Meat Substitutes Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Soy, Wheat, Pea, and Others), By Product Type (Burgers/Patties, Strips & Nuggets, Sausages, Ground, and Others), By Type (Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Food Service Channels and Retail Channels (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail Channels and Others)), By Storage Outlook (Frozen, Refrigerated, and Shelf-Stable), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global meat substitutes market size was valued at USD 7.24 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 7.87 billion in 2025 to USD 16.13 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.78% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the meat substitutes market with a market share of 42.27% in 2024.

Meat substitutes, also called meat alternatives or plant-based meat, are food products that mimic the sensory traits of traditional meat. These substitutes possess similar texture, flavor, and appearance, making them appealing to consumers who want to reduce or eliminate meat consumption for various reasons including health, environmental, and ethical considerations.

The rising adoption of vegan and vegetarian diets, increasing health consciousness among the millennials, and increasing concerns about environmental impacts drive the growth of the market. Advancements in food science and technology are leading to more realistic plant-based meat substitutes. Manufacturers are coming up with innovative products and using new plant-based alternatives such as jackfruit that better replicate the appearance of meat and expand their portfolio. For instance, in July 2023, Biff’s Plant Shack, a U.K.-based brand, launched a new and improved range of consumer-packed goods. The new portfolio contains a new burger cutlet and an updated formulation for their famous jackfruit wings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the meat substitutes market, driving significant changes in consumer behavior, market dynamics, and industry growth. The pandemic caused widespread shutdowns of meat processing facilities due to COVID-19 outbreaks among workers, leading to reduced production capacity. This resulted in a significant drop in meat supply, which in turn created opportunities for plant-based alternatives as consumers sought substitutes amid shortages.

Meat Substitutes Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets to Influence Market Growth

Veganism has become one of the most popular dietary trends adopted by millennials across the globe. The consumer demand for vegan meat in this category is relatively high, as vegans rely entirely on plant-based products to meet their protein requirements. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales grew 6.6% in 2022 to USD 8 billion. As more consumers adopt vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, there is increased demand for plant-based alternatives. Vegan meat offers these individuals a familiar and satisfying way to enjoy meals without consuming animal products, fueling the global meat substitutes market growth.

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Meat Substitutes Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Plant-based Protein Foods to Support the Growth of the Market

Nowadays, more and more people are opting for vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets for various reasons, including health concerns, environmental impact, and animal welfare. This trend has expanded the consumer base seeking plant-based protein alternatives. Plant-based protein sources such as legumes, beans, lentils, and others are high in proteins, fibers, and minerals, making them attract health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to meat. In this regard, plant-based proteins, including meat substitutes, are becoming increasingly popular. Consumers are also adopting a proactive approach and improving protein intake by incorporating plant-based protein products offered into their diets.

Rising Demand for Animal Cruelty-Free Products to Fuel Market Growth

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the ethical treatment of animals in factory farms. This has led to a growing movement toward cruelty-free products, with meat substitutes offering a clear alternative. Meat alternatives also appeal to consumers interested in health and sustainability, as they are often lower in fat and cholesterol compared to real meat. Flexitarianism, vegetarianism and veganism are also gaining mainstream popularity as more people choose to reduce their meat consumption, further fueling the demand for plant-based meat products. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic fueled the demand for vegan meat owing to rising concerns among consumers related to zoonotic infections in traditional meat. This increased awareness about food products has propelled the demand for meat substitutes.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Production Costs and Flavor Challenges to Hamper Market Growth

One of the major restraints for meat substitute products is to accurately imitate the taste and color of meat. The product, which contains textured vegetable protein, can also undergo color change after being cooked. Therefore, attributes such as color are also one of the significant considerations for consumers when buying meat substitutes, and any change can significantly impact their repeat purchase decisions. Flavor is another critical factor affecting the acceptability and marketability of meat substitutes. Undesirable chemosensory perceptions, such as bitter taste, beany flavor, and astringency, are often associated with plant proteins and products made from them. Such factors may heavily hamper the sales of the product. The production process for manufacturing vegan meat is highly complicated and undergoes significant processing stages. Such processes increase the overall production cost of plant-based meat products.

Meat Substitutes Market Segmentation Analysis

By Source Analysis

Soy Segment to Lead the Market Due to its High Protein Content and Affordability

Based on source, the market is classified into soy, wheat, pea, and others. The soy segment is expected to hold the major share of the market. Soybeans have a long history as a source of plant-based protein. Soy protein is affordable, versatile, and has a well-understood nutritional profile, making it a reliable and cost-effective base for many plant-based meat products. Soy protein also offers functional properties that benefit the manufacturing process of plant-based meat. It can bind ingredients together, absorb water, and help mimic the fat content of meat. Soy is also renowned for its high protein content. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), soy protein isolate contains 81g of protein in 100g serving.

The pea segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. Pea protein has a neutral flavor profile, making it highly versatile for use in various meat substitute products. It can be easily seasoned to mimic the taste of different meats such as beef, chicken, and pork.

