Top 7 emerging alternative protein trends for 2022

The alternative protein market will see innovations in plant-based protein sources and product formats to better meet sustainability and consumer needs in 2022.

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(Future Meat Technologies)
(Future Meat Technologies)
Future Meat Technologies

The alternative protein market will see innovations in plant-based protein sources and product formats to better meet sustainability and consumer needs in 2022, according to ADM’s 2022 Alternative Protein Outlook.

“In the last 12 months, the number of plant-based meat, cheese and dairy products available to consumers has more than doubled,” Leticia Goncalves, president of Global Foods for ADM, said in a statement. 

“Products aimed at meeting the heightened demand for health-forward solutions that can deliver on evolving consumer taste and texture expectations will continue to come to market over the next decade.”

The Outlook listed 7 emerging alternative protein trends to watch in 2022:

1. Novel protein sources

In 2022, expect to see the introduction of several new protein sources – from cell-based to fungi to air. Previously, most meat alternatives were made of soy or pea, but several cultivated meat companies have made advancements for manufacturing their protein at scale. In addition, plant-based protein manufacturers are experimenting with novel ingredients, such as barley, insects and more.

2. Fermentation-as-a-service

Microbial fermentation has quickly become one of the most popular methods for creating alternative proteins. The Outlooks predicts that the market will see the emergence of new players specializing in this approach to support further downstream processing, lab services and consulting.

3. Next-generation, plant-based, whole-muscle solutions

Initially, protein alternatives saw the most success with products that mimic ground beef due to challenges in mimicking the taste and texture of whole cuts of meat. With the release of KFC’s Beyond Chicken in January 2022, this is no longer true. Future innovations could include products that reproduce the texture of T-bone steaks, shellfish and turkey.

4. Innovation and transparency from seed to fork

With sustainability remaining a top concern for consumers, there will be an increase in seed-to-fork initiatives within the protein alternative market. These initiatives will leverage cutting edge technology to improve seed breeding, while finding ways to decrease the cost, time and environmental impact of plant-based proteins.

5. Moving toward price parity of cultivated meat products

The high costs associated with cultured meat production remain a big barrier to commercialization for lab-grown meat. The process involves the use of a growth medium to stimulate cell growth, which can cost up to $400 a liter. One kilogram of cultured meat can require up to 600 liters of growth medium, so costs can add up quickly. In December 2021, Future Meat Technologies announced an innovative approach that lowered the costs of lab-grown chicken production to less than $10.

6. Kid-friendly product formats

Flexitarians – consumers that look to cut down, but not eliminate meat from their diets – are one of the biggest market segments for protein alternatives. Many of these are parents looking to find ways to get their kids to eat more vegetables. The alternative protein market will play to this in 2022, developing new products featuring kid-friendly flavors, colors and formats.

7. Plant-based versions of traditional, authentic cuisines

Alternative proteins will shift to meet the growing global demand for traditional dishes. In 2022, expect to see a novel assortment of globalized flavors, textures and product formats for plant-based proteins.

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