Plant-Based Nuggets Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2024 – 2032

Industry Insights

[221+ Pages Report] According to Facts & Factors, the global plant-based nuggets market size was valued at USD 518.1 million in 2023 and is predicted to surpass USD 824.85 million by the end of 2032. The plant-based nuggets industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 6.10% between 2024 and 2032.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Overview

Plant-based nuggets are vegan alternatives to traditional nuggets made from animal-based ingredients. Manufacturers are experimenting with different food sources to come up with similar tastes, textures, and appearances of animal-based meat nuggets.

The components used in plant-based nuggets include plant protein, flavor enhancers, binding agents, coating, fats, additives, and many others. These are considered to be a healthier option than animal-based nuggets because they contain low saturated fat and cholesterol. Moreover, these are rich in fiber and have numerous health benefits.

Also, these are more sustainable food options because they emit less greenhouse gases than animal-based products.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global plant-based nuggets market size is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.10% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global plant-based nuggets market size was valued at around USD 518.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 824.85 million by 2032.
• Growing demand for plant-based alternatives is driving the growth of the global plant-based nuggets market.
• Based on product types, the plant-based chicken segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the global market.
• Based on sources, the soy segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the global market.
• Based on the distribution channels, the HoReCa segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• Based on flavors, the unflavored segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Growth Drivers

• Growing demand for plant-based alternatives is driving the growth of the global market.

The significant growth in the demand for plant-based food among vegetarians and flexitarians is likely to boost the growth of the global plant-based nuggets market during the forecast period.

Many people are looking for healthy alternatives to animal-based nuggets. Rising health awareness among people is also a major factor that positively influences the growth of the industry.

Also, the rising education among people regarding the health risks associated with meat consumption is further expected to encourage them to shift from an animal-based to a plant-based lifestyle. Another major factor promoting the growth of the industry is the rising awareness among people regarding environmental and ethical concerns.

Additionally, the increasing availability of plant-based nuggets globally through both the retail and food service channels is expected to widen the scope of the industry in the coming years.

Many restaurants, cafes, and food service outlets are including plant-based nuggets in their menus because of their growing popularity globally.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Restraints

• High cost of plant-based food products is expected to hamper the growth of the global market.

Plant-based food products are priced quite expensive compared to their animal-based counterparts, which is a major factor hampering the growth of the plant-based nuggets industry.

Additionally, the high cost of raw materials, additional ingredients, and production processes further increase the overall price of the products.

Also, the limited consumer awareness regarding the easy availability and health benefits of plant-based food products like nuggets is also likely to slow down the growth of the industry.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Opportunities

• Innovation in plant-based food technology is expected to foster growth opportunities in the global market.

Advancements in food technology help manufacturers closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based nuggets, which is a major reason for the high growth rate of the global plant-based nuggets market.

Also, the advancements in ingredients, like the use of wheat gluten, soy protein, pea protein, etc., further enhance the overall sensory experience of the consumers. Millennials and the Gen-Z population are inclined towards plant-based alternatives, particularly new food products like plant-based nuggets.

Also, the growing popularity of plant-based nuggets is driving huge investments from plant-based food companies, which is further expected to revolutionize the market.

Rising cases of food allergies, intolerance, and many other dietary restrictions are further making plant-based nuggets appealing options for people with such sensitivities.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Challenges

• Perceived taste and texture issues are a big challenge in a global market.

People still view plant-based options as less nutritious. Furthermore, there are many perceived taste and texture issues which hinder the wide scale adoption of plant-based nuggets.

Also, the limited availability of plant-based nuggets in many regions across different distribution channels is further anticipated to negatively impact the growth of the plant-based nuggets industry.

Report Scope

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Segmentation

The global plant-based nuggets market can be segmented into product types, sources, distribution channels, flavors, and regions.

On the basis of product types, the market can be segmented into plant-based beef, plant-based pork, and plant-based chicken. The plant-based chicken segment accounts for the largest share of the plant-based nuggets industry during the forecast period.

Plant-based chicken nuggets are more likely to resemble traditional animal-based chicken products in terms of texture and taste, which is a major factor in the growth of the segment.

Also, a large number of manufacturers are coming up with chicken alternatives because of their high popularity, which is also a crucial factor likely to positively influence the growth of the segment.

Plant-based chicken nuggets also have high nutritional value, like real chicken products, which further appeal to end users. Plant-based chicken nuggets align with the sustainability goals of many fast food chains and restaurants, thereby helping them achieve their environmental goals.

