Many market analysts observe that the food industry is at the forefront of product innovation to meet consumer needs.
A nutritionist and food expert tells us: “Eating vegan products could help us maintain a healthier body.” [1]
Recommendations like the one above are what consumers encounter every day, creating influences that over time have led to more people becoming interested in adopting a healthy diet.
Currently, one of the food trends is plant-based products. Mainstream restaurants have added vegan options to their menus, creating broader menus focused on plant-based foods.
If we look around supermarkets, we find many brands with their product lines labeled "vegan." This is widely accepted because it not only meets the needs of vegans but also appeals to consumers interested in discovering new products, especially those that offer healthy benefits.
These food trends have led major industries to reinvent themselves by creating new consumer offerings. Among the creations that have impacted the healthy market are vegan meats or plant-based meats. These are created to replace animal meat and are made from plant-based ingredients.
In addition to the healthy consumer by choice, there is also another group of people who love animal meats and who, for ethical, moral, or health reasons, must give them up. Fortunately, advances in food technology offer plant-based alternatives to replace animal meat, with excellent flavor and texture.
Producing vegan meat meets the needs of people who are faced with environmental factors.
Today, many consumers are more sensitive and aware not only of the content of their diet, but also of the impact the food they consume has on the environment. They expect their consumption habits to reflect their values, for example, that the food has been produced under sustainable environmental standards.
Animal meat production uses a large amount of water and significantly impacts the carbon footprint, both of which impact the environment as a whole. Considering this and the fact that the public is now better informed about the impact of food production on the environment, many companies have opted to improve their production processes to ensure consumer satisfaction and identification with their products.
Vegan products = environmental factors
The production of plant-based meat contributes to reducing water demand, land demand, food demand, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions and product safety (meat microbiology), as explained in the article on Preservante natural – Extensor de vida de carnes.
Efforts to increase the supply of vegan products have produced a wide variety of alternatives. Vegan diets are much more than just vegetables on a plate; today, there are countless options for creating delicious, healthy menus.
At Sabores Cosco of Central America, we have developed a plant-based meat substitute that meets the needs of manufacturers looking to expand their product portfolio for vegan consumers. Our vegan meat contains rich sources of protein such as wheat, soy, and peas. It is created with ingredients that are sources of fat and is high in fiber and protein.
The available flavors are beef, pork, and chicken, and it is also used in the production of burgers and nuggets.
The plant-based meat that Cosco Flavors produces is considered premium because it offers an allergen-free product, ideal for companies selling trendy healthy foods and for those looking to enter the market.
Advances in technology and innovation allow for the production of food and beverages with more sustainable and efficient processes, meeting the demands of global markets.[2]
About us…
Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica offers innovative alternatives in flavors and ingredients. Our portfolio of beverage and food applications is continuously growing to provide timely responses to market demands. We have the technical tools to address the particular needs of beverage and food flavor system applications, designing tailor-made proposals. Our technical advisory team provides support throughout the development process. We are sure that in Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica you will find an integral solution partner for your products.
REFERENCIAS
[1] Edgar, Lic. En nutrición y dietas, (2022)
[2] The food tech (2021) “Innovación en la producción de alimentos con tecnología”