Food Forward is Griffith Foods’ proactive campaign that focuses on sharing timely, relevant, and inspiring topics that bring value to our customers and consumers.
Anticipating Trends. Activating Solutions.
What is Plant Forward?
Plant Forward emphasizes flexitarian eating focused on whole plant foods (fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, nuts) with reduced animal protein. Plant-Based refers strictly to plant-derived ingredients or 100% plant diets. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives (PBMAs) are engineered from plant proteins to mimic conventional meat, while Meat & Animal Protein encompasses red meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and eggs.
Plant Forward Market Overview
While 75% of global consumers follow no strict diet, adoption is driven by everyday flexitarian habits: 52% of non-dietary consumers eat plant-based meat alternatives weekly, and 37% order mixed meat/plant dishes when dining out (+6% vs. 2023). Gen Z (22%) and Millennials (21%) drive alternative protein demand, whereas Boomers focus on whole foods, with 58% regularly consuming legumes.
Consumer Expectations & Challenges
Consumers are shifting toward standalone plant-forward foods that highlight natural ingredients rather than processed meat imitations, with 55% globally preferring products that celebrate plants on their own merits. While health (fiber, digestability), animal welfare, and sustainability drive interest, taste barriers, higher prices, and lower perceived satiety continue to hinder frequent purchasing.
Strategic Plant Forward Market Drivers
1. Whole Food Transparency & Clear Ingredients Shoppers are most comfortable converting consideration into purchase when dishes feature recognizable, whole food ingredients like legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Flavor-First Authenticity Taste remains the top barrier to recurring purchases. Success lies in leveraging familiar flavors, global culinary traditions, and modern twists rather than expecting consumers to compromise on sensory enjoyment.
3. Accessible Hybrid Solutions Integrating meat and plant proteins into a single dish allows consumers to moderate meat intake without giving up familiar dining experiences. Blending plants into animal protein formats creates approachable, nutritious, and cost-effective menu solutions.
4. Low-Risk Trial Occasions Providing lower-risk trial opportunities—such as appetizers, small plates, and happy hour specials—helps consumers explore plant forward choices in foodservice settings.
Griffith Foods Plant Forward System Solutions
Unlocking the potential of plant forward eating requires overcoming technical challenges like flavor masking, texture optimization, and nutrient density. We combine global consumer insights with deep culinary and food science expertise to create complete systems for retail and foodservice:
Custom Seasonings & Flavor Systems: Elevating natural plant ingredients with umami-rich seasonings, authentic global spice blends, and masking technologies.
Texture & Coating Technologies: Delivering crispiness, succulence, and mouthfeel through advanced binder systems, batters, and stay-crisp breadings.
Sauces, Glazes & Dressings: Creating craveable finishing glazes, marinades, and topical sauces that add bold culinary expression to grains, legumes, and vegetable builds.
Culinary Concepts
Versaterra Corn Fritter
Crispy golden cakes inspired by classic crab cakes, combining crab cake seasoned plant-based protein and sweet corn with vibrant elote-style seasoning for a savory, zesty finish.
Griffith Foods™ Versaterra Long, Corn Fitter Dough TBD, Elote Type Seasoning 1385503
Crispy Cowboy Butter Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bits
Crispy Brussels sprouts bursting with buttery garlic herb flavor, kissed with spice, and topped with smoky, crunchy Versaterra bacon bits.
Griffith Foods™ Cowboy Butter Seasoning, Versaterra Shredded
Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri Flavor Glaze
Fire-grilled cauliflower steaks finished with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri glaze that brings together fresh herbs, zesty notes, and smoky charred flavor.
Griffith Foods™ Chimichurri Flavor Glaze
Why Partner with Griffith Foods?
Partnering with Griffith Foods means gaining a dedicated collaborator committed to driving purpose-driven growth and shaping the future of food. Our cross-functional approach seamlessly integrates deep consumer insights, category expertise, culinary artistry, and R&D to ensure your products stay ahead of evolving market demands. Driven by real-time proprietary data from global consumer and flavor research, we develop custom solutions backed by robust consumer understanding.
From functional binders and raw material texturizers to craveable seasonings, topical glazes, and specialized coatings, our end-to-end capabilities empower your brand to deliver delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant forward products that resonate with today’s consumers.
Contact our innovation team today to start building your next breakthrough plant forward solution.
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