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

Global market overview and protein trends – focus on the European Union^{Footnote 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. Protein produced via precision fermentation is slowly swaying consumers toward the alternative protein category in a positive manner as its sensory and nutritional profiles produce 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 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 Germany, 64% of German consumers prefer companies that reduce their CO₂ emissions; while in the United States, 83% say they try to act in a way that is not harmful to the environment, and 73% of Indian consumers agree that vegan foods are better for the environment over animal-based food (including meat and dairy). However, in the European markets (2022) surveys suggest that the rising cost of living will make the sustainability of food and drink products less important and will need to become more cost-effective in the near future. Overall, 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, 42% of German male consumers (n=2,000) agree that high-protein foods help to keep them fuller for longer (satiety), while 53% of consumers surveyed (n=3,000) in India place importance on the fact that protein helps in improving immunity health.
• Proteins from plants, insects and fungi are emerging in a large variety of food and drink launches such as Nu3 Cocoa-Macchiato Flavour Organic Vegan Protein Shake (Germany) made from pea protein isolate, sunflower seed/rice protein concentrate, and hemp protein; along with a pumpkin protein cocoa and maple syrup drink made with 55% plant soy isolate and pumpkin proteins 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: 37% of German meat substitute shoppers are more likely to purchase meat that closely ressembles a meaty texture, while Thai consumers (51%) would be motivated to eat more plant-based meat if they tasted similar to meat, and 55% of US consumers say they would eat more alternatives if they have the same nutritional profile as meat.

In the EMEA, the share of meat-flavoured meat substitute launches has grown in the region, with poultry flavours recording notable activity. Consumers are keen to limit their meat intake, but still enjoy meat flavours. While vegan, plant-based and flexitarian diets are increasingly prevalent and are becoming more mainstream in Europe as more consumers recognize the health and environmental benefits of reducing meat and dairy intake, many consumers (especially flexitarians) are not yet ready to forego the flavour of meat. In Germany, just under a third (30%) of meat substitute buyers say that they would opt for an alternative to meat with a meat-like taste/texture over one that didn't.^{Footnote 2}

Fauna (meat, fish, shellfish) flavours have been growing rapidly in meat substitutes in Europe increasing from a 2% share of total category launches (5 years ago), to 16% in the last 12 months to August 2023. Fauna flavours are now the second most prevalent flavour component group in the meat substitutes category after fruit and vegetables, representing the following number of launch shares in Europe (Sept. 2022- Aug. 2023): meat (6%), poultry - led almost exclusively by chicken flavour (7%), and fish (2%).^{Footnote 2}

Meat alternatives brands are also, moving beyond eco packaging and innovating around more holistic sustainable attributes. The share of ethical and environmental claims (ie; recyclable/compostable packaging, carbon neutral eggs using solar and wind energy, limit greenhouse gas emissions, upcycled barley leftovers from cafés) are growing among meat substitute and egg launches, as European consumers want to be informed about brands' initiatives surrounded around these company commitments - 28% of Italian consumers look for such information.^{Footnote 2}

Trade overview

In 2023, Germany imported a total of US$1.2 billion (616.0 thousand tonnes) of plant-based and animal protein ingredients from the world (consisting of protein concentrates/substances, peptones and their derivatives, milk and egg or other albumins/albuminates - fit for human consumption, flour/meal/powder made from pea/bean/lentil or other dried leguminous vegetables, whey proteins and wheat gluten). The top protein imports were in peptones and other protein substances and its derivatives, n.e.s. (37.8%), whey and modified whey (16.4%) and protein concentrates and textured protein substances (11.9%) in 2023. Germany's protein imports have been increasing at a CAGR (2019-2023) of 7.5%, with the highest growths in dried egg albumin - fit for human consumption (+19.8%), followed by other peptones and other protein substances/derivatives (+14.8%), and albumins other than egg/milk - fit for human consumption (+13.6%); while whey and modified whey declined by a CAGR of 2.7%.

The top global suppliers of plant-based and protein ingredients to Germany were the Netherlands (25.2%), Denmark (9.2%), and the United States (8.7%) in 2023. While, Germany imported a total of US$7.5 million (902 metric tonnes) from Canada over the year at a value share of 0.7%, equivalent to being the 20th largest supplier to the country over the year.

Canada's performance

According to Germany, the country imported a total of Can$10.2 million (902.3 metric tonnes) plant-based and protein ingredients from Canada in 2023, increasing by a CAGR of 54.4% (2019-2023). The majority of plant-based or protein ingredients that Canada supplied to Germany were peptones and other protein substances and their derivatives (HS:350400) at Can$10,167.1 thousand (CAGR: 58%), followed by smaller amounts of protein concentrates and textured protein substances (HS:210610) at Can$22.0 thousand (CAGR: 11.8%), flour, meal and powder of peas/beans/lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables (HS:110610) at Can$4.6 thousand (CAGR: −27.7%) and whey/modified whey (HS:040410) at Can$2.9 thousand (CAGR: −62.5%) in 2023.

Market sizes

In 2024, the market size of animal derived protein ingredients in Germany registered a volume sales of 51.4 thousand tonnes (total proteins share: 31.7%), equivalent to an historical volume sales CAGR of −0.2% (2019 to 2024) and a forecast CAGR of −0.2% (2024-2029) slightly set to decline to 51.0 thousand tonnes by 2029. In 2024, the majority of the animal derived protein market consisted of 41.8% of caseinates (21.5 thousand tonnes), followed by 39.1% of whey protein concentrate (20.1 thousand tonnes), 12.1% of gelatin (6.2 thousand tonnes), 2.9% of egg whites (1.5 thousand tonnes), 2.7% of milk protein concentrates (1.4 thousand tonnes); with smaller market sizes consisting of 0.6% of whey protein isolate (293.9 tonnes), 0.5% of casein (268.9 tonnes), 0.4% of albumin (194.3 tonnes), and 0.001% of milk protein isolates (0.4 tonnes). Sales of hydrolysed keratins that may contain non-animal derived proteins totaled 275.5 tonnes in 2024.

In 2024, packaged food products containing animal derived protein ingredients in Germany totalled a volume sales of 49.4 thousand tonnes, which have been declining by a CAGR of 0.3% (2019 to 2024) and is forecast to decline by 1.5% (2024 to 2029) down to 48.7 thousand tonnes in 2029. Demand in Germany for animal derived protein packaged food in terms of volume sales (containing a total animal derived protein breakdown in ingredients of 96.1%) were highest within the dairy products packaged food category at a protein breakdown of 67.4% (34.6 thousand tonnes), especially for animal protein found in yogurt and sour milk at 40.6% within the packaged food sector in 2024. Snacks were the second highest category in demand for animal derived protein ingredients at sales of 23.7% (12.2 thousand tonnes), mostly within confectionery products at a packaged food share of 15.3% and ice cream and frozen yogurt (7.0%) in 2024. Staple foods were the next in demand over the year at sales of 3.1% (1.6 thousand tonnes) mostly within the baked goods sub-category at 2.2%, followed by the cooking ingredients and meals category at a total of 2.0% share in sales (1.0 thousand tonnes) mostly for ready meals, pizza and soup accounting for 1.5% of animal derived protein ingredients in the packaged food sector in 2024.

Sales of ready-to-drink (RTDs) coffee products and other malt-based hot drinks totalled a volume of 1.2 thousand tonnes in 2024. The overall drink category declined by a volume CAGR of 0.04% (2019 to 2024), which is expected to turn around and grow by a volume CAGR of 2.2% (2024 to 2029) to reach sales of 1.5 thousand tonnes by 2029.

In 2024, the market size of plant-based protein ingredients (non-animal derived) in Germany registered sales of 104.9 thousand tonnes (total proteins share: 64.7%), equivalent to an historical volume sales CAGR of 5.2% (2019-2024) and a forecast CAGR of 2.2% (2024-2029) set to reach 116.8 thousand tonnes by 2029. In 2024, 46.1% of non-animal derived protein ingredients consisted of gluten (48.4 thousand tonnes), followed by 23.4% of soy protein concentrate (24.5 thousand tonnes), 15.4% of vegetable proteins (16.1 thousand tonnes), 10.4% pea protein (10.9 thousand tonnes), and 4.7% of soy protein isolate (5.0 thousand tonnes). Noting that protein hydrolysates (694.3 tonnes) and other proteins (4.9 thousand 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 25.5% and 9.1%, respectively between 2019 and 2024. In the forecast period (2024-2029), vegetable proteins (CAGR: +6.1%) and pea protein (CAGR: +4.3%) are expected to continue to grow the most, yet at a slower rate.

In 2024, packaged food products containing plant-based protein ingredients in Germany registered volume sales of 75.6 thousand tonnes, which have been increasing by a CAGR of 6.4% (2019 to 2024) and is forecast to slow down to a CAGR of 2.4% (2024 to 2029) to reach 85.3 thousand tonnes in 2029. In 2024, demand in Germany for non-animal derived protein packaged food products in terms of volume sales (containing a total plant-based derived protein breakdown in ingredients of 72.1%) were highest within the staple food products at a plant-based protein breakdown of 66.2% (69.5 thousand tonnes), especially for plant-based protein found in baked goods (33.2%) and processed meat and seafood substitutes (including tofu and derivatives) at 32.8% within the packaged food sector. Cooking ingredients and meal products were the second highest category in volume demand for non-animal derived protein ingredients at sales of 3.1% (3.2 thousand tonnes), specifically protein found in plant-based ready meals (2.8%) within the packaged food sector in 2024. Dairy products and alternatives were next in demand at sales of 2.5% (2.6 thousand tonnes), mostly for plant-based dairy products such as soy drinks, yoghurt and cheese (1.7%) within the sector over the year. Lastly, was the snacks category at a 0.3% sales volume share (338.4 tonnes) mostly for protein found in plant-based ice cream (0.3%) in 2024.

Asian specialty drink products derived from non-animal protein ingredients totalled a smaller volume of sales in Germany of 22.5 tonnes in 2024. However, this category type of Asian plant-based drinks are forecast to continue to decrease by a CAGR of 1.2% (2024 to 2029) to decline in sales down to 21.2 tonnes by 2029.

In 2024, demand in Germany for packaged food products containing pea protein ingredients totalled a sales volume of 6.2 thousand tonnes, which have been increasing by a CAGR of 16.4% (2019-2024) and is forecast to slow down to a CAGR of 4.0% (2024-2029) to reach 7.6 thousand tonnes in 2029. The packaged food category with the highest volume of pea protein ingredients (containing a total pea protein breakdown of 57.2%) was found in staple foods at a pea protein sales breakdown of 42.0% (4.6 thousand tonnes), especially for pea protein found in baked goods (bread) at volume share of 18.6% and processed chilled or frozen meat and seafood substitutes (23.4%) within the sector over the year. Dairy products and alternatives was the second highest category in demand for pea protein ingredient products at a volume sales share of 12.8% (1.4 thousand tonnes), specifically for pea protein found in plant-based dairy, including milk and solid yoghurt (7.8%) and drinking yoghurt (5.0%) within the packaged food sector in 2024. Snacks was the next category in demand at a volume share of 2.4% (259.8 tonnes), especially for pea protein (plant-based) ice cream (2.3%) within the sector. Over the year, there were no sales reported for cooking ingredients and meal products that contained pea protein.

Retail sales

The processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat category in Germany has grown by 8% in current terms in 2023, reaching sales of US$18.8 billion in 2023. Despite this growth, the category remains under pressure in Germany due to the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted trade routes, influencing the cost of animal feed, transportation and other expenses linked to meat production. The rising costs of agricultural commodities and the trade restrictions on Russia due to the war have led to price increases overall for most processed meat products at German retailers in 2023. Furthermore, the aftermath of the pandemic leading to disruptions in supply chains, processing plant closures, labour shortages, and changing consumer demands and preferences as a result of inflation have had a substantial impact on the meat industry for the German market over the year.^{Footnote 3}

In 2023, the per capita consumption of processed meat in Germany recorded a decline in volume terms, continuing the longer-term forecast trend already seen in the previous year. The increasing prices of both poultry and pork, and to some extent beef - previously an affordable option and a staple in the daily diet of most Germans - is now heavily impacting overall meat consumption. Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Company oHG was the leading player in the processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat sector in 2023, with a retail value share of 25%.^{Footnote 3}

