The Top 7 Must-Know Plant-Based Food Trends and Innovations

 Today, plant-based food trends are no longer confined to a niche market – they also influence mainstream dining preferences.

Therefore, embracing plant-based solutions isn't merely about catering to the growing vegan and vegetarian customer base. It's about effectively responding to the changing consumer preferences.

Staying informed about and incorporating plant-based options into your menus can innovate and elevate your offerings, enhance your market appeal and position your brand for long-term success.

As such, knowing and adopting the right plant-based food trends should not just be a choice – it is a strategic move that allows you to remain relevant and thrive in the constantly evolving culinary market. 

Plant-Based Food Trends and Innovations That Are Here to Stay

Below are some of the plant-based food trends and innovations you should know about and consider embracing:

 

1.   More innovative plant-based products and portion sizes.

Today’s consumers are more adventurous and willing to try different vegan and vegetarian products. Because of this, experiment with various flavours and dishes to add to your menu. 

Consider using vegetable-infused wraps and tortillas in addition to plant-based meat alternatives for your healthy and Mexican menu items.

Wraps and tortillas made of or infused with spinach, cauliflower, carrots and other vegetables add more nutrients to the dish and elevate their flavours.

Experiment with flavours as well. Combine different flavour profiles and textures for your vegan and vegetarian offerings that can excite your diners’ taste buds.

Lastly, give your customers opportunities to indulge without guilt. This means considering offering smaller portions of your dishes so they can enjoy them in moderation.

 

2.   The rise of fungi-based products.

Although mushroom-based products have been around for years, these options are expected to remain popular and welcome additions to restaurant menus.

Fungi are popular options since they can be grown quickly and in vast quantities, even in small plots of land and with fewer resources.

Mushroom-based products are naturally fibrous textures and flavours that make them tasty, filling alternatives to red meat and poultry. They are also rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, making them nutritious and a must-have for a healthy diet. 

Aside from using mushrooms as a substitute for burger patties, pasta sauces, tacos and dim sum fillings, these products are becoming popular as beverage ingredients.

These reasons show that adding fungi-based offerings to your menu is a trend that will likely last for a long time.

 

3.   A surge in the use of vegan cheese.

Vegan cheese has been getting quite a following since it now comes in more varieties and is more flavourful.

Vegan cheeses are made using vegetable proteins from soy, cashews, macadamias and other nuts. Coconut, agar, arrowroot, peas and tapioca are also used in some products.

These products come in shredded, block, sliced, soft, parmesan and cream cheese versions with different flavours.

For instance, blocked and sliced vegan cheeses come in cheddar, smoked gouda and provolone versions. On the other hand, soft varieties include vegan brie, camembert and ricotta.

The wide array of selections ensures you can find the ideal product to use for your dishes and make them enticing for your diners.

 

4.   Widespread demand for plant-based seafood.

People with seafood allergies can now indulge in their favourite fish and shellfish dishes without fear with plant-based seafood.

Plant-based seafood is made of soy, seaweed, legumes, starch and vegetable oil.

In particular, plant-based shrimp is produced using seaweed, peas and konjac root. On the other hand, faux tuna is made from pea and wheat protein.

Soy is a common ingredient of these products since it contains omega-3 fatty acids – nutrients you can get from natural seafood.

By adding plant-based seafood to your menu, you can attract more vegan and vegetarian customers. You will also cater to diners who have seafood allergies.

 

5.   More uses for kelp and seaweed.

Although there is a growing demand for plant-based seafood, kelp and seaweed, which are natural marine plants, are at par with these products in terms of popularity.

Kelp and seaweed are staples in various Asian diets. These edible marine plants are so versatile that their uses are not limited to wrapping rolls of sushi or onigiri.

These natural ingredients are nutritious and tasty additions to plant-based snacks, meals, and supplements. Their health benefits include antioxidants, iodine and other minerals.

These edible marine plants are harvested in a low-impact, sustainable way that they do not harm aquatic wildlife or ecosystems. Moreover, kelp does not require freshwater or nutrients to grow, making it an eco-friendly food product.

Experiment with ways to add kelp and seaweed to your dishes. Since these ingredients are versatile, you can use them to spice up your current menu offerings.

They are great as additional ingredients in salads, soups and Asian-inspired noodle dishes.

 

6.   More plant-based desserts.

Plant-based desserts are popular among people looking for healthier alternatives to sweet, high-calorie treats. 

Include vegan ice cream, cakes and pies in your dessert menu. If your restaurant specialises in a specific cuisine, introduce ones in line with what you offer.

For instance, if you offer American comfort food, add vegan chocolate, carrot cake, and cheesecake to your menu.

Experiment with organic fruits and vegetables and plant-based ingredients to create dishes that will satisfy your customers’ sweet tooth while helping them stick to their diet, lifestyle and wellness goals.

 

7.   Sustainability will continue to influence customers’ choices.

More and more people are becoming concerned with the food system’s impact on the environment and climate. One of the ways they are taking action is by being more selective with the products they purchase and dining establishments they patronise.

To establish and maintain your reputation as well as attract more discerning customers, choose your suppliers well. Ensure they adhere to rigorous standards, source ingredients responsibly and prioritise sustainability.

Reputable brands also invest in research and development to create innovative and satisfying plant-based alternatives ensuring you use only the finest ingredients in your dishes.

Lastly, these brands provide transparency, giving you and your customers peace of mind about the origins and ethics of their products.

If you’re looking for ways to drum up business for your restaurant, aside from transforming your space, consider adding more plant-based options to your menu to embrace a trend likely to stay for a long time and attract more customers.