Restaurants: Spicy Plant-Based Burgers

Why it is the topic trending:

• Beyond Burger is launching a new Jalapeño version in the UK at ASDA stores.

• This new offering caters to the increasing consumer demand for spicy food varieties within the plant-based market.

• The burger will be available in both chilled and frozen options.

• It boasts 16 grams of protein per 100-gram serving and is soy-free.

• This launch reflects the growth of the plant-based food industry and the rise of flexitarianism.

Overview: Beyond Meat is expanding its product line in the UK with the launch of the Beyond Burger Jalapeño at ASDA supermarkets. This spicy take on their signature plant-based burger aims to meet the growing consumer appetite for bold flavors, particularly within the meat-alternative sector. Available in both chilled and frozen formats, the soy-free burger provides a convenient and protein-rich option for summertime grilling and aligns with the rising trend of flexitarian diets.

Detailed Findings:

• Product: Beyond Burger Jalapeño.

• Location: UK, ASDA supermarkets.

• Availability: Both chilled (£4.28) and frozen (£3.98).

• Key Features: Spicy flavor, plant-based, 16g protein per 100g, soy-free.

• Target Consumer: Individuals seeking spicy food options, plant-based alternatives to meat, and flexitarians.

• Season: Positioned for summertime grilling.

• Quote from Beyond Meat (Lee Crane, Regional Sales Manager for Retail UK/Ireland): Highlights the expansion in ASDA, reaching more shoppers with convenient, versatile plant-based options and responding to demand for bold flavors and summer grilling choices.

• Trend Themes Identified: Spicy Plant-based Foods, Convenient Dual-format Offerings, Flexitarian Diet Preference.

• Industry Implications Identified: Growth of the Plant-based Food industry and Frozen Food Market, opportunity for Retail Grocery to capitalize on specialty plant-based options.

Key success factors of product (trend):

• Capitalizing on Spicy Food Trend: Addresses the increasing consumer preference for bold and spicy flavors.

• Convenient Format: Offering both chilled and frozen options caters to different shopping needs and usage occasions.

• High Protein Content: Appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for plant-based protein sources.

• Soy-Free Formulation: Caters to consumers with soy allergies or preferences.

• Strong Brand Recognition: Leverages the established brand name and popularity of Beyond Burger.

Key Takeaway: Beyond Meat's launch of the Jalapeño version of its Beyond Burger in the UK signifies the continued growth and diversification of the plant-based food market, with a focus on catering to specific consumer preferences like spicy flavors and convenience, particularly among flexitarians.

Main Trend: The main trend is the ongoing expansion and diversification of the plant-based food market, with a growing emphasis on catering to specific flavor preferences like spicy options and offering convenient formats to appeal to a wider range of consumers, including flexitarians.

Description of the trend: Plant-Based Evolution: Catering to Flavor and Convenience

What is consumer motivation:

• Seeking Plant-Based Alternatives: Driven by environmental, ethical, and health concerns.

• Desire for Spicy Flavors: Increasingly looking for bold and spicy taste profiles in their food.

• Need for Convenience: Seeking easy-to-prepare meal options for busy lifestyles.

• Flexitarian Dietary Choices: Wanting to reduce meat consumption without fully committing to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

• Health Consciousness: Looking for protein-rich and soy-free options.

What is driving trend:

• Growing Awareness of Plant-Based Benefits: Increased understanding of the environmental and health advantages of plant-based diets.

• Demand for Flavor Innovation in Plant-Based Foods: Consumers seeking more exciting and flavorful meat alternatives.

• Rise of Flexitarianism: More people are adopting a flexible approach to eating, including plant-based options alongside meat.

• Advancements in Food Technology: Improving the taste, texture, and variety of plant-based products.

• Retailers Expanding Plant-Based Offerings: Supermarkets are dedicating more shelf space to meat alternatives.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

• Taste and Enjoyment: Ultimately, consumers want food that tastes good and satisfies their cravings.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

Best Description: The article refers to consumers in the UK who are interested in plant-based food, particularly those who enjoy spicy flavors, value convenience, and may identify as flexitarians.

• UK Consumers: The specific geographic market for this product launch.

• Plant-Based Food Enthusiasts: Individuals actively seeking meat alternatives.

• Spicy Food Lovers: Consumers who prefer bold and hot flavors.

• Flexitarians: People who are reducing their meat consumption but not entirely eliminating it.

• Convenience-Oriented Shoppers: Those looking for easy-to-prepare meal options.

Who are the consumers implied by article:

• Who are them: Consumers in the UK.

• What kind of products they like: Plant-based burgers, spicy food, frozen and chilled ready-to-cook meals.

• What is their age?: Not specified, but likely a broad range of adults interested in plant-based and spicy foods. Flexitarianism also tends to be popular among younger and middle-aged adults.

• What is their gender?: Not specified, likely appeals to both men and women interested in these dietary preferences.

• What is their income?: Not specified, but plant-based meat alternatives are becoming more accessible at various price points.

