How plant based alternatives are shaping sustainable food systems

Innovation across the sector is accelerating, supported by environmental concerns and a global push for more resilient food systems. The Vegan Society notes that the UK food system needs significant reform, while the UK Committee on Climate Change highlights that dietary change could substantially reduce national emissions. Against this backdrop, plant based food innovation is becoming a central part of the conversation on sustainability.

This article explores what defines a sustainable food system, how plant based alternatives contribute to that vision and which companies are leading the way.

‍What makes a sustainable food system

Sustainable food systems are complex. They vary across regions and cultures and take into account environmental, social and economic factors. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines sustainable diets as those with low environmental impact that support health for current and future generations. They should respect biodiversity, be culturally acceptable, accessible, affordable and nutritionally adequate.

The European Commission adds further considerations including food security, health, safety, quality, economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Climate change, biodiversity, water use and soil quality all sit within this wider framework.

Creating sustainable systems requires coordination across supply chains as well as innovation in farming, manufacturing and consumer products. Plant based alternatives have become one of the most significant areas of progress.

The role of plant based alternatives in sustainable food systems

Raising animals for human consumption is inherently resource intensive. As energy transfers through the trophic chain, much is lost, meaning that feeding animals with grain to produce meat is far less efficient than growing crops for direct human consumption. Studies have shown that animal protein can require more than ten times the fossil energy needed to produce the same amount of plant protein.

Livestock production accounts for an estimated fourteen point five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Land use is another pressure point, with two point five to three point seven billion hectares used for livestock alone. This represents about three quarters of all agricultural land, yet animal products provide only around a quarter of global protein supply.

These resource challenges underpin the rapid growth of the plant based food sector. Analysts expect the global market for plant based substitutes to reach eighty five billion US dollars by 2030, a significant rise from four point six billion in 2018.

‍Animal welfare considerations

A large scale shift to plant based alternatives would reduce the demand for livestock farming and lower the number of animals raised in intensive systems. Humane Society International notes that animal based diets are associated with major welfare concerns including factory farming, confinement and handling practices.

‍Health considerations

Many studies have linked high consumption of red and processed meat to chronic diseases such as heart disease and type two diabetes. Plant based diets, when varied and balanced, can support long term health and reduce the risks associated with high meat intake.

Nutritional balance

Plant based diets can meet most nutritional needs, although some nutrients require more attention. Vitamin C and magnesium are often easier to obtain from plant sources. Other nutrients such as iron, zinc and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to be more bioavailable in animal products. This is why many plant based brands fortify their foods to support a balanced diet.

Companies driving plant based innovation

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat expanded rapidly in the UK after launching the Beyond Burger, made from pea protein, coconut oil and potato starch. Its presence in major supermarkets continues to grow as consumer interest increases.

‍Vivera

Based in the Netherlands, Vivera is one of Europe’s largest producers of vegan meat. With strong growth and a focus on purpose driven innovation, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the meat replacement category.

‍Hilton Food Group and Dalco Food

‍Hilton Food Group has diversified into plant based production through its acquisition of a fifty percent stake in Dalco Food. This partnership allows Hilton to expand its product range and meet rising demand for vegetarian and vegan products.

‍Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher

‍Unilever’s acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher reflects the company’s major shift toward plant based food innovation. Its goal of one billion euros in annual global sales from plant based products includes new variations of well known brands such as Magnum Vegan, Vegan Cornetto, Ben and Jerry’s Non Dairy and Hellmann’s Vegan mayonnaise.

‍THIS

‍This UK based company has quickly gained attention for its plant based chicken and bacon alternatives, made primarily from soy and pea protein. Its products are now available across most major supermarkets and food service outlets.

Fast food brands have also joined the movement. Greggs saw significant success with its vegan sausage roll, and McDonald’s is preparing to expand its McPlant range.

‍The future of plant based innovation

‍Beyond plant based imitations of meat, new technologies are emerging that could transform sustainable food production. The UK Government has begun consulting on the regulation of genetic technologies following departure from the EU. This includes gene editing for animals and crops which could support more ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Lab grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, is another rapidly advancing area. Researchers in Japan have developed new methods for growing cow muscle cells in culture. Although challenges remain, these technologies have the potential to reduce reliance on traditional livestock systems altogether.

Recent industry data shows that the plant based food market in Europe continues to grow steadily, with sales reaching €5.4 billion in 2023 and forecasts suggesting the sector could expand to more than USD 8.8 billion by 2030. This reflects sustained consumer demand and increased investment across both the EU and UK.

‍Final thoughts

‍Plant based alternatives are no longer niche. They provide a pathway to more sustainable food systems by reducing environmental impact, supporting animal welfare and offering healthier choices for consumers. With significant investment from major brands and rapid technological progress, the next few years are set to redefine how we produce and consume food.