USA Plant-Based Meat Market Overview, 2026

Americans are becoming more aware of the effects of animal meat on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions and effluent waste. They are becoming more and more concerned about the cruelty towards animals and livestock in factory farms. To make a long-standing difference, Americans have started with their dietary changes for a better world for the next generation. Animal agriculture accounts for around 18% of GHG emissions in the US. The growing obesity rate among Americans and other chronic diseases is on a spur that is leading to a wave of change towards plant-based meat. Consumers in the US are assumed to be eliminating meat four to five times a week in favour of plant-based meat alternatives. Some are adapting to vegan and some other to flexitarians diets who consume meat occasionally. The rise of veganism is impacting the environment in a positive way. 260 million acres of forest land have been cleared to grow crops for animal feeding. In 2020, 1.59 Mha of land area was deforested, which resulted in 683 Mt of CO2 emissions. It resulted in fewer rainfalls during the agricultural season. It is estimated that 80% of this land is deforested due to cattle ranching.

According to the report title “United States (US) Plant-based Meat Market Overview, 2026” the plant-based meat market in the United States is expected to grow at a slow rate of over 8.5% during the forecast period ending in 2026. The US market is a more developed market for plant-based meat than other countries as it is one of the first places to see its development. The US is also the global leader in the plant-based meat market with around 25% market share. The United States is home to some of the biggest and most prominent plant-based meat players and also a niche market for new entrants. Beyond Meat, Amy’s Kitchen, Gardein Protein International, Impossible Foods Inc, Maple Leaf Foods, Morning Star Farms, Quorn Foods, Gold & Green Foods, Sweet Earth Meats, and Schouten, among many others, are prominent players in this market. The companies are extensively engaged in new product developments with new sources and ingredients to meet the growing demands, along with research and development of new extraction, processing, and development techniques. Additionally, industry players are rapidly investing to introduce new products along with reducing costs to make their products more competitive with the traditional strips and nuggets segment, which should augment the market share.

Wheat as a source has over 50% share as it is a staple and locally grown product that adds to its cost effectiveness. Also, wheat is the long-standing grain consumed widely and can be used in a variety of ways. Seitan made from wheat is the most common source to make plant-based meat alternatives globally. The only drawback is its gluten content, which is causing intolerance among the population, as a result of which consumers' demand for gluten-free alternatives. Soy as a source is also losing its share due to the growing number of allergy cases associated with its consumption. The use of pea, quinoa, and oat protein as a source is gaining traction in the US market with its increased demand. As these protein sources are full of vitamins, amino acids, thiamine and other essential nutrients, they are used to create new products for plant-based meat. The companies are innovating with varied sources to give different textures, tastes, and flavours to plant-based meat. Consumers are also willingly accepting new product launches as they want to try new plant-based meats with different ingredients and sources.

Burger patties and sausages are the most consumed plant-based alternatives by Americans. They combine to form around 70% of the market share by product. Burger patties are a cost-effective alternative and easy to cook at home for a burger, which makes them a most loved product. Plant-based sausages are a healthier alternative to animal-based sausages and are mostly eaten by the upper class of consumers during dinner and by lower class people at breakfast. Sausages are either accompanied by a sauce, as a side dish, or combined with a main dish at the dinner table. Plant-based meatballs are increasingly being liked by consumers, and there is a demand for new flavours, tastes, and forms. Many players have introduced strips and nuggets into the market with plant-based forms and are gaining attention from consumers. Leading fast food chains have also started serving plant-based meatballs to meet the rise in demand and stay consistent in the market.

Americans have been heavy meat consumers in the past, but their consumption patterns are changing with the vegan trend. Many of them have replaced animal meat with plant-based meats 4 to 5 times a week. Across the United States, apprehension regarding unhealthy diets is surging, and the increasing awareness about animal rights is driving the plant-based meat industry. Veganism, which is advocated by famous personalities, is going main stream in the US. Vegans are in good company, with an ever-increasing percentage of renowned celebrities joining the movement. Big names like Alicia Silverstone, Beyoncé, Joaquin Phoenix, Moby, Miley Cyrus, Natalie Portman, Peter Dinklage, and Woody Harrelson all refuse to consume animal products. There are growing initiatives by city councils and state administrations in the region to increase the availability of vegan and vegetarian foods. The rapid shift toward choosing healthier lifestyle solutions coupled with rising disposable income will boost the market share.

The rapid growth of food trucks, delivery, and takeaways and the increasing number of consumers experimenting with new kinds of foods is driving the growth of the US market. Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix have the highest concentrations of specialty restaurants and takeaways. The plant-based meat is used mainly in the hotels, restaurants, and cafes (HORECA) subdivision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food industry witnessed significant shifts, but plant-based companies adapted and continued to launch new products and grow sales. Foodservice channel distribution was significantly impaired, and pantry stocking and panic buying led to a sharp increase in retail sales over the prior year. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have encouraged consumers to order goods online, and this, in turn, has boosted the online sales channels.

Considered in this report

• Geography: US
• Base year: 2020
• Estimated year: 2021
• Forecast year: 2026

Aspects covered in this report

• US plant based meat products market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source

• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others (Quinoa, oats, nuts etc.)

By types of meat products

• Burger Pattie
• Sausages
• Strips & Nuggets
• Meatballs
• Others

By Type

• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Other (Lamb, Turkey)

By End-User

• Retail
• HoReCa

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to plant based meat industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.