The company commissioned consumer research into the plant-based market, focusing specifically on milk alternatives, dairy-free yogurts, and frozen desserts. The research was performed on 1,307 consumers from Mexico, France, Russia, U.S., and Vietnam, between September 7 – 14. The findings: 44% of consumers said that they have purchased more plant-based since the pandemic began; 44% said their purchasing stayed the same; and 12% said their purchases of plant-based products had decreased.
Top reasons why people purchased plant-based:
- 75.4% felt that plant-based products were healthier
- 51.3% liked the taste
- 45.8% are concerned about the environment, and view plant-based as more sustainable
Haydee Carlos, Palsgaard’s Application Manager, said in the press release: “The onset of COVID-19 appears to have triggered more interest in the market for plant-based food and beverages. This may be because the pandemic has led to a greater focus on health generally, and on the environment. At the same time, the plant-based sector is rapidly evolving, so there are more and more new products out there for consumers to explore.”
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The research also found some areas where consumers would like to see improvements, including:- Reducing sedimentation in plant-based ‘milks’
- Enhancing the mouthfeel, and particularly the texture and creaminess of these products
- Shelf-life, and ensuring products last long enough once opened
- Minimizing water separation in dairy-free yogurts
