Why Plant-Based Meat is Being Increasingly Consumed in the U.S.?

The past few years have seen a significant surge in individuals shifting from animal meat to plant-based meat. Take a quick walk through your nearby supermarket and you’ll see a whole host of plant-based alternatives than ever before. As such, it’s natural to wonder what makes these products so popular.

In this blog post, we explain to you what plant-based meat is and how it’s made. We also examine the key ingredients used in making this traditional meat alternative. Additionally, we cover the key factors that are driving the U.S. plant-based meat market growth. Stick with us!

What Is Plant-Based Meat?

Plant-based meat is exactly what its name implies. It is an alternative to meat that’s made completely from plants. Unlike traditional meat that comes from animals, plant-based meat makes use of ingredients such as mushrooms, soy, and peas. Sometimes, even jackfruit may be used. These ingredients are used to mimic the texture, taste, and appearance of conventional meat.

How Is Plant-Based Meat Made?

The process of making plant-based meat begins with the extraction of proteins from plant sources. These proteins are then processed to mimic the texture of real meat. Ingredients such as coconut oil and beet juice help give the meat its juiciness and color. Seasonings are used for enhancing and balancing the flavor. This results in a plant-based alternative that appears and tastes like meat.

What Are Key Ingredients in Plant-Based Meat?

A mix of fats, binders, proteins, and flavor enhancers is used to create a convincing meat-like experience.

Protein Sources: In plant-based meat, protein sources take the form of pea protein, soy, and wheat gluten. These protein sources give plant-based meat the chewiness and structure that’s similar to real meat. They help develop that familiar bite, whether it’s nuggets or burgers.

Fats: Sunflower and coconut oil are typically used as fats in plant-based meat. These plant-based oils add juiciness to the meat. Their use mimics the marbling present in animal meat. Their use also helps prevent plant-based products from feeling dry.

Binders and Emulsifiers: Binders and emulsifiers are responsible for holding everything together. The use of starches and methylcellulose ensures that the plant-based ham and meat hold their shape while they’re being cooked. The absence of binders and emulsifiers would result in the breaking of the texture.

Flavor Enhancers: Flavor Enhancers are one of the key ingredients in plant-based meat. Yeast extracts are used for adding umami. The use of heme provides a rich taste that resembles beef. The combined use of these ingredients makes plant-based meat a satisfying alternative to conventional meat.

What’s Driving U.S. Plant-Based Market Demand?

Our latest analysis reveals the U.S. plant-based meat market to register robust growth in the coming years. The market was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.2% between 2025 and 2034. The presence of leading plant-based meat companies is a key factor driving market growth in the U.S. Additionally, the expansion of online retail platforms and D2C sales is positively impacting the market landscape.

What About Nutrition in Plant-Based Meat and Real Meat?

Choosing between plant-based meat and real meat needs careful consideration of various factors. Each of the options has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. As such, choosing the best option depends on the dietary needs and health goals of the specific individual.

Plant-based Meat

The protein levels in plant-based meat are similar to those of real meat. However, there can be variation in the amino profile. Mycoproteins and soy are usually regarded as complete proteins. Wheat protein and pea may not contain certain amino acids. To address this, many manufacturers opt for blending proteins to enhance their completeness.

A key benefit of this meat form is the fat composition. The presence of more unsaturated fats makes it heart-friendly as compared to the saturated fats in animal meat. Additionally, the cholesterol-free nature makes it appealing to individuals who are monitoring their heart health. However, the processing of plant-based options can increase the sodium levels. The high sodium content can be a concern for some individuals.

Real Meat

Real meat is known for its ability to provide complete protein. It contains all the essential amino acids in optimal amounts. Real meat also contains vitamin B12 and heme iron, which may be challenging to get from plant-based sources.

However, the levels of cholesterol and saturated fats in processed and red meat are typically higher. Unlike plant-based meat, real meat doesn’t need to go through heavy processing to achieve its flavor and texture. Additionally, real meat doesn’t require many additives for processing.

What Is the Environmental and Ethical Impact of Plant-based and Real Meat?

The environmental and ethical impact of producing meat is one of the key factors in choosing between plant-based meat and real meat. The environmental footprint of plant-based meat is significantly lower than that of traditional meat. Plant-based meat has significantly lower methane emissions as compared to animal-based meat. Additionally, Plant-based products need far less water and land than their animal counterparts. On the ethical front, plant-based meat takes away concerns about factory farming, where animals may be confined to smaller spaces and need heavy usage of antibiotics.

In Conclusion

Plant-based meat has garnered significant popularity over the past few years. There are several benefits associated with consuming plant-based meat. However, the meat type has its own drawbacks as well. That said, U.S. consumers need to factor in their health goals and nutrition needs when choosing the best meat form for them.