Vegan food rethought

If you want to benefit from the growing market for meat alternatives, you would do well to focus on plant-based foods now. But beware: What was still a success a few years ago may have been outdated today. It is therefore worthwhile to stay up to date when it comes to current developments.

Diverse, colourful, plant-based

Before the big rise in plant-based diets, there was often little choice for vegetarians and vegans. Some even had to resort to side dishes in restaurants.

A colorful variety of vegan dishes is now available. In addition to alternatives to local classics, there are now more and more independent plant-based dishes on the menus.

It's also worth thinking outside the box – because tastes from other regions work well in plant-based cuisine. Some countries, such as India, have a long tradition of plant-based cuisine.

Plant-based meat alternatives

At the beginning of the boom in vegan alternatives, the imitation of classic meat dishes was the order of the day. The texture, bite, colour and taste of alternatives to schnitzel, minced meat, sausages and the like should come as close as possible to the originals.

Thanks to additives and functional ingredients, manufacturers have been able to imitate classic products better and better. These first-generation vegan products were initially comparatively expensive for consumers.

Good for you

People who follow a health-conscious diet want to eat foods that are good for them. Few, but high-quality ingredients as well as natural products are very popular.
Product developers are working on plant-based alternatives that meet these desires and have better nutritional values.
These products are designed to support a healthy diet by using natural ingredients, being rich in vitamins and nutrients, and avoiding saturated fatty acids and artificial additives, such as plant-based parmesan and feta without coconut fat.

Good for the wallet

The price of food also plays a role for consumers.
In a time of rising costs, consumers like to opt for cheaper products, which until now did not include plant-based alternatives.
Manufacturers are working to develop vegan products that are affordable and attractively priced.
Supermarkets also want to offer their own brands of plant-based products that are affordable for customers.

Soybean, Pea & Co.

Proteins play an important role in our diet. The body obtains those eight essential amino acids from them, that it cannot produce itself.

Plant-based proteins are the basis for vegan products. Peas, which are also allergen-free, or soybeans are often used as a base.

Mushrooms are also becoming increasingly popular as a basis for vegan products. All three score with a texture similar to meat and are also considered environmentally friendly.

Beyond Imitation

While the first generation of plant-based products tried to copy meat products, the next one goes one step further. It produces independent products that stand for themselves.

These bring the vegetable component to the fore without referring to an animal original.

For example, vegetable spreads, filled vegan snack balls or plant-based sandwich toppings beyond cold cuts are created .

Plant-based ready meals

Convenience products are very popular – also in the area of plant-based foods.

Those who like to eat a varied diet have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the flavors of other countries - for example Korea, Mexico or Thailand - in addition to their local culinary heritage.

These dishes offer authentic flavors without the need for time-consuming cooking or expensive restaurant visits.

Growing market

The market for ready meals is growing, people want:

to get full quickly
eat healthily
good, authentic taste
varied meals, preferably with an international touch
sustainable products
easy preparation

Vegan convenience

Vegetarian and vegan variants of ready meals are experiencing increasing interest:

Finger food
Fried food
Ready-meals
Toppings
Snacks

Fish purely plant-based

Fish alternatives are also particularly exciting for consumers. Whether fillet or spread - the alternatives can keep up with the originals in terms of taste and appearance. The ethical and ecological challenges of fishing, such as working conditions at sea or overfishing, also make it attractive to use plant-based alternatives to salmon and tuna.

Sausages & sandwich toppings

Alternatives for sausages | Spreads

Cheese

Alternatives for block cheese | Cream cheese | Grilled cheese | Processed cheese

Convenience

Fish & seafood

Alternatives for Fillets | Spreads | Salads

Functional products

Starter Cultures | Shelf life extension

NovaTaste Solutions

At NovaTaste you are in the right place if you produce plant-based food. We have everything you need for the perfect taste, functionality and texture as well as the right protein base.

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