Plant-based becomes culinary art

Context

As the plant-based sector continues to evolve and offer a wider range of culinary options, so does the appetite for culinary creativity and worldwide flavor profiles when it comes to vegetarian or vegan options.

In recent years, the plant-based category has evolved from a functional replacement for meat into a competitive gourmet food space – as more people move to a 'flexitarian' diet for health or environmental reasons.

Green gastronomy will blossom as a standalone sector in 2023, giving brands significant opportunities to diversify and expand. Consumers still want to see improvements in taste and texture, alongside plant-based versions of traditional, local cuisines.

_{Did you know?}

40% of consumers now identify as flexitarian^[2]

Did you know?

_{38% of consumers are avoiding}_{or reducing meat}_^[1]

_{Tips for winning with a plant-based menu}

• Offer plant-based alternatives to fan-favorite meat dishes: offer flexibility to customers by making them both ways with a 'make it vegan' option.

• And spice it up with new choices: cook up some new, creative plant-based innovations that will surprise your guests and leave them wanting for more.

• Work with trusted partners: customers want reassurance that they're buying quality and taste. Display brand logos for meat alternatives on the menu.

• Communication is key: talk about the benefits it delivers for the environment and their health. Romance the language to make it sound delicious, and definitely don't call it 'fake' or 'like-meat', but 'plant-based', 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'.

• Leverage social media: use #veganuary, #sustainability and #plant-based in your posts, and celebrate international theme days – like veganuary, world vegan day and world burger day. Keep copy short, varied and post several times a week.

_{5 reasons to use meat alternatives in your kitchen^[3]}:

They give you an easy way to satisfy the growing number of consumers who want something besides meat.
They're quick and easy to prepare.
Their wide range of choices provide a blank slate for your creativity.
Plant-based meat alternatives usually contain protein and fiber, which helps nourish your consumers and satisfies their hunger.
Their familiar look and flavor lets you swap them into standard dishes without overhauling your recipes.

Did you know?

Featuring plant-based meat solutions on a menu improves the consumer's perception of a restaurant by 80%^[4]: