Food Engineering logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • MEDIA
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest Headlines
  • Manufacturing News
  • People & Industry News
  • Plant Openings
  • Recalls
  • Regulatory Watch
  • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
  • New Plant Products
  • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
  • Alternative Protein
  • Automation
  • Cannabis
  • Cleaning | Sanitation
  • Fabulous Food Plants
  • Food Safety
  • Maintenance Strategies
  • OEE
  • Packaging
  • Sustainability
  • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
  • Plant Construction Survey
  • Plant of the Year
  • Sustainable Plant of the Year
  • State of Food Manufacturing
  • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Webinars
  • White Papers
  • EVENTS
  • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
  • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
  • eNewsletter
  • Custom Content & Marketing Services
  • FE Store
  • Government Links
  • Industry Associations
  • Market Research
  • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
  • eMagazine
  • Archive Issue
  • Advertise
Food Engineering logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Engineering logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest Headlines
    • Manufacturing News
    • People & Industry News
    • Plant Openings
    • Recalls
    • Regulatory Watch
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Plant Products
    • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
    • Alternative Protein
    • Automation
    • Cannabis
    • Cleaning | Sanitation
    • Fabulous Food Plants
    • Food Safety
    • Maintenance Strategies
    • OEE
    • Packaging
    • Sustainability
    • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Plant Construction Survey
    • Plant of the Year
    • Sustainable Plant of the Year
    • State of Food Manufacturing
    • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
    • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
    • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
    • eNewsletter
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • FE Store
    • Government Links
    • Industry Associations
    • Market Research
    • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issue
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Alternative ProteinLatest headlinesProcessing

Alternative Protein Report

The protein system transformation

Alternative proteins are evolving into different product types

By Kristen Kazarian
plant based products

Many consumers perceive plants as healthier than animal products, says Ernst & Young's Rob Dongoski. Photo courtesy of Getty Images/carlosgaw

January 12, 2022

It’s no surprise that alternative meat products are popping up everywhere these days. In fact, they have grown so much that Ernst & Young data predicts alternative meat could see 40% market share by volume by 2040 in the United States.

Another good predictor: GFI recently awarded $5 million to boost research into alternative proteins, in an effort to help meet overarching climate goals. One thing is certain: alternative protein is being reimagined at a global scale.

Rob Dongoski, Ernst & Young Food and Agribusiness Leader, says the protein system is transforming and believes it will offer opportunities to help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from decarbonization, to restoring ecosystems, to reducing circular and bio-based materials. 

There are three different types of alternative protein for meat replacement: plant-based, which we see most in the market today; cultured products, which aren’t readily available yet and we don't know much about; and fermentation, says Dongoski.

Consumers are now familiar with the simple plant-based burgers, and it seems to be getting some traction. “Still, I’m not sure consumers completely understand what they’re eating and I think they continue to dig in to ask, where does my food come from? How is it treated?” Dongoski says. 

To discuss the move to alternative protein, we need to know why consumers make the choice.  Most of it, Dongoski notes, is curiosity. As well, there are vegetarians who perhaps see this as a great alternative to experience the meat taste. And then there are vegans and vegetarians who chose the lifestyle for strong reasons surrounding animal welfare. 

Consumers push food and beverage trends, but what else is driving the market? There is a push for more clean consumption in the foods we eat. “Consumers definitely want to eat more plants than ever before. I think it’s the perception that plants are healthier than their animal counterparts,” explains Dongoski. 

Drivers also include the idea that plant-protein is fresh and it is healthier than the animal counterparts, Dongoski adds. Also, there is a rise in overall protein consumption (more than carbs) so even animal-based will push demand. Sustainability also is a driving force, with no greenhouse gas emissions and so forth. 

“There is definitely room for improvement with animal agriculture by using water better, using digesters to control emissions, etc. without even discussing alternative proteins,” Dongoski says.

“I think we’ve got a lot of room to grow—40% by 2040 is a lot of innovation between now and then.”


Generation to generation, the younger Gen Z and millennials care less about housing and cars, for example, than their older counterparts. Boomers and Gen Xers grew up where food was about nourishment, and their goal was to fill out the old food pyramid. Food is more fascinating to the younger generations. And with social media, Instagram-worthy food posts and the like, it’s quite popular. Having a meal out is a big deal with unique foods, small plates and getting into the “in” places.

Food is becoming a status. If you go to Aldi, you’ll see some alternative proteins on the shelf, but Whole Foods and the like have a lot of different products in different forms where most are small brands, observes Dongoski. 

