Fact: 41 percent of consumers eat a vegan or vegetarian dish at least once per week (Technomic 2023). Fact: 40 percent of the general population is open to a plant-forward diet or eating pattern (Datassential 2023). Fact: Plant-based protein is nutritious and seriously delicious. So, why do consumers still hesitate to reach for plant-based protein at the grocery store?
Our theory: Consumers are looking for more variety in their plant-based proteins. Whether that means jazzing things up with global flavors or adding custom sauces, dips, dressings, drizzles, and marinades to enhance the flavor and texture of value-added entrees, veggie brands have a major opportunity to make a splash in today’s retail market.
Custom Sauces Are the Key to Crowd-Pleasing Plant-Based Protein
As we mentioned above, plenty of consumers are hungry for plant-based protein – but some veggie options on retail shelves could be missing a certain it factor. While most consumers feel generally positive about plant-based protein, 42 percent of consumers are looking for more variety in their meatless options (Datassential 2023). That’s where custom sauces come in.
Incorporating unique sauces into value-added plant-based protein is a cost-effective, delicious way to differentiate your plant-based options. Not only do these flavor boosters add variety to your product line, but also, they elevate your product’s perceived value, creating a premium entree that stands out to vegetarians, vegans, and meat-lovers alike.
Choosing the Right Custom Sauces for Plant-Based Consumers
Plant-based proteins are for everyone – not just vegetarian or vegan consumers. Still, shoppers reaching for veggie-forward dishes may be more likely to prioritize nutrition and freshness in value-added entrees. That’s something to keep in mind when dreaming up custom sauces. When you’re ready to level up your value-added plant-based protein, consider the following factors:
- Clean-label ingredients: Go the extra mile to incorporate fresh, organic, and non-GMO ingredients into unique sauces and marinades. Customers want to know that the companies behind their favorite private label food products have their health and wellness in mind during food formulation.
- Vegetarian and vegan ingredients: Not everyone opting for plant-based protein prioritizes an entirely meatless diet. Still, getting creative with vegan and vegetarian sauces and dips is a great way to build loyalty among your fully meatless customers. Plus, with the help of a culinary expert (like our team at Giraffe Foods), you don’t have to worry about sacrificing taste.
- Ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions: Whether you’re hoping to reach halal, kosher, gluten-free, or paleo customers, there are plenty of ways to get creative with add-ons to take your value-added protein entrees to the next level.
Get Creative with Plant-Based Protein Options
The plant-based protein market has never been more delicious, from classic proteins like tofu to modern spins on quinoa and jackfruit entrees. Below are a few ideas for plant-based protein entrees that are hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest shoppers:
- Black Bean Burgers: Upgrade the classic black bean patty with a creamy, spicy Chipotle Mayo.
- Chickpea Burgers: Made from chickpeas, garlic, and herbs, try these Mediterranean-style burgers with a pre-packaged Tahini Sauce for easy transport.
- Quinoa Meatballs: Serve up a scrumptious blend of quinoa, herbs, and spices with a perfectly-portioned Marinara Sauce dip cup.
- Mushroom Meatballs: Made from a blend of mushrooms and Italian-style breadcrumbs, we’d pair these meatballs with a pre-portioned Spicy Tomato-Basil dip cup.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: A shelf-stable pouch of Ginger-Soy Sauce is the perfect drizzle for this fresh entree.
- Edamame Stir-Fry: Kick this stir-fry up a notch with a Spicy Sesame Sauce pouch.
- Quinoa Bowls: Quinoa, roasted veggies, and avocado pair nicely with the slight tang of Balsamic Dressing.
- Jackfruit Bowls: A Cilantro-Lime Dressing offers a refreshing, citrusy twist for BBQ-style jackfruit served with black beans and corn.
- Chickpea Curry: A shelf-stable Tomato-Coconut Curry Sauce completes this hearty chickpea-based dish.
- Lentil Dal: We’d serve this one with a Spiced Tomato Sauce and plenty of naan for dipping.
With more meat-free protein choices available than ever before, brands have to step up their game – and custom sauces are a great place to start. By adding custom dips, drizzles, and marinades to your value-added protein options, you’ll attract customers who prioritize nutrition, flavor, and convenience, all in one delicious package.
Are you working to set your value-added plant-based protein product apart from the competition? Our culinary experts can provide the latest insights into plant-based trends to guide your brand. We can also offer guidance when it comes to packaging for sauces, which can be tricky in the grocery sector. By partnering with a custom sauce formulator like Giraffe Foods, you can tap into the booming plant-based protein market with an unforgettably delicious flair.
