In the context of a world where sustainability fights foremost, the general schematics of discussion are surrounded by questions of the environment. Alternative proteins appeared as one of the most promising solutions to meeting the high global demand for proteins and, not but least without considering this also by reducing meat company’ environmental footprint.
Novel sources of protein are emerging, which can lead to a more ethical and sustainable method of food production.
This article will focus on the proprietary of alt proteins, review products from the top ten innovative alternative protein companies in such field, and provide redoubtable insight into sourcing methods, market status, and links to their websites.
What Is Alternative Protein?
Alternative protein, popularly referred to as “alt proteins,” represents a transformative paradigm shift in food production.
As the world dawns into a distinctively sharp grapple with environmental concerns and burgeoning global population pressures, it has emerged to be an imperative necessity.
Alt proteins are rich tapestries of products carefully crafted from plants, animal cells, intricate fermentation, or cell-based meat processes.
Some of these protein alternatives taste, feel, and price like traditional animal-based products but offer incredible sustainability credentials.
Watch this video by EIT Foods to learn more:
Exploring Alternative Protein Varieties
The alternative proteins mentioned in this list represent the new generation of plant sources that signal a delicious and sustainable future.
1. Plant-Based Proteins:
These counterparts are derived from various plants such as soy, peas, and wheat cultivated, processed, and transformed into meat-like alternatives giving a sustainable protein source which are free of animal to the food industry.
2. Microbial Proteins:
Microbial proteins have a place in this more sustainable food system, and the microbial world is teeming with organisms like algae and fungi that can produce them.
3. Cultured or Lab-Grown Meat:
This invention is developed for animal cell growth in a suitably controlled environment rather than raising the whole animal for meat, which does not demand traditional animal farming.
This could reduce 96% of greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, will be presented as the major rival in the alternative cultivated meat proteins creating giants.
An Array of Tempting Alt Protein Products by Alternative Protein Companies
The top alternative protein companies are trailblazers in developing an exciting range of sustainable and delicious protein alternatives that make up part of good food.
Let’s explore the remarkable variety of food products they bring to the market.
Plant-Based Marvels:
Companies like Impossible Foods and Next-Gen Foods are leading the way in this category.
They specialize in crafting plant-based food proteins that closely mimic traditional meat products’ taste, texture, and nutritional profile.
From burgers to sausages and meatballs, these plant-based marvels offer a delectable transition to a sustainable protein source.
Cultivated Creations:
Innovators like Shiok Meats and Avant are revolutionizing the protein industry with their cultivated creations.
Cultured meats are grown by cultivating animal cells in controlled environments, bypassing the need for traditional animal farming.
The result? Meat products that boast the same mouthwatering flavor and texture as conventionally raised meats but with a staggering 96% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbial Wonders:
Companies like Turtle Tree and Axiom Foods harness the power of microorganisms, including algae and fungi, to produce sustainable microbial proteins.
These tiny powerhouses offer a scalable protein source that thrives in various conditions. Algae, for instance, can produce more protein per acre than traditional livestock, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Futuristic Seafood Alternatives:
Growthwell Foods dives into the world of seafood alternatives. With their innovative approach, they create delicious plant-based seafood products that not only tantalize taste buds but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical seafood industry.
From fish fillets to shrimp, these products offer a mouthwatering oceanic experience without the environmental drawbacks.
Leading The Protein Industry: 10 Innovative Alternative Protein Top Companies
In a quest to meet the world’s protein needs sustainably, these ten companies have emerged as game changers. Get ready to explore the visionaries and technologies powering the alternative protein revolution, and making alternative proteins is no longer a concept. It’s a reality.
ADM
ADM, a global nutrition powerhouse, is at the forefront of the alternative protein market, providing a tailored approach to developing protein-forward solutions.
The company’s expertise in crafting meat, seafood, dairy alternatives, and specialized nutrition solutions makes it a trusted partner in the industry.
ADM offers a wide range of products, including animal nutrition products, industrial solutions, and services related to transportation and logistics.
Their portfolio in alternative proteins includes pea protein, soy protein, and wheat protein, catering to the rising consumer demand for plant-based, protein-rich foods.
ADM invests heavily in its supply chain and production capabilities to meet the demand for alternative proteins.
The company’s commitment to sourcing and innovation is evident in its recent $300 million investment to expand its alternative protein production in Decatur, Illinois.
This expansion aims to double soy protein concentrate production and enhance the company’s ability to meet global demand.
ADM’s alternative protein products are already a significant part of the market. The company’s sales in this space have been growing rapidly, outpacing industry averages.
