# Meatless Japanese Short Ribs The Next Yakiniku Short Rib 2.0 is a Plant-Based Barbecue Meat By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-10-20 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next-yakiniku-short-rib-20 References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/japanese-alternative-meat-venture-next-meats-announces-upgrade-of-signature-barbecue-meat-next-yakiniku-short-rib-2-0--301404074.html) & [nextmeats.us](https://nextmeats.us) Tokyo-based food-tech company Next Meats created the Next Yakiniku Short Rib 2.0 as a [plant-based barbecue meat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novameat-plantbased-proteins) with an enhanced texture and shape. Some notable changes to this product in the Next Yakiniku series include a firmer texture and a flatter shape for a meatless option that looks even more beef-like than before. Additionally, the product boasts 5% more protein content and it is said to have a more flavorful sauce that authentically captures the taste of real Japanese barbecue. Since the first version of this meatless barbecue product made its debut, [Next Meats Co.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next-pork) has helped to make Next Yakiniku widely available in restaurants and supermarkets across Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Meat Alternatives:** Next Meats' creation of plant-based short ribs with enhanced texture and shape demonstrates a trend toward the development of realistic meat substitutes for ethical and environmental reasons. - **Authentic Meatless Options:** The release of a plant-based barbecue meat with a more flavorful sauce that authentically captures the taste of real Japanese barbecue suggests a trend toward creating meatless options that are true to their original meat-based counterparts. - **Increased Protein Content:** Next Meats' use of 5% more protein in their meatless short rib product reflects a trend toward increasing the nutritional value of plant-based meat alternatives to make them more appealing to health-conscious consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food-tech:** Companies involved in food-tech have an opportunity to develop and improve plant-based meat alternatives to meet increasing demand for ethical and environmentally-friendly food options. - **Restaurants:** Restaurants have an opportunity to expand their menus and cater to a wider range of customers by offering innovative meatless options that provide an experience similar to that of traditional meat dishes. - **Supermarkets:** Supermarkets have an opportunity to capitalize on increasing demand for plant-based meat alternatives by stocking a wider variety of these products and highlighting their nutritional benefits compared to meat-based products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Meaty Plant-Based Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-ribs.md) - [Bone-In Vegan Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-plant-based-ribs.md) - [Plant-Based Vegan Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-ribs.md) - [Vegan-Friendly Rib-Inspired Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morningstar-farms-riblets.md) - [Plant-Based East Asian Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spare-ribz.md) - [Premium Plant-Based Steaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantspired-steak.md) - [Plant-Based Rib Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-veggrib.md) - [Whole-Cut Vegan Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-whole-cuts.md) - [Marbled Vegan Ribeye Steaks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/misteak.md)