Studies & Numbers

woman eating plant-based food

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Shift to Plant-Based Foods Could Add Thousands of Jobs to US Economy

A new study reveals potential economic benefits that could arise from a shift towards plant-based food consumption in the United States. The research, commissioned by Faunalytics and conducted by BW Research Partnership, explores how this shift could impact key economic indicators such as job creation, GDP growth, tax revenue, and labor income by 2040. The study evaluates three hypothetical scenarios: a plateau in plant-based food market share, a moderate growth scenario, and a substantial growth scenario. The results suggest that even a modest shift towards plant-based products could yield positive economic effects, particularly in job creation. Under the moderate growth scenario, thousands of new jobs could be generated. A more substantial shift, in which plant-based foods become significantly more common, could result in tens of …

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Animal Outlook volunteers

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Animal Outlook Finds Behavior Change Strategies and Volunteer Efforts Fuel Growth of Vegan Diets

Animal Outlook, an animal protection nonprofit, has released its 2024 Behavior Change and Volunteer Impact Report, which looks at the role of volunteer engagement in advancing animal protection and promoting vegan eating habits. In 2024, volunteers and interns dedicated nearly 6,000 hours to the organization’s initiatives, contributing to key milestones. Among these, 73,938 individuals completed the VegPledge, a campaign encouraging participants to try vegan eating for a specified period. Of those who took part, 76.9% reported their intent to continue consuming vegan food after the pledge period, with 63.1% planning to make the change permanent. Additionally, 83.1% of VegPledge participants expressed that they now consider the impact of their food choices more thoughtfully. The report also highlights the growing influence of the Animal Outlook Network, …

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Ontario Genomics

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Canadian Food Biomanufacturing Projected to Create 125,000 Jobs by 2050

Ontario Genomics has released an updated Food Innovation in Canada Report, providing economic projections for the country’s food biomanufacturing sector. The report estimates that by 2050, the industry could be valued at $18.8 billion and generate approximately 125,000 jobs. Food biomanufacturing, which includes cellular agriculture and precision fermentation, involves producing food, ingredients, and textiles using biotechnology rather than traditional agricultural methods. The updated analysis, conducted by Dr. Michael von Massow from the University of Guelph, assesses the industry’s potential and the factors required for growth. Ontario is projected to play a central role in this sector, with a potential $13 billion industry that could create over 91,000 jobs. The report identifies the need for a national strategy, investment in large-scale production facilities, research and development …

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GEA unveils a new technology called perfusion, which includes the use of pilot scale bioreactors and a machine for rejuvenating the grown media.

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Report: Advanced Biotech Could Reduce Global Emissions by 5% and Create $1 Trillion in Annual Economic Value

A new report by the Advanced Biotech for Sustainability (AB4S) coalition has found that advanced biotechnology has the potential to reduce global emissions by 5% and generate $1 trillion in annual economic value. Called Harnessing the economic and environmental benefits of advanced biotechnology, the report is co-authored by AB4S founding members Arsenale Bioyards, Basecamp Research, Cradle, Darwin International, EIT Food, Evonik, Good Food Institute, Invert Bio, Lallemand, L’Oréal, and ShakeUp Factory. It claims that up to 60% of inputs to the global economy, including biological materials and non-biological inputs, could be produced or replaced using biological methods. The authors note that recent biotech breakthroughs have enabled the introduction of sustainable bio-based solutions in many industries. However, they find that advanced biotech has not yet lived …

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A young woman drinks green smoothies and eats a burger in a vegan fast food restaurant

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Study: Replacing Animal Products With Plant-Based Foods, No Matter How Processed, Leads to Weight Loss

A new study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism has concluded that eating plant-based foods instead of animal products can lead to significant weight loss, regardless of how processed the foods are. The research is a secondary analysis of a study that randomly assigned participants who were overweight to an intervention or control group for 16 weeks. Those in the intervention group followed a low-fat, plant-based diet with no calorie limit. They experienced improved metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, and weight loss, compared to the control group who made no changes. “Our new study is an important reminder that plant-based foods that are considered processed, like canned beans, cereal, and veggie burgers, are actually part of …

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NECTAR

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NECTAR Releases 2025 Plant-Based Meat Taste Report, Announces TASTY Award Winners

NECTAR, a nonprofit focused on accelerating the protein transition through sensory research, has released Taste of the Industry 2025, the most extensive public dataset assessing the taste of plant-based meat products. The study, which evaluated 122 products across 14 categories, provides insights into consumer preferences and areas where plant-based meats can improve to better compete with animal-based products. The study found that while most plant-based meat products still lag behind their animal-based counterparts in consumer preference, a subset of 20 products was rated the same or better by at least 50% of participants. Texture was identified as the most significant opportunity for improvement, particularly in categories such as bacon, bratwurst, and whole-cut steak. Taste and consumer willingness to pay The report found that only 30% …

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Flour hemp in a wooden spoon, hemp seed in a bag and on the table, hemp oil in a glass jar, hemp leaves on the background of wooden boards

