Perhaps unsurprisingly, plant-based foods must taste good for shoppers to keep buying them. But about half of all consumers said they’re at least “somewhat open” to trying plant-based alternatives, according to “The Power of Plant-Based Foods and Beverages” report released last year by FMI – The Food Industry Association.
In addition to flavor, consumers said they’re also looking for plant-based foods and drinks with limited ingredient lists, few artificial ingredients, minimal processing, sustainable practices and organic options.
“Those who tried animal product alternatives once or twice but did not continue said taste was the biggest reason,” FMI notes. “This was highest for the dairy milk alternatives, followed by the meat alternatives and seafood alternatives. Cost was also an important factor.”
About a third of shoppers surveyed said they intend to increase their consumption of plant-based foods “a little,” and 16% said they expect to eat a lot more plant-based items in the future, FMI says.
Nutrition and health benefits were the top factors driving consumers to choose plant-based meat and seafood products, as well as dairy milk alternatives, according to the report. That was followed by curiosity and taste.
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