Brazil: More and more plant-based foods are preferred over animal protein

Plant-based products – plant-based or laboratory-grown foods used mainly to replace proteins of animal origin – are increasingly facing challenges in attracting consumers, with a significant drop in demand, largely attributed to consumer concerns about the flavor, nutritional composition and price. This reality was proven in a study produced by the Mintel Group, a British market research company with global relevance. According to the research, sales of plant-based products – which peaked in 2020 – have declined since then, as consumers are abandoning the category in search of more nutritious options. Mintel revealed that 48% of consumers consider taste to be an important concern, 35% believe animal meat is a better source of nutrients and 34% find plant-based products too expensive. Some supporters of plant-based foods, whose marketing promised to replicate the flavor and texture of meat, are reviewing their choices and returning to a diet with more traditional and nutritious ...