Brands offer tempeh and tofu made from soy alternatives
Trend - Vegan brands are becoming increasingly inclusive, now with tofu and tempeh options that are made without soybeans. Made from alternatives like hemp and lupini beans, these options cater to people with soy allergies.
Insight - As alternative ingredients become more sophisticated in format, texture and flavor, consumers increasingly expect that brands cater to their specific dietary allergies, intolerances, and preferences. The more adaptable and niche a brand is in the people it's catering to, the more loyal their customer base will be.
Insight - As alternative ingredients become more sophisticated in format, texture and flavor, consumers increasingly expect that brands cater to their specific dietary allergies, intolerances, and preferences. The more adaptable and niche a brand is in the people it's catering to, the more loyal their customer base will be.
Workshop Question - How could your brand prioritize its customers' most specific needs?
Trend Themes
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Alternative Protein Sources — Brands are exploring alternative ingredients like lupini beans, chickpeas, and fava beans to create soy-free options that cater to consumers' specific dietary allergies and preferences.
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Pre-seasoned and Ready-to-heat Products — Smiling Hara's pre-seasoned Hempeh line is an example of how brands are releasing products that are easy to use and require minimal prep time, catering to busy consumers who prioritize convenience.
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Niche Markets and Brand Loyalty — By catering to specific dietary needs and preferences, brands are able to establish a loyal customer base that values companies that create products tailored to their individual needs.
Industry Implications
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Food Manufacturing — Food manufacturers can explore alternative protein sources and create ready-to-heat products to cater to busy consumers who prioritize convenience and flavor.
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Plant-based Meat Alternatives — Plant-based meat alternative companies can experiment with alternative ingredients, like lupini beans, chickpeas, and fava beans, to create soy-free options that cater to a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences.
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Health and Wellness — The health and wellness industry can benefit from alternative protein sources that cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences while still providing essential nutrients to promote overall health.