• What is their lifestyle: Likely includes individuals who are health-conscious, environmentally aware, busy, and looking for convenient meal solutions that align with their dietary choices.

• What are their category article is referring shopping preferences: Shop at supermarkets like ASDA, seeking both chilled and frozen options.

• Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Ranges from occasional purchasers of plant-based burgers to regular consumers of meat alternatives.

• What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations): Seek convenience, flavor, nutritional value, and alignment with their dietary preferences when grocery shopping.

Conclusions: The launch of the Beyond Burger Jalapeño in the UK highlights the ongoing evolution of the plant-based food market, with a growing focus on satisfying diverse consumer preferences, including the demand for spicy flavors and convenient formats, within the broader context of increasing flexitarian dietary choices.

Implications for brands:

• Innovate with Flavors: Plant-based food companies should continue to explore and introduce a wider variety of exciting flavor profiles.

• Offer Convenient Formats: Providing both chilled and frozen options enhances accessibility for consumers.

• Target Flexitarians: Recognize the growing number of consumers reducing meat intake and offer appealing alternatives.

• Highlight Key Attributes: Clearly communicate nutritional benefits like protein content and dietary suitability (e.g., soy-free).

Implication for society:

• Increased Availability of Sustainable Food Options: More plant-based choices can contribute to a more sustainable food system.

• Greater Dietary Diversity: Consumers have access to a wider range of food products to suit different preferences and needs.

Implications for consumers:

• More Flavorful Plant-Based Options: Consumers can enjoy meat alternatives that offer bold and exciting tastes.

• Increased Convenience in Plant-Based Cooking: Having both chilled and frozen options provides greater flexibility.

Implication for Future:

• Continued Growth and Diversification of Plant-Based Market: Expect to see even more innovative plant-based products catering to specific dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): Flavorful Plant-Based Variety: Consumers are increasingly seeking a diverse range of flavorful options within the plant-based food category, moving beyond basic meat alternatives to explore exciting and innovative taste profiles like spicy.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): Dual-Format Convenience in Plant-Based Meals: The availability of plant-based products in both chilled and frozen formats addresses the consumer need for flexibility and convenience in meal preparation, catering to immediate and future use.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Mainstreaming of Plant-Based Diets: Plant-based eating is no longer a niche but a growing mainstream dietary choice, driven by various factors including health, ethics, and environmental concerns.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): Global Expansion of the Meat Alternatives Market: The market for plant-based meat alternatives is experiencing significant growth globally, with new products and brands emerging in various regions.

Social Drive (name, detailed description): Desire for Healthier, More Sustainable, and Flavorful Food Choices: Consumers are motivated by a combination of factors, including personal health, environmental sustainability, the ethical treatment of animals, and the enjoyment of tasty food.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025:

• Don't Compromise on Flavor: Plant-based options need to deliver on taste to appeal to a broad audience.

• Convenience is Key: Offer formats that fit into busy lifestyles.

• Highlight Sustainability and Health Benefits: Communicate the positive impacts of choosing plant-based foods.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:

• Invest in Flavor Innovation for Plant-Based Products: Explore new and exciting taste profiles.

• Offer a Range of Formats: Provide chilled, frozen, and ready-to-eat options.

• Clearly Communicate Product Benefits: Emphasize taste, health, and sustainability attributes.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: The trend of Flavorful Plant-Based Variety highlights the consumer demand for more exciting and convenient options in meat alternatives, urging brands in 2025 to prioritize flavor innovation and offer diverse formats to capitalize on the continued growth of the plant-based market and appeal to a broader audience, including flexitarians.

Final Note:

• Core Trend: Flavorful Plant-Based Variety: Consumers want tasty and diverse meat alternatives.

• Core Strategy: Innovate with Flavors and Offer Convenience: Meet consumer taste and lifestyle needs.

• Core Industry Trend: Mainstreaming of Plant-Based Diets: Plant-based eating is becoming increasingly common.

• Core Consumer Motivation: Desire for Healthier, More Sustainable, and Flavorful Food Choices: Drivers for choosing plant-based options.

Final Conclusion: The launch of the Beyond Burger Jalapeño is a strategic move that demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the plant-based food industry, responding to consumer desires for both familiar formats and exciting new flavor experiences. This trend is set to continue, with further innovation expected in the years to come.

Core Trend Detailed: The core trend of Flavorful Plant-Based Variety in the food industry describes the increasing consumer demand for a wider and more exciting range of flavors within the plant-based food category. As plant-based diets become more mainstream, consumers are no longer satisfied with basic meat alternatives that mimic traditional flavors. Instead, they are actively seeking out innovative and bold taste profiles, including spicy, savory, and globally-inspired options, that provide a more diverse and satisfying culinary experience. This trend reflects a maturation of the plant-based market, moving beyond simple substitutes to offering consumers genuine flavor innovation that caters to a broader spectrum of palates.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend:

• Demand for Diverse Flavors: Consumers are actively seeking plant-based options that offer a wider range of tastes beyond traditional meat substitutes, indicating a desire for more culinary exploration within this category.

