Sector Trend Analysis – Plant-based protein food and drink trends in Canada

Note: This report includes forecasting data that is based on baseline historical data.

Executive summary

In 2023, Canada exported a total of Can$2.4 billion (423.7 thousand tonnes) of plant-based and animal protein ingredients from the world. The top global import markets for these protein ingredients from Canada were the United States (77.4%), South Korea (4.1%), and China (2.4%) in 2023.

The market size in terms of volume sales for non-animal derived proteins in Canada accounted for 43.6 thousand tonnes (market share: ~75%) in 2023, while animal derived proteins totaled 13.3 thousand tonnes (~23%). Demand for plant-based protein products with the highest market share was for soy protein concentrate (51.9%), followed by gluten (31.1%), soy protein isolate (10.4%), pea protein (5.6%), and vegetable proteins (1.0%). In general, these plant-based protein ingredients with the highest volume sales and consumed the most were found within the staple food category, especially for protein found in processed meat and seafood substitutes (including tofu and derivatives) and baked goods. Snacks were the second highest category in demand for non-animal derived protein ingredient sales, specifically protein found in plant-based cereal and protein energy bars; followed by dairy products and alternatives (plant-based soy drinks, yoghurt and cheese) and the cooking ingredients and meals category (plant-based ready meals, pizza, and food kits) in 2023.

Products in Canada with a high source of protein ingredients (animal or non-animal derived) registered total packaged food sales of Can$1.3 billion and plant-based products (Can$1.6 billion) in 2022. High in protein food sub-categories that had the highest sales included dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) at a sales value of Can$375.5 million, followed by ready meals (Can$338.9 million), and processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat (including tofu and derivatives) at a sales value of Can$233.8 million. Top plant-based product sub-categories included plant-based milk (Can$519.1 million), plant-based butter and spreads (Can$198.8 million), and meat and seafood substitutes (Can$160 million) in 2022.

In the Americas region, meat substitute brands are tapping into consumer demand for meatier (animal-protein-like) options with meat-like flavours and textures. Natural claims have declined in meat substitutes even though consumers continue to be concerned about the highly processed nature of these meat-less recipes (Mintel: A year of innovation in meat substitutes and eggs, 2023).

 

Global consumer trends – proteinFootnote 1

Globally, consumers link protein with various health benefits. Although, consuming meat is still the most natural way to obtain the proteins necessary for a balanced nutritional diet: taste, texture and cost are key barriers why consumers are moving towards choosing alternative proteins. The willingness to consume plant-based eating and alternative proteins have seen high growth, however, the category also faces similiar barriers - especially in taste, sensory and nutritional-related factors. The introduction of new technologies is helping to overcome these barriers for alternative proteins, making the category more attractive. Yet, protein produced via precision fermentation may disrupt the alternative protein category as its sensory and nutritional profiles are a closer match to that of the equivalent animal product.

Furthermore, plant-based protein offerings are now available beyond the usual soy options, where innovative technologies for the extraction of protein from algae, fungi and insects (fungi-based meat) have also, helped to grow the category in various markets - in China 50% are more attracted to fungus-based meat, 78% of Thai consumers are interested in seaweed instead of meat protein and 21% of United Kingdom (UK) consumers are willing to try high-protein products made with insect proteins. Between 2013 and 2023, China (23%) had the highest number of granted patents related to alternative protein, followed by the United States (7%), Japan (5%), France (5%), and South Korea (5%).

Consumers also, understand the importance of sustainability. In the US, 83% say they try to act in a way that is not harmful to the environment, 64% of German consumers prefer companies that reduce their CO2 emissions, and 73% of Indian consumers agree that vegan foods are better for the environment over animal-based food (including meat and dairy). There still is a need to educate consumers about the health, environmental and economic benefits of consuming insect protein, to boost its global interest.

Global consumer protein intake preferences and key consumer health-related trends include the following:Footnote 1

  • Globally, 79% of consumers surveyed (n=1,605) who eat plant-based proteins like to eat any beans/legumes that are natural with the highest preference being grains like quinoa and millet (42%), other beans like black or cannellini (40%), lentils (38%), Garbanzo beans (35%), seeds like hemp and chia or soy (30%) and pea protein (22%). Those consumed less often (between 10-15%) were fava beans, algae like spirulina, fungus-based options like mycoprotein in Quorn, Seitan like wheat gluten, leaving none of these options for protein intake at 12%. Soy (38%) remains the most common alternative protein discussed in patents with other options being pea/chickpea (16%), rice (12%), legume (8%), potatoe (3%), oats (3%), maize (2%), rapeseed (2%) and others - including hemp, marine plants, algae, fungi, insects and protein via precision fermentation (17%).
  • Almost half of Canadian consumers (40%) surveyed (n=2,000), believe that building/maintaining muscle mass is the most important reason to get enough protein in your diet. Comparably, 53% of consumers surveyed (n=3,000) in India place importance on the fact that protein helps in improving immunity health, while 42% of German male consumers (n=2,000) agree that high-protein foods help to keep them fuller for longer (satiety).
  • Plant proteins are used in a large variety of food and drink categories such as high-protein vegan balls by Planta Food Factory - the Future of Food (Kenya), high-protein BBQ 3 bean wrap from MYPROTEIN (UK), and pumpkin protein drink by Chimpanzee - Le Natural (Germany). Chinese consumers (44%) are interested in plant-based protein-rich tea with almond, sesame, soybean ingredients, while UK consumers (31%) agree that high-protein products with plant proteins are more appealing over those made with animal protein and US consumers (16%) who eat plant-based proteins agree that they eat them for animal welfare reasons. Mimicking sensory qualities of meat matters: Thai consumers (51%) would be motivated to eat more plant-based meat if they tasted similar to meat, 37% of German meat substitute shoppers are more likely to purchase meat that closely resembles a meaty texture, and 55% of US consumers say they would eat more alternatives if they have the same nutritional profile as meat.

In the Americas region, consumers are keen for an animal-protein-like eating experience. The majority of consumers in the US describe themselves as having an omnivore or carnivore diet, with meat-free lifestyles remaining a niche market. Nevertheless, just under a third of consumers are keen to reduce their meat intake yet are not ready to forego the taste and texture of animal protein. In fact, not only do approximately 36% of American adults say that they would buy more meat substitutes if they tasted indistinguishable from meat, but over two-thirds (~67%) of meat substitute consumers in the US, also say that they prefer a meatier-like product over a vegetable forward alternative. Therefore, meat substitute brands are tapping into consumer demand with the largest surge of innovation in the last few years in North America being poultry with a fauna flavour by 49%, followed by meat (39%), and fish flavours (12%) that remain a more niche subgroup.Footnote 2

Although, natural claims are on the decline in meat substitute launches over the last five years, consumers in North America are increasingly scrutinising product labels and ingredient lists. As many as 25% of adults in the US are looking for less-processed meat substitutes. Particularly within the meat substitute category, the overly processed image is creating a barrier to buyers to adopt such products. Thus, importance still lies on focusing on clean and natural ingredient labels to attract those who prioritize health and clean eating.Footnote 2

Export trade overview – Canada

In 2023, Canada exported a total of Can$2.4 billion (423.7 thousand tonnes) of plant-based and animal protein ingredients from the world (mainly consisting of 73.4% of other food preparations - that could include plant-based burgers, patties, sausages; along with peptones and their derivatives, protein concentrates/substances, whey proteins, wheat gluten, pea/bean/lentil or vegetable powder, casein and other casein derivatives, and milk and egg or other albumins/albuminates). This export value has been increasing at a CAGR of 8.0%, especially for protein concentrates and textured protein substances (+37.6%), wheat gluten (+27.2%), caseinates and its derivatives (+25.5%) and egg albumin, excluding dried (+24.3%) between 2019 and 2023. During the same period, dried egg albumin registered a decline of 36%, followed by casein (−12.7%), and milk albumin including concentrates of two or more whey proteins (−9.2%).

The top global export markets in terms of value for plant-based and protein ingredients from Canada were the United States (77.4%), South Korea (4.1%), China (2.4%), the Philippines (1.2%), and Hong Kong (1.0%) in 2023. Although, Belgium places only as the 44th largest export market from Canada in volume terms of these protein ingredients, Canadian exports to Belgium have been growing by a value CAGR of 32.3% (2019 to 2023). Value exports to Japan have also shown healthy growth at a CAGR of 36.7% over the same period.