With a projected growth rate of 14% per year for alternative meat and dairy sales, D.M. is strategically positioned to leverage this market opportunity, forecasted to achieve a value of $125 billion by 2030.
The completion of their expansion project is slated for the first quarter of 2025, which will further solidify their market presence.
According to ADM, the average price of their plant-based protein products varies depending on the type, quality, quantity, and application of the product.
For example, their soy protein concentrates are priced between $1.50 and $2.00 per pound, while their pea protein isolates are priced between $3.00 and $4.00 per pound.
Based on market conditions and availability, these prices are subject to change.
Cargill
Cargill has established itself as a major player in the alternative protein sector, focusing on plant-based product development while preserving its historical interests in feed and livestock production.
Recognizing the shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based and alternative protein sources, Cargill is dedicated to meeting this evolving demand by offering a diverse range of alternative protein products.
Cargill’s venture into the alternative protein market includes a variety of plant-based products, including ground and patty-shaped versions, aimed at various markets, including retail stores, academic institutions, restaurants, and cafeterias.
Cargill sources plant-based proteins from soy, peas, and canola, which are integral ingredients in various beloved products like plant-based burgers and sausages.
The company has shown interest in novel protein sources beyond traditional plant-based proteins, exploring options like algal protein and insect-based protein.
Cargill has a strong market presence in the alternative protein sector, offering its products globally as private label opportunities for various institutions and businesses.
The average pricing of these products depends on several factors, such as the type, quantity, quality, and location of the product. However, the estimated price range of Cargill’s plant-based protein products is between $3 and $10 per kilogram.
Omni Foods
OmniFoods, a global leader in plant-based food innovation and Asia’s top choice for alternative protein offers an impressive range of alternative protein products.
With a focus on delivering diverse and innovative plant-based options, OmniFoods is redefining the culinary landscape.
OmniFoods boasts a comprehensive product line, including plant-based potstickers, pork-style ground and strips, meat-style luncheon, spring rolls, crab-style cakes, Korean-style BBQ bao buns, and teriyaki bao buns.
OmniFoods utilizes a signature mix of clean plant-based complete proteins, carefully sourced to ensure they are not only low impact on the environment but also high in taste and nutritional value.
OmniFoods has a robust distribution network in over 20 countries, partnering with some of the world’s top restaurants and retail chains.
Their products are available in over 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide and can also be found in Whole Foods, Sprouts, Giant, Albertsons, and more.
This extensive presence underscores the brand’s significant impact and reach in the alternative protein market.
According to OmniFoods, the average pricing of their products ranges from $4.99 to $9.99 per pack, depending on the product type and quantity.
However, the prices may vary depending on the retailer and location. You can spot their products in many grocery stores and online platforms or order directly from their website.
Aleph Farms
Israeli cultivated meat producer Aleph Farms designs innovative ways to grow high-quality animal products. Israel’s Aleph Farms is the first company in the world to earn regulatory approval for cultivated beef.
Co-founded in 2017, Aleph Farms aims to disrupt the conventional meat sector by offering cultured (lab-grown) meat solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land use while providing nutritious alternatives.
Aleph Farms initial offering is the cultivated Petit Steak, . They have also unveiled the world’s first cultivated ribeye steak.
In addition to steaks, Aleph Farms has ventured into producing cultivated collagen. Collagen is an essential protein found in connective tissues and has various applications in food and cosmetics.
Aleph Farms is a cellular agriculture company that grows their protein from non-genetically modified cells of a premium Black Angus cow named Lucy.
As one of the first cultivated meat companies to receive global regulatory approval, Aleph Farms is now positioned as the first-to-market lab-grown beef brand in Israel and the Middle East. They have pending applications for regulatory approval in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States.
Their first product brand, Aleph Cuts, will be used to market the world’s first cultivated beef steaks. Aleph Farms’ commitment to sustainability and innovative meat production positions them as a key player in the emerging field of cultivated meat.
With regards to costing, co-founder Dr Ziva Hamama is quoted as saying, “At the time of our soft launch, Aleph Cuts will be priced similarly to premium conventional beef. We are taking various steps to drive economies of scale and achieve price parity with more of the conventional beef market within a few years from launch.”
NextGen Foods
Next-Gen Foods, known for its plant-based chicken alternative TiNDLE, is making significant strides in the alternative protein market.
With a recent Series A funding of $100 million, the largest ever raised by a plant-based meat company, Next-Gen Foods is poised for rapid expansion in the United States and further development of its Singapore research and development center.
Next-Gen Foods’ flagship product, TiNDLE, is a plant-based chicken made with a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients, including sunflower oil.
