Protein alternative sector growing, says Innova

Rising demand for protein has prompted a flurry of activity in the protein alternative sector, according to Innova Market Insights.

The company said intellectual property development and patent activity is on the rise, with the US accounting for over 40% of recent alternative protein patent activity.

Health claims of meat-alternative products.

While alternative protein sources like soy, wheat, lupin and chickpeas are still seen as healthy and sustainable solutions, products based on beans, nuts, seeds, grains and vegetables are being introduced. Innova says new techniques to improve the texture, juiciness and flavour of meat analogues and proteins are being developed, while consumers are changing their habits, too.

“We see the emergence of a flexible vegetarian or ‘flexetarian’,” said Lu Ann Williams, Director of Innovation at Innova. “These consumers enjoy meat, but occasionally opt out due to their concerns about health and the environmental impact of heavy meat consumption.”

Innova will present the new data in full at this year’s IFT Food Expo, which runs from 26 to 28 June in Las Vegas.

Innova’s Taste the Trend pavilion at the expo will include six presentations, including one on alternative proteins. Innova will also demonstrate over 200 products to showcase innovation.