Canada - Top 10 export markets of plant-based and animal protein ingredients (Can$ million), historic
Country 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 CAGR* % 2019-2023
Total - global exports 1,737.6 1,916.5 2,129.8 2,423.3 2,365.1 8.0
1. United States 1,309.2 1,402.2 1,568.8 1,807.9 1,829.9 8.7
2. South Korea 94.5 132.7 133.2 121.8 98.0 0.9
3. China 47.9 56.3 54.7 54.6 57.4 4.6
4. Philippines 23.6 29.9 43.7 34.9 28.3 4.6
5. Hong Kong 18.1 20.5 20.5 21.2 23.7 6.9
6. Netherlands 38.3 31.4 36.9 38.0 22.8 −12.2
7. Belgium 6.9 1.6 15.1 26.9 21.0 32.3
8. Taiwan 19.5 18.9 23.6 25.8 19.2 −0.4
9. United Kingdom 16.5 15.7 17.0 19.0 17.5 1.6
10. Japan 4.9 13.1 13.9 20.6 17.1 36.7
Subtotal - top 10 markets 1,579.4 1,722.3 1,927.3 2,170.9 2,135.0 5.5

Source: Global trade tracker, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Canada - Top 10 export markets of plant-based and animal protein ingredients (metric tonnes), historic
Country 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 CAGR* % 2019-2023
Total - global exports 306,656 323,662 399,671 445,603 423,652 7.0
1. United States 244,930 253,722 333,058 376,727 370,437 9.9
2. South Korea 8,555 10,889 12,166 10,856 8,595 −5.7
3. Philippines 7,305 6,683 9,174 7,751 5,941 −2.9
4. China 15,611 7,862 4,025 4,171 4,402 −13.5
5. Vietnam 387 5,269 4,848 5,128 3,893 −7.3
6. Japan 457 1,726 2,153 4,568 2,702 11.9
7. United Kingdom Belgium 1,698 2,217 2,169 2,204 2,024 −2.2
8. Netherlands 6,362 2,237 1,860 2,751 1,799 −5.3
9. Peru 631 1,896 1,586 1,733 1,391 −7.5
10. Germany 602 689 2,179 1,391 1,367 18.7
Subtotal - top 10 markets 286,539 293,190 373,217 417,280 402,550 8.2
Hong Kong (16th) 812 502 670 1,037 775 11.4
Taiwan (26th) 787 1,004 1,157 819 479 −16.9
Belgium (44th) 1,932 173 950 1,468 179 0.9

Source: Global trade tracker, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Canada's value exports of plant-based and animal protein ingredients from the world (Can$ million), historic
HS Code Description 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 CAGR* % 2019-2023
Total - exports to the world 1,737.6 1,916.5 2,129.8 2,423.3 2,365.1 8.0
21069090 Other food preparations, nowhere else specified[1] 1,365.2 1,466.1 1,560.1 1,711.2 1,735.1 6.2
350400 Peptones and other protein substances and its derivatives, nowhere else specified (including hide powder) 89.3 99.7 117.6 195.0 188.2 20.5
210610 Protein concentrates and textured protein substances 40.0 125.9 184.2 207.3 143.5 37.6
040410 Whey and modified whey proteins 60.8 64.3 63.9 84.7 60.8 0.0
110900 Wheat gluten, whether or not dried 21.3 31.5 43.6 41.4 55.8 27.2
110610 Flour, meal and powder of peas, beans, lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713 28.8 21.6 36.4 51.0 34.4 4.5
350110 Casein 3.6 9.3 7.6 4.8 2.1 −12.7
350219 Egg albumin, excluding dried 0.652 0.696 1.3 2.9 1.6 24.3
350220 Milk albumin, by weight >80% whey proteins (including concentrates of 2 or more whey proteins) 1.6 1.3 0.946 2.0 1.1 −9.2
350190 Caseinates and other casein derivatives (including glues) 0.311 0.375 0.365 0.754 0.771 25.5
350290 Other albumins, albuminates and its derivatives (excluding egg and milk albumins) 0.307 0.069 0.087 0.199 0.445 9.7
350211 Egg albumin, dried (for example; sheets, scales, flakes, powders) 0.987 0.354 0.399 0.542 0.166 −36.0

Source: Global trade tracker, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

1: Other food preparations, nowhere else specified - All plant-based meat products would be classified under HS 210690, that is, burgers, patties, sausages, yet also includes other various food preparations, nowhere else specified. The other food preparations of hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HS:210690296) sub-category seems to best fit the description that would track these plant-based products.

Canada's volume imports of plant-based and protein ingredients from the world (metric tonnes), historic
HS Code Description 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 CAGR* % 2019-2023
Total - exports to the world 306,657 323,663 399,669 445,603 423,651 7.0
21069090 Other food preparations, nowhere else specified 131,503 146,892 186,902 216,034 225,547 11.3
040410 Whey and modified whey proteins 64,175 73,436 65,590 70,012 57,974 −5.7
210610 Protein concentrates and textured protein substances 5,725 18,390 33,676 41,734 25,846 8.9
110610 Flour, meal and powder of peas, beans, lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713 29,833 17,499 28,970 33,640 23,109 7.2
350400 Peptones and other protein substances and its derivatives, nowhere else specified (including hide powder) 12,267 10,174 13,157 20,138 20,005 18.4
110900 Wheat gluten, whether or not dried 7,112 10,794 15,413 11,817 11,657 1.9
350110 Casein 1,350 3,483 846 608 756 −31.7
350219 Egg albumin, excluding dried 306 340 608 1,006 392 3.6
350220 Milk albumin, by weight >80% whey proteins (including concentrates of 2 or more whey proteins) 573 443 94 328 258 −12.6
350190 Caseinates and other casein derivatives (including glues) 23 25 34 104 165 60.3
350211 Egg albumin, dried (for example, sheets, scales, flakes, powders) 156 80 100 117 35 −18.7
350290 Other albumins, albuminates and its derivatives (excluding egg and milk albumins) 78 18 19 26 19 1.4

Source: Global trade tracker, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Market sizes

In 2023, the market size of animal derived protein ingredients in Canada registered a volume sales of 13.3 thousand tonnes (total proteins share: 22.9%), equivalent to an historical volume sales CAGR of 1.1% (2018-2023) and a forecast CAGR of 2.0% (2023-2028) set to reach 14.7 thousand tonnes by 2028. In 2023, the majority of the animal derived protein market consisted of 41.8% of caseinates (5.6 thousand tonnes), followed by 18.4% of whey protein concentrate (2.5 thousand tonnes), 18.1% of gelatin (2.4 thousand tonnes), 13.2% of egg whites (1.8 thousand tonnes); with smaller market sizes consisting of 5.2% of milk protein concentrates (696.4 tonnes), 1.5% of caseins (199.7 tonnes), 1.1% of whey protein isolate (151.3 tonnes), albumin (50.9 tonnes), hydrolysed keratins (27.6 tonnes), and milk protein isolates (13.8 tonnes). Historically, volume sales of most animal derived protein ingredients in Canada registered either low growth or slight declines with CAGRs falling between −0.1% up to 1.9%, at the exception of casein and milk protein concentrate, which grew at respective CAGRs of 4.3% and 7.4% (2018-2023).

Canada - Total retail/foodservice volume sizes of animal derived protein ingredients by category in tonnes historic and forecast
Category 2018 2023 CAGR* % 2018-2023 2024 2028 CAGR* % 2023-2028
Total - proteins 52,638.1 58,267.9 2.1 59,432.5 63,851.3 1.8
Subtotal - animal derived proteins 12,618.0 13,322.3 1.1 13,624.8 14,721.7 2.0
Albumin 46.3 50.9 1.9 51.5 53.1 0.8
Casein 162.0 199.7 4.3 214.1 269.6 6.2
Caseinates 5,321.4 5,574.8 0.9 5,693.2 6,132.2 1.9
Egg white 1,688.1 1,763.8 0.9 1,808.6 1,961.9 2.2
Gelatin 2,396.8 2,417.9 0.2 2,425.9 2,451.3 0.3
Milk protein concentrate 487.8 696.4 7.4 758.3 993.8 7.4
Milk protein isolate 13.6 13.8 0.3 14.0 15.1 1.8
Whey protein concentrate 2,354.2 2,453.7 0.8 2,504.5 2,675.6 1.7
Whey protein isolate 147.6 151.3 0.5 154.7 169.1 2.2
Hydrolysed keratins 27.8 27.6 −0.1 28.0 30.4 2.0

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

In 2023, packaged food proteins (animal derived and plant based) totalled a volume sales of 32.4 thousand tonnes, which have been growing by a CAGR of 2.4% (2018-2023) and is forecast to grow by 2.3% (2023 to 2028). Demand in Canada for animal derived protein ingredients in terms of volume sales (containing a total animal derived protein breakdown in ingredients of 97.0% at 12.9 thousand tonnes) were highest within the dairy products packaged food category at a breakdown of 49.2% (6.3 thousand tonnes), especially for protein found in yogurt and sour milk at 69.5% within its category in 2023. Snacks were the second highest category in demand for animal derived protein ingredients at sales of 20.9% (2.7 thousand tonnes), mostly within confectionery products at 58.2% within the snack category in 2023. Staple foods were the next in demand over the year at sales of 18.2% (2.4 thousand tonnes) mostly within the baked goods sub-category at 77.6%, followed by the cooking ingredients and meals category at a total of 11.7% in sales (1.5 thousand tonnes) mostly for sauces, dips and condiments accounting for 64.4% of animal derived protein ingredients in its category and ready meals, pizza, food kits (35.6%) in 2023.

Sales of ready-to-drink (RTDs) coffee products and other malt-based hot drinks totalled a volume of 161.6 tonnes in 2023. The drink category overall grew by a CAGR of 8.4% (2018 to 2023), which is expected to grow by a CAGR of 6.0% (2023 to 2028) to reach sales of 216.1 tonnes by 2028.

