In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based foods, and major food companies have been exploring innovative ways to incorporate more plant-based products into their portfolios. This shift towards plant-based alternatives is largely driven by environmental concerns, as the impact of industrial animal agriculture on the environment has become increasingly unsustainable.
Animal agriculture is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and deforestation, among other environmental issues. As consumers become more aware of these impacts, there is a growing demand for plant-based alternatives that can offer similar taste, texture, and nutritional value as traditional animal products.
Kellogg’s is one such company that has recognized the potential of plant-based foods, and it has decided to keep its Plant Co. business after splitting its company into three independent businesses. The Plant Co. arm of Kellogg’s focuses on developing plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products, including its vegan Eggo waffles and plant-based meats developed by Morningstar Farms called “Incogmeato.” Kellogg’s decision to retain its Plant Co. business indicates the company’s commitment to the growing market for plant-based products.
Other major food companies, such as Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, and Bel Group, are also exploring innovative animal-free technologies to reimagine their popular products with plant-based alternatives. Kraft Heinz has partnered with The Not Company (NotCo), a Chile-based company that uses artificial intelligence to develop next-level plant-based alternatives to animal products. The partnership has already produced plant-based versions of Kraft Singles cheeses in American, cheddar, and provolone flavors.
Nestlé, the largest food and beverage company in the world, has teamed up with Perfect Day, a California-based company that uses precision fermentation to make dairy-identical whey proteins without the cow. The partnership has resulted in the pilot brand Cowabunga, which offers chocolate and original flavors of vegan milk made with Perfect Day’s animal-free whey.
Bel Group, which is best known for its iconic cheese products such as Boursin, The Laughing Cow, and Babybel, is also working with Perfect Day on innovations that bring its animal-free whey to the masses through its own vegan brand Nurishh. The company has launched Nurishh Incredible Dairy cream cheese in three flavors and is also exploring how its portfolio of products can be improved and future-proofed through a collaboration with Superbrewed Foods in the microbial fermentation space.
Overall, the shift towards plant-based products is likely to continue as consumers become more environmentally conscious and demand more sustainable options. Major food companies are recognizing this trend and are investing in innovative animal-free technologies to reimagine their popular products with plant-based alternatives.
