“Where’s the beef?” Frankly, more and more consumers are discovering they don’t need beef, poultry, pork or seafood when it comes to meeting their protein needs. The thriving and growing market for plant proteins has given Americans the push to become less reliant on—or in some cases even entirely forgo—animal-based protein sources, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts and its new report, “Food Formulation and Ingredient Trends: Plant Proteins.”

“Consumer interest in boosting protein intake remains strong headed into 2016 with more attention being paid to the specific types of protein being consumed. The desire for clean labels, ease of digestion, the need or desire to avoid allergens, compatibility with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles and concerns about sustainability among the general population are putting the spotlight on plant proteins. Consumer notions of what constitutes a good protein source are expanding to include a wider variety of plant protein ingredients. Subsequently, interest in plant protein ingredients among food manufacturers and foodservice operators is intensifying,” said David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts.

In the U.S., the current high level of interest in plant proteins can be attributed to the convergence of several factors, among which increased consumer awareness and demand for dietary protein play a key role. Heightened consumer interest in “flexitarian,” vegetarian and vegan lifestyles is in part a result of a growing list of concerns related to meat production and consumption that includes environmental and economic sustainability, the presence of antibiotic and hormone residues and inhumane treatment of animals. The greater affordability of vegetarian protein options also is not to be overlooked. Concurrently, a growing list of health benefits is being associated with plant-based diets.

Plant protein ingredients are available as fractionated concentrates and isolates including powders used specifically for fortification, and as whole food ingredients inherently high in protein that contribute characterizing flavor, texture and color attributes to food and beverage products. These protein ingredients are now being used in a wide range of food and beverage categories that have in common their association with healthful protein, either implied or stated as a nutrient content claim such as “good source,” “excellent source” or “rich in protein.” On a global basis, alternate protein sources will grow faster than meat and seafood, which currently dominate but will begin to wane in coming decades. Global production increases are expected for protein-rich crops, including soy, peas, rice, flax, canola and lupin.

Plant protein purchase or use by all U.S. adults in the past 30 days was highest for nuts and seeds (37%), more than double that of soy protein, and substantially more than whey, vegan protein blends, pea protein and hemp protein. So who is most likely to purchase these plant proteins? Research conducted by Packaged Facts indicated that 37% of consumers ages 25 to 39 are likely to seek out plant proteins, the highest of any age group, followed by 22% of adults under age 25. Similarly, at least 25% of Asian, Hispanic and Black consumers reported seeking out vegetarian protein sources, compared to 15% of White Non-Hispanic consumers. In general, men and adults holding advanced college degrees are more inclined to seek out plant protein.

The report offers a future-focused, in-depth view of plant protein ingredients and reviews some of today’s most innovative food and beverage product trends in emerging and rejuvenated categories at retail. It also explores current plant protein concepts and menus in foodservice and provides insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors related to protein ingredients in general while focusing specifically on plant proteins.