With $5 billion in retail sales in 2019, the plant-based foods market is a major industry player, and plenty of major chains are beefing up—ahem—expanding their plant-based menu items.
Plant protein has also been seen as a safe alternative to animal products during the pandemic. While coconut, black beans, almonds, and plenty of other plants are making their way into more meals, one legume is a leg above them all, and that’s the pea.
In 2019, McKinsey reported that pea protein is primed to lead the alternative-protein market. Furthermore, Allied Market Research projects the global market for pea protein to grow to $176 million by 2025. But why all the big fuss around these little guys?
Turns out, peas check off all the boxes for conscious consumers:
Sustainability: ✓
As a legume, peas require less water, reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, and make an ideal candidate for crop rotation.
Health: ✓
Dry peas are low in fat, free of cholesterol, and easily digested. Furthermore, unlike many plants, peas rarely cause allergic reactions.
Protein: ✓
Peas are packed with proteins that help consumers build muscles and satisfy their appetites without uncomfortable bloating.
Peas supply plenty of nutritional benefits without harming the environment, making them a worthy substitute for animal products. So where are these small superfoods appearing on menus?
Burgers
The most talked-about item in the plant-based market this past year has been meatless burger patties, in which peas play a key role. Creating a vegan burger that mimics the taste and texture of meat requires an extensive list of ingredients, as well as a source of protein.
Along with fellow legumes and rice, peas often account for the protein in meatless burgers. The Beyond Burger famously uses yellow peas to provide a nice texture and mild flavor to achieve the illusion of beef. That means a traditional burger can easily be substituted with a vegan patty without upsetting carnivorous consumers.
Milk
Instead of replacing traditional dairy with almond, coconut, or soy milk, why not try pea milk? Peas provide a greater source of protein than many other dairy substitutes as well as a lower risk of allergic reactions. Ripple leverages yellow peas to create nutritious milk that’s completely free of lactose, nuts, gluten, and soy. Pea milk can make the perfect ingredient for healthy smoothies, dairy-free lattes, cheesy toppings, and a host of other drinks and treats.
Your Sourcing Solution
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