5 Plant-based CPG ingredients you need to start targeting

Elevate your CPG business with plant-based ingredients for the booming vegan market. Innovate, meet demand, and lead the way!

5 Plant-based CPG ingredients you need to start targeting

The increasing demand for vegan products is driving food manufacturers to innovate and source plant-based ingredients that can go with or replace animal-derived products in their consumer packaged goods (CPG). Thanks to more consumers embracing plant-based eating for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, investing in plant-based ingredients can open up new opportunities and help businesses cater to this growing market segment. That said, let’s explore a couple of plant-based ingredients that can help your CPG company target the vegan market and create delicious, nutritious, and sustainable products:

1. Pea Protein

Pea protein is a versatile ingredient derived from yellow peas that offers an excellent alternative to animal-based proteins like whey and casein. With a high protein content and a complete amino acid profile, pea protein is perfect for creating plant-based protein bars, shakes, and meat alternatives. It is also easily digestible, hypoallergenic, and has a neutral taste, which makes it suitable for various applications in the food industry. That being said, pea protein has already found its way into an array of vegan products, from dairy-free yogurts to plant-based burgers, and can help CPG companies tap into the growing demand for protein-rich vegan options.

2. Almond Milk

Almond milk is a popular dairy alternative made from almonds and water. It is naturally lactose-free and can be used as a one-to-one replacement for cow’s milk in most recipes. Almond milk has a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which makes it an ideal ingredient for creating vegan versions of dairy-based products like ice cream, yogurt, and cheese. Moreover, it is also a good source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and calcium. With the plant-based milk market projected to grow exponentially in the coming years, incorporating almond milk into CPG products can help businesses cater to the ever-increasing number of dairy-free consumers.

3. Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the liquid leftover from cooking chickpeas, which has gained popularity in the vegan community as an egg white substitute. It can be whipped into stiff peaks and used in various recipes that require egg whites, such as meringues, macarons, and marshmallows. Additionally, aquafaba can act as a binder and emulsifier in baked goods and dressings, providing a vegan alternative to traditional egg-based ingredients. Incorporating aquafaba into CPG products can help food manufacturers create innovative and allergen-friendly vegan alternatives to classic baked goods and confectionery items.

4. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that is rich in B vitamins, protein, and minerals. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor, which makes it a popular ingredient in the vegan community for replicating the taste of cheese in various dishes. As such, nutritional yeast can be used to create vegan cheese sauces, sprinkled on popcorn as a dairy-free topping, or incorporated into seasonings and snack products for added flavor and nutrition. By utilizing nutritional yeast in CPG products, food manufacturers can offer vegan consumers a tasty and nutritious alternative to cheese-based products.

5. Jackfruit

Lastly, jackfruit is a large, tropical fruit that has gained popularity as a plant-based meat substitute due to its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors. When cooked and shredded, jackfruit has a consistency similar to pulled pork or shredded chicken, making it an excellent base for vegan meat alternatives in dishes like tacos, sandwiches, and curries. Jackfruit is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering a nutritious and sustainable alternative to animal-based meats. Incorporating jackfruit into CPG products can help businesses capitalize on the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives and create innovative, plant-based offerings.

As the vegan market continues to grow, CPG companies have a significant opportunity to develop and launch innovative plant-based products that cater to this growing consumer segment. By incorporating ingredients like nutritional yeast and jackfruit into their product offerings, businesses can create delicious and nutritious alternatives to traditional animal-based products. This not only helps you meet consumer demand but also promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. With all of that said, by staying ahead of the curve and embracing the power of plant-based ingredients, your CPG company can position itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving vegan market and enjoy long-term success in this burgeoning industry. Tastewise is a data platform utilized by the food and beverage sector to accelerate innovation, enhance marketing strategies, and boost sales. For food intelligence restaurant software that’ll help you stay in front of the trends, check out our platform!