Europe Plant-Based Meat Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

Europe Plant-Based Meat Market Trends & Summary

Europe Plant-Based Meat Market was USD 2.47 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow to USD 9.54 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 16.2% over the period from 2025 to 2033. The reason behind this growth is increasing health awareness, the need for sustainable protein options, and changing consumer behavior toward meat substitutes in nations such as Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands.

The report Europe Plant-Based Meat Market & Forecast covers by Source (Soy, Pea, Wheat, Others), Meat Type (Chicken, Pork, Beef, Fish), Product Type (Burger and Patties, Sausages, Nuggets and Strips, Ground Meat, Meatballs), Distribution Channel (Food Retail, Food Service, E-Commerce), Storage (Refrigerated Plant Based Meat, Frozen Plant Based Meat, Shelf Stable Plant Based Meat), Country and Company Analysis 2025-2033.

Europe Plant-Based Meat Market Outlooks

Plant-based meat is a food product formulated to mimic the flavor, texture, and nutritional characteristics of conventional meat with ingredients based on plant materials like soy, peas, mushrooms, and legumes. Its popularity in Europe has increased dramatically because of increased health awareness, environmental concern, and animal welfare issues.

With more consumers gravitating towards flexitarian, veggie, or vegan diets, plant-based meat has become an accepted mainstream alternative in restaurants and households. The large food chains and fast food outlets are promoting plant-based diets to keep pace with changing customer tastes. Governments also have environmental sustainability and climate objectives that create a push toward meat alternatives. Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, among other countries, have shown remarkable growth in plant-based consumerism. Younger consumers, especially, are leading demand as a result of their receptiveness to innovation and ethical consumption. In general, plant-based meat is gaining a strong presence throughout Europe as part of a wider trend towards healthier and more sustainable food consumption.

Growth Drivers in the Europe Plant-Based Meat Market

Increasing Health Awareness and Flexitarian Lifestyle

Europeans are increasingly turning towards flexitarian diets led by health issues like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and food intolerances. This is fueling the call for plant-based meat alternatives that are seen as healthier, lower-fat, and cholesterol-free. This is something that brands are seizing on through the clean-label and nutrient-dense product positioning. Consumers in Western Europe, in particular, are taking up this transition as part of a wider wellness trend, driving the plant-based meat market throughout the region. In 2021, A survey by the Smart Protein Project revealed that flexitarians account for 30% of Europe's population, rising to 40% when vegetarians and pescatarians are included. More than a third of consumers are not primarily meat-eaters, and 57% wish to reduce meat in their diets over time.

Sustainability and Environmental Issues

Environmental sustainability is a major driver for the uptake of plant-based meats in Europe. Fears about the carbon footprint of livestock, deforestation, and water consumption have prompted many environmentally aware consumers to cut down on or forego animal meat. Governments and non-governmental organizations are facilitating such shifts through advocacy campaigns and sustainable food programs. Plant-based meat companies are taking their marketing strategy in line with sustainability stories, winning over a growing number of climate-aware customers in nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The VALPRO Path project, supported by Horizon Europe and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds, seeks to guide food chain actors towards more sustainable plant protein production for food and feed.

Retail Expansion and Product Innovation

Large retail chains throughout Europe are quickly increasing their plant-based products, launching private labels and collaborating with startups to broaden choice. Textural, taste, and ingredient technology innovations have added to the attractiveness of plant-based meats, replicating animal proteins with close similarities. From soy sausages to pea protein burgers, quality and variety are stimulating repeat buys. This diversification driven by innovation is propelling broad market uptake, especially in urban areas where demand is picking up speed. Jan 2025, Foodtech venture Project Eaden, which produces ultra-realistic plant-based meat with fiber spinning technology, raised €15 million in an oversubscribed Series A round, taking total funding to €27 million.

Pain points in the Europe Plant-Based Meat Market

High Price Relative to Traditional Meat

Among the major entry impediments of the broader diffusion of plant-based meat in Europe is its unfavorable cost relative to traditional animal-based meat. Albeit increasing enthusiasm, price sensitiveness continues to be a severe issue for a vast majority of consumers. Plant-based products have been found to involve sophisticated processing, premium-quality raw materials, and R&D expenses—attributes contributing to their upward pressure on retail prices. These make such products less affordable to middle- and lower-class consumers, particularly across Central and Eastern European markets.

