When it comes to plant-based eating, the focus is on limitation, not elimination. Only 3% of consumers worldwide identify as vegan, with many more adopting flexitarian diets due to positive health outcomes as well as environmental impacts.
The prominence of issues around global warming, environmental deterioration, climate change and resource shortages have heightened consumer awareness. Ultimately, people prefer tasty products that are better for them and better for the planet.
The global marketplace is booming with plant-based innovation. Product launches with vegan and/or plant-based claims have increased considerably over the past five years.
Global growth of plant-based product launches
CAGR 2015-2020
Source: Mintel GNPD; launches with one or more of the following claims: Vegan/No Animal Ingredients; Plant Based
Double-digit growth can also be seen in at category-level, particularly in plant-based alcoholic drinks, nutrition/meal replacement drinks, and baby food.
To add value, innovation in meat alternatives must go beyond replicating meat’s taste and texture to improving nutritional profile and diversifying plant protein sources.
Source: Mintel GNPD
Added value can also be achieved through diversification of plant sources for dairy alternatives.
Closing the pricing gap with animal-based counterparts will continue to be a challenge but price sensitivity can be reduced with perceived added value. Non-soy plant sources like almonds, oats, coconut, and peas have sparked innovation in the dairy alternative category, and many consumers perceive they are “better-for-you” and easier to digest than cow's milk.
Global growth of dairy alternative launches by type
CAGR 2015-2020
Source: Mintel GNPD, dairy alternative drinks, yogurt, ice cream

Our new programme supporting stevia sustainability
In July 2021 we launched a new sustainability programme to enable stevia growers in China to lower their environmental impact and gain greater economic benefit from production.
Most Tate & Lyle ingredients are plant-based and can help to optimise taste, texture and nutrition in plant-based innovation. Along with our formulation expertise, our ingredients offer the functionality required for plant-based formulations that consumers will love, are better for them, and better for the planet.
All Tate & Lyle’s ingredients derived from corn are enrolled in a sustainable agriculture programme. We are committed to caring for the planet and protecting its natural resources.
Latest Plant Power news
Latest Plant Power news
What other global consumer trends drive our innovative solutions?
Learn more about the global trends that are influencing the industry, and how our ingredient portfolio keeps you ahead of the curve.