Is the Plant-Based Meat Sector a Future Promise?

We can say that plant-based meats are replacing traditionally produced animal meats. Plant-based meats, which are frequently preferred by vegetarians and vegans, are among the popular foods of recent times. Can the plant-based meat sector, which attracts the attention of not only vegans but also navegans with its increasing popularity, be a competitor to the traditional meat sector? What are the future growth rates of the initiatives realized in this field?

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What is Plant-Based Meat?

Plant-based meat is meat-like products made from plant products. It is similar in flavor and texture to conventionally produced animal meat. Plant-based meats are mostly vegan and do not contain any animal sources. They are generally made from products derived from soybeans, legumes, sunflower seeds, wheat, etc.

What are the Health Benefits of Vegan Meat?

Which plants are vegan meats made from?

Seitan

Seitan is a plant-based meat product made from wheat gluten. Nutritionally, seitan is a high-protein, plant-based meat alternative. It contains iron, calcium and potassium. It can also be made at home using wheat gluten, vegetable broth, soy sauce or flavorings such as liquid aminos and garlic.

Jack Fruit

Jackfruit is a large tropical fruit that grows in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. It has a thick, green, bumpy skin and soft, fibrous inner flesh with edible seeds. Because of its consistency and mild flavor, the flesh is often used as a substitute for meat dishes. Jack fruit is low in calories and does not contain much protein and fat compared to other plant-based meats. However, it contains fiber, iron, potassium and calcium. Being a powerful antioxidant, jack fruit cleanses the body of toxins thanks to this feature. It prevents cell deformation. Therefore, it prevents situations that prepare the environment for cancer. Strengthens the immune system. Regulates the functions of the digestive system. It is a very effective food for cleaning the inside of the mouth. It kills germs and bacteria here.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are foods with rich nutritional value. Rich in protein, mushrooms are low in fat and calories. It has many benefits for health. They are an important source of B group vitamins and protein. It also contains significant amounts of antioxidants, minerals, trace elements and fiber. Mushrooms strengthen the immune system. It fights against cell aging, lowers cholesterol, supports metabolism and intestinal health. It is also suitable for those who want to lose weight as it contains low calories and low fat.

Beans and Legumes

The plant-based protein of legumes is quite high. 100 grams of legumes contain an average of 20-25 grams of protein. In addition to being very rich in both protein and fiber, legumes have a very rich nutritional content in terms of vitamins and minerals. Beans and legumes are a frequently preferred food group in plant-based meat consumption. Most legumes are high in micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, folate, iron, phosphorus and manganese. Beans and legume varieties are excellent sources of protein.

Soy-Based Foods

Soy products are products based on soybeans. Soy is a member of the legume family. The soy plant is used in many areas. Products such as soybeans, soybean oil and soy minced meat are the main ones. Soy minced meat is also known as defatted soybean meal or soy protein. Soy minced meat is a source of protein. It is considered healthier because it does not contain much fat and cholesterol compared to meat. Soy minced meat has a very high protein value. Thanks to its high protein content, soy mince increases the amount of muscle. It is low in fat. In this way, it is an ideal food source for dieters.

Vegan Meat Sector

The plant-based meat sector has been around for more than 20 years. With its growing popularity in recent years, many food companies have conducted extensive studies on how to produce proteins from plants such as soy and peas that taste more like beef. Many food companies, such as Nestlé and Danone, are developing their own formulas for plant-based proteins or acquiring companies with existing experience. In fact, the reported 80 percent increase in the consumption of vegan products at fast food chain McDonalds is further evidence that these products are here to stay. Newer companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are competing in this market with industry giants like Kellogg's, Tyson Foods and Nestlé. The size of the plant-based meat sector, which is experiencing a rapid and ambitious rise in the food system, is estimated to reach $24.8 billion by 2030. The sector is expected to grow by 19.3 percent in 8 years.