Meat and seafood substitutes was the best performing category in Germany, with retail value sales rising by 15% in current terms to reach US$840.6 million. Amidst heightened awareness of the environmental impact and health concerns associated with meat-rich diets, coupled with a notable surge in costs, a growing number of Germans are reshaping their dietary preferences and embracing a shift towards reducing their daily intake of processed meat. This was especially notable in the pork category, that is commonly perceived as being unhealthier than poultry of beef products.^{Footnote 3}

High in protein food products

In Germany, products with a high source of protein ingredients (animal or non-animal derived) registered total sales of US$1.6 billion in 2023. High protein staple foods registered the largest retail sales at a value total of US$614.0 million (38.5%) mainly for its sales of processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat, including tofu and its derivitives (73.4%), and baked goods (18.7%) in its category. Dairy products and alternatives was the 2nd largest category at US$504.3 million (31.6%), accounting for 97.4% in sales of high in protein dairy and plant-based products (including cheese, milk drinks, dairy desserts) in 2023. Meanwhile, sales in high protein snacks totalled US$419.0 million (26.3%) - mostly for its sales of high in protein savoury snacks, including salty, nut and seed mixes, meat, seafood snacks (84.8%); followed by high protein cooking ingredients and meals at sales of 56.9 million (3.5%) - mostly for its high protein ready meals, pizza and soups (88.0%) in its category in 2023. High protein non-alcohol hot/cold drinks registered total sales of US$17.7 million over the year, with high protein soft drinks (including concentrates, juices, ready-to-drink/RTD coffee, sports) holding a 93.8% retail share at a value of US$16.6 million.

Over the historical period (2019-2023), high in protein packaged food products in Germany grew by a CAGR of 21.1% - growing by an annual growth of 9.9% in 2023. High protein hot/cold non-alcoholic drinks grew the most at a combined CAGR of 157.9% over the 5-year period, followed by high protein ice cream (46.5%), high protein sweet spreads (32.4%), and high protein dairy and plant-based products (30.5%). Overall, mostly all high in protein food and drink product segments registered higher than average 5-year growths - with CAGRs over 10% other than for high protein baby food and milk formula (+4.8%) and savoury snacks (+8.6%).

Over the forecast period in Germany, all high in protein food segments are expected to return to lower to moderate growth rates with high in protein packaged food products growing at an overall total CAGR of 6.6% and high protein hot/cold drinks at 8.9% (2023 to 2028). High in protein foods and drinks that are expected to grow the most over the forecast period, include high protein ready meals/pizza/soups, sauces/dips/condiments, soft drinks - concentrates/juices/ready-to-drink coffees/sports drinks, confectionery, and sweet biscuits/snack bars/fruit snacks.

Plant-based food products

Influenced by evolving consumer preferences and rising demand for plant-based products, the diversity of meat alternatives in Germany are continuing to expand, where advancement in food technology has played a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the meat alternatives category. Despite the significant growth in the category, the impact of increasing prices is still noticeable in volume growth being lower in 2023 over previous years. The shelf space of plant-based products in retailers, also did not grow as quickly as in the past. As this lifestyle gains popularity, there is a heightened demand for meat alternatives that can replicate the taste, texture and nutritional value of real meat - of which manufacturers are harnessing innovations that mimic such qualities using ingredients like soy, wheat gluten and, more recently, pea protein.^{Footnote 3}

Although, plant-based sales growth is forecast to slow down, the segment will continue to remain strong in the near future, as German consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental repercussions of conventional meat production, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and land utilization. Another contributing factor of the category's success has been the ascent of flexitarians, where individuals are adopting a dietary approach that leans towards plant-based foods with a smaller carbon footprint, while allowing some meat consumption.^{Footnote 3}

Plant-based food products registered total sales of US$659.5 million in 2023. Plant-based dairy products was the category that registered the highest sales value in the plant-based segment in Germany at a total of US$592.4 million - mostly consisting of plant-based milk (72.5%), plant-based yoghurt (12.2%), and plant-based cheese (9.6%) in its category. Plant-based staple foods brought in sales of US$31.6 million - mostly for its meat and seafood substitutes (76.6%) food segment in 2023. Plant-based snacks registered the third largest sales at a value of US$28.1 million, mostly for its sales of plant-based ice cream (92.5%) in the snack category; followed by the main category of plant-based cooking ingredients and meals (US$7.4 million) - mostly in the category for its plant-based pizza (56.8%) and plant-based ready meals (29.7%) in 2023. Over the year, non-alcoholic plant-based hot coffee (including RTD coffee), concencentrates, and juices registered sales of US$1.1 million in Germany.