• Inclusion of Bold and Spicy Profiles: There is a noticeable increase in consumer interest in plant-based foods that feature intense and spicy flavors, suggesting a willingness to experiment with bolder taste experiences.

• Incorporation of Global Cuisines: Plant-based product development is increasingly drawing inspiration from international culinary traditions, introducing flavors and dishes from various cultures to the meat-free market.

• Focus on Taste and Texture: Flavor innovation is closely linked with ongoing efforts to improve the overall taste and texture of plant-based foods, making them more appealing and satisfying alternatives to animal products.

• Experimentation with Ingredients: Plant-based food manufacturers are utilizing a broader array of plant-based ingredients, spices, and seasonings to achieve novel and more authentic flavor profiles.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend:

• Increased Launch of Flavored Plant-Based Products: The food industry is witnessing a significant rise in the number of new plant-based products that boast diverse and exciting flavor profiles beyond basic meat imitations.

• Positive Consumer Reviews of Flavorful Options: Plant-based products that successfully deliver on taste and flavor are receiving favorable feedback and higher ratings from consumers in online reviews and product assessments.

• Influence of Food Trends on Social Media: Bold and unique flavors in the plant-based category often generate significant buzz and interest on social media platforms, driving curiosity and trial among consumers.

• Restaurant Menus Featuring Creative Plant-Based Dishes: Chefs and restaurants are increasingly incorporating innovative and flavorful plant-based options into their menus, reflecting the demand for more exciting meat-free choices.

• Growth of Plant-Based Brands Focused on Flavor: New companies are emerging with a core mission centered around delivering delicious and flavorful plant-based foods, indicating a market recognition of this consumer demand.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:

• Increased Trial of Plant-Based Products: Consumers who may have been hesitant to try plant-based options are becoming more willing to do so if these products are perceived as flavorful and exciting, overcoming previous taste barriers.

• Greater Satisfaction with Plant-Based Meals: The availability of more flavorful plant-based choices is leading to increased satisfaction among consumers who are adopting meat-free or flexitarian diets, making these dietary patterns more sustainable.

• Demand for More Detailed Flavor Descriptions: Consumers are increasingly looking for detailed information and descriptions about the specific flavor profiles of plant-based products before making purchasing decisions, indicating a heightened interest in taste.

Implications Across the Ecosystem:

• For Brands and CPGs: There is a clear imperative for food manufacturers to prioritize research and development efforts focused on creating new and exciting flavor profiles for their plant-based product offerings to meet evolving consumer tastes.

• For Retailers: Supermarkets and grocery stores should focus on stocking a wider and more diverse selection of flavored plant-based products to cater to the expanding range of consumer preferences in this category.

• For Consumers: Consumers can look forward to an increasingly diverse and satisfying range of plant-based food options that go beyond basic imitations and offer a wider spectrum of exciting and appealing flavors.

Strategic Forecast:

• The consumer demand for flavorful plant-based variety is anticipated to be a significant and enduring driver of innovation within the plant-based food market for the foreseeable future.

• We can expect to see a continued influx of new and globally-inspired flavors in plant-based products as manufacturers strive to capture the attention and palates of an increasingly discerning consumer base.

Areas of innovation

• Development of plant-based meats with complex and nuanced flavor profiles that mimic specific cuts and preparations of traditional meats.

• Incorporation of fermentation techniques to create unique and savory flavors in plant-based products.

• Use of advanced flavor encapsulation technologies to deliver more intense and lasting taste experiences in plant-based foods.

• Exploration of flavor pairings and ingredients from underrepresented global cuisines in plant-based product development.

• Creation of personalized flavor profiles for plant-based meats based on consumer preferences and dietary needs using AI and data analytics.

Final Thought (summary): The increasing demand for flavorful plant-based variety signifies a pivotal shift in the evolution of meat alternatives. Consumers are no longer content with simple substitutes but are actively seeking out bold and exciting taste experiences that showcase the full potential of plant-based ingredients. This trend presents a significant opportunity for food innovators to push culinary boundaries and create plant-based options that are not only sustainable and ethical but also irresistibly delicious.

Description of consumers article is referring to: Detailed information.

• Age: Likely a broad range of adults, with a particular emphasis on younger and middle-aged adults who are often more open to trying plant-based alternatives and following food trends.

• Gender: Not specified, but interest in plant-based foods and spicy flavors spans across genders.

• Income: Likely a diverse range, as plant-based options are becoming more accessible at various price points in supermarkets like ASDA.

• Lifestyle: Includes individuals who are health-conscious, environmentally aware, following flexitarian or fully plant-based diets, and generally interested in exploring new and flavorful food options.

Conclusion: The consumers driving the demand for spicy plant-based burgers and flavorful variety in the plant-based market are a diverse group seeking healthier, more sustainable, and exciting food choices that align with their ethical considerations and culinary preferences.

Source: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-burger-jalapeo