In the COVID-19 pandemic’s wake, a heightened awareness around health and wellness spawned the plant-based food trend, characterized by a growing consumer interest in products that are derived from plant sources rather than animal products. The plant-based food movement is a significant trend in the foodservice industry, driven by health, sustainability, ethics, and mere curiosity. It is characterized by a growing consumer demand for various plant-based ingredients, including beans, lentils, nuts, and mushrooms, which are becoming more mainstream. It encompasses a wide range of food categories, including pre-made veggie burgers and vegetable-based ready meals, which are gaining popularity as consumers seek alternatives to traditional meat products.