TiNDLE has already proven its versatility and appeal in diverse cuisines across multiple cities globally.
The company’s asset-light model, which involves partnering with production facilities in each market rather than building its own, enables rapid and scalable growth.
Next-Gen Foods develops components, ingredients, and recipes and then collaborates with manufacturing partners, sharing quality assurance procedures to ensure consistency across different production locations.
This strategy allows the company to maintain high standards while leveraging the capabilities of its partners to scale up production effectively.
Next-Gen Foods is strategically expanding its presence in the U.S. and other significant markets like Brazil and China. The company is building brand recognition through partnerships with chefs and restaurants before moving to other distribution channels like grocery stores.
TiNDLE is currently available in restaurants across various cities in the U.S. and is also accessible to U.S. distributors through major food re-distributors.
The pricing of Next Gen Foods’ products may vary depending on the market and the distribution channel. However, TiNDLE is priced competitively with conventional chicken products.
For example, in Singapore, TiNDLE is sold at S$9.90 (US$7.30) per 340g pack at selected supermarkets. In the U.S., where Next Gen Foods provides its products to restaurants directly, the prices are between $8 to $15 per K.G.
Turtle Tree
TurtleTree is pioneering the future of sustainable nutrition with a focus on creating high-value ingredients through precision fermentation and cell-based technology.
The Singapore-based biotech company is at the forefront of innovation, producing the world’s first sustainably-produced lactoferrin, LF+, using state-of-the-art techniques that minimize environmental impact and ensure scalability.
TurtleTree’s flagship product, LF+, is the world’s first animal-free lactoferrin produced using precision fermentation technology.
Lactoferrin, known as “pink gold,” is a bioactive milk protein renowned for its immune-boosting, iron-binding, and digestive health benefits.
LF+ is designed to be a direct alternative to cow’s milk-derived lactoferrin, offering a sustainable and scalable solution to fulfill the rising demand for this nutrient.
TurtleTree uses precision fermentation to produce its proteins, a process that involves harnessing microbes as tiny factories embedded with lactoferrin’s unique recipe.
This method eliminates the need for high methane-emitting cows, thereby offering an abundant, affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional lactoferrin sources.
TurtleTree is gearing up for a significant market entry, with plans to launch LF+ in the United States in early 2025.
The company is strategically positioning itself to enter the sizable U.S. alternative protein market and plans to sell its products in its home base of Singapore as well.
This aligns with the country’s “30 by 30” goal, which aims to produce 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030.
Their plant-based protein products are not yet available for sale, but they aim to launch them in the market by 2025.
They claim that their products will be more affordable, sustainable, and ethical than conventional animal products.
However, they have not disclosed the exact pricing of their products yet, so it is hard to estimate the average cost of their plant-based protein products.
Impossible Foods
Impossible Foods is on a mission to save meat and the Earth by transforming the global food system. The company prioritizes crafting flavorful, nutritious, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to meat, fish, and dairy using plant-based ingredients.
Established in 2011 by Stanford University Professor Dr. Patrick O. Brown, Impossible Foods strives to foster sustainability within the global food system by recreating meat, fish, and dairy alternatives from plants, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to animal-derived products.
Impossible Foods is widely recognized for its plant-based burger, engineered to replicate the taste and texture of beef by primarily incorporating a soy-based version of the protein found in meat known as “heme,” in addition to oils and other ingredients.
The company also offers plant-based pork and sausages. These products are sold in higher-end restaurants globally and have recently entered grocery stores as well.
Impossible Foods produces its signature heme, the iron-containing molecule that gives its products a meaty flavor, through genetic engineering and fermentation.
This process allows the company to make meat from plants using a fraction of the land, water, and energy required for animal meat production, thus reducing the environmental impact significantly.
Impossible Foods has experienced exponential growth and seeks to double or triple in size every year. Right now, their products are available in the U.S. market, but they will be available soon in other parts of the world.
The average pricing for Impossible Foods’ plant-based protein products varies based on factors such as product type, market dynamics, and the retailer.
They have launched their plant-based burger patties made with pea protein priced at $4.49 for two quarter-pound patties.
In 2021, Impossible Foods announced a 20% price cut for its plant-based burgers sold to U.S. grocery stores, bringing the suggested retail price down to $5.49 for two quarter-pound patties.
The company’s goal is to achieve price parity with conventional meat products by 2024. However, the price of plant-based meat is still higher than that of animal meat in most cases due to factors such as production scale, ingredient costs, and consumer demand.
Remilk
Remilk is a multi-national Israeli company specializing in the production of cultured milk and dairy products.