Taste and Texture Limitations

While much improvement has taken place, most plant-based meat alternatives continue to lack the precise taste and texture of actual meat. This discourages classic meat consumers from converting entirely. Texture, particularly in steaks or chicken alternatives, is a technical hurdle. Where culinary history runs strong in a region, like in France or Italy, this becomes an even larger obstacle to conquest and repeat buying.

Europe Soy Plant-Based Meat Market

Soy is still among the most common plant proteins in the plant-based meat market in Europe because of its high protein quality and functional diversity. It appears in a variety of products, from burgers and nuggets to plant-based deli slices. Soy's recognition by European consumers and its competitiveness make it an attractive option for manufacturers. Nevertheless, lingering issues with allergens and genetically modified soy alternatives can impact future patterns of demand, leading to a slow movement toward cleaner and alternative protein sources.

Europe Pea Plant-Based Meat Market

Pea protein is acquiring quick momentum in the European plant-based meat market as a clean-label, non-allergenic, and sustainable alternative to soy. It possesses excellent emulsification and water holding capabilities, which makes it particularly suitable for products such as burgers, sausages, and meatballs. Pea protein is being widely embraced by start-ups and established food companies equally, especially across Northern and Western Europe. Growing popularity is a reflection of demand for natural foods and high-protein, gluten-free products by consumers, pushing the segment ahead in retail as well as foodservice channels.

Europe Chicken Plant-Based Meat Market

Plant-based chicken is growing in demand in Europe, fuelled by demand for poultry as a conventional choice of meat. Consumers adopting plant-based diets tend to seek out familiar formats, and chicken-style products like nuggets, fillets, and tenders are at the forefront of convenience and popularity. The creation of realistic texture and subtle flavor profiles has also contributed to market pull. Brands are targeting this segment with innovative, ready-to-eat solutions, especially in fast-food and quick-service restaurants throughout the UK, Germany, and Benelux.

Europe Plant-Based Fish Meat Market

The plant-based fish meat category is becoming a niche but rapidly growing segment in Europe. As concerns over overfishing, ocean pollution, and mercury content in seafood grow, consumers are looking for safer and more sustainable alternatives. Plant-based fish sticks, tuna substitutes, and seafood burgers are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in coastal and environmentally aware markets such as Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Brands are investing in seaweed-based formulations and flavor technology to more closely emulate seafood traits, which points to significant potential within this underdeveloped category.

Europe Plant-Based Sausages Meat Market

Sausages are a deeply ingrained aspect of European cuisine, so it is no surprise that they are a dominant product in the plant-based shift. Bratwurst in Germany and chorizo in Spain are just two examples of how plant-based alternatives are formulated to meet local taste profiles. These items frequently include soy or pea protein as well as oils and spices to replicate real taste. With more shelf life in supermarkets and restaurants, plant sausages are attractive to meat reducers and flexitarians, particularly during the festive and grill seasons throughout Europe.

Europe Plant-Based Ground Meat Market

Plant-based ground meat is gaining ground in European households because it is so versatile to use in pastas, lasagnas, tacos, and burgers. Pea and soy-based products rule this segment with texture and protein content closely mimicking actual minced meat. Ground meat alternatives, being convenient to cook and usable across multiple cuisines, are experiencing high traction in retail. Their usage within meal kits and ready-meals is also on the rise, particularly in metropolitan areas where high demand exists for easy-to-prepare and environmentally friendly food options.

Europe Plant-Based Meat Food Retail Market

Food retail stores, especially mass supermarket chains such as Tesco, Carrefour, and Aldi, are primary distribution channels for plant-based meat across Europe. They are investing in proprietary plant-based ranges and designating dedicated shelf space, improving product visibility and availability. Promotions in stores, sustainability stickers, and store brands are supporting consumer confidence and purchase intent. Increased availability in mainstream grocery stores is further bringing consumption into the mainstream, rendering it affordable and convenient enough to be considered for daily meals.

Europe Plant-Based Meat E-Commerce Market

The e-commerce market is also emerging as a significant avenue for plant-based meat sales across Europe, especially post-COVID-19 when pandemic-induced changes brought digital shopping trends to full steam. A larger assortment is made available, encompassing international and niche players, with home delivery convenience. Specialty vegan shops and subscription boxes are also picking up among ethical buyers. Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are the countries at the forefront of online adoption of plant-based products, making e-commerce an essential growth path for new brands.

