Plant-based meat is undoubtedly a corner of the food and beverage industry that has experienced a boom post COVID-19. In the US the plant-based food industry was worth over $5 billion in 2019, up 11% on the previous year, while plant-based meat sales grew 38% over the past two years. Globally speaking, the plant-based meat market is expected to grow by 1.6% in 2021 – up from $12.2bn in 2019 to $12.4bn. And the industry is expected to reach $17.7 billion by 2023. In 2019 we saw plant-based meat’s penetration of the mainstream, when mammoth fast food chain Burger King launched its Impossible Whopper, a plant-based alternative to its flagship product. And with people leading more sedentary lifestyles as a result of 2019’s lockdowns, many have chosen to opt for pursuing a more healthier diet, which is another reason behind the growth in plant-based meat alternatives. But what are the top five most marvellous meat-free mimics on the market today?

1. Impossible Burger

Founded in 2011, and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger is a dreamy plant-based meat alternative. Known for its “bleeding” and its accurate mimicking of meat, the burger also contains essential B vitamins (useful for vegan and vegetarians, whose diets can be deficient).

2. Lightlife Italian Sausage

This Italian sausage boasts half the total fat and three more grams of fiber than a traditional pork sausage, and 60 fewer calories. Vice President of Marketing Michael Lenahan explains: “Driven by our best-in-class R&D team, we’ve been able to develop these amazing new products in record time. This core line will attract new consumers to the brand and delight those who have been on the plant-based journey with Lightlife over the last 40 years”.

3. Beyond Meat Burger

The second burger on our list is the Beyond Meat Burger. Made with pea, rice and mung bean protein, it gets its red color from beets. And it’s the perfect choice for your meat-free Monday. 

4. Good Catch Fish Free Tuna

Okay, fish free tuna isn’t a meat mimicker, per se, but it’s definitely worth adding to your shopping list if you’re on the hunt for a fish free alternative. This plant-based tuna alternative can be used in a wide range of dishes such as salads, sandwiches and pizzas. It has the flaky texture and rich flavor that mimics “real” tuna perfectly. 

5. Tofurky Vegan Chorizo

Tofurky Vegan Chorizo is another winning option in our quest to uncover the most marvellous meat-free mimics. Tofurky have been producing plant-based products since 1995, so they’re expertly-versed in the fine art of vegan and vegetarian alternatives. The product’s salty, smoky, slightly sweet flavour is a real winner. 

If your vegan food and beverage company is looking to scale and grow via ERP solutions, traceability and demand planing software, and meet all the FDA requirements, get in touch with Cashmere today.