Traditional “meat and potato” menus are slowly making their way out the doors of countless kitchens (okay, not completely out). But, the buzz surrounding the plant-based movement is strong. For the first year ever, 2020 brought an almost entirely vegan menu to the Oscars. More customers want to see plant-led menu items. But what exactly counts as plant-based, and why are so many people opting in on this trend?
Who’s fueling the trend?
The plant-based market is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 11.9% from now until 2027. In other words, it’s on the rise and will continue to grow in popularity. Many of those fueling this trend eat a variety of veggies, fruit, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds mostly in their whole-food form. And while all types of customers will be excited to dig into these items on your menu, vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians are at the forefront of this movement. Vegetarians are all about the plants but traditionally still eat eggs and dairy. Vegans stick strictly to a lifestyle of no animal products whatsoever, and flexitarians casually eat plant-based foods but might eat a burger or fish from time to time. There are three main reasons customers are eating more veggies and fruits instead of conventional western meals.
1. Healthy eating feels good
Plant-based diets are in demand because of an increased focus on living a healthy lifestyle. In fact, in a Statistica poll, it was the number one reason people choose this diet. Plants are high in fiber, low in fat, and are full of essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals that fuel the body. These diets tend to be less processed, and studies show they’re more likely to decrease disease in the body, including the big ones like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Eating plants for the majority of meals, is the healthiest choice diners can make — and many of them are making it.
2. The environment is a big deal
Eco-friendly is more than a trend; it’s a way people choose to live. Plant-based foods help to limit the carbon footprint compared to traditional meat-based diets. The United Nations (UN) even argues that consuming more plant-based foods can impact global warming trends for the better. Many things are a factor here, but cultivating and producing plant-based foods often requires less space, water and resources than meat-based farming practices.
3. Social consciousness cares about animals
Food that was once alive can be a reason to pause for some, and a total stop for others. Tasty alternatives will satisfy customers who want great food and healthy options while holding close to their meatless preferences. Some of these foods resemble traditional dishes we know and love. There’s vegan pizza, meatless burgers, plant-based cheese, and faux seafood; the list is endless. Bringing more of these items to your menu will bring more of these veggie-loving customers to your table.
Staying current is key.
Being on top of the latest food trends gives you the advantage. The plant-based movement is here to stay; creating recipes that satisfy the palettes and principles of your customers is key to staying current. For more inspiration, head over to our blog to soak up more tips and to gain the competitive edge in your menu planning.