Founded in 2018 by CEO Aviv Wolff and CTO Ori Cohavi, Remilk uses yeast-based fermentation to create milk proteins with an identical chemical composition to traditional cow’s milk.
With a focus on sustainability, Remilk estimates its process uses significantly less land, greenhouse gas emissions, and water compared to traditional dairy manufacturing.
Remilk’s animal-free BLG milk protein is equivalent to its cow-derived counterpart, but it is produced without a single cow, via precision fermentation.
The company will manufacture its protein at commercial scale in several locations around the world. It has developed a unique and patented approach to scalable manufacturing which requires a fraction of Earth’s resources compared to traditional dairy.
Remilk has also dramatically increased production efficiency and, for the first time in history, eliminated the need for dairy cows in industrial-scale dairy production. Dairy made with Remilk’s animal-free protein provides consumers with the dairy experience they know and love, but it is free of lactose, cholesterol, hormones, and antibiotics.
Remilk produces milk proteins via a yeast-based fermentation process that renders them “chemically identical” to those in cow-produced milk and dairy products. The startup claims that the result is 100 percent similar to “real” milk.
Remilk is the first company producing animal-identical protein to receive Health Canada’s No Objection Letter.
Through partnerships with major companies like Central Bottling Company (CBC Group), Remilk is expanding its market reach by developing and launching new lines of dairy drinks, cheeses, and yogurts using its animal-free milk protein
While specific pricing details are not currently available, as Remilk continues to scale up production, costs will become increasingly competitive, potentially even lower than conventionally produced dairy products.
Shiok Meats
Shiok Meats, established in August 2018, is the first-ever cell-based meat company in Southeast Asia and specializes in cell-based crustacean meats (shrimp, crab, lobster).
The company is at the forefront of the alternative protein industry, leveraging proprietary technology to cultivate cell-based seafood and meats.
Shiok Meats stands out with its unique technology that isolates stem cells from shrimp, lobster, and crab, marking the first company to achieve this for cell-based production.
The company grows these crustacean meats in nutrient-rich conditions, similar to a greenhouse, resulting in products that are sustainable, clean, and nutritious.
Cell-based seafood is indistinguishable from its conventional counterparts but is grown four times faster than in conventional production.
Shiok Meats aims to launch its minced shrimp product in 2024 and plans to expand its product line to include shrimp flavoring paste and powder, fully-formed 3D shrimp, and cell-based lobster and crab products.
Shiok Meats has raised substantial funding to support its growth and commercialization plans. The company aims to disrupt the global shrimp market, valued at $50 billion, by offering clean, traceable alternatives to traditional shrimp farming.
The company’s cell-based shrimp, their flagship product, presents a sustainable solution to the challenges of overfishing, misrepresentation, and contamination common in conventional shrimp production.
Shiok Meats has recently achieved a milestone of reducing the production cost of its cultivated shrimp to US$50 per kilogram. However, the company has not yet revealed the retail price of its products, as it may vary depending on the market demand, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance.
Growthwell Foods
Growthwell Foods, established in 1989, is a Singapore-based plant-based nutrition company on a mission to nourish 1 billion lives with accessible and affordable plant-based alternatives.
The company infuses vibrant food cultures with plant-based innovation to create a nutritious, sustainable food system.
Growthwell Foods respects the body, culinary traditions, and the planet, aiming to provide plant-based nutrition specifically tailored for Asian palates.
Growthwell Foods offers a diverse range of plant-based products. They are known for their HAPPIEE! Range, including plant-based seafood alternatives made from konjac and other innovative ingredients.
Products like HAPPIEE! Fishiee Sticks and HAPPIEE! Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets, Chickiee Popcorn, Chickiee Patties, and Breaded Chickiee Patties are designed to cater to the growing demand for alternative protein.
Growthwell also has a new product, Plant-based Salmon Flakes, made from soy and incorporating algae-derived omega-3 oil. This range provides a healthy and sustainable alternative to traditional seafood and meat products.
Growthwell Foods sources its protein primarily through innovative plant-based ingredients, focusing on creating sustainable and nutritious alternatives to traditional meat and seafood products.
One of the standout ingredients in their portfolio is the ChickP isolate, a 90% pure chickpea protein developed by the Israeli food-tech startup ChickP. This isolate is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals and is free from hormones, allergens, gluten, lactose, and GMOs.
With its robust R&D and production capabilities, Growthwell Foods is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for plant-based nutrition in Asia and beyond.
The company’s products are distributed by major partners like Country Foods and Indoguna, ensuring a wide reach in the market.
Growthwell’s ambition to be one of the leading players in plant nutrition in Asia aligns with Singapore’s commitment to food security and its emergence as a food-tech hub.