“Consumers are really interested in small brands. They feel like if they buy a small brand and they've got a farmer on the package and there's a story about that farmer and how they run their farm and the values they live and the family they have—that’s appealing to today’s consumer,” he explains. “On one side it's about plant-based and fresh and some of that, but the other side I think it's about small food. Unfortunately for big food brands it's kind of guilty by association. Big food falls into an institutional category and consumers have a very, very low level of trust for institutions in today's environment.”

Dongoski concludes, “I think we’ve got a lot of room to grow—40% by 2040 is a lot of innovation between now and then.”


KEYWORDS: plant-based protein

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Img 0810

Kristen Kazarian is the Former Managing Editor of Food Engineering magazine. She was previously Editor in Chief at Packaging Strategies. Kristen has worked for a variety of publications covering industries such as health and fitness, computer programming, first responders, fashion, automotive and education, as well as local news.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Global Organic Food & Beverage Market to Grow

    Global Organic Food & Beverage Market to Grow

    With a CAGR of 12.07%, Bonafide Research estimates this...
    People & Industry News
  • skilled MEP worker

    Predicting Food and Beverage Manufacturing Trends for 2024

    The two words that should be kept in mind are labor and...
    Automation
    By: Derrick Teal
  • cleaning and sanitation

    The basics of cleaning and sanitation in food plants

    Sanitation maintains or restores a state of cleanliness...
    Cleaning | Sanitation
    By: Richard F. Stier
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Customer Service

Food Plant Openings and Expansions May 2025

Food Plant Openings and Expansions May 2025

OT Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Food Manufacturing Facilities

OT Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Food Manufacturing Facilities

Understanding Impacts of OT Cybersecurity Events in Food Manufacturing

Understanding Impacts of OT Cybersecurity Events in Food Manufacturing

Food Plant Openings and Expansions April 2025

Food Plant Openings and Expansions April 2025

More Videos

Popular Stories

Vilter IHP in plant

Industrial Heat Pumps: Sustainable Energy Solutions for Now and the Future

FMTE Formed by Four Food Manufacturing Companies

Coalition Unites Europe’s Food Manufacturing Technologies and Equipment Sector

Butterfly pea flower

FDA Approves Three Food Colors from Natural Sources

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ESSENTIAL TOPICS

Alternative ProteinAutomationCleaning/SanitationFabulous Food Plants

Food SafetyMaintenance StrategiesOEE

PackagingSustainability

Events

June 17, 2025

Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ State of the Cold Chain

Kelley Rodriguez, Editor in Chief of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, will be joined in this 60-minute webinar by industry experts to help unpack the latest research.

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

Recent Advances in Ready-to-Eat Food Technology

See More Products

Plant of the Year

Related Articles

  • Powder made from crickets. Photo courtesy of Getty Images / Arisa Thepbanchornchai

    The Automation of Alternative Protein​

    See More
  • Brevel founders and brothers

    Microalgae — the new alt protein?

    See More
  • Petsource-Aerial-View

    Fab Food Plant: Going to the dogs (and cats)

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • food crime.jpg

    Food Crime: An Introduction to Deviance in the Food Industry

  • gin 2.jpg

    Lessons from Gin: Business the Four Pillars Way

  • statical.jpg

    Statistical Process Control for the Food Industry: A Guide for Practitioners and Managers

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • September 29, 2011

    Food Plant of the Future: Anticipating the Next Generation

    On-Demand: Exclusively for thought-leaders in food and beverage processing facility management, Food Plant of the Future webinars are presented by Hixson, a leading design and engineering firm of food processing facilities in North America.
  • April 26, 2012

    Food Plant of the Future: Raising the Bar on Plant Air Quality

    On-Demand: Exclusively for thought-leaders in food and beverage processing facility management, Food Plant of the Future webinars are presented by Hixson, a leading design and engineering firm of food processing facilities in North America.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Elevate your expertise in food engineering with unparalleled insights and connections.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Food Master
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Food Engineering logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Engineering logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest Headlines
    • Manufacturing News
    • People & Industry News
    • Plant Openings
    • Recalls
    • Regulatory Watch
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Plant Products
    • New Retail Products
  • TOPICS
    • Alternative Protein
    • Automation
    • Cannabis
    • Cleaning | Sanitation
    • Fabulous Food Plants
    • Food Safety
    • Maintenance Strategies
    • OEE
    • Packaging
    • Sustainability
    • More
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Plant Construction Survey
    • Plant of the Year
    • Sustainable Plant of the Year
    • State of Food Manufacturing
    • Top 100 Food & Beverage Companies
  • MEDIA
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • FOOD MASTER
  • EVENTS
    • Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo
    • Industry Events
  • RESOURCES
    • eNewsletter
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • FE Store
    • Government Links
    • Industry Associations
    • Market Research
    • Classified Ads
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issue
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!