Vegetarian product launches double in five years

By Caroline SCOTT-THOMAS

- Last updated on GMT

Vegetarian product launches double in five years

Related tags Marketing

Vegetarian and vegan product launches have doubled over the past five years, according to new research from Mintel.

The market research organisation says that 12% of global food and drink product launches carried a vegetarian claim last year, up from 6% five years earlier. Meanwhile, 2% of all products claimed to be vegan, up from 1% in 2009.

“Globally, the outlook for the meat alternative market is positive and will continue to be driven by an emerging consumer trend towards meat reduction on a part-time basis, also called flexitarianism, entailing increased consumption of plant-based foods without completely cutting out meat,”​ said global food science analyst at Mintel, Laura Jones.

“Indeed, many meat-reducing consumers have adopted a flexible attitude, choosing to limit meat, rather than eliminate it entirely. Launches of vegetarian and vegan products echo manufacturers desire to communicate the suitability of their products to the widest range of consumers.”

The doubling of vegetarian claims does not necessarily reflect a doubling of vegetarian or vegan products on the market - although twice as many products are showcasing their vegetarian credentials.

Apart from meat alternatives, other market segments have also become sensitive to animal-derived ingredients. For example, the number of new chocolate and sugar products making a vegetarian claim has more than doubled in the past five years, from 4% in 2009 to 9% in 2013. Chocolate and sugar products calling out their vegan status have also doubled during the period, from 1% to 2% of all launches.

“Ingredients will continue to be scrutinised by consumers and manufacturers need to be responsive and proactive to quell any consumer concerns,”​ Jones said.

Among confectionery products using glazing agents, the proportion making vegetarian or vegan claims reached 32% last year, up from 13% five years earlier.

Commonly used non-vegan glazing agents include beeswax and shellac, a resin excreted by certain insects.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Discover Noochy Crisp® for health bars

Discover Noochy Crisp® for health bars

Content provided by Gnosis by Lesaffre USA | 23-May-2023 | Product Brochure

In the comfort food market, bars have a major place. Consumers are looking for healthier snacks and are more conscious of functional ingredients in their...

Make your meat go further

Make your meat go further

Content provided by ADM | 19-May-2023 | Infographic

Consumers increasingly choose plant-based sources of protein, but still crave the satisfying taste of meat.

Immune support for everyone

Immune support for everyone

Content provided by Kerry | 16-May-2023 | Infographic

Consumers of all ages cite immune health as a top benefit driving their purchases, along with improving gut/digestive health.

Related suppliers

1 comment

Many if Not Most Products are Vegan

Posted by Mary Finelli,

Thank you for this good news about the growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan products. While 2% of new products may note that they are vegan, the figure for new vegan products is probably actually much greater.

Most products in general are probably vegan but just aren't declared to be so. People commonly consume vegan food. They just don't recognize it as such.

The growing popularity of animal-free food is very good news indeed as it is generally safer, more healthful, humane, and environmentally responsible.

Report abuse

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars