Moss Landing, CA—By looking at market research and its own sales trends, Sweet Earth Foods has predicted 6 plant-based food trends for 2021 in a press release.

The trends:
  1. Plant-based chicken will become more popular in homes. Offered in multiple forms like shredded, ground or fried, the at-home trend will likely mirror the spike in plant based chicken interest at fast-food chains in 2020.
  2. Consumers will stay interested in culturally inspired dishes, the company says.  Consumers, it says, are passionate about "shopping locally, and eating globally," which provides an opportunity to introduce plant-based options to a growingly diverse consumer base.
  3. Younger eaters will engage more with plant-based brands. According to a study published in PNAS, cafeterias are seeing a positive correlation between vegetarian and vegan meals and product sales. "The ever-connected iGEN and Gen Z are exploring everything from #MeatlessMonday to entirely plant-based diets," the press release states. Sweet Earth expects pressure from teens to make changes in schools, dining halls, fast food, and food retailer companies.
  4. Low carb breakfast sandwiches and protein packed breakfast bowls will be a staple in 2021, especially as consumers return to their typical routines. "In 2020, breakfast felt like it lacked meaning sometimes, with people eating anything from ice cream to mac and cheese in the morning," the company explained in the press release. Sweet Earth Foods pointed to a 2,872% increase in DoorDash orders for sausage egg and cheese biscuits to illustrate that, while people are looking for more protein, they don't have time to make it.
  5. 2021 consumers will demand both comfort and healthy foods. High protein, plant-based, low-carb, and gluten-free products like frozen entrée bowls with vegetables/plant-based meats or pizzas made with healthy alternative crusts are examples of what consumers will look to be included in their hearty meals, the company says. 
  6. With the fear of traveling by air, road trips will likely continue to grow in popularity among Americans. Flexitarian will be looking for healthier grab and go products like plant-based jerkies, chips, and other convenience foods.

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