The average pricing of Growthwell Foods’s plant-based protein products is around $8 for two servings of plant protein. However, the exact pricing may depend on several factors like product type, quantity, market, supply chain, etc.
Believer Meats
Believer Meats, formerly known as Future Meat Technologies, is a cellular agriculture start-up based in Jerusalem. It aims to supply cell-based meat ingredients, technology, and equipment.
Believer Meats produces cultured meat from chicken cells and is working on cultured lamb kebabs and beef burgers.
Its mission is to transform the entire meat industry by providing real, delicious, non-GMO cultivated meat that will be accessible to all.
The company’s main offerings include chicken meat, lamb kebabs, and beef burgers grown directly from cells in a controlled environment.
Believer Meats sources its protein by cultivating animal cells in a sustainable, cruelty-free process that mimics the natural growth of meat.
Believer Meats has partnered with Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), a global conventional protein leader, to collaborate on developing and commercializing cultivated meat products. This strongly positions them to significantly impact the food innovation sector.
Believer Meats projects that its cultivated chicken will sell for approximately $3.30 per pound, roughly the same price as conventionally raised chicken, while its cultivated mincemeat or nugget-style products would sell for at least $50/kg ($23/pound) at retail.
Redefine Meat
Founded in 2018, Redefine Meat has developed technology and processes that replicate the texture, flavor, and experience of eating traditional meat, but without using animal ingredients.
The company uses 3D meat digital modeling, plant-based food formulations (such as soy, pea protein, and wheat) & food printing technology to deliver a new category of complex-matrix meat.
Redefine Meat offers a range of innovative products made using plant-based ingredients suitable for home cooking and food service. Its pioneering use of three-dimensional printing techniques makes Redefine Meat’s products different from others.
Using this approach, it has managed to reproduce the feel and taste of conventional meat using plant-based components such as soy, pea protein, and wheat.
There are already more than 4,000 restaurants globally serving Redefine Meat products. Some of the grocery retail products available include pulled pork, pulled beef, bratwurst lamb kofta mix, premium burger, and beef mince.
Redefine Meats sources their protein from plants. The majority of Redefine Meat products contain soy and wheat, rapeseed oil, beetroot, yeast extract, and coconut fat.
Redefine Meat has established a strong market presence with its innovative ‘new meat’ products across Europe and Israel.
The company’s plant-based meat alternatives have gained significant traction, and they are served in hundreds of restaurants, hotels, and food service locations in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel.
At the end of 2023, Redefine Meat also launched a new category of chef-endorsed premium-quality plant-based products in the European retail market, debuting in the UK and the Netherlands.
Redefine Meat’s 3D-printed meat products are priced at around $34 per pound, slightly more expensive than traditional meat products but comparable to other high-quality plant-based meat alternatives.
Conclusion:
In summary, the world of alternative proteins is a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and ethical food future or for producing meat and animal proteins without harming the animals.
As the global demand for protein surges and environmental concerns mount, these innovative protein sources have risen to the challenge.
With diverse options like plant-based proteins, microbial proteins, cell-based meat, and more, they offer solutions that mimic traditional products while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. The top 10 alternative protein companies highlighted here are at the forefront of this transformative movement.
From industry stalwarts like ADM and Cargill to emerging stars like Omni Foods and Shiok Meats, these companies are not just crafting sustainable protein alternatives but also actively collaborating with experts from biotechnology and researchers to push the boundaries of innovation and technology to improve.
Their unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing drives meaningful change in the food industry, or, we can say, food technology.
In 2024 and beyond, these companies will continue to lead the protein revolution, offering consumers delicious, sustainable, and planet-friendly alternatives to conventional animal-based products.
As we navigate the challenges of feeding a growing global population while protecting our planet, the alternative proteins sector is flourishing, with multiple startups offering a promising path forward, one meal at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative proteins?
Alternative proteins are protein sources derived from plants, insects, fungi, and lab-grown cells, designed to replace traditional animal-based proteins in food products.
Why are alternative proteins important for the future?
They are important because they offer sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly protein sources that can reduce the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, deforestation, and resource consumption.
What types of products do these alternative protein companies produce?
These companies produce a variety of products including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, insect protein products, and cultured meat.
How do alternative proteins benefit consumers?
Benefits include healthier food options with lower cholesterol and fat, reduced environmental impact, support for ethical and cruelty-free food production, and potential cost savings in the long term.
What challenges do alternative protein companies face?
Challenges include consumer acceptance and taste preferences, regulatory hurdles, scaling production, ensuring nutritional equivalence to traditional proteins, and achieving cost competitiveness with conventional meat products.