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U.S. foodservice market insights for plant-based foods

Explore our overview of foodservice market data for plant-based proteins, milk, and cheese in the U.S. The full report includes an analysis of category sales, comparisons to the conventional meat market, emerging segments, pricing, consumer insights, and future opportunities.

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$306MMIn 2023, plant-based protein broadline distributor dollar sales reached $306 million, down 1% from 2022 but 6% higher than pre-pandemic levels of
2019.
50%Plant-based meat products made to replicate the taste, texture, and experience of conventional meat accounted for 50% of plant-based protein pound sales in 2023.
19%The plant-based milk market in broadline distributor sales made up 19% of the total milk market dollar sales in 2023, underscoring plant-based milk’s growing market share.
Two line graphs showing foodservice sales in dollars and pounds, the left one showing plant-based meat and the right showing animal-based meat) have rebounded from 2020-2023 since their dip in 2020.
Plant-based protein sales are rebounding in U.S. foodservice after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic
Source: Circana/SupplyTrack, Product Class: Plant-based proteins (analogous meat alternatives, grain/nut/veggie alternatives, tofu/tempeh), Animal-based meat (poultry, beef, pork, seafood, hot dogs/sausage/specialty meat). Dollar and pound sales are 12 months ending December 2023 vs 4 prior years.
A bar graph showing that from 2019 to 2023 plant-based meat analogs have taken an increasing an increasing market share of plant-based protein pound sales.
Products analogous to animal-based foods have surpassed traditional meat replacements
Note: Remaining 1% represents ’not specified’ plant-based protein sales.
Source: Circana/SupplyTrack, Product Class: Plant-based proteins (analogous meat alternatives, grain/nut/veggie alternatives, tofu/tempeh). Dollar and pound sales are 12 months ending December 2023 vs 4 prior years.
A bar graph showing that the pound sales growth percentage change of plant-based proteins in 2023 was dominated by pork patties, chicken nuggets, and chicken tenders. Plant-based protein emerging segment pound sales (2023 vs 2022 and 2019).
Emerging plant-based protein categories
Source: Circana/SupplyTrack, Product Class: Plant-based proteins (analogous meat alternatives, grain/nut/veggie alternatives, tofu/tempeh). Dollar and pound sales are 12 months ending December 2023 vs 4 prior years.

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