Canada – Demand of animal derived protein ingredients by product category in tonnes historic and forecast
Category Data type 2018 2023 CAGR* % 2018-2023 2024 2028 CAGR* % 2023-2028
Total - packaged food proteins Total volume 28,783.0 32,439.1 2.4 33,294.6 36,334.9 2.3
% breakdown 54.7 55.7 0.4 56.0 56.9 0.4
Total - animal derived protein ingredients Total volume 12,132.8 12,475.7 0.6 12,719.2 13,881.7 2.2
% breakdown 96.5 95.0 −0.3 94.7 92.9 −0.4
Snacks : Total volume 2,607.7 2,841.3 1.7 2,899.4 3,217.0 2.5
% breakdown 20.7 21.6 0.9 21.6 21.5 −0.1
Confectionery Total volume 1,527.6 1,736.4 2.6 1,766.2 1,909.4 1.9
% breakdown 12.2 13.2 1.6 13.2 12.8 −0.6
Ice cream and frozen yogurt Total volume 205.2 198.2 −0.7 200.8 219.2 2.0
% breakdown 1.6 1.5 −1.3 1.5 1.5 0.0
Savoury: biscuits, seafood, trail mixes and salty snacks Total volume 310.9 324.2 0.8 328.4 356.6 1.9
% breakdown 2.5 2.5 0.0 2.5 2.4 −0.8
Sweet biscuits, cereal and protein/energy bars Total volume 564.1 582.4 0.6 604.0 731.8 4.7
% breakdown 4.5 4.4 −0.4 4.5 4.9 2.2
Dairy products : Total volume 6,143.5 6,240.1 0.3 6,397.2 7,050.9 2.5
% breakdown 48.9 47.5 −0.6 47.6 47.2 −0.1
Baby food and milk formula Total volume 51.3 48.3 −1.2 48.7 52.3 1.6
% breakdown 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.0
Cheese Total volume 784.3 702.2 −2.2 709.8 739.6 1.0
% breakdown 6.2 5.3 −3.1 5.3 5.0 −1.2
Yogurt and sour milk Total volume 4,162.3 4,312.6 0.7 4,439.7 4,957.9 2.8
% breakdown 33.1 32.8 −0.2 33.1 33.2 0.2
Other dairy (desserts, coffee whiteners, condensed/evaporated milk, fresh cheese and quark) Total volume 1,145.6 1,176.9 0.5 1,199.0 1,301.1 2.0
% breakdown 9.1 9.0 −0.2 8.9 8.7 −0.7
Cooking ingredients and meals : Total volume 1,022.1 1,135.2 2.1 1,160.5 1,274.4 2.3
% breakdown 8.1 8.6 1.2 8.6 8.5 −0.2
Ready meals, pizza, food kits Total volume 170.4 175.2 0.6 176.4 190.8 1.7
% breakdown 1.4 1.3 −1.5 1.3 1.3 0.0
Sauces, dips and condiments Total volume 851.7 960.0 2.4 984.1 1,083.6 2.5
% breakdown 6.8 7.3 1.4 7.3 7.3 0.0
Staple foods : Total volume 2,359.5 2,259.2 −0.9 2,262.0 2,339.4 0.7
% breakdown 18.8 17.2 −1.8 16.8 15.7 −1.8
Baked goods (cakes,dessert mixes, pies, tarts, pastries) Total volume 1,884.6 1,755.4 −1.4 1,733.9 1,725.2 −0.3
% breakdown 15.0 13.4 −2.2 12.9 11.5 −3.0
Frozen processed potatoes Total volume 171.4 167.7 −0.4 174.1 200.2 3.6
% breakdown 1.4 1.3 −1.5 1.3 1.3 0.0
Processed meat and alternatives to meat and seafood substitutes Total volume 303.6 336.1 2.1 354.1 414.0 4.3
% breakdown 2.4 2.6 1.6 2.6 2.8 1.5
Ready-to-drink coffee and other malt-based hot drinks : Total volume 108.0 162.0 8.4 173.7 219.8 6.3
% breakdown 0.9 1.3 7.6 1.3 1.4 1.5

Source: Euromonitor, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

In 2023, the market size of plant-based protein ingredients (non-animal derived) in Canada registered sales of 43.6 thousand tonnes (total proteins share: 74.8%), equivalent to an historical volume sales CAGR of 2.4% (2018 to 2023) and a forecast CAGR of 1.8% (2023 to 2028) set to reach 47.7 thousand tonnes by 2028. In 2023, 51.9% of non-animal derived protein ingredients consisted of soy protein concentrate (22.6 thousand tonnes), followed by 31.1% of gluten (13.5 thousand tonnes), 10.4% of soy protein isolate (4.5 thousand tonnes), 5.6% pea protein (2.4 thousand tonnes), and 1.0% of vegetable proteins (435.6 tonnes). Noting that protein hydrolysates (616.0 tonnes) and other proteins (723.4 tonnes) were not included in the protein total share since these categories may not necessarily contain all inclusively non-animal derived ingredients. However, typically these proteins do come from plant, pulse or cereal sources.

Historically, volume sales of vegetable proteins and pea protein have been growing by the highest rates at CAGRs of 11.2% and 8.4%, respectively between 2018 and 2023. In the forecast period (2023 to 2028), vegetable proteins are expected to continue to gain momentum at a CAGR of 12.7%, while pea protein ingredients are expected to decline by a CAGR of 2.6%.

Canada - Total retail/foodservice volume sizes of plant-based protein ingredients by category in tonnes, historic and forecast
Category 2018 2023 CAGR* % 2018-2023 2024 2028 CAGR* % 2023-2028
Total - proteins 52,638.1 58,267.9 2.1 59,432.5 63,851.3 1.8
Subtotal - non- animal derived proteins[1] 38,799.9 43,578.6 2.4 44,416.2 47,652.3 1.8
Gluten 12,247.7 13,534.0 2.0 13,756.7 14,652.6 1.6
Pea protein 1,632.0 2,442.9 8.4 2,515.5 2,778.7 2.6
Soy protein concentrate 20,433.1 22,624.0 2.1 23,010.2 24,485.6 1.6
Soy protein isolate 4,231.0 4,542.0 1.4 4,636.4 4,945.1 1.7
Vegetable proteins 256.1 435.6 11.2 497.4 790.4 12.7
Protein hydrolysates[1] 574.0 616.0 1.4 627.7 661.1 1.4
Other proteins[1] 618.5 723.4 3.2 735.7 785.7 1.7

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

1: Non-animal derived proteins - Note that this category is not all inclusive since non-animal derived proteins may be used in the more ambiguous categories 'Hydrolysed Keratins,' 'Protein Hydrolysates' and 'Other Proteins' (not including in total volume). Typically, however, these proteins come from plant, pulse or cereal sources.

In 2023, demand in Canada for plant-based protein ingredients in terms of volume sales (containing a total plant-based protein breakdown in ingredients of 42.2% at 18.4 thousand tonnes) was highest within the staple food products packaged food category at a protein breakdown sales of 69.9% (12.9 thousand tonnes), especially for protein found in processed meat and seafood substitutes (including tofu and derivatives) at 77.1% and baked goods (21.3%) within its category. Snacks were the second highest category in demand for non-animal derived protein ingredients at sales of 13.8% (2.5 thousand tonnes), specifically protein found in cereal and protein energy bars (89.4%) in 2023. Dairy products and alternatives were next in demand at sales of 10.3% (1.9 thousand tonnes), mostly for plant-based dairy products such as soy drinks, yoghurt and cheese (66.3%) within its category. Lastly, was the cooking ingredients and meals category at 6% sales (1.1 thousand tonnes) mostly for protein found in plant-based ready meals, pizza, and food kits (99.4%) in 2023.

Canada - Demand of plant-based protein ingredients by product category in tonnes, historic and forecast
Category Data type 2018 2023 CAGR* % 2018-2023 2024 2028 CAGR* % 2023-2028
Total - packaged food proteins Total volume 28,783.0 32,439.1 2.4 33,294.6 36,334.9 2.3
% breakdown 54.7 55.7 0.4 56.0 56.9 0.4
Total - plant-based derived protein ingredients Total volume 15,541.0 18,410.9 3.4 18,953.6 20,888.8 2.6
% breakdown 40.1 42.2 1.0 42.7 43.8 0.7
Snacks: Total volume 2,378.3 2,533.8 1.3 2,605.5 2,856.7 2.4
% breakdown 6.1 5.8 −1.0 5.9 6.0 0.7
Ice cream Total volume 56.1 111.6 14.7 117.4 138.4 4.4
% breakdown 0.1 0.3 24.6 0.3 0.3 0.0
Savoury: salty, meat and seafood, other similiar snacks Total volume 138.6 157.2 2.6 162.3 177.4 2.4
% breakdown 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.0
Cereal and protein/energy bars Total volume 2,183.6 2,265.0 0.7 2,325.8 2,541.0 2.3
% breakdown 5.6 5.2 −1.5 5.2 5.3 0.4
Dairy products and alternatives: Total volume 1,532.0 1,895.7 4.4 1,920.7 2,024.0 1.3
% breakdown 3.9 4.3 2.0 4.3 4.2 −0.5
Baby milk formula Total volume 278.9 269.6 −0.7 261.3 233.0 −2.9
% breakdown 0.7 0.6 −3.0 0.6 0.5 −3.6
Cheese Total volume 145.6 199.6 6.5 204.0 219.7 1.9
% breakdown 0.4 0.5 4.6 0.5 0.5 0.0
Drinking powder milk Total volume 0.7 0.6 −3.0 0.6 0.6 0.0
% breakdown 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Yoghurt Total volume 130.4 168.2 5.2 171.2 181.2 1.5
% breakdown 0.3 0.4 5.9 0.4 0.4 0.0
Plant-based dairy - soy drinks, yoghurt and cheese, other milk Total volume 976.5 1,257.7 5.2 1,283.6 1,389.5 2.0
% breakdown 2.5 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.9 0.0
Cooking ingredients and meals: Total volume 988.1 1,107.4 2.3 1,120.3 1,166.1 1.0
% breakdown 2.5 2.5 0.0 2.5 2.4 −0.8
Ready meals, pizza, food kits Total volume 981.9 1,101.2 2.3 1,114.0 1,159.6 1.0
% breakdown 2.5 2.5 0.0 2.5 2.4 −0.8
Mayonnaise Total volume 6.1 6.2 0.3 6.3 6.5 0.9
% breakdown 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Staple foods: Total volume 10,642.5 12,874.0 3.9 13,307.0 14,842.0 2.9
% breakdown 27.4 29.5 1.5 30.0 31.1 1.1
Baked goods (bread, cakes, dessert pies and tarts) Total volume 2,464.9 2,737.0 2.1 2,767.1 2,835.0 0.7
% breakdown 6.4 6.3 −0.3 6.2 5.9 −1.3
Breakfast hot/cold cereals Total volume 176.9 161.9 −1.8 156.6 139.4 −2.9
% breakdown 0.5 0.4 −4.4 0.4 0.3 −5.6
Processed meat and seafood substitutes, tofu and derivatives Total volume 7,956.7 9,925.9 4.5 10,333.1 11,813.6 3.5
% breakdown 20.5 22.8 2.1 23.3 24.8 1.7
Instant noodle cups Total volume 43.9 49.3 2.3 50.3 54.0 1.8
% breakdown 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0

