That caption could fit into any of today’s news headline cycles: Covid-19 testing, Black Lives Matter, reopening school this fall, fixing voter suppression, the need for additional ICU units and ventilators or even the newest Popeye chicken sandwich.

Today I have chosen a slightly less controversial subject, one that is in great demand and one I think our industry needs to keep a close eye on: The appeal of plant-based proteins. A plethora of these products went from fade to trending over the past couple of years with more and more operators incorporating them into their menu mix. The key attributes that drive the recent upswing for these proteins is lower-calorie, lower-sodium and lower-fat, a lower carbon footprint and the biggest — consumer demand. Not to mention as demand grows manufacturers are making these products a whole lot better.

The vegan, vegetarian, plant-based protein thing is here to stay. I think it is cutting more and more into the meat industry. “Better for you foods” seems to be the catch phrase marketers have latched onto and it seems to be resonating with consumers. Personally, I have tried several of the top sellers’ products and I can see how this might be an attractive path for some consumers, but not for me. I’ll take a well marbled ribeye steak, a juicy well-grilled hamburger, hot spicy Italian sausage made with good olé hog, lemon garlic and herb-marinated chicken thighs or fish and shrimp on our charcoal grill any day.

I learned a long time ago, when I entered the food business, there’s a reason Baskin Robbins ice cream has “31” flavors. Diversity is a good thing. Long-term sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is a big deal to me. I do admit that my carnivore ways do not always line up with some of my other beliefs. I also think more work needs to be done in our industry to address these issues.

I am interested to hear from you all on the following. Have you tried any of these products? Did you find the taste and texture appealing? Would you repurchase them again? With meat prices on the rise do you see these products as an alternative to conventional proteins?

Stay safe, stay healthy. Practice the big three: wear a mask, social distance when out and around others, wash your hands. Please!

Live well.

Demand rises

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