The wheat segment is expected to witness moderate growth in the forecast period. Wheat is one of the most widely cultivated and affordable grains globally, making it a readily available and cost-effective base ingredient for meat substitute producers. This affordability can translate into competitive pricing for consumers. Wheat is also a good source of vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals, enhancing the overall nutritional value of meat substitute products.

By Product Type Analysis

Burger Segment to Dominate Due to Rising Consumption of Fast Foods among Millennials

Based on product type, the market is classified as burgers/patties, strips & nuggets, sausages, ground, and others. The burgers segment is expected to hold a major meat substitutes market share. Traditional burgers are globally recognized and beloved food products. Plant-based burgers offer a familiar and convenient option for consumers who want to reduce their meat intake while still enjoying the taste and experience of burgers. Moreover, the growing consumption of fast foods among millennials further propels the demand for burgers in the market. Companies are constantly developing new products that mimic the taste and texture of burgers, making them more appealing to a wide range of consumers. For instance, in February 2024, Smashburger, the better-burger fast-casual restaurant, partnered with Jack and Annie's, a meat alternative company, to launch a new plant-based burger made from jackfruit in the U.S.

The strips and nuggets segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The plant-based nuggets and strips mimic the mouthfeel and texture of traditional meat counterparts, meeting the sensory expectations of consumers accustomed to traditional animal-based meat options, fueling the growth of the market.

The sausages segment is expected to grow moderately during the forecast period. Sausages are a popular and versatile meat product enjoyed in various cuisines around the world. Plant-based sausages offer consumers a familiar format to transition to plant-based alternatives.

By Type Analysis

Chicken Segment to Holds Prominent Position with its Lower Production Costs and Wide Consumer Appeal

Based on type, the market is classified into beef, pork, chicken, fish, and others. The chicken segment is expected to hold the major share of the global market. Vegan chicken is the primary ingredient used in products such as nuggets, burgers, sausages, and others. Plant-based chicken is less expensive to produce compared to plant-based beef alternatives. This affordability makes them more accessible to a wider range of consumers, propelling the market share. Technological developments in the plant-based meat category have enhanced the taste and texture of vegan chicken, making it more appealing to a broad consumer base. Therefore, several players introduce new products to meet the demand for plant-based meat products. For instance, in May 2024, Shicken, a U.K.-based brand, launched allergen-free plant-based chicken tikka kebabs.

The beef segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. Beef is a globally popular meat, and consumers are seeking delicious plant-based alternatives that replicate its taste, texture, and versatility, presenting significant opportunities for plant-based beef manufacturers.

The pork segment is expected to grow moderately over the forecast period. Advancements in food technology have led to the development of plant-based pork products that replicate the texture and taste of traditional pork, fueling its market growth. For instance, in August 2023, Haofood, a Shanghai food tech brand, introduced soup dumplings filled with peanut-based pork mince, providing an authentic pork-like experience.

The fish segment is expected to witness steady growth in the forecast period as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable food options amid concerns over the environmental impact of meat production and depletion of fish stocks. Plant-based fish products are thus gaining traction, further increasing the demand for the product.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Retail Channel Segment to Remain Dominant Due to Easy Accessibility to More Comprehensive Products 

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into food service channels and retail channels. The retail segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty stores have a well-established infrastructure for distributing and selling food products, making it easier and more cost-effective for plant-based meat producers to reach a wide range of consumers through retail channels. Furthermore, these stores also provide promotional discounts and offer new food items that help to encourage consumers to purchase the items. Additionally, there are dedicated stores that specialize in selling these products in the market. Consumers also prefer to purchase items from these specialty stores. Online stores are gaining popularity among consumers as they provide the ease of purchasing products from the comfort of their homes, contributing to significant growth in this channel in the upcoming years.

The food service channel segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. Various restaurants, cafes, quick service restaurants, and other casual dining have dedicated segments of their menus to meat-free options, catering to eco-conscious and health-focused millennials driving the adoption of flexitarian and vegetarian diets. The rising product innovation and technological investment help grow the meat substitute market exponentially. For instance, in June 2022, Burger King, a famous quick-service restaurant chain, launched two new Impossible burger offerings to its plant-based menu. The two new products, Impossible Southwest Bacon Whopper and Impossible King, were made available in select stores in the U.S.

By Storage Outlook Analysis

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Frozen Segment Dominates Market Owing to its Affordability and Extension of Shelf-Life

Based on storage outlook, the market is segmented into frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable. The frozen segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Frozen plant-based meat helps extend the shelf-life of the product, leading to reduced food wastage, and allows more flexibility in grocery shopping. Frozen plant-based meat is generally less expensive, making it an accessible and budget-friendly choice for consumers who are looking to incorporate vegan diets.

