Plant-based dishes aren’t exactly a new thing. It has been part of people’s diets since the beginning of time. What’s noticeably different though is how it has evolved and how it has become, not just a trend, but a staple in everyday meals by the fast-growing plant-based food-loving population.
These days, hardly anyone needs to be told to eat their vegetables as more and more people are starting to embrace a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, which partly includes indulging in products made with vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, oils and botanicals.
According to data from the Plant Based Foods Association and Good Food Institute, the consumer market for this kind of food is valued at $5 billion. Veganism has become a strong movement as of late that it prompted brands to offer plant-based meats and a variety of milk alternatives.
In 2018, popular British supermarket chain Tesco introduced Wicked Kitchen meals in 600 store branches, and sold over 2 million units within 20 weeks. Then in 2020, plant-based alternatives to the usual pantry staples started showing up in grocery shelves, from burger patties and pastries to healthy beverages. Not long, fast food restaurants jumped on the bandwagon, with McDonald’s rolling out the McPlant menu early this year.
Just what caused the sudden massive patronage for plant-based meals? Apart from innovation and the increasing food options, veganism has become a lot easier to adjust and conform to, especially since there’s a stronger need to live healthier because of the pandemic. Also partly responsible for it are animal welfare and the controversy in eating meat. Consumers have become more mindful and conscious about their food intake, taking into consideration its impact on the environment and the future. Lastly, there’s the convenience and savings that come with eating fresh vegetables.
In the Philippines, people are following suit with the rest of the world as they have become more open to, at least, trying out a plant-based diet. There are more than a handful fast food brands serving a plant-based burger now. You can even buy ready-to-cook patties in specialty stores. Nut and oat milks are fast-moving in groceries as well. In addition, online stores are making it possible to grab vegan and plant-based products such as omni pork, gluten-free pancake mixes, meat-free chicken nuggets, frozen meals like vegan kaldereta, and veggie pasta quickly and easily.
It seems like the food landscape of the country is turning green.
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