Over the years, plant-based diets have become increasingly popular as people across the globe are steadily adopting vegan lifestyle mainly due to ethical reasons, rising environmental concerns due to animal farming, and health issues caused by excessive consumption of red meat. Moreover, with the rise of plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products, it is becoming easier for meat lovers to adopt vegan lifestyles without feeling like they are missing out on familiar tastes or textures.  They are also keen to discover various flavors and varieties in vegan lifestyle. This has led to a surge in innovative and delicious vegan food products and recipes.

Several studies have shown that plant-based diets tend to provide more antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds helping individuals overcome problems with heart health and digestion, risk of chronic diseases, and weight management. The global plant-based meat alternatives market has significantly grown in recent years driven by a range of factors that appeal to consumers, businesses, and environmentalists alike. Some of the key drivers attributing to this growth include growing awareness about resource intensiveness, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, rising animal welfare concerns, and rising investments and entrepreneurial activities.

A plant-based, vegan diet typically comprises food products made from soy, legumes, cereals, nuts, and nut butters, as well as plant-based dairy alternatives such as soy, oats, hemp, almonds, peas, and quinoa. This diet omits animal-derived products such as eggs, meat, dairy, seafood, or animal byproducts including honey, whey, lactose, shellac, or carmine. Various vegan diets encompass the whole food vegan approach, the raw vegan regimen, the 80/10/10 or fruitarian method, the starch-focused solution, the high-fat raw vegan variation, the processed-food-centered vegan style, the gluten-avoiding vegan diet, and the soy-excluding vegan plan.

However, total transmission to plant-based food can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies. To overcome this, people follow different types of vegan diets suggested by nutritionists and doctors. Many food companies are also investing in R&D projects to develop and launch innovative, mouthwatering plant-based food products and beverages to cater to growing consumer demand. Mentioned below is a list of the world’s top 10 leading vegan food manufacturers.

• Amy’s Kitchen
• Gardein
• Tofutti Brands, Inc.
• Beyond Meat, Inc.
• VBites
• Meatless Farm
• Before the Butcher
• Quoron Foods
• Morningstar Farms
• Alpha Foods

Amy’s Kitchen-

Amy’s Kitchen is a family-owned company located in California that produces organic and non-GMO convenience and frozen foods such as frozen meals, soups, snacks, and veggie pizzas among others. One of the strengths of Amy’s Kitchen is catering to various dietary needs, offering vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options. They also have a special range of gluten-free products from meals to snacks. The food products provided by Amy are made from organic farm ingredients and do not contain artificial preservatives or colors.

Gardein-

Gardein is a plant-based food company headquartered in British Columbia, Canada that offers a variety of protein alternatives to meat products such as chicken, fish, meat, or beef. The name Gardein is a combination of garden and proteins. The company provides a wide range of delicious, convenient, and healthier alternatives such as chicken tenders, fishless fillets, pork bites, and beef sliders made from soy, wheat, ancient grains, and veggies. Moreover, Gardein has a recipe page that includes mouthwatering, nutritious, and filling recipes for several vegan dishes. Some of these include Whipped Feta Burgers, Fishless Tacos, Vegan Buffalo Wings, Plant-based Pasta, and Pizza and Waffles.

Tofutti Brands, Inc.-

Tofutti Brands, Inc. is a US-based food and beverages company located in Cranford, New Jersey that offers a plethora of dairy-free, soy-based foods under the brand name “Tofutti”. The company manufactures a variety of cheeses, sour creams, frozen desserts, and dips. These dairy-free alternatives are especially popular among vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, and others who prefer dairy-free options.

Beyond Meat, Inc.-

Beyond Meat, Inc. is a US-based producer of plant-based meat substitutes headquartered in El Segundo, California.  Beyond Meat is a pioneer in the field of plant-based meat alternatives and has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years. The company uses a combination of proteins sourced from peas, rice, and mung beans along with other plant-based ingredients to achieve a meat-like texture as well as taste. Some of Beyond Meat’s best-selling products include steak, ground beef, sausages, burgers, and meatballs available in grocery stores, restaurants, and fast-food chains across the United States and internationally.

Quoron Foods-

Quoron Foods, owned by Moden Nissin Corporation is one of the leading providers of meat-free frozen products globally. The company is best known for providing delicious, healthy, and filling vegetarian and vegan meals. The main ingredient in Quoron is a mycoprotein derived from Fusarium venenatum fungus, sold as a cooking ingredient as well as a meat substitute in several prepackaged meals. Some of Quoron’s popular foods include burgers and patties, mince and pieces, ready meals, deli, roasts and meatloaf, hot dogs, fillets, nuggets, and strips.

VBites Food-

Located in Corby, UK, VBites is one of the largest manufacturers of meat-free, plant-based substitutes that specializes in producing vegan food products. The company is best known for providing a wide range of meat and dairy alternatives catering to people following vegan and vegetarian diets. VBites produces a wide range of products such as vegan burgers, sausages, deli slices, cheeses, and ready-to-eat meals among others. These products are found in several health food stores, supermarkets, and restaurants in the UK and internationally. In January 2021, the company expanded its production plant in the Middle East.

Meatless Farm-

Meatless Farm is a UK-based food company located in Leeds, that produces vegan and plant-based meat products made from pea, soya ns rice protein. The company has a diverse product lineup ranging from vegan mince and meat-free burgers to plant-based chicken breasts, and chipolata sausages, and a range of pasty products falling under three major categories, Filled Pasta Range, Chilled Range, and Grab & Go.

Before the Butcher, Inc.-

Before the Butcher, Inc. is a US-based plant-based food company that specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives that mimic traditional meats in terms of flavors, textures, and cooking experience. The company offers a wide range of products such as burgers, chicken substitutes, and sausage alternatives derived from ingredients like soy, peas, wheat, or a blend of these ingredients. In May 2023, the company announced the launch of its award-winning Plant-based Pepperoni for food service vendors and restaurants.

Morningstar Farms-

Morningstar Farms is a subsidiary of Kellogg Company that focuses on providing vegetarian and plant-based food products as meat alternatives. The company provides a wide range of meatless frozen products such as burgers, sausage patties, chicken nuggets, and pizza bites prepared from ingredients such as soy, wheat, and other plant-based sources of protein. The brand has become popular among a wide range of consumers, including vegetarians, vegans, and individuals who are looking to reduce their meat consumption for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. MorningStar Farms products are commonly found in grocery stores and are used in various recipes to create meatless versions of classic dishes.

Alpha Foods-

Alpha Foods is a US-based company offering a wide range of lip-smacking plant-based food products specially designed for vegans, vegetarians, and those simply trying to reduce meat intake for health, environmental and ethical reasons. Alpha offers a variety of products like meatless burgers, chicken nuggets, burritos, pot pies, and tamales among others.