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Meat substitutes Veggie boom has recently subsided
Meat substitutes and other vegetarian foods have experienced a veritable boom in recent years. Recently, however, he has diminished. Meat and sausage set has been sold less in recent months. But the long-term veggie trend will continue according to experts.
Many good reasons for a vegetarian diet
According to a recent survey, fewer and fewer people eat meat. There are enough reasons for a meat-free diet. Various scientific studies have come to the conclusion that this can reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, vegetarians get rare colon cancer. Manufacturers of meat substitute products have enjoyed the trend towards a vegetarian diet. But recently the veggie boom has subsided.
Vegetarian Sausages, Schnitzel or Meatballs: The market for meat substitutes has experienced a veritable boom in recent years. Recently, however, demand has slowed somewhat. But that's not the end of the veggie boom. (Image: mirandaM / fotolia.com Years of veggie boom
In the past there was meat substitute, which tastes like meat, almost only in the health food store or health food store, today are vegetarian schnitzel and sausages in almost every well-stocked supermarket to have. For years, the veggie boom continued.
It was reported in the spring that the market share of meatless food continues to rise.
But since the summer, the market for meat replacement products according to the latest figures of the Society for Consumer Research (GfK) on a shrinking course, reports the news agency dpa.
Sales of meat substitutes recently declining
The development is somewhat surprising, as manufacturers of meat substitute products were able to enjoy growth rates of more than 50 percent compared to the previous year at the end of last year. This year, however, growth weakened and came to a standstill. "In the last two or three months, the sales are even declining," said GfK expert Helmut Hübsch.
"Many consumers have tried that. But a large proportion of it has also left in the one-time attempt, "said Hübsch loud dpa. "We have a relatively high proportion of one-time buyers."
Products in the test not convincing
Maybe the taste did not convince. As it says in the agency message, but could also investigate the Stiftung Warentest and Öko-Test co-responsible for the turnaround.
For example, Öko-Test rated just under half of 22 meat substitute products as insufficient or deficient in early summer. Only one product got the grade "good".
The testers criticized the "surprisingly high levels of exposure" to mineral oil components in some products, as well as over-seasoning and the use of glutamate-containing additives to trim the product's taste to meat-like.
In addition, they criticized the generous use of salt in many products and the "often soft to pasty texture" of the product.
Mineral oil components found
In a test of Stiftung Warentest, however, six out of 20 meat substitute products received the grade "good".
But here, too, partially damaging mineral oil constituents were found.
But: "In every product group there are convincing candidates who are a good alternative to their carnal models and even resemble them in taste and consistency," said the testers.
"But many products can get even better: Some veggie varieties tasted dry, hard to chew or very salty. Also, they are not per se calorie-poorer than the comparable meat products. Who wants to save fat, must look carefully, which product he chooses. With some meatballs and sausages succeeds. "
Tastes different than usual
According to dpa, the setback for the marketing expert Martin Fassnacht of the business school WHU is not completely surprising. "Vegetarian and vegan products are still small niche markets," Fassnacht said.
"Of course, people who are not hardcore vegetarians eat meat substitutes, too. But that does not taste like you're used to. And it takes time to get used to it. "
But there is no question of ending the veggie boom. "It may not go up as fast as originally thought - but the topic is not settled," said the GfK trade expert Wolfgang Adlwarth.
Proportion of vegetarians will continue to increase
Finally, more and more people reduce their meat consumption. Many young people, in particular, are vegan or vegetarian for moral and ethical reasons.
"Such beliefs are not just thrown overboard as you get older," said the consumer researchers. Therefore, the proportion of vegetarians in the coming years probably continue to increase despite the current skid marks.
The managing director of the Vegetarian Federation Germany, Sebastian Joy, was also unimpressed by the latest figures: "Veggie products have gained a firm place in the market. The long-term veggie trend is visible across the board and in many areas, "says the expert. (Ad)