Source: Euromonitor, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

In 2023, demand in Canada for packaged food products containing pea protein ingredients totalled sales of 2.4 thousand tonnes. The packaged food category with the highest volume of pea protein ingredients was found in dairy and alternatives products at a pea protein sales breakdown of 52.3% (1.3 thousand tonnes), especially for pea protein found in plant-based dairy such as milk and yoghurt at sales of 73.7% within its category. Staple foods were the second highest category in demand for pea protein ingredients at sales of 30.9% (755.4 tonnes), specifically for pea protein found in baked goods such as bread and hot cereals (71.1%) in 2023. Snacks were next in demand at 16.5% (403.0 tonnes), for cereal and protein or energy bars (72.4%) and ice cream (27.6%) within its category. Lastly, was the cooking ingredients and meals category at 0.3% (6.2 tonnes) with all sales for pea protein found in mayonnaise (100%) in 2023.

Canada - Volume demand of packaged food products containing pea protein ingredients measured in tonnes, historic and forecast
Category Data type 2018 2023 CAGR* % 2018-2023 2024 2028 CAGR* % 2023-2028
Total - packaged food containing pea protein ingredients Total volume 1,632.0 2,442.9 8.4 2,515.5 2,778.7 2.6
% breakdown 100.0 100.0 0.0 100.0 100.0 0.0
Snacks: Total volume 340.3 403.0 3.4 415.1 455.6 2.5
% breakdown 20.9 16.5 −4.6 16.5 16.4 −0.1
Ice cream Total volume 55.9 111.4 14.8 117.2 138.1 4.4
% breakdown 3.4 4.6 6.2 4.7 5.0 1.7
Cereal and protein/energy bars Total volume 284.4 291.6 0.5 297.9 317.5 1.7
% breakdown 17.4 11.9 −7.3 11.8 11.4 −0.9
Dairy products and alternatives: Total volume 821.2 1,278.3 9.3 1,322.6 1,488.1 3.1
% breakdown 50.3 52.3 0.8 52.6 53.6 0.5
Cheese Total volume 122.7 168.5 6.5 172.3 185.6 2.0
% breakdown 7.5 6.9 −1.7 6.8 6.7 −0.6
Yoghurt Total volume 130.4 168.2 5.2 171.2 181.2 1.5
% breakdown 8.0 6.9 −2.9 6.8 6.5 −1.2
Plant-based dairy - milk and yoghurt Total volume 568.1 941.6 10.6 979.0 1,121.3 3.6
% breakdown 34.8 38.5 2.0 38.9 40.4 1.0
Cooking ingredients and meals (mayonnaise): Total volume 6.1 6.2 0.3 6.3 6.5 0.9
% breakdown 0.4 0.3 −5.6 0.3 0.2 −7.8
Staple foods: Total volume 464.4 755.4 10.2 771.6 828.5 1.9
% breakdown 28.5 30.9 1.6 30.7 29.8 −0.7
Baked goods (bread, hot cereals) Total volume 419.1 536.8 5.1 530.5 515.5 −0.8
% breakdown 25.7 22.0 −3.1 21.1 18.6 −3.3
Processed meat and seafood substitutes Total volume 41.2 214.3 39.1 236.8 308.6 7.6
% breakdown 2.5 8.8 28.6 9.4 11.1 4.8

Source: Euromonitor, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Retail sales

The processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat category in Canada has grown by 3% in current terms over the historic period, reaching Can$8.5 billion in 2023. Despite this growth, processed meat, seafood and alternatives continues to experience slowdown in growth amid the relentless surge in food prices driven by hyperinflation in 2022 and 2023. Furthermore, there is a growing concern about the adverse health effects of processed foods that includes the processed meat and seafood category (especially with cosnumers being told to lower the consumption of red meat - as recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society). As a result, Canadians are reshaping their shopping habits and lowering their meat intake, which sets the overall category to see little change in growth over the forecast period to reach a current retail sales value of Can$9.9 billion by 2028 (year-over-year growth of 3.2% between 2009-2028).Footnote 3

Meat and seafood substitutes was the best performing category in Canada in 2023, which represented the sole subcategory in the meat category to exhibit positive volume growth with retail value sales rising by 12% in current terms to reach Can$421 million. Driven by health awareness to processed products, a plant-based diet has gained significant momentum across the country. Manufacturers are actively focusing on innovation, as evidenced by recent product launches in brands such as Impossible chicken nuggets and NotCo's NotChicken nuggets. Alternatively, the Schneider Corporation was the leading player in 2023 in the real meat category, with a retail value share of 13%. Schneiders is an example of a manufacturer who are aiming to promote the importance of health claims for their processed meat and seafood products with the labelling of messaging such as "Authentic recipes and premium meats, since 1890" on its packing.Footnote 3

High in protein food products

Products with a high source of protein ingredients (animal or non-animal derived) registered total sales of Can$1.3 billion in 2022. High protein dairy products and alternatives registered the largest retail at a total of Can$386.4 million (30.4%) mainly for its sales of dairy and plant-based products such as cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts (97.2%) in its category. Staple foods was the 2nd largest category at Can$366.2 million (28.8%), accounting for 83.8% in sales of high in protein processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat products (including tofu and derivatives) in 2022. Meanwhile, sales in the cooking ingredients and meals category totalled Can$354.9 million (27.9%) - mostly for its sales of high in protein ready meals (95.5%) in its category; followed by high protein snacks at sales of 163.4 million (12.9%) - mostly for its high protein savoury snacks (57.8%) and sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks (33.6%) in 2022. High protein juices registered sales of Can$4.9 million over the year.

Canada - retail sales of high in protein products by food category, historic current prices - Can$ millions
Category 2019 2020 2021 2022
High protein snacks 161.2 147.6 156.3 163.4
Confectionery 18.9 14.9 15.8 14.1
Savoury snacks: salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat, seafood 84.1 84.0 89.1 94.4
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 58.2 48.7 51.3 54.9
High protein dairy products and alternatives 233.3 330.8 380.7 386.4
Baby milk formula 8.9 7.0 7.0 7.1
Prepared baby food 3.0 3.7 3.9 3.8
Dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) 221.4 320.1 369.8 375.5
High protein cooking ingredients and meals 143.4 237.7 332.7 354.9
Edible oils 0.8 1.2 1.4 1.8
Food kits 6.4 7.1 6.9 7.3
Nut and seed based spreads 2.4 3.2 2.3 2.6
Ready meals 130.3 221.2 316.8 338.9
Sauces, dips and condiments 1.6 2.0 3.7 3.1
Soup 1.9 3.1 1.7 1.2
High protein staple foods 308.0 360.1 346.0 366.2
Baked goods (bread) 43.7 66.6 51.7 41.6
Breakfast cereals 64.0 73.0 70.5 72.0
Processed fruit and vegetables 12.5 7.4 8.0 7.3
Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat (including tofu and derivatives) 172.8 197.8 200.0 233.8
Pasta 12.8 11.4 13.1 10.6
Rice 2.2 3.9 2.7 1.0
Total - high protein packaged food products 845.9 1,076.2 1,215.7 1,270.9
High in protein juice 5.0 5.7 4.1 4.9
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

Over the historical period (2019 to 2022), high in protein packaged food products grew by a moderately high CAGR of 14.5%. High protein ready meals grew the most at a CAGR of 37.5%, followed by high protein edible oils (31.0%), high protein sauces, dips and condiments (24.7%), and high protein dairy and plant-based products (19.3%). During the same time, the highest drops in sales value were found within high in protein rice at a CAGR of −23.1%; along with high protein processed fruit and vegetables (−16.4%), and high protein soup (−14.2%).

