1851

Once a niche segment of the food industry, the plant-based category has been taking over grocery store shelves and restaurant menus alike in recent years.&nbsp;In fact, about 25 million consumers eat plant-based beverages and foods occasionally or regularly, consuming these foods as part of a meal or as an ingredient, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npd.com/news/press-releases/2023/plant-based-beverages-and-foods-have-become-a-kitchen-staple-in-many-homes-and-an-entree-and-ingredient-option-at-foodservice-outlets/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-food-franchising-plant-based-and-alternative-protein-concepts-on-the-rise-in-2023-2721808" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the NPD Group</a>. And about one in five consumers say that they want more plant-based foods in their diet.&nbsp;The franchise industry is taking note, with more plant-based concepts coming to market. The reason? A greater awareness around the environment and our own health, says George Montagu-Brown, founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://fransmart.com/eatnomoo/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-food-franchising-plant-based-and-alternative-protein-concepts-on-the-rise-in-2023-2721808" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">nomoo</a>, a 100% plant-based fast-food franchise.&nbsp;“I think that consumers have become more and more aware of the impact they're having on the environment,” he said. “If you look at trends, consumers have become more aware of their own health as well. When you bring those two together, it's just natural that this is an area of growth right now.”&nbsp;Nestle, which created an alternative protein for nomoo, found that 78% of U.S. consumers are actively asking for more plant-based options away from home and that operators expect 20% growth of plant-based foods on menus in the next 12 months, says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-veldhoven/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-food-franchising-plant-based-and-alternative-protein-concepts-on-the-rise-in-2023-2721808" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fleur Veldhoven</a>, Vice President of Marketing—Food with Nestlé Professional.&nbsp;“One of the factors driving increased demand is a desire to eat more sustainably,” Veldhoven added. “Animal proteins are generally more resource-intensive to produce than plant-based foods, increasing pressure on forests, fresh water sources and the climate.”&nbsp;What Consumers Are Looking ForWhen it comes to what brands should prioritize putting on menus, the biggest thing consumers are looking for is taste. In a survey from the International Food Information Council, 53% of respondents said “good taste” was the thing they liked best about plant-based meat alternatives, with 35% and 34% citing a meat-like texture or taste as their favorite aspect, respectively.“People love the flavor of meats, chicken and milkshakes—right?” noted Montagu-Brown. “So, we've certainly tried to emulate all of the classic fast-food favorites and have not gone down the bean burger route.”&nbsp;Veldhoven added that while consumers are seeking out delicious, nutritious, plant-based meat alternatives that taste like their favorite burgers and chicken, affordability and nutrition are increasingly playing an important role in plant-based concepts.&nbsp;How Plant-Based Franchises Can Stand OutOne of the best ways for brands to stand out in the increasingly competitive segment is by simply having quality food on the menu, says Montagu-Brown.&nbsp;“I think that just making quality products consistently is the real area that a lot of vegan chains struggle with,” he noted. “Some brands are even creating a product that, in a way, is giving vegan food a bad reputation. It’s important to put a lot of care into the food and make it taste delicious.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The CEO added that making an effort with Gen Z through social media is key. The young cohort has been found to be some of the top consumers of plant-based products. In a study from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glanbianutritionals.com/en/nutri-knowledge-center/insights/who-plant-based-consumer?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-food-franchising-plant-based-and-alternative-protein-concepts-on-the-rise-in-2023-2721808#:~:text=In%20looking%20at%20generations%2C%20Gen,34%25%20of%20Baby%20Boomer%20consumers." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Glanbia Nutritionals</a>, Gen Z was cited as most likely to eat plant-based, while Baby Boomers were the least likely, with 54% of global Gen Z consumers trying to restrict consumption of meat and other animal-based products compared to 34% of Baby Boomer consumers.“We certainly designed ourselves as a Gen Z brand—and that's no accident,” he said, “When you look at who is eating vegan food the most, it is definitely Gen Z. I think that's an opportunity for brands to take advantage of that.”&nbsp;

The Future of Food Franchising: Plant-Based and Alternative Protein Concepts on the Rise in 2023

1851 Franchise

Plant-based protein has appeared to be everywhere over the last several years. And that includes franchising. 

the-future-of-food-franchising-plant-based-and-alternative-protein-concepts-on-the-rise-in-2023

Mosquito Squad Plus

How This Marine Corps Veteran Found Freedom and Purpose With Mosquito Squad

how-this-marine-corps-veteran-found-freedom-and-purpose-with-mosquito-squad

Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys

How The DeFelice Brothers Turned a $10,000 Loan Into an Award-Winning Franchise With Help From Spadea Lignana

how-the-defelice-brothers-turned-a-10000-loan-into-an-award-winning-franchise-with-help-from-spadea-lignana

Caring Transitions

How This Gilbert Entrepreneur Found Purpose Helping Families Through Life’s Transitions

how-this-gilbert-entrepreneur-found-purpose-helping-families-through-lifes-transitions

USA Ninja Challenge

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives

SweatHouz

From Finance to Wellness: Natalie Siewers’ Path to Leading SweatHouz in Northern Virginia

sweathouz-franchise-northern-virginia-natalie-siewers

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Thursday 1851 Franchise Agg - NASAA’s Noncompete Push

NASAA’s Noncompete Push Puts Franchise Growth on Uncertain Ground

franchise-noncompete-nasaa-advisory-reasonableness-standard

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

The Future of Food Franchising: Plant-Based and Alternative Protein Concepts on the Rise in 2023

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS