India Meat Substitutes Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Soy- and wheat-based products that mimic the savory taste, and fibrous feel of animal-based meats currently targeting a population that embraces healthier food items whose production has a minimal impact on the environment. Such alternatives may be prepared using soy, peas, lentils, different grains, and other types of plant proteins and basically, such a diet gathers all the necessary nutrients needed by the body without causing harm to the environment in terms of animal farming. The increase in the number of flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan consumers provides demands for improved taste and lower fat, cooked appearance, and texture of meat analogs.

The India Meat Substitutes Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 6.2% owing to the rising product launches. For instance, in December 2021, ITC Ltd launched a host of plant-based meat products, in anticipation of the burgeoning demand for meat substitutes and vegan meals in India. Moreover, rising health consciousness, growing environmental concerns, and increasing dietary shifts are anticipated to boost the Indian meat substitute market. For instance, in January 2024, Nestle India partnered with restaurant chains SOCIAL and BOSS Burger to initiate a test launch of MAGGI Professional's plant-based product range. The range includes a burger patty and mince alternatives to traditional meat-based meals, now featured in The New Irresistible Menu.

Based on product type, the Indian meat substitutes market is segmented into veg chicken, veg mutton, veg fish, and others. The veg chicken segment acquired a significant share of the Indian meat substitutes market owing to the rising interest in vegan proteins that imitate the flavor and texture of regular chicken. Thus, increasing numbers of consumers who choose flexitarian and vegetarian diets also contributed to the increased interest in veg chicken products because it doesn't only rely on health-conscious consumers, but also other consumers looking for sustainable options on their diet. New changes in food tech have seen plant-based mince creates that look almost like chicken, thereby making such products more appealing to a larger market. Most important players and new entrants are venturing into this segment and have introduced a wide-ranging product including nuggets and patties, ready-to-cook and marinated products. Thus, veg chicken held a significant share of the market in the year 2023.

Based on source type, the Indian meat substitutes market is segmented into soy-based, wheat-based, pea-based, and others. The soy-based segment caters significant segment of the Indian meat substitutes market owing to the nutritional benefit and multiple uses of soy in preparing protein products. High in protein content and low in fat, products like tofu, soy nuggets, and textured vegetable proteins are gaining steady popularity among consumers particularly the health-conscious and vegetarians in their pursuit of a substitute for meats. Growing concerns about environmental impact and reduction in climate change have also increased consumer demands for soy products because the products of soy are much more environmentally friendly compared to animal farming. Further, developments in product processing, so that formulations and flavors are more appealing to the human palate, have not only enhanced the taste but also the color of soy-based products that attract the non-vegetarian flexitarian population base. The soy-based segment is all set to grow as retail distribution increases and the consumers' awareness of the plant-based diet rises In India. Thus, soy-based held a significant share of the market in the year 2023.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of Indian meat substitutes, the market is analyzed based on its state-wise presence in India such as North India, East India, West India, and South India. The meat substitutes market in north India is growing at a fast pace due to evolving palates and climbing concerns for well-being. As people are switching and adopting vegetarian and even vegan diets, especially in the two largest states, Punjab and Haryana the demand for vegan Indian food solutions that combine traditional flavors and contemporary healthy eating is increasing. Metropolis such as Delhi and Chandigarh are emerging as hot spots for innovative meat substitute products as more customers look for healthy foods and products that are ethical to consume. The awareness of flexitarians is also following people to include more plant protein in the diet. The need for change has sparked growth in the substitute meat market in North India as the entire world increasingly leans toward sustainable diets. Thus, north India is growing at a significant rate in the Indian meat substitutes market.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Veggie Champ; Tata Consumer Products Limited; Gooddot; Imagine Foods Pvt. Ltd; BlueTribe; Vezlay Foods Pvt Ltd; Bizchef Ventures Pvt Ltd. (Evolved Foods); Mister Veg Foods Pvt Ltd; BIOTRACK FOODS PRIVATE LIMITED; Shri Balaji Agro Food Products Pvt. Ltd. (Desi Treat).