Near the end of 2023, Daring Foods dropped a range of vegan entrées featuring its plant-based chicken alternative and to reach more consumers, the company created two new vegetarian frozen entrées: the Buffalo Mac and Cheese Plant Chicken Bowl and the Queso Burrito Plant Chicken Bowl.
"We know that many flexitarian and omnivore consumers are hesitant to try fully vegan options," said Jeff Gendelman, CEO at Daring Foods, "Flexitarians and omnivores make up over 90% of the population. To make the biggest impact, we need to convert the largest number of consumers to a plant-based-friendly diet, and that must include the flexitarian and omnivore audience."
During product research, Daring Foods looked at what's succeeding in food service, where flexitarians and omnivores are open to combining plant beef and plant sausage patties with egg and dairy cheese.
Flexitarian-Friendly Entrées
Daring Foods' Vegetarian Frozen Entrées Make Alt Chicken Approachable
Trend Themes
1. Flexitarian-friendly Products - Introducing vegetarian frozen entrées appeals to the growing number of consumers who are reducing but not eliminating meat from their diets.
2. Hybrid Plant-based Meals - Creating meals that combine plant-based proteins with traditional animal products addresses the demand for more versatile and approachable dietary choices.
3. Plant-based Comfort Foods - Developing comfort foods such as mac and cheese and burritos with plant-based alternatives can attract consumers seeking familiar yet healthier options.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry is seeing a surge in hybrid meals combining plant-based proteins with traditional ingredients to address broader consumer preferences.
2. Frozen Foods - The frozen food sector is innovating with vegetarian options that cater to flexitarians, expanding its market appeal and inclusivity.
3. Plant-based Foods - Continuing development in plant-based foods is crucial as companies strive to create products that convert flexitarian and omnivore consumers to more plant-forward diets.