Canada - retail sales growth (%) ofhigh in protein products by food category, historic
Category Annual growth % 2022/2021 CAGR* % 2019-2022 Total growth % 2019-2022
High protein snacks 4.5 0.5 1.4
Confectionery −10.8 −9.3 −25.4
Savoury, salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat or seafood snacks 5.9 3.9 12.2
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 7.0 −1.9 −5.7
High protein dairy products and alternatives 1.5 18.3 65.6
Baby milk formula 1.4 −7.3 −20.2
Prepared baby food −2.6 8.2 26.7
Dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) 1.5 19.3 69.6
High protein cooking ingredients and meals 6.7 35.3 147.5
Edible oils 28.6 31.0 125.0
Food kits 5.8 4.5 14.1
Nut and seed based spreads 13.0 2.7 8.3
Ready meals 7.0 37.5 160.1
Sauces, dips and condiments −16.2 24.7 93.8
Soup −29.4 −14.2 −36.8
High protein staple foods 5.8 5.9 18.9
Baked goods (bread) −19.5 −1.6 −4.8
Breakfast cereals 2.1 4.0 12.5
Processed fruit and vegetables −8.8 −16.4 −41.6
Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat (including tofu and derivatives) 16.9 10.6 35.3
Pasta −19.1 −6.1 −17.2
Rice −63.0 −23.1 −54.5
Total - high protein packaged food products 4.5 14.5 50.2
High in protein juice 19.5 −0.7 −2.0

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Canada - retail sales of high in protein products by food category, forecast current prices - Can$ millions
Category 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
High protein snacks 163.4 181.2 188.5 210.1 231.6 251.6
Confectionery 14.1 15.7 15.9 18.4 20.8 23.0
Savoury, salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat or seafood snacks 94.4 106.8 115.8 129.4 143.3 155.8
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 54.9 58.8 56.9 62.3 67.5 72.7
High protein dairy products and alternatives 386.4 400.0 397.3 420.0 442.8 465.7
Baby milk formula 7.1 6.3 5.3 5.6 5.7 5.8
Prepared baby food 3.8 4.0 4.3 4.6 4.9 5.2
Dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) 375.5 389.7 387.7 409.9 432.3 454.7
High protein cooking ingredients and meals 354.9 376.6 396.1 418.6 438.9 458.0
Edible oils 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9
Food kits 7.3 8.2 8.3 10.1 11.5 12.7
Nut and seed based spreads 2.6 2.3 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.7
Ready meals 338.9 359.7 379.8 400.0 418.5 436.4
Sauces, dips and condiments 3.1 3.3 3.7 4.0 4.1 4.0
Soup 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.3
High protein staple foods 366.2 390.5 404.5 427.9 443.7 455.2
Baked goods (bread) 41.6 43.7 41.5 41.7 39.2 35.1
Breakfast cereals 72.0 73.8 75.1 77.8 80.4 83.1
Processed fruit and vegetables 7.3 8.0 8.5 10.1 11.4 12.8
Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat (including tofu and derivatives) 233.8 252.8 267.4 285.3 298.6 309.5
Pasta 10.6 11.3 10.8 11.4 11.9 12.0
Rice 1.0 1.0 1.3 1.7 2.2 2.7
Total - high protein packaged food products 1,270.9 1,348.3 1,386.4 1,476.6 1,557.0 1,630.5
High in protein juice 4.9 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.7 3.3
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024
Canada - retail sales growth (%) ofhigh in protein products by food category, forecast
Category Annual growth % 2023/2022 CAGR* % 2022-2027 Total growth % 2022-2027
High protein snacks 9.0 10.9 54.0
Confectionery 10.3 11.3 63.1
Savoury, salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat or seafood snacks 10.5 13.1 65.0
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 5.8 7.1 32.4
High protein dairy products and alternatives 3.8 3.5 20.5
Baby milk formula −4.0 −11.3 −18.3
Prepared baby food 6.5 5.3 36.8
Dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) 3.9 3.8 21.1
High protein cooking ingredients and meals 5.2 6.1 29.1
Edible oils 1.1 5.6 5.6
Food kits 11.7 12.3 74.0
Nut and seed based spreads −8.1 −11.5 −34.6
Ready meals 5.2 6.1 28.8
Sauces, dips and condiments 5.2 6.5 29.0
Soup 1.6 8.3 8.3
High protein staple foods 4.4 6.6 24.3
Baked goods (bread) −3.3 5.0 −15.6
Breakfast cereals 2.9 2.5 15.4
Processed fruit and vegetables 11.9 9.6 75.3
Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat (including tofu and derivatives) 5.8 8.1 32.4
Pasta 2.5 6.6 13.2
Rice 22.0 0.0 170.0
Total - high protein packaged food products 5.1 6.1 28.3
High in protein juice −7.6 −2.0 −32.7

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Plant-based food products

Plant-based food products registered total sales of Can$1.6 billion in 2022. Plant-based dairy was the category that registered the highest sales value in Canada at a total of Can$653.4 million - consisting of plant-based milk (79.4%), plant-based cheese (10.6%), and plant-based yogurt (10%). Plant-based staple foods brought sales of Can$321.2 million - mostly for its meat and seafood substitutes (49.8%) and processed fruit and vegetables (17.6%) food categories in 2022. Plant-based snacks registered the third largest sales at a value of Can$269.4 million, with sales spread out evenly across all snack categories such as plant-based ice cream, sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks, confectionery, and savoury snacks; followed by other plant-based dairy products and alternatives (Can$232.2 million) - mostly for its butter and spreads (85.6%) and lastly plant-based cooking ingredients and meals (Can$165.8 million) with ready meals (69.8%) being its top seller in 2022.

Canada - retail sales of plant-based products by food category, historic current prices - Can$ millions
Category 2019 2020 2021 2022
Plant-based snacks 168.0 195.9 244.8 269.4
Confectionery 51.2 49.3 53.2 52.4
Ice cream 28.3 46.9 76.5 86.8
Savoury snacks: salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat, seafood 29.5 43.4 50.2 52.1
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 59.0 56.3 64.9 78.1
Plant-based dairy 473.0 545.9 593.7 653.4
Milk 406.1 464.3 487.1 519.1
Yogurt 35.9 41.0 54.2 65.1
Cheese 31.1 40.5 52.4 69.1
Other plant-based dairy products and alternatives 96.7 162.7 210.2 232.2
Butter and spreads 87.2 147.3 181.1 198.8
Drinking milk products 8.8 14.4 27.6 31.7
Prepared baby food 0.7 0.9 1.4 1.6
Plant-based cooking ingredients and meals 68.4 99.7 139.3 165.8
Nut and seed based spreads 1.0 1.4 1.3 2.5
Ready meals 53.1 78.3 100.8 115.7
Sauces, dips and condiments 12.6 17.1 32.8 41.4
Soups 1.7 2.9 4.3 6.2
Plant-based staple foods 137.9 216.2 265.2 321.2
Breakfast cereals 38.7 42.5 45.5 42.7
Dessert mixes 0.2 0.2 0.9 1.4
Meat and seafood substitutes 31.9 85.6 121.7 160.0
Noodles 3.7 4.0 8.8 9.5
Pasta 8.1 12.8 15.3 15.2
Processed fruit and vegetables 28.1 34.3 37.9 56.5
Rice 6.6 9.0 7.2 3.7
Tofu and derivatives 20.6 27.7 28.0 32.2
Total - plant-based packaged food products 944.0 1,220.4 1,453.2 1,642.0
Plant-based fresh coffee 1.5 5.0 17.5 18.8
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

Over the historical period, all plant-based main food categories have been growing at a high rate (CAGR: 11.4% up to 34.3%) with plant-based packaged food products growing at an overall total CAGR of 20.3% (2019-2022). Plant-based fresh coffee has increased at a CAGR of 132.3% from Can$1.5 million in 2019 to Can$18.8 million. The highest growth in food sales were within the plant-based cooking ingredients and meal cateogry at a CAGR of 34.3%, followed by other plant-based dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk (+33.9%), and plant-based staple foods (+32.6%). More specifically, plant-based foods such as dessert mixes, meat and seafood substitutes, soups, drinking milk products, and sauces, dips and condiments grew the most over the historical period. Plant-based rice is the only sub-category that decreased by a CAGR of 17.5% between 2019 and 2022.

Canada - retail sales growth of plant-basedproducts by food category, historic
Category Annual growth % 2022/2021 CAGR* % 2019-2022 Total growth % 2019-2022
Plant-based snacks 10.0 17.0 60.4
Confectionery −1.5 0.8 2.3
Ice cream 13.5 45.3 206.7
Savoury snacks: salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat, seafood 3.8 20.9 76.6
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 20.3 9.8 32.4
Plant-based dairy 10.1 11.4 38.1
Milk 6.6 8.5 27.8
Yogurt 20.1 21.9 81.3
Cheese 31.9 30.5 122.2
Other plant-based dairy products and alternatives 10.5 33.9 140.1
Butter and spreads 9.8 31.6 128.0
Drinking milk products 14.9 53.3 260.2
Prepared baby food 14.3 31.7 128.6
Plant-based cooking ingredients and meals 19.0 34.3 142.4
Nut and seed based spreads 92.3 35.7 150.0
Ready meals 14.8 29.6 117.9
Sauces, dips and condiments 26.2 48.7 228.6
Soups 44.2 53.9 264.7
Plant-based staple foods 21.1 32.6 132.9
Breakfast cereals −6.2 3.3 10.3
Dessert mixes 55.6 91.3 600.0
Meat and seafood substitutes 31.5 71.2 401.6
Noodles 8.0 36.9 156.8
Pasta −0.7 23.3 87.7
Processed fruit and vegetables 49.1 26.2 101.1
Rice −48.6 −17.5 −43.9
Tofu and derivatives 15.0 16.1 56.3
Total - plant-based packaged food products 13.0 20.3 73.9
Plant-based fresh coffee 7.4 132.3 1,153.3

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Over the forecast period, all plant-based main food categories are expected to return to lower to moderate growth rates with plant-based packaged food products growing at an overall total CAGR of 6.8% (2022-2027). Plant-based fresh coffee will also slow down to a CAGR of 6.8% over the same period. Specific plant-based foods such as nut and seed based spreads, meat and seafood substitutes, ice cream, yogurt and cheese are expected to grow the most over the forecast period. Plant-based sub-categories expected to decline over the forecast period include plant-based soup, rice, noodles, and breakfast cereals.