Europe Frozen Plant-Based Meat Market

Frozen plant-based meat items are trending in Europe because they have a long shelf life, are convenient, and inexpensive. They serve busy city consumers seeking convenient meal solutions that support sustainability objectives. Frozen patties, nuggets, and sausages lead supermarket freezers' product offerings. Freezing technology innovation provides texture and flavor preservation, driving consumer satisfaction. The category is not only gaining strength in retail, but also in foodservice, where frozen plant-based meat demand has accelerated over the past few years.

France Plant-Based Meat Market

In France, the market for plant-based meat is on the rise despite France's robust food culture built around animal proteins. Health-conscious millennials, environmental issues, and ethical reasons are behind the interest in alternatives. French consumers are especially attracted to high-end, gourmet-style plant-based products focusing on taste, quality, and proximity sourcing. Local players and global companies alike are creating clean-label and organic-based offerings. Even though labeling controversies rage on, supermarket chains and health food stores continue to grow their vegan ranges, making plant-based meats increasingly available throughout urban centers such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. March 2024, French charcuterie business Aoste has introduced a new line of meat alternatives under the Better Balance brand. The range features burgers, sausages, breaded cutlets, and two chunks made from soy, peas, wheat, and vegetable oil and contains no palm oil. Each of the five items has a Nutriscore A and will be sold for retail and foodservice.

Germany Plant-Based Meat Market

Germany is leading Europe's plant-based meat trend with its high vegetarian and flexitarian bases. Berlin is especially a hub for vegan innovation and startups. German consumers care about health, sustainability, and ethical consumption, driving demand for soy, pea, and wheat protein-based alternatives. Retailers like Lidl and Edeka have wide plant-based ranges, and local players like Rügenwalder Mühle and LikeMeat fill shelves. Government incentives toward sustainable food production and changing consumer trends further cement Germany's leadership of the European plant-based meat market. Sep 2024, Planted, a Swiss manufacturer of meat analogues, will establish a new factory in Germany, its primary export market. The firm, which debuted a fermentation-based whole-cut steak recently, will convert a refurbished old brewery in Bavaria's Memmingen into a state-of-the-art vegan meat manufacturing facility.

UK Plant-Based Meat Market

The UK has one of Europe's most advanced plant-based meat markets, with broad consumer acceptance and retail reach. Consumer bases comprising a high number of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians make meat alternative demand strong, especially in key urban centers such as London and Manchester. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda have been quick to introduce in-store vegan own-brand lines, with brands such as Quorn and Beyond Meat commanding high visibility. The growth of Veganuary, food delivery apps, and environmentally friendly younger consumers are also driving the UK's plant-based meat industry forward. April 2023 - Beyond Meat® is continuing to grow in the UK with new plant-based chicken offerings, such as Beyond Burger® Chicken-Style, Beyond Fillet®, and Beyond Nuggets®. The Beyond Burger Chicken-Style is now sold in select Waitrose locations, and all three products will become available in select Sainsbury's stores.

Europe Plant-Based Meat Market Segments

Source

1. Soy
2. Pea
3. Wheat
4. Others

Meat Type

1. Chicken
2. Pork
3. Beef
4. Fish
5. Others

Product Type

1. Burger and Patties
2. Sausages
3. Nuggets and Strips
4. Ground Meat
5. Meatballs
6. Others

Distribution Channel

1. Food Retail
2. Food Service
3. E-Commerce

Storage

1. Refrigerated Plant Based Meat
2. Frozen Plant Based Meat
3. Shelf Stable Plant Based Meat

Countries

1. France
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. United Kingdom
6. Belgium
7. Netherlands
8. Russia
9. Poland
10. Greece
11. Norway
12. Romania
13. Portugal
14. Rest of Europe

Companies have been covered from 4 viewpoints

• Overviews
• Key Person
• Recent Developments
• Revenue

Key Players Analysis

1. Hormel Foods Corporation
2. Beyond Meat Inc.
3. Danone S.A.
4. Taifun-Tofu GmbH
5. Kellanava
6. Berief Food GmbH
7. Archer Daniels Midland
8. Tyson Foods Inc.

Report Details: