U.S. Plant-based Meat Market Summary

The U.S. plant-based meat market size was estimated at USD 3.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 18.1% from 2025 to 2030. The rapid growth of this market is primarily driven by changing consumer preferences, as individuals are becoming increasingly health-conscious and seeking alternatives to conventional meat products that are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Plant-based meat products are emerging as a core element of vegan diets, which exclude animal-based foods entirely. This shift is influenced by a combination of factors including health concerns, ethical considerations, and sustainability goals. Many consumers are motivated by the desire to avoid animal cruelty, reduce their carbon footprint, and adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Soy is one of the most widely used raw materials for plant-based meat due to its nutritional profile, as it contains all nine essential amino acids required for human growth. Furthermore, soy offers functional benefits such as enhanced water absorption, solubility, emulsification, viscosity, anti-oxidation, and improved texture of final products, making it a highly versatile ingredient for this market.

The rising popularity of different types of plant-based meat is expanding the market scope and diversifying product offerings. Beyond the traditional focus on plant-based beef, there is now increasing consumer demand for plant-based chicken, pork, and seafood, all of which are contributing to overall market expansion. Among these, the refrigerated plant-based meat segment is expected to record substantial growth between 2025 and 2030, supported by advancements in product innovation, improved taste profiles, and effective marketing strategies that are enhancing consumer acceptance. This indicates a fundamental shift in the way consumers are purchasing and perceiving plant-based substitutes, with emphasis on freshness and accessibility.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• Soy-based meat held the largest share of the market, accounting for 44.4% of U.S. revenue in 2024. The popularity of soy-based meat products is expected to remain consistent, owing to their potential health benefits, including support for exercise performance, recovery after physical activity, and promotion of muscle development and strength. These benefits, combined with its wide availability and functionality in food processing, position soy as a key driver of the industry’s future growth.
• Plant-based burgers emerged as the leading product category and accounted for 28.4% share of the U.S. revenue in 2024. These products are designed to mimic the sensory experience of traditional meat, including taste, texture, and aroma, by using carefully engineered plant-based ingredients. One of the most prominent examples is the Impossible Burger by Impossible Foods, which utilizes genetically modified components to replicate heme-iron found in animal meat. This innovation has played a significant role in creating a realistic meat-like flavor profile, strengthening consumer adoption.
• The plant-based chicken segment was the largest category within the market, holding a 37.5% share of U.S. revenue in 2024. Chicken has traditionally been a dominant protein source in the conventional meat industry, used extensively in food products such as nuggets, patties, and cutlets. With growing awareness of the health risks associated with animal fats, cholesterol, and overconsumption of animal protein, plant-based chicken alternatives are gaining traction as a healthier and more sustainable option, appealing to both vegetarians and flexitarians.
• Sales of plant-based meat through hotels, restaurants, and cafés (HORECA) led the market with a 53.4% share of U.S. revenue in 2024. The growing popularity of flexitarian and vegan diets has encouraged a wide range of foodservice providers, including fast-food chains, casual dining outlets, and premium restaurants, to dedicate portions of their menus to meat-free choices. The inclusion of plant-based meat in mainstream dining not only increases product visibility but also normalizes its consumption among a larger customer base, significantly driving market growth.
• Frozen plant-based meat products accounted for the largest share, representing 58.0% of U.S. revenue in 2024. This dominance is attributed to the longer shelf life, convenience, and ease of storage associated with frozen products. The rising acceptance of vegetarian and plant-based eating has fueled innovation in ambient, chilled, and frozen food categories, resulting in the launch of diverse new products. Frozen plant-based offerings, in particular, are appealing to consumers who value convenience and affordability while still maintaining access to nutritious, protein-rich meat alternatives.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 3.21 billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 8.70 billion
• CAGR (2025 - 2030): 18.1%

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The U.S. plant-based meat market companies are primarily concentrating on R&D efforts to create novel meat alternatives that imitate the flavor and texture of uncommon meats like lobster and veal. Additionally, some firms are prioritizing expansion in burgeoning plant-based meat markets within the U.S. Their aim is to diversify their product range and introduce innovative alternatives that can cater to the growing demand for plant-based options. Major players in the market are characterized by a robust sales channel with restaurants and retail chains in U.S. for the distribution of their faux meat products.

Key Players

• Beyond Meat
• Impossible Foods Inc.
• Maple Leaf Foods (Field Roast & Maple Leaf)
• Conagra, Inc. (Gardein Protein International)
• Kellogg NA Co. (MorningStar Farms)
• Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
• Tofurky
• Kraft Foods,Inc.
• Lightlife Foods, Inc
• Trader Joe's
• Yves Veggie Cuisine (The Hain-Celestial Canada, ULC)
• Eat JUST Inc.
• No Evil Foods

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Conclusion

The U.S. plant-based meat market is expanding rapidly, fueled by consumer awareness around health, sustainability, and ethical food choices. The growing adoption of vegan and flexitarian diets, coupled with product innovations that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meat, is accelerating demand across product categories. Segments such as soy-based meat, plant-based burgers, and chicken alternatives are particularly strong contributors to market growth. The increasing role of HORECA channels and the popularity of frozen products are further broadening consumer reach. As plant-based options become mainstream, the market is set to reshape future protein consumption in the United States.