Canada - retail sales of plant-basedproducts by food category,historic and forecast current prices - Can$ millions
Category 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Plant-based snacks 269.4 298.5 320.2 346.5 371.4 397.9
Confectionery 52.4 56.0 59.9 64.5 68.7 73.7
Ice cream 86.8 102.8 112.7 122.6 132.3 142.1
Savoury snacks: salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat, seafood 52.1 56.4 60.8 67.1 73.5 80.4
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 78.1 83.3 86.7 92.2 97.0 101.7
Plant-based dairy 653.4 709.3 760.8 817.8 880.7 945.4
Milk 519.1 554.8 591.2 633.4 681.3 730.5
Yogurt 65.1 74.8 82.7 90.1 97.5 104.9
Cheese 69.1 79.6 86.9 94.2 101.9 110.0
Other plant-based dairy products and alternatives 232.2 237.8 248.9 257.5 265.7 267.6
Butter and spreads 198.8 201.9 211.1 217.6 223.6 223.1
Drinking milk products 31.7 34.2 36.1 38.1 40.2 42.5
Prepared baby food 1.6 1.7 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.0
Plant-based cooking ingredients and meals 165.8 164.7 168.0 179.2 190.1 201.1
Nut and seed based spreads 2.5 1.7 3.3 4.4 5.3 6.5
Ready meals 115.7 121.1 120.7 124.0 126.8 129.3
Sauces, dips and condiments 41.4 37.9 41.7 48.0 54.7 61.7
Soups 6.2 4.0 2.3 2.9 3.3 3.6
Plant-based staple foods 321.2 343.2 360.0 395.0 431.4 468.6
Breakfast cereals 42.7 42.2 41.0 40.6 40.3 39.7
Dessert mixes 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9
Meat and seafood substitutes 160.0 177.7 190.0 216.0 242.7 270.1
Noodles 9.5 10.1 6.1 6.7 7.4 8.0
Pasta 15.2 16.8 17.9 18.7 19.3 20.0
Processed fruit and vegetables 56.5 56.3 61.2 66.0 71.1 76.7
Rice 3.7 3.9 3.7 3.7 3.5 3.1
Tofu and derivatives 32.2 34.6 38.4 41.6 45.2 49.2
Total - plant-based packaged food products 1,642.0 1,753.5 1,857.9 1,996.0 2,139.3 2,280.6
Plant-based fresh coffee 18.8 21.7 21.9 23.7 24.9 26.8
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024
Canada - retail sales growth (%) of plant-basedproducts by food category, forecast
Category Annual growth % 2023/2022 CAGR* % 2022-2027 Total growth % 2022-2027
Plant-based snacks 10.8 8.1 47.7
Confectionery 6.9 7.1 40.6
Ice cream 18.4 10.4 63.7
Savoury snacks: salty, nut and seeds (trail mixes), meat, seafood 8.3 9.1 54.3
Sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks 6.7 5.4 30.2
Plant-based dairy 8.6 7.7 44.7
Milk 6.9 7.1 40.7
Yogurt 14.9 10.0 61.1
Cheese 15.2 9.7 59.2
Other plant-based dairy products and alternatives 2.4 2.9 15.2
Butter and spreads 1.6 2.3 12.2
Drinking milk products 7.9 6.0 34.1
Prepared baby food 6.2 4.6 25.0
Plant-based cooking ingredients and meals −0.7 3.9 21.3
Nut and seed based spreads −32.0 21.1 160.0
Ready meals 4.7 2.2 11.8
Sauces, dips and condiments −8.5 8.3 49.0
Soups −35.5 −10.3 −41.9
Plant-based staple foods 6.8 7.8 45.9
Breakfast cereals −1.2 −1.4 −7.0
Dessert mixes 14.3 6.3 35.7
Meat and seafood substitutes 11.1 11.0 68.8
Noodles 6.3 −3.4 −15.8
Pasta 10.5 5.6 31.6
Processed fruit and vegetables −0.4 6.3 35.8
Rice 5.4 −3.5 −16.2
Tofu and derivatives 7.5 8.8 52.8
Total - plant-based packaged food products 6.8 6.8 38.9
Plant-based fresh coffee 15.4 7.3 42.6

Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

*CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Competitive landscape

In 2022, top packaged food companies (brands) per main food category for animal/non-animal derived high in protein ingredients products in Canada included Link Snacks Inc. (Jack Link's) at a market share of 38.4% (Can$62.7 million) in the snacks category; Kraft Heinz Company (Kraft) at 46.1% (Can$178.2 million) in the dairy products and alternatives category; Nestlé (Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine) at 88.4% (Can$313.8 million) in the cooking ingredients and meals category; and Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (Maple Leaf, Lightlife) at 23.7% (Can$86.6 million) in the staple foods category. The leading company (brand) with the highest drink sales (Can$1.6 million) for high in protein juice products was the Hero Group GmbH (Baby Gourmet) at a share of 32.3%.

Canada - Company (brands) of high inprotein products by main food category, 2022 retail value sales (CAD$ million) and market share (%) - current prices
Category Company Top brand(s) Retail sales (Can$ million) Market share in 2022
Snacks Link Snacks Inc. Jack Link's 62.7 38.4
Mondelez International Inc. Clif 16.7 10.2
The Simply Good Foods Co. Quest, Atkins 7.2 4.4
Total - high in protein snacks 163.4 100.0
Dairy products and alternatives Kraft Heinz Company Kraft 178.2 46.1
Groupe Lactalis Black Diamond, Lactantia, Iögo 54.0 14.0
General Mills Inc. Liberté 48.7 12.6
Total - high in protein dairy products and alternatives 386.4 100.0
Cooking ingredients and meals Nestlé SA Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine 313.8 88.4
FCF Co Ltd. Clover Leaf 11.6 3.3
George Weston Ltd. PC Blue Menu 7.8 2.2
Total - high in protein cooking ingredients and meals 354.9 100.0
Staple foods Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf, Lightlife 86.6 23.7
FCF Co Ltd. Clover Leaf, Brunswick 56.3 15.4
The Bolton Group Rio Mare 33.6 9.2
Total - high in protein staple foods 366.2 100.0
Drinks Hero Group GmbH Baby Gourmet 1.6 32.3
OKF Corp. OKF 0.6 12.9
Tropicana Brands Group Naked 0.6 12.9
Total - high protein juice 4.9 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

In 2022, top packaged food companies (brands) for plant-based products in Canada included Groupe Danone (So Delicious) at a market share of 12.2% (Can$32.9 million) in the snacks category; Upfield Holdings BV (Becel) at 85.6% (Can$198.8 million) in the dairy products and alternatives category; ConAgra Brands Inc. (Gardein, Healthy Choice) at 22.9% (Can$38 million) in the cooking ingredients and meals category; and Beyond Meat Inc. (Beyond Meat) at 23.2% (Can$74.4 million) in the staple foods category. The leading company (brand) with the highest drink sales (Can$13.6 million) for plant-based hot drink products was the Kraft Heinz Company (Maxwell House) at a share of 72.4%.

Canada - Company (brands) of plant-based products by main food category, 2022 retail value sales (Can$ million) and market share (%) - current prices
Category Company Top brand(s) Retail sales (Can$ million) Market share in 2022
Snacks Groupe Danone So Delicious 32.9 12.2
Mondelez International Inc. Clif, Green & Black's 22.7 8.4
Dare Foods Ltd. RealFruit, Dare 22.4 8.3
Total - plant-based protein snacks 269.4 100.0
Dairy products and alternatives Upfield Holdings BV Becel 198.8 85.6
Groupe Danone Silk, So Delicious 11.1 4.8
Earth's Own Food Co Inc. Earth's Own 8.0 3.4
Total - plant-based dairy products and alternatives 232.2 100.0
Cooking ingredients and meals ConAgra Brands Inc. Gardein, Healthy Choice 38.0 22.9
George Weston Ltd. President's Choice, PC Blue Menu 28.8 17.4
Unilever Group Best Foods/Hellmann's 13.9 8.4
Total -plant-based cooking ingredients and meals 165.8 100.0
Staple foods Beyond Meat Inc. Beyond Meat 74.4 23.2
Bush Bros Inc. Bush's Best 44.6 13.9
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Lightlife 43.2 13.5
Total - plant-based staple foods 321.2 100.0
Hot drinks Kraft Heinz Co Maxwell House 13.6 72.4
Illycaffè SpA Illy 0.8 4.1
Total - plant-based fresh coffee 18.8 100.0
Source: Euromonitor International, 2024

New product launches in Canada

Mintel indicated that there were 3,292 new high in protein and/or plant-based products: packaged food (2,589), drink (566), pet food (119), and health (18) products launched in Canada's grocery retailer outlets (including new variety/range extension, packaging, formulation or relaunched) between the period of January 2019 and May 14th, 2024. These product launches consisted of 63.8% claims suitable for plant-based (2,099) and 45.9% of high/added protein (2,091) products.