Over the historical period (2019 to 2023), most plant-based main food categories have been growing at a high rate (CAGR: 8.2% up to 77.8%) with plant-based packaged food products growing at an overall total CAGR of 27.5%. Just over the 2023/2022 period, other plant-based dairy products such as chilled/shelf stable dairy desserts and cream have increased by a CAGR as high as 76.4%, with other notable increasing segments over the year being plant-based pizza (+68%) and plant-based sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks (+66.7%). Over the longer 5-year period, the main segment with the highest growth in food sales was within the plant-based cooking ingredients and meal category at a CAGR of 61% (mostly for plant-based sauces, dips and condiments); followed by other plant-based snacks (+40.1%) - highest growth in plant-based ice cream, plant-based staple foods (+38.5%) - highest growth in meat and seafood substitutes, and plant-based dairy products and alternatives (+26.3%) - highest growth in plant-based milk. Plant-based soft drinks (including concentrates, juices and RTD coffee) decreased by a CAGR of 51.6% between 2019 and 2023. Other categories that declined over the same period, were plant-based savoury snacks, tofu and derivatives, plant-based sweet biscuits/snack bars/fruit snacks, and plant-based cheese.

Over the forecast period in Germany, mostly all plant-based food segments are expected to return to lower to moderate growth rates with plant-based packaged food products growing at an overall total CAGR of 11.1% (2023-2028). Plant-based foods that are expected to grow more significantly over the forecast period, include plant-based ready meals (+58.2%), soft drinks (+49.2%), plant-based savoury snacks (+41.4%), and plant-based sweet biscuits/snack bars/fruit snacks (+26.2%). Plant-based tofu and derivatives is the only category expected to continue to decline over the forecast period by a negative CAGR of 12.9%.

Competitive landscape

In 2023, top packaged food companies (brands) per main food category for animal/non-animal derived high in protein ingredients products in Germany included the Intersnack Group GmbH & Company KG (Ültje, Funny Frisch) at a market share of 66.2% (US$277.4 million) in the snacks category; Groupe Danone (Alpro) at 24% (US$121.2 million) in the dairy products and alternatives category; WW International Inc. (Weight Watchers) at 33.7% (US$19.1 million) in the cooking ingredients and meals category; and Rügenwalder Wurstfabrik Carl Müller GmbH & Co KG (Rügenwalder Mühle) at 11.9% (US$72.9 million) in the staple foods category. The leading company (brand) with the highest high-protein hot drink sales at a share of 10.9% (US$0.1 million) was the KoRo Handels GmbH (KoRo) and for high-protein soft drinks at a share of 22.5% (US$3.7 million) was the Emmi Group (Emmi) in 2023.

In 2023, top packaged food companies (brands) for plant-based products in Germany included Cereal Base CEBA AB (Oatly) at a market share of 65.4% (US$18.3 million) both in the snacks category and in the dairy products and alternatives category at 44.8% (US$265.3 million); Nestlé SA (Garden Gourmet/Hälsans Kök, Original Wagner) at 56.7% (US$4.2 million) both in the cooking ingredients and meals category and in the staple foods category at 31.9% (US$10.1 million). The leading company (brand) with the highest plant-based hot drink sales at a share of 75.4% (US$0.5 million) was the Nestlé SA GmbH (Nescafé) and for plant-based soft drinks at a share of 34% (US$0.2 million) was Giffard SA (Giffard) in 2023.

