Plant-Based Protein Trend Boosts Food And Beverage Industries

American consumers, particularly Millennials, continue to look for dietary protein from other sources besides meat. These include seafood and eggs, as well as plant-based sources like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, quinoa, etc. The trend has also taken hold in the beverage arena. An example is the dairy-free almond milk produced by Califia Farms, available in supermarkets and via subscription. Sales of beverages and creamers, coffees, and juices at the seven-year-old California company grew 77 percent in 2016. The company’s CEO says the next big trend will be plant-based cultured products such as cheese, butters, and yogurts.