Plant-based meat
Your guide to the science, business and policy of plant-based meat, eggs, dairy and seafood in Europe.
What is plant-based meat, egg, dairy and seafood?
The new generation of plant-based foods looks, cooks and tastes like meat, eggs, dairy and seafood.
Food scientists have developed plant-based recipes that deliver the flavour, texture and overall experience of eating meat, without the problems of industrial animal agriculture.
Why do we need plant-based meat?
Plant-based meat delivers the familiar flavour and texture of conventionally produced meat, with a vastly reduced environmental impact, better health outcomes and without harming animals.
Research has found that moving towards plant-based meat would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Because making meat directly from plants requires substantially less crops than farming animals for meat, it also uses up to 99% less land and water – potentially freeing up space to protect and restore nature.
Plant-based meat is also made in clean environments without animals or exposure to faecal pathogens, and no antibiotics are needed – so these foods help to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases, prevent foodborne illnesses, and preserve life-saving antibiotics for human medicine.
How can we advance plant-based meat in Europe?
Creating the flavours and textures of meat using plants involves finding novel ingredients and using new science and technology. Few of the world’s plant protein sources have been rigorously explored or optimised for plant-based meat, and access to the latest technology is limited – so we are only in the early stages of plant-based meat innovation.
To maximise the benefits of plant-based foods, we need public investment in research and development focused on enhancing taste, reducing prices, and streamlining supply chains – making these sustainable options the default choice for consumers across Europe.
GFI Europe’s market research shows investment in infrastructure, training the workforce and optimising processing techniques will be crucial to the plant-based sector’s success.
Plant-based meat science
Learn more about the science and technology behind plant-based meat – and the white spaces where more research is needed to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, secure and just food system.
The plant-based meat business
The market for plant-based foods is evolving across Europe, and the total amount of plant-based products sold grew between 2022 and 2023 despite a turbulent period for the food industry.
- Sales of plant-based foods across six European countries were worth €5.4 billion in 2023 – up by 5.5% compared with 2022. Over the same period, the volume of plant-based food sold grew by 3.5%.
- Germany leads the market, with sales totalling €2.2 billion in 2023.
- Plant-based milk and drinks were the largest category, growing by 7.1% in value to reach €2.2 billion – and as a proportion of all milk sales, these products took a market share of between 4.6% in France and 9.8% in Germany.
Check out the full reports for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK here, available in English and local language.
Plant-based meat policy
To deliver on their potential to help tackle the climate and ecological emergency, protect public health and enhance food security, plant-based foods need government support.
GFI Europe advocates public investment in plant-based R&D, evidence-based regulation of new foods, and clear labelling rules to help consumers make more sustainable choices.
Plant-based meat and health
While academics and policymakers are beginning to recognise the advantages of plant-based meat, many still have questions about its nutritional benefits. Our report offers an overview of current evidence, frequently asked questions and key priorities for plant-based meat and public health in Europe.
Latest news on plant-based meat
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Plant-based meat and milk are now mainstream choices for British consumers
There’s no doubt it’s been a tough few years for the UK’s plant-based sector – in common with other parts of…
Plant-based goes mainstream as European retail sales grow
New analysis shows that sales of plant-based foods in six key European countries grew by 5.5% to €5.4 billion last…