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Study: Consuming Plant-Based Oils Instead of Butter Could Significantly Reduce Mortality

A new study that analyzed data from over 200,000 people followed for more than 30 years has concluded that consuming plant-based oils instead of butter may have significant beneficial health effects. Investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that higher intake of plant-based oils (especially soybean, canola, and olive oil) was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meanwhile, butter intake was linked to increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The types of fatty acids found in butter and oil may account for the difference; butter is rich in saturated fats, while plant-based oils contain more unsaturated fatty acids. In future, the researchers would like to study the …

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plant-based protein in bowl

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Most Americans Still Believe Animal Protein is Essential Despite Scientific Evidence

A recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in collaboration with Morning Consult found that 87% of US adults believe consuming animal products is important for obtaining sufficient protein. The poll, conducted on January 22-23, 2025, included responses from 2,203 adults. Despite this widespread belief, 57% of respondents said they think it is possible to build muscle on a plant-based diet, while 22% disagreed, and 21% were unsure. The results indicate mixed perceptions about the adequacy of plant-based protein sources. Variations in beliefs across demographics Women and Gen Z adults were the least likely to agree with the idea that animal products are necessary for adequate protein intake. Republicans (91%) and adults with a bachelor’s degree (90%) were among the most …

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Campaign urges Brits to give up dairy for International Women's Day

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Campaign Urges British Consumers to Give Up Dairy for International Women’s Day

UK charity Animal Justice Project is calling on the British public to avoid dairy products on International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the treatment of cows in the dairy industry. As part of the campaign, Animal Justice Project has commissioned research to gauge consumer awareness of common dairy industry practices. The results indicate low awareness among the majority of respondents — for example, 52% did not know that dairy cows are impregnated annually to enable milk production, while 83% were unaware that calves are often separated from cows within 24 hours of birth. Furthermore, 82% did not know that dairy cows are typically slaughtered between the ages of 5 and 7, despite having a natural …

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plant-based meat

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Journal of Food Science Compiles Latest Research on Ultra-Processed Foods, Including Meat & Dairy Alternatives

IFT’s peer-reviewed Journal of Food Science (JFS) has released a special issue compiling the latest research and critical reviews of the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the global food system. Many of the studies in the collection focus on meat and dairy alternatives, including: Nova fails to appreciate the value of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives in the diet This study points out the flaws in NOVA, a system for classifying foods according to how processed they are. It argues that while most meat and dairy alternatives are considered to be ultra-processed, this does not mean they are damaging to health. In fact, the authors claim plant-based meat and dairy products have beneficial effects relative to their animal-based counterparts, meaning they represent a viable …

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Gen Z

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Study: Gen Z Believes More Action is Needed to Protect Animals and the Environment

A new study by Faunalytics and Good Growth Co has examined the attitudes of Generation Z (commonly defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012) to environmental and animal protection. The study collected data from educated youth in the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and China via surveys and interviews. The results indicate that the majority have a preference for ethical products. Just 31% and 34% of respondents said society was doing enough to protect animals and the environment respectively. However, the focus was mainly on companion and wild animals, with farm animals rarely mentioned. When asked why they believed animals and the environment should be protected, study participants mentioned a range of factors, including protecting the planet for future generations and helping animals for their …

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Carbon labels

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Study: Consumers Are Significantly Less Likely to Choose Animal-Based Meals When Well-Designed Carbon Labels Are Present

A new study has investigated the impact of an improved carbon label design on food choices. It finds that consumers are significantly less likely to opt for animal-based meals when made aware of their environmental impact. Previous research has indicated that the impact of carbon labels is small; however, the labels used in these studies were sometimes quantitative only, presenting a number with little context as to whether it was high or low. The labels also failed to clarify the difference in emissions between plant-based and animal-based products. The new study addresses these limitations by introducing new “item mapping” labels, designed to link emissions to food items. The labels feature a carbon score ranging from A (low emissions) to E (high emissions), along with icons …

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aloe vera

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New Study Explores Aloe Vera as a Cost-Effective Scaffold for Cultivated Meat

A new study published in npj Science of Food presents an innovative approach to cultivated meat production, using Aloe vera as a natural scaffold to grow bovine fat tissue. This breakthrough could help make cultured fat production more scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable—especially for hybrid plant-based and cultivated meat products. While Aloe vera is best known for its use in skincare and food, researchers are now exploring its potential in cellular agriculture. The study highlights Aloe vera parenchymal cellulose (AVPC)—a byproduct of the cosmetics and beverage industries—as a promising, food-safe material for growing bovine mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs). Thanks to its porous and water-absorbing structure, Aloe vera cellulose supports cell growth by retaining moisture, promoting cell attachment, and aiding in tissue development. Unlike synthetic or animal-derived …

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Planted fermented steak

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European Alternative Protein Patents Increase by 960% in a Decade

