5 Plant-Based Trends To Watch in 2023

Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their health. 

In 2023, we will see a number of plant-based trends that will revolutionise the way we eat. From seafood alternatives to non alcoholic wine, get ready for the world of plant-based eating in 2023!

The Rise of Skimpflation & Veganuary

‘Skimpflation,’ i.e. choosing lower-priced products over higher-priced premium products, is likely to remain a significant factor in purchasing habits, according to analysts. As intent overcomes impulse, consumers will likely seek value for money more than ever.

It’s also worth noting that Veganuary has had increased participation year on year since 2014.

Veganuary, a non-profit organisation, reported that following their 2022 campaign (over half a million participants):

With this in mind, we’ve compiled 5 Top Trends that we think you should keep an eye on: 

1. More Plant based seafood

The plant-based meat industry is rapidly growing. In 2021, plant-based seafood was just 1% of this industry, but demand is growing, opening a huge opportunity.

Already we’re starting to see some impressive innovation within the plant-based seafood space. 

At lunch! 2022, we saw BettaF!sh’s ‘Tu-nah’ doing just this! With their truly innovate vegan tuna products, they are leading the way in the alternative seafood category.

Similary Revo produces plant-based smoked salmon, Verdino offer a wide selection of breaded and raw fish imitations and for more high end palates, Cavi-art offers a seaweed-based vegan caviar – the sky is the limit!

The key to standing out in this new and upcoming market lies in factors like:

• relaying a clear and engaging message 
• competitive prices
• great tasting products
• BONUS: scope for growth through a variety of product types or ways you can cook/prepare the product.

2. More Vegan restaurants

With more plant-based products entering the market, including premium options like Cavi-art, high-end restaurants will start to listen to and embrace the rising demand for vegan options.

In Febuary last year, we saw the likes of Marco Pierre White putting Redefine Meat’s 3D printed flank steak on his menu – something we would not have seen a decade ago! It’s likely we will see more and more restaurants offer branded vegan products to their clientele in a similar way.

With up to 20% of the population who fall into flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan categories, there is a significant market who would buy into the plant-based category and even more so, in the pleasant ambience of a nice restaurant.

Additionally, restaurants can provide an organic and enjoyable introduction to speciality plant-based products (like whole cuts of fish or steak). Through dishes prepared by skilled chefs at a restaurant, the consumer can ‘trial’ products in a positive way and is therefore more likely to participate themselves by purchasing and cooking the same products at home.

3. More Demand for ‘Good For You’

Demand for plant-based products is part of a wider trend of health and wellness which is likely to continue being a primary purchase driver in the food and drink industry through 2023. 

Over the past decade, our understanding of the link between consumer natural wholefoods and better health has devloped substantially. Whether it’s chia seeds, legumes, ginger shots or even vegan milk alternatives, products once seen as ‘hipster’ or ‘unecessary’ are now seen as delicious, healthy and even functionally beneficial.

Mintel’s 2023 Food and Drink Trends report backs this, stating that focus and productivity are the wellbeing functionalities that consumers will be seeking. Ingredients that offer physical and cognitive boosts will be favoured and should be showcased in a way that promotes the benefits that can be attained by consuming that product.

Gut health and vitality will also feature as a prominent 2023 wellness trend, with more focus on natural and raw fruit and vegetables and highlighting their links to cognitive health. 

Plant-based products that follow this line of thinking can outrank competition, as they already lead the line with their organic ingredients and natural roots. It’s likely we’ll see more of this in 2023, especially as consumers become more health-focused.

4. Plant-based Desserts

Plant-based desserts are becoming increasingly popular as more people are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional and indulgent desserts. 

In 2023, we can expect to see a variety of new plant-based products taking the food industry by storm. More demand for desserts like Gü Free From, Wicked Kitchen and The Coconut Collab’s Choc Pots will create opportunity for brands to innovate and offer indulgence in new ways for the plant-based consumer.

From vegan ice cream to plant-based cakes and pies, there will be plenty of delicious treats to enjoy. We’ll also likely see an increase in the number of restaurants and cafes offering plant-based options on their menus. 

As consumers move away from impulse food purchases (due to factors like previously mentioned skimpflation), and more towards thoughtful indulgence, desserts offer the perfect solution to those who want to carefully select their treats in order to align with budgetary or dietary needs.

5. Non-alcoholic and vegan wine

Non-alcoholic and vegan wines have been gaining traction in the market as people look for an alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. We predict more growth and excitement in this space this year, especially following our previous Brand of The Month Three Spirit Drinks who offer non-alcoholic drinks with adaptogens, nootropics and herbs to boost your mood or wind down. 

These drinks offer a healthier option for those who want to enjoy the taste of wine without the alcohol content. There is a growing demand for these non-alcoholic alternatives due to their health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants and minerals. 

During stressful times, people can turn to alcohol to wind down and de-stress, but in the long-run can harm their body. Products that offer that same benefit of unwinding, without the negative consequences, can enter the space this year and expect growth. 

Whether it’s canned mocktails, bottled vegan wine or nootropic-rich drinks, the popularity of non-alcoholic and vegan wines has been steadily increasing over the years, making them an important trend in the food industry today.

Are you looking to tackle your food innovation challenges and discover the latest ingredient, flavour and colour innovations shaping the future of food? 

When you’re ready, let’s have a chat!

Contact us at ellie@elephantscantjump.com or 07799 131981