New product launches

Mintel indicated that there were 1,939 of new plant-based food (1,743) and drink (196) products launched in Germany's grocery retailer outlets (including new variety/range extension, packaging, formulation or relaunched) between the period of January 2019 and September 19th, 2024. Notably, there have been no new launches in Germany of plant-based products seen on the grocery shelves, since as early as December 2023.

During this same period (January 2019 to September 19, 2024), Germany launched 3,210 of new high/added protein food (2,450), drink (712), and health (48) products (excluding pet food) in it's grocery retailer outlets.

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	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024 (up to September 19)	Total
Plant-based	179	260	358	347	448	347	1,939
High/added protein	727	778	459	421	450	375	3,210
Pea protein	152	198	165	184	199	150	1,048

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

Source: Mintel, 2024

Leading parent companies launching plant-based and/or high/added protein food and drink products (1,051) in Germany between Q3-2023 and Q3-2024 were Aldi Group (52), Lidl (43), REWE Group (37), Kaufland (27), and Mars (26). New related brands appearing for the first time launched in the German market within the last 6 months, included Lifefood Life Bar High Protein (organic strawberry protein bar), Ice Cream United (plant-based crunchy vanilla with peach-passionfruit sauce ice cream sticks), DM Bio Vetzgerei (plant-based organic vegan gyros), and VeLike! (plant-based organic mango oat yogurt).

Top categories for plant-based and/or high/added protein claims in Germany were savoury spreads (+75%), snacks (+50%), processed fish, meat and egg products (+18.8%), dairy (+16.7%), and nutritional drinks and other beverages (+2.7%) between Q3-2023 and Q3-2024. While declining categories included meals and meal centers (−72.7%), desserts and ice cream (−33.3%), snacks (−21.2%), breakfast cereals (−20%), and sauces and seasonings (−12.5%). New food ingredients appearing within the last 12 months included sugar snap peas, baby corn, Albacore tuna, oat biscuit, beef bone, garlic seasoning, chicken heart/liver, and strawberry/raspberry extract. The fastest growing flavours in these products were smoke (+1,100%), cocoa/cacao (+400%), chicken (+300%), and cherry, barbecue/BBQ/barbacoa, nougat/Turron (each at +200%) between Q3-2022 and Q3-2024.

Top claims and claim combinations used most often in the last three months for high/added and/or plant-based protein food, health and beverages product launches included vegan/no animal ingredients (63%), high/added protein (59.8%), plant-based (54.2%), low/no/reduced allergen (39.4%), environmental friendly package (34.7%), organic (31.9%), and ethical - sustainable habitat/resources (25.9%). Top growing plant-based and high in protein claims were low/no/reduced saturated fat (+600%), low/no/reduced carb (+350%), functional - energy (+325%), female (+300%), and palm oil free (+200%) between Q2-2023 and Q2-2024. Meanwhile during the same period, declining claims by were anti-ageing (−100%), functional - skin, nails and hair (−100%), low/no/reduced sodium (−87.5%), microwaveable (−86.4%), and functional - other (−62.5%).

Between the historic period (2019-2024), there were 1,048 new food (856), drink (188), and health (4) products launched in the German grocery market that contained pea protein ingredients. These products consisted of the following pea protein ingredients: 75.9% were labelled as being a pea protein food, followed by pea protein isolate (16.5%), pea protein hydrolysate (4.9%), textured pea protein (3.9%), pea protein concentrate (2.7%), and rehydrated pea protein (1.6%).

Description of above image

• Pea protein: 794
• Pea protein isolate: 174
• Pea protein hydrolysate: 52
• Textured pea protein: 40
• Pea protein concentrate: 28
• Rehydrated pea protein: 17
• Pea protein flour, pea peptides: 0

