According to Metro, Whole Foods named vegan meats one of its top healthy food trends of 2019.
The health food grocery giant, with nearly 480 locations in North America and the United Kingdom, predicts that plant-based jerky, bacon, and pork rinds will be the next big thing. Whole Foods also expects more frozen desserts with innovative bases like avocado, tahini, and coconut water.
Forbes reports that 26 experts from Whole Foods have spent four years studying data and trends to make these predictions. In addition to plant-based meat and desserts, these experts foresee growth in probiotics, sea greens, and hemp products.
This isn’t the first time experts have predicted an increased demand for vegan food. Kroger, America’s largest grocer, recently said plant-based food would be one of next year’s top food trends. The company recognizes the growing market for plant-based products, citing a 2017 Mintel report that found 31 percent of consumers chose to have meat-free days, adopting lifestyle programs like Meatless Monday.
Additionally, a recent report from leading market research and consulting firm Coherent Market Insights found that the global vegan meat market was set to surpass $6.5 billion by 2026. The report projected rapid growth in the vegan meat market, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6 percent between 2018 and 2025.
What’s more, GlobalData reported there were six times as many vegans in America in 2017 as in 2014, and Allied Market Research predicts that the meat substitute market will grow 8.4 percent from 2015, potentially reaching $5.2 billion globally by 2020.
Furthermore, a study commissioned by the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute revealed that the plant-based foods market had topped $3.1 billion in sales.
More people enjoying vegan food is great news for farmed animals, who suffer every day in the meat, dairy, and egg industries. Cows, pigs, chickens, and fish raised and killed for food are subjected to unthinkable cruelties: tiny, filthy cages; horrific mutilations; and violent slaughter.
So what are you waiting for? Join the millions who are taking a stand for animals, the environment, and their own health by switching to a vegan diet. Order your FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide today. And check out our Pinterest page for thousands of recipe ideas!