The refrigerated segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Consumers are gravitating toward fresh products, and refrigerated plant-based meat offers a closer resemblance to traditional meat products in terms of storage requirements. The segment is experiencing a boom in new product development, resulting in more realistic plant based meat alternatives in terms of taste, texture, and variety. For instance, in May 2021, Raised & Rooted, a plant-based meat brand of Tyson Foods, expanded its offering by launching three new products. The new products include plant-based burger patties, ground meat, Bratwurst and Italian sausages and are available in the refrigerated section of grocery stores.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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Europe’s market size was valued at USD 3.06 billion in 2024  and accounted for the highest market share. Known for its progressive consumer tastes and high food quality standards, Europe provides an ideal environment for traditional meat businesses to expand their products to include plant-based options. Moreover, the growing adoption of vegetarian and flexitarian diets further fuels the demand for sustainable and ethical food options such as plant-based meat products. Germany, the U.K., and France have experienced reduced meat consumption, making them the major consumers of meat substitutes. According to the German Agriculture Ministry, meat consumption dropped 52kg (115 pounds) per person in 2022, and veganism is also increasing in the country, with around 3.8% refusing all animal products.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing market and is one of the largest consumers of vegan food products after Europe. Different meat replacements, such as vegan meat burgers, sausage, and similar products, are highly popular among consumers. The U.S. is known to be the largest consumer of meat substitutes in North America. According to the Plant-Based Foods Association, around 17.5% of households purchased plant-based meat, and 62.5% repeated their purchases in the U.S. The growing health awareness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations are driving this demand. Key players in the region are also focusing on trends in clean label options and promoting more plant-based meats, along with the advancements in innovation to deliver plant-based meats that mimic the taste and texture of animal-based foods.

In Asia Pacific, the growing working-class population, industrialization, and the rise in disposable income are shifting consumer food consumption behavior toward convenience food, including processed food products such as plant-based meat.  Hence, the demand for plant-based foods is set to rise in key Asia Pacific markets. The increase in consumer concerns over health and sustainability also paves the way for a significant and sustained increase in the plant-based meat market share across Asia Pacific. Moreover, the evolution in fast-food chains, hotels, and restaurants, which serve plant-based meat burgers, nuggets, and other products, has led to promising growth of these products in the region. For instance, in May 2023, Odd Burger, an international vegan fast-food chain, planned to establish 45 restaurant outlets across India in a span of ten years. The QSR menu would include plant-based chicken sandwiches, plant-based burgers, and other products.

The demand for vegan meat in South America, the Middle East, and Africa is growing rapidly owing to rising concern over climate change and growing interest in health and wellness. Furthermore, in South Africa, the consumption of plant-based meat products such as burgers and nuggets has increased significantly in recent years. Increased disposable income and a large population of expat professionals among the population are major contributors to the market growth in this region. Additionally, the tourism sector in the UAE is boosting the demand for meat substitute products in high-end dining restaurants offering different cuisines.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Launching New Products to Gain Higher Market Share

The vegan meat market is moderately consolidated, with major meat substitute manufacturers, such as Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Kellogg's, Tyson Foods, and JBS SA, accounting for majority of the market share. These major players are launching a wide range of products that meet the growing market demand. For instance, in June 2024, Kraft Heinz Co., an American multinational food company, in partnership with the NotCo. Inc., a unicorn Chilean food-tech company producing plant-based alternatives, launched two new products as its first plant-based meat innovations. The new products were the NotHotDogs and NotSausages. Startups are also attracting investments from private investment firms, which in turn is expected to help them increase their production capabilities and achieve economies of scale.

List of Top Meat Substitutes Companies:

• Beyond Meat (U.S.)


• Impossible Foods (U.S.)


• Kellogg Company (U.S.)


• Tyson Foods (U.S.)


• JBS SA (Brazil)


• Conagra Brands, Inc. (U.S.)


• Hain Celestial Group (U.S.)


• Unilever Group (U.K.)


• Nestle S.A. (Switzerland)


• Sunfed (New Zealand)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2024: Nasoya, a pioneer in the plant-based foods revolution, expanded into the new plant-based meat category with the launch of Plantspired Plant-Based Chick'n. The new product is available in two flavors: Bee-Free Honey and Kung-Pao.


• October 2023: Nestle S.A., a Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate corporation, launched three new plant-based fish alternatives in Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and other European countries. The new products include marine-style crispy filets and marine-style crispy nuggets under the Garden Gourmet brand.


• April 2023: Switch Foods, a Homegrown food tech start-up, opened a new state-of-the-art plant-based meat production facility in Abu Dhabi. The facility would produce vegan and halal food products such as kafta, kebab, minced meat, sujuk, and burger patties, which are 100% free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), soy, allergens, and gluten.


• April 2023: Lypid Taiwan Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based plant-based meat company, launched a new plant-based, vegan pork belly product. The new product is made from 100% plant-based ingredients and has a smoky and juicy flavor mimicking real meat.


• October 2022: Blue Tribe, one of India's leading plant-based meat brands, strengthened its portfolio by launching Plant-Based Pork Pepperoni, marking its entry into the cold-cut segment. The new product is easy to cook and is smoky and meaty as pork pepperoni, with the added advantage of being planet-friendly.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed regional analysis of the market size, statistics, trends, regional forecast, and global market value, market rate for all possible market segments. In addition, it provides various key insights on the market, an overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends.

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Report Scope & Segmentation