Increased mobility, flexible work schedules, and balanced kindergarten and school meals have led to a shift in eating habits in recent years. Instead of the classic three main meals, now the focus is on the evening meal. During the day small snacks keep hunger at bay, supply new energy, and keep the mood upbeat. According to Innova Market Insights six out of ten consumers say that they would rather eat many small meals than a few big ones. But at the same time consumers’ expectations from mini-meals are rising. They want delicious creations that are also healthy and as natural as possible. Snacks are thus turning into healthier, higher-quality, more sophisticated mini-meals with new ideas and simple handling.The plant-based market offers a wide range of new possibilities for very different formats and applications, from yogurt alternatives and plant-based versions of cheese snacks to meatball, nugget, and fish stick alternatives, to plant-based sushi and pocket pizza.
Plant-Based Snack Ideas for Meat and Fish Alternatives
Planteneers has developed the right functional systems for the easy manufacture of many snack ideas. For example, the fiildMeat series includes a system for plant-based alternatives to salami sticks. These are free from additives* and have considerably less saturated fatty acids than comparable animal products, yet feature a high protein content. There are also cold-cut varieties and heat-stable pepperoni alternatives for pizza. Clean-label versions* are likewise feasible. For meatballs and burger patties Planteneers even offers MC-free versions. The alternative meat snacks lineup is rounded out with plant-based sausages, nuggets, and schnitzel.Whether snack classics like fish sticks and nuggets or lifestyle foods like sushi, with systems from the fiildFish series manufacturers can bring many different fish alternatives to market. By adjusting the flavor and color it is possible to make plant-based versions of tuna and salmon that can be offered plain or smoked. Plant-based shrimp and calamari are also possible. All products are free from soy and phosphates.
Yogurt and Cheese Alternatives: Healthy and Delicious Mini-Meals
Yogurt has been popular as a healthy snack for years. Whether with fruit or cereals, yogurt offers something for every taste and every time of day. The same naturally goes for plant-based versions. With its fiildDairy systems Planteneers enables product ideas based on coconut milk, almond butter, oat drink, or soy protein. Together with the functional systems, they can be made in drinkable or spoonable viscosities, in sweet or spicy flavors. These yogurt alternatives, which can be enriched with fruit preparations or flavors as desired, can also be made with protein contents as high as six percent.The plant-based cheese snack alternatives can feature up to five percent protein content. Thanks to their sliceable consistency they can be marketed as cubes, sticks, or slices. For special occasions Planteneers offers functional systems for making plant-based block cheese alternatives. Their sliceability makes them ideal for grating without sticking. Their good melt properties also make them ideal for fried snack products like chili cheese nuggets and mozzarella sticks. These cheese alternatives come in several flavors.
The functional system for plant-based cream cheese alternatives offers additional possibilities, such as cherry paprika fillings, dips, and bread spreads. The base can be enhanced as desired with herbs, seasonings, or vegetables. The creamy, spreadable texture is also available in a whippable version. The declaration-friendly ingredients are another advantage.These examples illustrate the range of possibilities the plant-based market offers. With creative ideas, manufacturers can meet consumer demand for new products and generate further growth.*Planteneers defines “clean label” and “without additives” as formulations that contain no declarable E-numbers or additives like preservatives, flavor enhancers, or added flavors. The formulations can contain natural flavors or seasoning mixes.