Canada - number of product launches with plant-based, high/added protein claims and/or contained pea protein as an ingredient, (January 2019 to May 14, 2024)
Description of this image follows.
Description of above image
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 up to May 14
Plant-based (2,099) 193 372 382 434 508 210
High/added protein (1,511) 308 359 236 262 243 103
Pea protein (921) 135 206 134 187 187 72

Note: each product can contain more than one of these claims

Source: Mintel, 2024

Leading parent companies launching plant-based or high/added protein food and drink products (3,155) in Canada between Q2-2023 and Q2-2024 were Prana Biovegan (39), Groupe Danone (18), ConAgra Foods (18), Pattison Food Group (15), and Groupe Lactalis (13). New brands appearing for the first time launched in the Canadian market within the last 6 months, included Patience Sour Cran (cherry flavoured sour dried plant-based cranberries), Krono Lytes (lemon and lime sport plant-based drink mix), Drizzilicious (cinnamon swirl plant-based bites), Base Vegetale (original pumpkin seed tofu - plant-based and 18g of protein), Reign Storm (Valencia orange energy drink), and Silk Oat (Dairy-free fortified oat beverage).

Top categories for plant-based or high/added protein claims in Canada were sauces and seasonings (+333%), bakery (+140%), Dairy (+100%), processed fish, meat and egg products (+30%), and nutritional drinks and other beverages (+5%) between Q2-2023 and Q2-2024. While declining categories included breakfast cereals (−100%) chocolate confectionery (−64%), sugar and gum confectionery (−50%), and meals and meal centers (−50%). New food ingredients appearing within the last 12 months included tapioca fibre syrup, Huito juice concentrate, rice milk, red Fife wheat, raisin syrup, and blackcurrant extract. The fastest growing flavours in these products were Quinoa, smoked, vegetable, lemon, mint, cocoa/cacao, roasted/toasted, cabbage/kale, beetroot/red beat (each at +200%) between Q2-2022 and Q2-2024.

Top claims and claim combinations used most often in the last three months for high/added and/or plant-based protein food and beverage (not including pet food) product launches included plant-based (68%), low/no/reduced allergen (66%), gluten free (57%), GMO free (50%), environmental friendly product (40%), vegan/no animal ingredients (40%), and high/added protein (39%). Top growing plant-based and high in protein claims were low/no/reduced saturated fat (+500%), hormone free (+275%), ethical - animal (+267%), functional - digestive (+250%), and low/no/reduced calorie (+200%) between Q1-2023 and Q1-2024. Meanwhile during the same period, declining claims by were ethical - upcycled ingredients (−100%), children, 5-12 (−100%), ethical - biodegradable (−80%), palm oil free (−75%), and premium (−75%).

Between the historic period (2019-2024), there were 921: new food (651), drink (190), pet food (73), and health (7) products launched in the Canadian grocery market. Which consisted of the following pea protein ingredients: 77.2% were labelled as being a pea protein food (711) mainly consisting of 17.6% of pea protein isolate (162), followed by 9% of pea protein concentrate (83) and 1% of textured pea protein (9).

Canada - Food (including petfood), drink and health product launches, by protein type item count (January 2019 to May 14, 2024)
Description of this image follows.
Description of above image
  • Pea protein: 711
  • Pea protein isolate: 162
  • Pea protein concentrate: 83
  • Textured pea protein: 9
  • Pea protein hydrolysate: 8
  • Pea protein flour: 1

Note: each product can contain more than one of these claims

Total item count: 921

Source: Mintel, 2024

In North America, the majority of US yogurt consumers say that private label yogurt is just as good as branded, where the share of private label launch activity is rising - especially in spoonable yogurt launches. Retailers are more aggressively positioning their store brand offerings as a 'zero-compromise' alternative next to big brands, while private label yogurts such as Tops, ShopRite and Sprouts Farmers Market are focusing attention around its products nutritional benefits (high in protein) and 'clean' ingredients (natural, organic, grade-A pasteurized skim milk) - which seems to work well to entice consumers in the Americas region.Footnote 4

New product launches of plant-based food and drinks in Canada, January 2019 to May 14, 2024
Product attributes Yearly launch - item count
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total
Yearly product launches 193 372 382 434 508 210 2,099
Top launch types
New packaging 58 135 119 151 215 93 771
New product 50 103 133 115 135 48 584
New variety/range extension 73 91 89 135 103 41 532
Relaunch 11 43 41 33 52 27 207
New formulation 1 0 0 0 3 1 5
Top sub-categories
Meat substitutes 42 76 53 47 72 30 320
Nutritional and meal replacement drinks 40 66 22 31 24 11 194
Snack/cereal/energy bars 21 48 23 20 45 13 170
Processed cheese 13 8 22 31 33 29 136
Plant based drinks (dairy alternatives) 10 24 31 32 32 3 132
Top five companies
Daiya Foods 9 2 18 18 7 12 66
Prana Biovegan 0 2 5 17 20 20 64
Sequel Natural 10 41 3 7 2 0 63
Loblaws 6 15 14 14 11 0 60
Cie 2 Ameriks 3 14 16 13 3 2 51
Top five brands
Daiya 7 2 15 17 7 12 60
PC President's Choice 6 15 14 12 11 0 58
Yves Veggie Cuisine 15 21 8 1 2 3 50
Prana Organic 0 0 2 12 16 19 49
GoGo Quinoa 3 11 15 9 3 2 43
Import status (if reported)
Not imported 89 141 125 156 179 69 759
Imported 44 72 71 103 100 52 442
Location of manufacture
Canada 89 141 125 156 179 69 759
USA 28 53 37 60 48 39 265
Italy 5 7 2 2 6 0 22
China 4 4 0 5 8 0 21
Greece 1 2 3 2 12 0 20
Top five flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured/plain 52 90 119 129 147 51 588
Chocolate 13 27 15 25 20 10 110
Vanilla - Bourbon/Madagascar 11 16 16 14 24 3 84
Berry 4 9 3 4 4 4 28
Chicken 0 7 0 2 9 4 22
Top claim category
Suitable for 193 372 382 434 508 210 2,099
Natural 173 316 322 383 395 167 1,756
Ethical and environmental 94 242 210 219 277 112 1,154
Positioning 72 181 139 179 213 94 878
Minus 66 115 123 141 137 61 643
Source: Mintel; Global New Product Database, 2024
New product launches of high/added protein food and drinks (including petfood and health) in Canada, January 2019 to May 14, 2024
Product attributes Yearly launch - item count
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total
Yearly product launches 308 359 236 262 243 103 1,511
Top launch types
New packaging 85 132 76 98 62 36 489
New variety/range extension 104 98 62 76 83 42 465
New product 98 74 82 67 84 18 423
Relaunch 19 55 13 21 13 6 127
New formulation 2 0 3 0 1 1 7
Top sub-categories
Nutritional and meal replacement drinks 73 84 61 64 64 25 371
Snack/cereal/energy bars 59 63 24 22 23 22 213
Hard/semi-hard cheese 8 26 13 19 14 3 83
Meat substitutes 27 15 12 11 10 1 76
Spoonable yogurt 10 5 13 3 10 6 47
Top five companies
Walmart 8 12 10 12 5 4 51
Sequel Natural 10 22 3 4 2 0 41
Lactalis 0 6 7 8 11 3 35
Save-on-Foods 0 11 6 9 9 0 35
Genuine Health 8 9 0 0 0 7 24
Top five brands
Great Value 4 12 8 12 5 3 44
Western Family 1 10 5 7 3 2 28
Black Diamond 5 7 5 4 7 0 28
Yves Veggie Cuisine 10 11 3 1 1 0 26
SimplyProtein 7 2 0 6 2 0 17
Import status (if reported)
Not imported 109 117 94 114 94 49 577
Imported 70 86 49 55 50 16 326
Location of manufacture
Canada 109 117 94 114 94 49 577
USA 48 59 32 38 27 9 213
China 9 11 3 0 6 0 29
Thailand 2 3 2 2 3 5 17
Italy 1 1 4 5 4 1 16
Top five flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured/plain 83 103 68 77 65 20 416
Chocolate 29 36 16 18 21 9 129
Vanilla - Bourbon/Madagascar 24 28 17 8 26 8 111
Chocolate and peanut butter 7 5 3 4 3 3 25
Chicken 4 3 2 5 6 4 24
Top claim category
Plus 308 359 236 262 243 103 1,511
Suitable for 246 239 152 190 179 81 1,087
Natural 216 221 140 172 159 55 963
Ethical and environmental 106 156 115 97 80 56 610
Positioning 103 140 100 128 100 38 609
Source: Mintel; Global New Product Database, 2024
New product launches of food and drinks (including petfood and health) containing pea protein ingredients in Canada, January 2019 to May 14, 2024
Product attributes Yearly launch - item count
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total
Yearly product launches 135 206 134 187 187 72 921
Top launch types
New product 43 54 40 59 75 11 282
New packaging 43 64 41 51 48 24 271
New variety/range extension 39 62 41 58 46 24 270
Relaunch 9 25 11 19 16 13 93
New formulation 1 1 1 0 2 0 5
Top sub-categories
Nutritional and meal replacement drinks 30 46 24 28 36 9 173
Meat substitutes 20 36 25 27 29 10 147
Snack/cereal/energy bars 25 29 11 16 26 12 119
Plant based drinks (dairy alternatives) 4 9 5 11 18 1 48
Processed cheese 5 9 7 9 5 11 46
Top five companies
Daiya Foods 9 9 10 9 4 11 52
Sequel Natural 12 28 3 4 2 0 49
Loblaws 3 12 8 8 1 0 32
Beyond Meat 1 5 4 6 4 3 23
Genuine Health 8 5 0 0 0 7 20
Top five brands
Daiya 9 9 10 9 4 11 52
PC President's Choice 3 9 8 8 1 0 29
Wholly Veggie! 0 5 2 6 3 0 16
Genuine Health 8 1 0 0 0 5 14
Maison Riviera 5 0 0 3 6 0 14
Import status (if reported)
Not imported 27 59 36 75 76 33 306
Imported 47 46 30 45 32 13 213
Location of manufacture
Canada 27 59 36 75 76 33 306
USA 37 33 23 30 22 12 157
Italy 3 4 0 5 4 0 16
Belgium 0 6 3 0 1 0 10
France 0 0 2 2 0 1 5
Top five flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured/plain 23 54 34 49 36 15 211
Vanilla - Bourbon/Madagascar 11 13 6 7 25 4 66
Chocolate 11 13 7 13 16 3 63
Chicken 1 2 1 6 11 2 23
Chocolate and peanut butter 2 2 3 3 4 1 15
Top claim category
Suitable for 133 193 120 170 170 71 857
Natural 101 167 106 156 123 57 710
Ethical and environmental 42 118 68 93 80 32 433
Positioning 55 93 46 74 78 24 370
Plus 68 78 45 75 76 24 366
Source: Mintel; Global New Product Database, 2024

