Global Plant-Based Meat Market Size, Share & Forecast 2025–2033

Its main applications can be seen in the food sector where plant-based meat functions as a substitute for beef, pork, poultry, and seafood for various dishes. Among popular products are burgers, sausages, meatballs, and nuggets. These products are especially for vegetarians, vegans, and those who consume minimal meat due to health, environmental, or ethical reasons. The rising demand for plant-based diets and growing awareness on the environmental implications of the production of meat have made this product more popular and prevalent in restaurants, supermarkets, and fast-food chains.

Growth Drivers of the Global Plant-Based Meat Market

Rising Demand for Sustainable and Ethical Products

A growth driver for the plant-based meat market is the increasing awareness about the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Traditional meat production emits a lot of greenhouse gases, causes deforestation, and consumes a lot of water. As consumers become increasingly aware of these environmental issues, they opt for plant-based meat alternatives, which provide a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. This increasing demand for ethical food choices and concern about animal welfare is speeding up the adoption of plant-based meat products worldwide. Emissions caused by livestock and the industry amount to around 15% of global greenhouse gasses. With these emissions expected to increase by 9% by 2031, the need for solutions that can reduce the demand for meat is greater than ever before. One such solution is through plant-based meat innovations. In carbon emissions, they are up to 120 times more carbon efficient than meat products if considered separately.

Health-Conscious Consumer Trends

Increasingly, consumers prefer healthier eating habits to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Plant-based meats are generally low in saturated fats and have no cholesterol content, which makes them a healthier option than their counterparts in the meat industry. The growth of the health-conscious consumer segment has led to increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, which have the same texture and taste as meat but fewer health risks, therefore propelling the plant-based meat market. Garden Gourmet, a subsidiary of Nestlé, partnered with the International Olympic Committee in December 2023 for its plant-based meat offerings, including Burger Patties, Sausages and Hotdogs, and Steaks / Fillets to be included in Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024. The agreement would promote the consumption of plant-based meat.

Improvements in Food Technology and Innovation

Advances in food technology have played a significant role in the growth of the plant-based meat market. Improved processing techniques, enhanced flavors, and more meat-like textures have made plant-based meats increasingly appealing to consumers. Companies are investing in research and development to create plant-based products that closely replicate the taste and texture of animal meat, attracting even non-vegetarian consumers. The lab-grown plant-based meats and meat analogs are growing the market, and diversity is being enhanced to boost its growth even further. In January 2024, Prime Roots partnered with Three Little Pigs to bring its plant-based pâtés (minced meat) to New York's customers.

Challenges facing the Plant-Based Meat Market

High Production Costs

Among the many challenges facing the plant-based meat market is high production costs of producing these products. While plant-based meat alternatives are environmentally friendly and healthy, the ingredients used- such as high-quality plant proteins and specialty flavorings- tend to be more costly than traditional meat. Moreover, advanced production techniques, like fermentation and processing technology, make it even pricier. These expenses are reflected in the price of plant-based meat products, making them less affordable for many consumers compared to animal-based meat options, which can limit widespread adoption.

Consumer Perception and Acceptance

Despite the growing popularity of plant-based meat, consumer acceptance remains a challenge, particularly among traditional meat-eaters. Some individuals hesitate to switch to plant-based alternatives due to skepticism about conventional meat's taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Furthermore, plant-based meats will encounter resistance because of cultural preferences in those regions where meat consumption is a vital part of life. Thus, the success in the long run in the growth of markets and widespread acceptance will rely on overcoming such perceptions through better education, marketing, and product innovations.

United States Plant-Based Meat Market

The plant-based meat market is experiencing robust growth in the United States, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable, health-conscious, and ethical food alternatives. Major companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are spearheading innovation in plant-based products, offering everything from burgers to sausages and nuggets. Additionally, the growing focus on reducing meat consumption due to health concerns and environmental sustainability is boosting market expansion. The U.S. market is supported by strong distribution networks, widespread retail availability, and consumer awareness campaigns promoting plant-based diets.

United Kingdom Plant-Based Meat Market

The United Kingdom is one of Europe's leading markets for plant-based meat, with a growing consumer base opting for plant-based alternatives due to environmental, ethical, and health reasons. UK consumers are now very much aware of the impact that animal agriculture has on the environment, and plant-based products are fast becoming mainstream in supermarkets, restaurants, and even fast food chains. All this support from the government through sustainable food practices and innovations in plant-based product development are driving the growth of this market and making the UK an important player in the European plant-based meat sector.

China Plant-Based Meat Market

China is rapidly adopting plant-based meat products as the country experiences a cultural shift towards vegetarian and flexitarian diets. The growing awareness of environmental impact from meat production, with concerns over health and food safety, is driving the demand for plant-based alternatives. With over 1.4 billion people, it presents a significant market opportunity. Local players and global plant-based brands are investing in the market to offer Chinese consumers plant-based meat alternatives to suit local tastes.

Brazil Plant-Based Meat Market

Brazil is becoming an essential market for plant-based meats in South America. With consumer interest growing in health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, plant-based products have increasingly been considered as an alternative to meat. Brazil's large agricultural industry and focus on sustainable food production have paved the way for innovation in plant-based alternatives. Companies are introducing plant-based options for local dishes such as burgers, sausages, and stews making them accessible to a wider population while promoting the practice of eating plants.

South Africa Plant-Based Meat Market

The plant-based meat market in South Africa is growing steadily, with health-conscious consumers and a rising awareness of environmental sustainability driving the trend. As demand for plant-based products increases, South African retailers and restaurants are introducing more plant-based alternatives. The country is also becoming a hub for international plant-based brands looking to expand into Africa. Although the market is still in its developing stage, it will continue to grow with increasing food prices, growing awareness over animal welfare, and an increase in healthier diets in the future.

Plant-Based Meat Market Segmentation

Source – Market breakup from 4 viewpoints:

• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others

Meat Type – Market breakup from 5 viewpoints:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Beef
• Fish
• Others

Product Type – Market breakup from 6 viewpoints:

• Burger Patties
• Sausages
• Nuggets and Strips
• Ground Meat
• Meatballs
• Others

Distribution Channel – Market breakup from 3 viewpoints:

• Food Retail
• Food Service
• E-Commerce
•  

Storage – Market breakup from 3 viewpoints:

• Refrigerated Plant Based Meat
• Frozen Plant Based Meat
• Shelf Stable Plant Based Meat

Regional Analysis

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherland
• Turkey

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Australia
• New Zealand

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• South Africa

Rest of the World

All companies have been covered from 3 viewpoints:

•    Overview
•    Recent Development
•    Revenue

Top Companies Analysis:

• Beyond Meat
• Conagra Brands
• Maple Leaf Foods Inc,
• Tyson Foods Inc,
• Kellanavo
• Archer Daniels Midland,
• US Foods Holding
• Hormel Foods Corporation

Report Details: