A growing demand for innovative, great-tasting plant-based options. Not simply replacing animal products, but elevating the eating experience through wholesome ingredients, vibrant textures and balanced nutrition.
Reformulating to meet the growing demand for affordable plant-rich recipes.
Supporting clean labelling through innovative ingredients and regulatory expertise.
Maintaining mouthfeel and sensory appeal when replacing ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Vegetables are taking centre stage.
For many consumers, vegetables are becoming the main event, not the side dish. As more people reduce their meat and dairy intake in favour of more affordable plant-based options. It’s a shift powered by a desire to nourish the body and protect the planet.
30 million consumers participated in Veganuary 2026¹
150 million Views of #fibre/fibermaxxing videos across social media, encouraging higher consumption of plant-based foods. January 2026²
Manufacturers are finding success in embracing the authentic: the garden-fresh crunch, juicy fruits and the nourishing grains. By letting plant-based lead, they’re proving that nature's larder delivers a wholesome balance of sustainability, stability and satisfaction.
Common challenges:
Incorporating more whole, visible, healthy ingredients without compromising sensory experience and shelf life. | Enhancing and celebrating the taste and texture of vegetables while keeping better-for-you ingredients at the centre of a meal. | Developing fibre-rich, plant-forward formulations that deliver satiety, gut-friendly benefits and strong sensory appeal. |
As good as… the real deal.
There’s a growing appetite for sustainable, plant-led versions of consumers’ favourite dairy and meat products. But while interest in planet-friendly eating is rising, that doesn’t mean they’re willing to settle for a dull dinner. Too often, plant-based swaps still miss the mark; think mushy burgers, waxy cheeses, or thin and uninspiring yoghurts.
"I want to decrease the impact I have on the world, but more sustainable options often result in spoilage or an unpleasant dining experience.”
- Kantar Mouthfeel & Sensation Research
Manufacturers are discovering that the key to winning with plant-based products is closing the "sensory gap”: Making plant-based alternatives of consumers’ favourite animal products that are nutritious and feel just as satisfying as the original. Texture, flavour, creaminess, stretch, and structure. When these elements work in harmony, plant-based becomes an upgrade, not a compromise.
Common challenges:
Using the right blend of ingredients derived from nature to replicate the complex textures and flavours of non-plant-based options. | Creating egg-free snacks and baked goods with a fluffy, crumbly mouthfeel and rich buttery taste. | Delivering lactose or dairy-free products with smooth, creamy textures, like premium cheeses and yoghurts. |
The future is bold, brave and botanical.
Plant-based options are no longer just about replacement. They’re about exploration. Consumers are seeking out bold, new plant-led experiences that feel luxurious, exciting and surprising.
"I want to choose plant-based options, but all the new experiences seem to be animal-based, leaving me feeling left out!”
- Kantar Mouthfeel & Sensation Research
Manufacturers are waking up to the potential of hyper-luxe vegetarian and vegan options, and they’re starting to innovate rather than imitate. Novel concepts, unexpected flavour pairings, and playful variety are raising expectations and changing the way we think about plants. From elevated ready-to-eat meals to plant-based treats, the way to win is clear: create plant-based experiences that feel premium, adventurous and unforgettable.
Common challenges:
Reformulating using innovative ingredients that mimic rare & exotic tastes. | Creating out-of-home level luxury in ‘ready-to-eat’ or ‘on-the-go’ plant-based solutions. |
We specialise in innovative, plant-based solutions that never compromise on taste or texture. As fibre-forward eating grows, we help you create plant-rich products that are nutritious, feel satisfying, and are exciting to eat. Whatever your challenge, from dairy-free alternatives to protein-rich snacks, we’re ready to collaborate and help you lead the green revolution.
1https://veganuary.com/veganuary-2026-results/
2https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lze6n0e6mo
Prospective purchasers are advised to conduct their own tests, studies and review of the intellectual property and regulatory space to determine the fitness of Tate & Lyle products for their particular purposes, product claims or specific applications