Examples of new products

Original Pumpkin Seed Tofu

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / manufacturer Base Végétale
Brand Base Végétale
Sub-category Processed meat substitutes
Market Canada
Related claims Organic, gluten free, low / no / reduced allergen, vegan / no animal ingredients, plant based
Store name Avril Supermarché Santé
Store location Repentigny J6A 5N4
Store type Natural / health food store
Date published May 2024
Launch type New product
Price in Canadian dollars 4.00
 

This product retails in a 300 gram pack. Provides 18 grams of protein. Vegan. Made with organic pumpkin seeds. Free from soy, gluten, nut.

Summer Berries Plant Protein Whole Food Energy Bar

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / manufacturer Younited
Brand Younited
Sub-category Snack / cereal / energy bars
Market Canada, not imported
Related claims Gluten free, high / added protein, vegan / no animal ingredients, functional – energy, plant based
Related ingredients Pea protein isolate, Stevia extract
Store name Avril Supermarché Santé
Store location Repentigny J6A 5N4
Store type Natural / health food store
Date published May 2024
Launch type New product
Price in Canadian dollars 3.99
 

This product retails in a 60 gram pack. Nutrition with purpose. Contains 16 grams protein, 10 grams fibre, 3 grams sugar. Provides energy. No gluten, artificial flavours, sweeteners, or sugar alcohol.- Plant-based and vegan. Made in Canada from domestic and imported ingredients. Comes in crunchy peanut butter cup and chocolate plant protein flavours.

Vanilla Flavour Organic Drink Mix Powder

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / importer Genuine Health
Brand Genuine Health Fermented VeganProteins+
Category Nutritional drinks and other meal replacement beverages
Market Canada, not imported
Related claims No additives / preservatives, organic, gluten free, low / no / reduced allergen, ethical – environmentally friendly product / human, vegan/no animal ingredients, GMO free
Related ingredients Organic, blended proteins (including pea protein, fermented brown rice protein and vegan protein blend)
Store name Avril Supermarché Santé
Store location Montreal-Laval H7S 1Y8
Store type Natural / health food store
Date published May 2024
Launch type Relaunch
Price in Canadian dollars 69.99
 

This product features an improved flavour, and has been repackaged in a 900 gram pack. 100% fermented protein with Seven protein sources. Taste great. Vegan, gluten-free and free from artificial colour or flavour. Contains 21 grams of protein. Logos and certifications: Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic, Certified B Corporation, Proudly Canadian

Key Lime Protein Greek Style Plant-Based Yogurt

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / manufacturer Danone
Brand Silk
Category Dairy, plant-based spoonable yogurt (dairy alternatives)
Market Canada
Related claims Ethical – environmentally friendly product / human, high / added protein, vegan / no animal ingredients, plant based
Related ingredients Pea protein
Store name Metro (Canada)
Store location Montréal H2X 3P9
Store type Internet / mail order
Date published April 2024
Launch type New variety / range extension
Price in Canadian dollars 6.99
 

This product retails in a 500 gram pack. Coconut base. 12 grams protein per 175 grams. Canadian pea protein. Vegan. Prepared in Canada. Logos and certifications: Certified B Corporation, How2Recycle

Plant-based Smoked Salmon

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / manufacturer By2048
Brand By2048
Category Processed fish, egg, meat subsitutes
Market Canada
Related claims Ethical – environmentally friendly package / charity / biodegradeable / recycling / sustainable, plant based
Related ingredients Organic: carrot, extra olive virgin oil, cider vinegar, natural smoke flavouring
Store name Avril Supermarché Santé
Store location Montréal-Laval H7S 1Y8
Store type Natural / health food store
Date published October 2022
Launch type New product
Price in Canadian dollars 7.99
 

This product retails in a 105 gram pack. Made of five simple ingredients. Made from fresh carrots. 5% of the profit go toward ocean preservation. Carrot-based salmon alternative. Partially biodegradable pack made from recycled materials. Logos and certifications: Certified Plastic Negative Product, Instagram, TikTok

Smooth & Fluffy Original Tofu Scramble with Okara

Source: Mintel, 2024
Company / manufacturer Wisely Foods
Brand Wisely
Sub-category Processed fish, egg, meat subsitutes
Market Canada, not imported
Related claims Ethical – environmentally friendly package/product/recycling/upcycled ingredients/sustainable, plant based
Related ingredients Soybean curd, tofu, soy beverage, Okara (organic non-GMO soy pulp)
Store name Avril Supermarché Santé
Store location Montréal-Laval H7S 1Y8
Store type Natural / health food store
Date published October 2022
Launch type New product
Price in Canadian dollars 7.99
 

This product retails in a 250 gram pack. - 100% plant-based - 5 grams of protein - Made with upcycled okara- Microwavable- Reduces food waste by turning okara into delicious and sustainable products- Okara is the leftover pulp generated in the process of tofu manufacturing, and yet very nutritious- Rescued and upcycled okara from Soya Distinction- Logos and certifications: Facebook, Instagram, FSC Recycled

For more information

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service:

International Trade Commissioners can provide Canadian industry with on-the-ground expertise regarding market potential, current conditions and local business contacts, and are an excellent point of contact for export advice.

More agri-food market intelligence:

International agri-food market intelligence
Discover global agriculture and food opportunities, the complete library of Global Analysis reports, market trends and forecasts, and information on Canada's free trade agreements.

Agri-food market intelligence service
Canadian agri-food and seafood businesses can take advantage of a customized service of reports and analysis, and join our email subscription service to have the latest reports delivered directly to their inbox.

More on Canada's agriculture and agri-food sectors:

Canada's agriculture sectors
Information on the agriculture industry by sector. Data on international markets. Initiatives to support awareness of the industry in Canada. How the department engages with the industry.

For additional information on flagship International trade show events, please contact:

Ben Berry, Deputy Director
Trade Show Strategy and Delivery
Agriculture and agri-food Canada
ben.berry@agr.gc.ca

Resources

  • Euromonitor International | November 2023. Country Report: Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat in Canada
  • Mintel Global New Products Database, 2024
  • Mintel  | October 2023. A year of innovation in meat substitutes and eggs, 2023
  • Srivastava, Neha. Mintel | August 8, 2023. Patent insights: alternative proteins for the future
  • Srivastava, Neha. Mintel | March 2024. A year of innovation in dairy and plant-based yogurt, 2024

Sector Trend Analysis – Plant-based protein food and drink trends in Canada
Global Analysis Report

Prepared by: Erin-Ann Chauvin, Senior Market Analyst

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (2024).

Photo credits
All photographs reproduced in this publication are used by permission of the rights holders.
All images, unless otherwise noted, are copyright His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.

To join our distribution list or to suggest additional report topics or markets, please contact:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Analysis
1341 Baseline Rd, Tower 5, 3rd floor
Ottawa ON  K1A 0C5
Canada
Email: aafc.mas-sam.aac@agr.gc.ca

The Government of Canada has prepared this report based on primary and secondary sources of information. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information contained herein.

Reproduction or redistribution of this document, in whole or in part, must include acknowledgement of agriculture and agri-food Canada as the owner of the copyright in the document, through a reference citing AAFC, the title of the document and the year. Where the reproduction or redistribution includes data from this document, it must also include an acknowledgement of the specific data source(s), as noted in this document.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides this document and other report services to agriculture and food industry clients free of charge.