat, retailers increase visibility and attract both curious shoppers and those actively seeking plant-based options. Supermarkets and hypermarkets benefit from strong supply chains, advanced logistics, and solid supplier relationships, ensuring a reliable supply of plant-based meat products. This consistency builds consumer trust and encourages repeat purchases, driving further market growth.

By Geography: Europe dominates the global plant-based meat market with the largest share in 2024. Europe has become a leader in the global shift to plant-based diets, driven by strong demand for sustainable and healthy food options. The growth is fueled by the increased availability of plant-based products, innovative offerings, and collaborations with food service providers. The rise of veganism and ethical concerns has expanded the consumer base, while flexitarians—who primarily follow plant-based diets but occasionally eat animal products—have boosted demand, especially in urban areas with more health and wellness exposure. Health-focused campaigns promoting reduced meat consumption have also encouraged the move toward plant-based alternatives, solidifying Europe 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. 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.

RECENT VENDOR ACTIVITIES

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.

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.