The global initiative Veganuary aims to inspire people to reflect on their current eating habits and adopt a vegan lifestyle for at least four weeks. In 2024 alone, 25 million people participated.

Vegan nutrition is far from just a niche. What was once considered a temporary trend has now become a lasting transformation in the food industry. More and more people are consciously choosing plant-based alternatives, whether for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. Alternative protein sources play a central role in this shift.

But what does this mean for the food industry? And what opportunities are available for companies looking to actively shape the vegan trend?

Today, plant-based alternatives are nearly as common in supermarkets as traditional products. According to surveys, the market for plant-based proteins is growing annually by double-digit percentages – with no end in sight.

But what is driving this change?

The foundation of vegan products is plant-based protein sources – from natural sources like soy or peas to innovative alternatives. As technology advances, so does the diversity of these raw materials, which are ideal for meat substitute products. The following ingredients are particularly in demand:

Developing vegan products is complex. Good protein sources must not only offer high nutritional value but also convince in taste, texture, and appearance. At the same time, demands for sustainability and efficiency are rising.

The development and production of wheat-based meat substitutes can also be challenging. Here, food producers need competent support.

As a contract manufacturer, Erbacher Food Intelligence is the ideal partner for developing and producing vegan foods:

The number of Veganuary participants and the full shelves of vegan products leave little doubt: plant-based protein sources like beans, peas, or wheat will play a significant role in the food industry in the coming years. Experts see enormous potential, especially in regional alternatives like soybeans from Germany or upcycling solutions like Circular Food.

For companies, this means that those who invest in vegan protein sources and meat substitute products can not only benefit from growing consumer interest but also actively shape the future of our nutrition.

Configure your desired vegan product here.

The vegan trend is here to stay. Use Veganuary as a starting point to expand your vegan portfolio with our extrudates and texturates. Erbacher Food Intelligence supports you with years of expertise, innovation, and customizable solutions on the path to your desired vegan product. Whether as TVP for your vegan Bolognese, as a savory protein snack, or a crispy ingredient for your chocolate or bars: Discover with us the possibilities for future-oriented vegan product worlds.