Plant-based meat market seen topping $22B by 2030

By AI, Created 2:45 PM UTC, May 22, 2026, /AGP/ – The Business Research Company says the global plant-based meat market is on track to top $22 billion by 2030, led by North America and the U.S. The report points to health concerns, sustainability pressures and flexitarian diets as the main growth drivers.

Why it matters: - The plant-based meat market is expected to become a larger slice of the food sector by 2030, reaching more than $22 billion and reflecting a broader shift in what consumers buy and eat. - The category is projected to represent about 4% of the specialty foods market and nearly 0.2% of the wider food and beverages industry by 2030. - Growth in the segment could shape product development, retail assortments and foodservice menus across major markets.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released a plant-based meat market report on May 22, 2026, with forecasts running through 2030 and 2035. - The report says the global plant-based meat market will grow at a 14% CAGR leading up to 2030. - North America is forecast to be the largest region in 2030, with a market value of $7.9 billion. - The U.S. is projected to be the largest country in the market in 2030, with a value of $6.6 billion. - Burger patties are expected to be the largest product segment in 2030, accounting for 32% of the market, or about $7 billion. - The report segments the market by product type, source and distribution channel. - The report includes a free sample request and a full market report.

The details: - North America is forecast to grow from $4.2 billion in 2025 to $7.9 billion in 2030 at a 13% CAGR. - The report links that regional growth to consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food, more flexitarian and vegan diets, wider supermarket distribution, product innovation and investment in alternative protein supply chains. - The U.S. market is expected to rise from $3.6 billion in 2025 to $6.6 billion in 2030 at a 13% CAGR. - The report ties U.S. growth to awareness of the environmental and health effects of conventional meat, more plant-based menu options in quick-service restaurants and foodservice, product diversification, and demand for clean-label and non-GMO ingredients. - Burger patties are expected to lead because consumers know the format, fast-food and casual dining chains already use it, and manufacturers can standardize it more easily. - The burger patties segment is also supported by demand for ready-to-cook meals and improvements in flavor and juiciness. - The market also includes sausages, strips, nuggets and meatballs. - The market is segmented by source into soy, wheat, pea and other ingredients. - Distribution channels include grocery stores, food and drinks specialty stores, convenience stores and online stores. - The report says health and wellness awareness could add about 2.3% annual growth. - Sustainability and environmental concerns could add about 2.1% annual growth. - Flexitarian adoption and product innovation could add about 2.0% annual growth. - Collectively, burger patties, sausages, strips, nuggets and meatballs are projected to contribute more than $11 billion in market value by 2030. - Over the next five years from 2025 to 2030, burger patties are projected to grow by $3 billion, sausages by $2 billion, strips by $1 billion, nuggets by $2 billion and meatballs by $1 billion.

Between the lines: - The report points to a market moving beyond niche vegan demand and into mainstream eating patterns. - The strongest growth signals come from flexitarian consumers, which suggests plant-based meat is competing for repeat purchase in familiar formats rather than only winning over strict vegetarians. - North America and the U.S. lead the forecast, which suggests premium retail and foodservice channels still matter more than low-cost mass adoption at this stage. - The report’s emphasis on taste, texture and standardization shows the category still has to close a product-experience gap with conventional meat. - The same report also notes that its findings are estimates and opinions based on primary and secondary research, not statements of fact or investment guidance.

What’s next: - Food companies are likely to keep investing in product innovation, processing technology and ingredient formulation to improve flavor, texture and nutritional profiles. - Retailers and restaurants may continue expanding plant-based offerings as consumer demand grows across grocery and foodservice channels. - The largest near-term opportunities appear to be in burger patties, sausages, strips, nuggets and meatballs, where the report sees the most dollar growth through 2030. - The Business Research Company says it offers custom research packages and ongoing market intelligence services for companies tracking the category.

The bottom line: - Plant-based meat is forecast to keep growing fast, with market leadership concentrated in North America and the U.S. and demand driven by health, sustainability and flexible eating habits.