Also, many consumers are shifting from animal-based diets to plant-based lifestyles because of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health reasons, which is also likely to widen the scope of the segment in the coming years.

On the basis of sources, the market can be segmented into corn, flaxseeds, lentils, rice, potato, beans, canola, peas, wheat, and others. The soy segment is likely to dominate the global plant-based nuggets market during the forecast period.

Soy is a rich source of protein and amino acids that appeal to consumers. It also emerges as an ideal ingredient for preparing plant-based nuggets because of its high dietary fiber and texture. It can be easily processed in different forms, thereby helping chefs improve the flavor and texture of traditional meat products.

Also, it is largely accepted among consumers because of a long history of familiarity with it. Additionally, it is easily available all across the globe, thereby eliminating any supply issues or price fluctuations in the market.

Moreover, it is an environmentally friendly option because it offers a lower carbon footprint when compared to traditional meat products.

On the basis of distribution channels, the market can be segmented into HoReCa, online retail, and offline retail. HoReCa is the fastest-growing segment in the plant-based nuggets industry during the forecast period.

The rapidly growing adoption of plant-based food in restaurants and hotels increasingly popularizes plant-based nuggets globally. The increase in the shift of consumer dining preferences because of health and environmental consciousness is further expected to foster growth opportunities in the segment.

The ongoing collaboration between plant-based food manufacturers and food service providers is also expected to revolutionize the market by increasing the supply of innovative plant-based offerings in the sector.

Giant companies like KFC, McDonald's, and Burger King have also come up with many plant-based options to align with the diversifying consumer demands, which is further expected to positively influence the growth of the segment.

An increasing number of corporate and private events are also expected to contribute immensely towards the growth of the segment in the coming years.

On the basis of flavors, the market can be segmented into barbeque, spicy, unflavored, and others. The unflavored segment is expected to register the highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Unflavored vegan nuggets can easily be included in diverse cuisines by helping chefs and manufacturers come up with unique sauces, marinades, and seasonings according to the regional tastes and preferences of the consumers.

Additionally, there is a high demand for customization in the food service segment, which is further expected to foster growth in the segment.

Also, the increasing awareness among people regarding their health and wellness is further fueling demands for unflavored ingredients. Quick service outlets and many other food service providers are trying to create their own signature dishes to appeal to a larger audience space and establish their brand reputation.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Regional Analysis

• North America to dominate the global market.

North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global plant-based nuggets market during the forecasted period. The growing awareness among people regarding the health benefits of plant-based diets is one of the major factors driving the growth of the regional market.

Also, many people are turning to vegetarianism and flexitarianism because of animal welfare and environmental sustainability, which is a major reason why many quick-service restaurants and fast food chains in North America include these items in their menus.

Manufacturers in North America are coming up with plant nuggets with improved nutrition profiles, texture, and taste, thereby expected to swipe a large market area. The United States is likely to dominate the North American market because of the advancements in food technology and a growing number of plant-based food brands in the region.

Fast food chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, and KFC are increasingly diversifying the offerings under the plant nuggets category in their menus, which is further expected to positively influence the growth of the regional market.

Asia Pacific is another major region leading the growth of the plant-based nuggets industry because of the presence of the fast-growing vegan population.

Countries like Shanghai and Beijing are witnessing increasing demand for plant-based nuggets. India is also likely to contribute immensely towards the growth of the regional market because of the presence of a vegetarian population. Also, the fast expansion of food service outlets is expected to foster growth opportunities in the regional market.

Plant-based Nuggets Market: Competitive Analysis

The key players in the global plant-based nuggets market include:

• Gooddot Vegetarian
• Heura Foods
• The Vegetarian Butcher
• Nestlé S.A.
• Field Roast Grain Meat Co. Inc.
• Beyond Meat
• Kraft Foods Inc.
• 365 Everyday Value
• Alpha Foods
• Tyson Foods Inc.
• Burger King
• KFC
• McDonald's Corporation

For instance, Burger King came up with all-new plant-based chicken nuggets in 2021. These are soft nuggets with a delicious vegan taste to reduce their overall meat consumption.

The global plant-based nuggets market is segmented as follows:

By Product Types Segment Analysis

• Plant-Based Beef
• Plant-Based Pork
• Plant-Based Chicken

By Sources Segment Analysis

• Corn
• Flaxseeds
• Lentils
• Rice
• Potato
• Beans
• Canola
• Peas
• Wheat
• Others

By Distribution Channels Segment Analysis

• HoReCa
• Online Retail
• Offline Retail

By Flavors Segment Analysis

• Barbeque
• Spicy
• Unflavored
• Others

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America