A new analysis by GFI Europe has found that patent publications by European alternative protein innovators have seen a huge 960% surge over the past decade. Over 5,000 alternative protein patents have now been published by European organisations, with the publication rate growing by an average of 32% per year. 1,191 patents were published in 2024, compared to just 124 in 2015. Despite this, GFI says many technologies remain overlooked and more open-access research is needed. Plant-based foods dominate Plant-based foods dominate the research, accounting for almost 4,000 patents (74% of the total number). However, GFI says some areas are still neglected, such as breeding better protein crops to provide the raw ingredients for plant-based products. A much smaller number of patents has been published …

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women shopping and looking at receipt

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Plant-Based Eating Helps Reduce Grocery Costs According to New Study

A recent analysis by CouponBirds challenges the widespread belief that plant-based diets are more expensive than conventional eating habits. The study, which examined grocery costs for six common dietary preferences in the United States, found that vegetarian and vegan diets ranked among the most affordable options, with the average vegan shopper saving $34.24 per month compared to an unrestricted diet. Data was collected in December 2024 and January 2025 across the top three grocery retailers in the US: Walmart, Kroger, and Target. Costco was excluded due to its wholesale model. Researchers applied filters to products based on dietary requirements, focusing on vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other relevant categories. The data set was built by scraping prices from a wide range of grocery products, ensuring it …

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methylcellulose

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Study Explores Viable Alternatives to Methylcellulose in Meat Substitutes

A recent study conducted by French ingredient developer MANE and higher education and research institution ONIRIS VetAgroBio, has examined alternative ingredients that could replicate the textural properties of methylcellulose in plant-based meat products. The research focused on developing a formulation that maintains the structural integrity of soy-based burgers without relying on this common additive. Methylcellulose is widely used in meat substitutes for its gelling and binding properties, but industry interest in cleaner-label alternatives has driven research into viable replacements. While consumer data suggests that only a small percentage of European shoppers actively avoid the ingredient, manufacturers continue to explore options that align with growing demand for simplified ingredient lists. The study tested a combination of faba bean protein, the enzyme laccase, and sugar beet pectin to replicate the …

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Pigs in gestation crate

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Study: Up to 96% of Brits Oppose Common Animal Farming Practices

Data from Bryant Research has found that the vast majority of the British public opposes a range of common farming practices. For example, 94% of respondents disapprove of keeping chickens in a cage as small as an A4 sheet of paper, while 96% oppose keeping pigs in cages where they cannot turn around. 87% are against cutting off the beaks of newborn chicks, and 85% oppose killing male chicks because they cannot produce eggs. For every practice studied, disapproval rates are at least 75%. The figures show that these practices remain prevalent despite widespread public opposition. For example, 99% of male chicks in the egg industry are currently killed, while 90% of calves have their horn buds removed with a hot iron. However, prevalence data …

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ProVeg International

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The Case for More Plant-Based Foods in Retail

In some supermarkets, plant-based foods have been losing shelf space due to concerns over a perceived slowdown in growth. But is this really the end of the plant-based movement? Not at all, says ProVeg International. While some retailers hesitate, others are doubling down – and reaping the benefits. Lidl GB, for instance, recently introduced 28 new plant-based products and aims for 25% of total protein sales to come from plant-based sources by 2030. Their strategy reflects a broader reality: the plant-based market is evolving, not disappearing. As consumer habits shift and sustainability becomes an ever-greater priority, expanding your plant-based range is a smart business move. The market is maturing, not declining Despite economic challenges, the plant-based food sector continues to grow. In 2023, European plant-based …

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Planted fermented steak

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Alternative Proteins Could Create Up to 250,000 Future-Proof Jobs in Germany By 2045

A recent study by the consultancy firm Systemiq has examined how alternative protein sources in Germany could promote economic growth and open up new trade opportunities. It shows how many sustainable jobs could be created in this growing sector, what impact a diversified protein supply could have on climate and environmental protection and what measures are needed to position Germany as an innovation leader in this area. The study “A Taste of Tomorrow: How protein diversification can boost the German economy” was conducted by Systemiq and supported by the non-profit think tank GFI Europe. It is the first study to measure the potential of plant-based, fermentation-based and cultured foods in Germany in terms of economic, environmental and social aspects. At the same time, it highlights the challenges that still …

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Forsea Japanese Consumers Say Yes to Cultivated Eel

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25% of Japanese Consumers Would Try Cultivated Eel Irrespective of Price

Research conducted by cultivated eel producer Forsea Foods has found surprising levels of enthusiasm towards eel alternatives in Japan, a country that reportedly consumes almost half the world’s freshwater eel supply. 35% of respondents expressed familiarity with cultivated seafood and a willingness to try cultivated eel, with a quarter saying they would purchase it irrespective of price. The remainder set limits on what they were willing to spend. Over a quarter of participants said they were intrigued by the technology behind cultivated food, while almost a third believed cultivated seafood was safer than conventional seafood due to a lack of contaminants such as heavy metals. Another third were attracted by the sustainability benefits of cultivated products, with almost 40% agreeing that the technology could prevent …

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