While Sales of Pure Plant-Based Meat Products Decline, there's a Resurgence in Popularity for Mixed Protein Meat Alternatives

In a significant move towards sustainable food, Aldi, the popular German supermarket chain, has launched a BBQ burger with 70% beef and 30% plants in its German stores. This blended meat offering is part of Aldi's climate strategy to lower emissions and increase plant-based protein sales.

The new product, along with Aldi Nord's blended meat burger in Dutch locations consisting of 60% beef and 40% plant proteins, is expected to help Aldi get closer to its goal of a 50-50 protein split by 2030. This ambition is shared by other retailers, with Lidl announcing a protein split target and Rewe Group unveiling a plant protein strategy in Germany.

A survey of nearly 20,000 Europeans revealed that 60% would like to avoid processed foods in the future, while only a quarter express the same sentiment for animal-based foods. This shift in consumer preference towards plant-based proteins is evident in Aldi's sales figures. In 2023, plant-based products made up 37% of Aldi Netherlands' protein sales, but their share increased to 40% last year.

However, the road to a sustainable food future is not without challenges. A major barrier to increasing plant-based protein sales is the discourse around plant-based meat and ultra-processing. Nevertheless, initiatives like Nectar, a non-profit organisation, are working to debunk misconceptions by finding blended meat products that match or surpass conventional meat on taste.

Nestlé, Purdue Farms, Quorn, Disneyland, and other companies have also entered the blended meat market, indicating a growing interest in sustainable food solutions. Fable Food, whose Shiitake Infusion product is blended with meat, achieved a 50% year-on-year growth last year, demonstrating the potential of this sector.

Despite the promising growth, Dutch retail group Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of Albert Heijn, has admitted that sales of plant protein products have been disappointing. This underscores the need for continued innovation and education to encourage consumers to embrace plant-based proteins.

Anay Mridul, a news reporter with a passion for veganism, food tech, writing, and the Oxford comma, reports on these developments in the food industry. As more retailers join the race towards a sustainable food future, it is clear that plant-based proteins are not just a trend, but a necessary step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.

According to research, swapping half of meat consumption with plant-based proteins can lower agricultural emissions by 31% and land use by 12%. By replacing 30% of their meat and dairy offerings with plant-based alternatives, German retailers can meet their climate targets without breaking the bank.

The new burger from Aldi Nord is priced at €2.50 per 300g pack, or €8.33 per kg, making it an affordable option for consumers looking to reduce their meat consumption. As Aldi continues to innovate and expand its plant-based offerings, it is likely that more consumers will join the movement towards a sustainable food future.