New trend to ‘go meatless’ hits Australian restaurants

• During lockdown consumers have eaten more plant-based alternatives than ever at home
• Now, new European trend shows from fast to fine food, people want to ‘go meatless’ rather than have a separate veggie menu
• Trend expected to hit Australian restaurants as demand for plant-based increases

The demand for plant-based food has been sweeping across Europe, accelerated by an increased awareness of sustainability and personal health.

Research from British company, Meatless Farm, shows that 3 in 10 Brits are calling for the option to ‘go meatless’ on every menu item. This is instead of having different vegan or vegetarian dish options and is being driven mainly by young millennials.[1]

Australians are primed for this plant-based opportunity, with one in three having tried next generation meat alternatives.[2]

The fast-growing meat-free movement hasn’t been slowed by the pandemic with consumer habits shifting to sustainable, healthier eating; a recent UK government Covid19 tracker reinforces this, reporting that a third of Brits also say they’re now buying more sustainably.^[3] Moreover, Meatless Farm’s research shows over a third of carnivorous Brits say they’ve eaten more plant-based meat during the pandemic.[4]

Founder of Meatless Farm, Morten Toft Bech, said: ‘There’s a growing ‘food consciousness’, accelerated by our current climate and the call to ‘go meatless’ on menus is testament to this.

Our plant-based products replicate the texture and taste of meat using plant proteins. So, from a juicy burger to protein packed mince, the option to go meatless is no compromise to the diner. This trend is part of a global, seismic shift as we adapt to the new normal.”

Meatless Farm’s arrival in Australia follows the company’s explosive growth in United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and the United States, where they are stocked by Wholefoods, since their founding only four years ago.

The company’s plant-based meats are 100 per cent vegan, high in protein, high in fibre, cholesterol free, and non-GMO.

Their resemblance to animal-based meats allows chefs to easily adapt their menus to offer plant-based versions of classic dishes like lasagna, pasta sauces, pizza, tacos, nachos, burritos, hot dogs, burgers, meat pies, sausage rolls, and anything else that includes animal-based mince, sausages, or burger patties.

Interested buyers and chefs can get in touch with Decade Foods, and can learn more about Meatless Farm’s products and their potential uses at www.meatlessfarm.com/australia

[1] OnePoll Survey 2,000 UK adults May 20

[2] Food Frontier. Meat the Alternative. Australia’s $3 Billion Opportunity. 2019

[3] YouGov Covid19 tracker May 20

[4] OnePoll Survey 2,000 UK adults May 20