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

Total item count:1,048

Source: Mintel, 2024

In the EMEA, added/high protein claims in yogurt continue to grow as consumers seek recipes that not only offer increased protein levels but also deliver on taste. Particularly, in Europe the share of yogurt launches bearing a high-protein claim reached a record high of 20% over the past year, while added calcium, fibre, and plant sterol claims remain niche. Since high protein content in yogurt can sometimes tarnish the taste and texture appeal, as a result, brands are introducing high-protein yogurt varieties that boast smooth and rich textures such as blueberry flavoured protein yogurt by Bakoma Men (Poland), Ehrmann High Protein Mango Yogurt (UK), and Milko High Protein Super White Fat Free Yogurt (Czech Republic). However, consumers are often motivated to purchase natural and clean products, where 52% of German adults say that they like to avoid processed ingredients (eg; coconut oil, emulsifiers) in dairy alternatives. In fact, plant-based yogurt launches with no added flavouring or plain yogurt over a specific flavour, like strawberry, have recorded a notable increase in Europe. Europeans overall, are becoming more health-conscious and attaching more value to products that are natural and nutritious, and their concerns about artificial ingredients have impacted decision-making around plant-based yogurts. ^{Footnote 4}

Plant-based and vegan launches of spreads in the EMEA remains niche but has returned to positive growth over the past year. Extreme weather and other environmental challenges has heightened consumer awareness of the climate crisis and has prompted European shoppers to seek brands that address sustainability issues, including those reducing palm oil. Palm oil-free claims continue to emerge and inspire innovation in the region, with Upfield and Arla butter/spread brands like Flora and Becel, working towards being more transparent about their use of sustainable palm oil and advocating towards positive change in this area. Other global eco trends that are gaining profile in environmentally-friendly butters/spreads are those innovating products developed around flavours and chilled formats, with ghee thriving especially in India's ghee industry. Launches with eco claims referring to habitats and resources in terms of on-pack certifications and messaging about sustainable agriculture (also, in the minority), are once again, increasing - including Eat Plants Free of Palm Shea Butter by The Flower Farm (UK) and Keiju Levittää Hyvää Lactose Free Rapeseed Oil and Vegetable Fat Spread that is pink (owing to beetroot concentrate) and palm oil-free, which ties with a breast cancer charity initiative (Findland).^{Footnote 5}

Examples of new products

Opportunities in Germany

As the demand for plant-based and alternative proteins continues its upward trajectory in Germany, the potential for a variety of new meat alternatives to emerge in the coming years is considerable. Cultured meat, generated by cultivating animal cells in a lab, is one noteworthy alternative that holds promise as a more sustainable and ethical option compared to traditional meat. Although, it has yet to reach German consumers with legalisation still needed in the country, it is likely Germany will follow suit at some point to some of its neighbouring countries who have recently gave permission for retail sales of such products.^{Footnote 3}

Note: Singapore was the first to allow human consumption of lab-grown meat - December 2020; followed by US in June 2023 and Israel approved cultured meat in January 2024; and now in a small way, the UK became the first country in Europe to approve the use of lab-grown chicken in dog food in July 2024.^{Footnote 6}

Insect-based alternatives, on the other hand, are gaining wider availability and is considered as a potential protein source in Germany. Their high nutritional content and lower environmental impact make them an attractive option, along with a rise in the utilization of plant-based proteins such as legumes, mushrooms or seaweed in meat substitutes. Seaweed, particularly in the context of fish replacement, is gaining traction as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional meat. In response to changing dietary preferences and environmental impact considerations, the trajectory of meat alternatives in Germany look towards a broad array of diverse options and innovative alternatives that reflect closely next to traditional meat in both texture and taste. The presence of new alternatives for salmon and tuna increasingly seen on retailer's shelves, is also, gaining growing interest for the innovation of sustainable alternatives that align with broader shifts toward conscientious and health-oriented eating habits. While traditional seafood consumption remains robust in Germany as a healthier protein source, there is a gradual emergence for new plant-based seafood product options - that address concerns about overfishing and appeal to individuals seeking sustainable and cruelty-free choices.^{Footnote 3}

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Resources

• Beckett, Alex. Mintel | June 2024. A year of innovation in butter, dairy and plant-based spreads, 2024
• Euromonitor International | November 2023. Country Report: Processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat in Germany
• Fusaro, Dave. Food Processing | July 2024. In a Small Way, UK Is First European Country To Approve Cultured Meat
• Kaczorowski, Miolaj. Mintel  | October 2023. A year of innovation in meat substitutes and eggs: EMEA
• Mintel Global New Products Database, 2024
• 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 Germany
Global Analysis Report

Prepared by: Erin-Ann Chauvin, Senior Market Analyst

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