Meat Substitutes: Meat of New Generation

Meat is a great source of protein, but also contains high levels of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids. The regular consumption of meat causes health problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and others. For these reasons, necessity to develop protein rich meat substitutes is rising. Products that do not only resemble meat in preparation but also in terms of total experience are in demand. Creation of mouth-feel of fibrous pork and beef is possible with the help of new technologies, such as shear-cell technology and electro-spinning. Meat alternatives consist of ingredients, such as soy, Tofu, wheat, and others. Increasing health consciousness and rising obesity rates are crucial reasons for growing demand.

Greenwood Farms Launches Meat Substitute Made from Soybeans:

Greenwood Farms, a leading vegetarian food manufacturer from Tennessee, US launched its new meat substitute products made from soybeans. A new line of meatless products is made by growing and harvesting soybeans in dark and confined conditions. It gives them a texture and flavor of factory-made beef, chicken, or pork. These conditions also restrict heliotropic movements and suppress production of phytochrome. Consequently, lipid-to-protein ratio is increased and beans get a juicy texture of conventional beef. Soy’s stems are fragile and not able to support the weight of their growing beans. So, plants collapsing on themselves indicates that company’s products are authentically meat alternatives in the market, according to Greenwood Farms marketing director, Michael Latimer.

He said, “Our vegetarian entrées and meal starters are the most authentically meat-like available on the market, because we make sure our soybeans are raised in filth-caked, overcrowded growing troughs in a windowless facility where daytime temperatures regularly exceed 120 degrees.”

Commenting on enhancing flavor of beans using the unsanitary conditions, he said, “We also make sure our soybeans are pumped so full of a variety of powerful hormones and antibiotics that their growth is boosted far beyond what the plants are capable of naturally, giving our product the same delectable consistency as meat you find at your local grocery store.”

Key Reasons for Rising Demand of Meat Substitutes:

• Changing dietary habits:

Food manufacturers need to assess changing dietary habits of consumers and make plant-based & low meat or meat free options readily available. In addition, consumers are aware of environmental impact of their consumption habits and trying to make diets sustainable without making compromises on nutritional needs.

• Serious Money:

Large amount of money is being invested in meat and dairy substitute start-ups in US. Microsoft founder, Bill Gates has invested in Hampton Creek Food, a start-up working on replacing eggs. While, Twitter founders Evan Williams and Biz stone have invested in Beyond Meat, who created faux chicken.  

Analysts studying the meat substitute market have revealed a comprehensive information about changing market dynamics in research reports. Recently, Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “World Meat Substitute Market - Opportunities and Forecasts 2014 - 2020.” As per the report, the world meat substitute market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.4% from 2014 to 2020 and would reach $5.2 billion by 2020. The report offers an extensive analysis of detailed segmentation, value chain analysis, drivers & opportunities, and competitive intelligence. Furthermore, the study provides estimations through 2015 to 2020 for each segment and dominating segments in the industry.

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