Table of Contents
Introduction
New York, NY – January 20, 2025 – The global Plant-based Chicken Market is witnessing rapid growth and is poised to reach an estimated value of USD 17.1 billion by 2033, up from USD 3.5 billion in 2023, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
This remarkable surge is driven by the increasing demand for plant-based alternatives, fueled by rising consumer awareness about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. As more people adopt plant-based diets or reduce their meat consumption, plant-based chicken offers a viable, nutritious alternative to traditional poultry products.
Growing health concerns related to meat consumption, such as cholesterol levels and environmental impacts of animal farming, are further propelling this shift. The market’s popularity is also amplified by the expanding availability of plant-based chicken across retail stores and food service outlets globally.

Key Takeaways
- Plant-based Chicken Market size is expected to be worth around USD 17.1 Bn by 2033, from USD 3.5 Bn in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 17.2%.
- Burger Patty held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 26.4% share.
- Soy-based Protein held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 38.1% share.
- Soy held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 45.1% share.
- Refrigerated Plant-based Meat held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 49.1% share.
- Hypermarkets/Supermarkets held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 46.3% share.
- North American region dominated the plant-based chicken market in 2023, capturing a significant share of 43.3%, with a market value of approximately USD 1.4 billion.
Emerging Trends
- Technological Advancements in Food Processing: The adoption of advanced extrusion and fermentation technologies is enhancing the texture and flavor of plant-based chicken products, making them more comparable to traditional chicken. These technologies are key in producing plant-based products that offer authentic tastes and improved mouthfeel, driving consumer acceptance.
- Diverse Product Offerings: The market is seeing a variety of product forms like nuggets, sausages, and even more exotic forms like bacon chips and deli slices. This diversification caters to a broader range of consumer preferences and dietary habits, enhancing the appeal of plant-based chicken across different meals and culinary uses.
- Growth of Clean and Transparent Labeling: Consumers are increasingly demanding products with fewer additives, leading to a push for clean and transparent labeling in the plant-based chicken sector. This trend is aligned with the broader consumer shift towards health and sustainability, prompting manufacturers to highlight the natural and minimal processing aspects of their products.
- Rising Popularity Among Millennials and Gen Z: Younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are driving the demand for plant-based chicken due to their preference for ethical, sustainable, and healthy food choices. These demographics are more likely to explore plant-based options for both environmental reasons and adventurous eating.
- Innovation in Protein Sources: While soy and pea proteins remain dominant, there is a growing interest in other sources like fava bean, canola, and lentil proteins. These alternative proteins are gaining traction due to their sustainability, nutritional benefits, and lower allergenic potential, broadening the base of ingredients used in plant-based chicken products.
Use Cases
- Fast Food Innovations: Plant-based chicken has been introduced in fast food chains, like KFC’s launch of a plant-based chicken option. This marks a significant shift in quick-service dining towards more sustainable and inclusive menu choices, catering to the growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives.
- Culinary Flexibility: Plant-based chicken is extremely versatile in culinary applications. It can be used in a variety of dishes ranging from curries and sandwiches to tenders and salads, making it an easy substitute for traditional chicken in almost any recipe. This versatility appeals to both home cooks and professional chefs looking to diversify their menu offerings.
- Food Service Adoption: In the food service sector, including restaurants and cafeterias, plant-based chicken offers a valuable option for expanding menu diversity. This is particularly appealing in environments like college campuses and corporate dining facilities, where there is a high demand for inclusive food choices that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
- Health-Conscious Consumer Products: For health-conscious consumers, plant-based chicken provides a lower-fat, cholesterol-free alternative to traditional poultry. It’s also often high in protein and fiber, aligning with nutritional goals for those seeking healthier dietary options without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Sustainable Food Production: From an environmental perspective, plant-based chicken supports sustainable food production practices by reducing dependency on animal farming, which is resource-intensive and has a high carbon footprint. This aligns with growing consumer awareness and concern for the environmental impact of their food choices.
Major Challenges
- Consumer Skepticism: Despite improvements in texture and flavor, some consumers remain skeptical about plant-based chicken’s ability to fully replicate the taste and experience of traditional chicken. Concerns about the nutritional value compared to real chicken also persist, which can deter potential buyers.
- Cost Issues: Plant-based chicken often costs more than traditional chicken, which can make it less attractive to budget-conscious consumers. Although the price gap is narrowing, the higher cost remains a barrier to wider adoption.
- Regulatory and Labeling Challenges: The plant-based food industry faces diverse and sometimes stringent regulatory environments across different regions, which can complicate compliance and market entry for new products. Labeling requirements vary widely, adding another layer of complexity for manufacturers aiming to expand internationally.
- Market Saturation and Competition: The plant-based foods market has experienced rapid growth, leading to a crowded and competitive landscape. This saturation makes it challenging for new entrants to stand out and for existing players to maintain their market share.
- Health and Nutrition Perceptions: The health benefits of plant-based chicken are sometimes questioned by consumers and health experts alike. The products are often processed and may contain high levels of sodium or additives, which can conflict with consumers’ desires for ‘natural’ and minimally processed foods.
Market Growth Opportunities
- Expansion in Developing Markets: The rise in disposable income in developing countries is increasing consumer spending power, which in turn is boosting the demand for plant-based chicken products. As lifestyles improve, there is a growing interest in healthier and sustainable food choices.
- Innovative Product Offerings: There’s a significant opportunity for the development of new plant-based chicken products that mimic the taste and texture of traditional chicken. Innovations in food technology and flavor profiling are essential to attract a broader consumer base.
- Health and Wellness Trends: As health awareness increases globally, more consumers are looking for diet options that align with a healthier lifestyle. Plant-based chicken products, which are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, cater well to this demand.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Manufacturers can leverage eco-friendly packaging to attract environmentally conscious consumers. This not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for sustainability in food production.
- Broadening Distribution Channels: Increasing the availability of plant-based chicken products through diverse channels, especially in online retail, can significantly boost market reach and consumer access. This expansion includes enhancing the presence in supermarkets, health food stores, and online platforms.
Recent Developments
- Beyond Meat, Inc. Launched Beyond Steak product in October 2022 to expand its plant-based meat portfolio. Reported Q2 2024 financial results show net revenues decreased 8.8% to $93.2 million compared to the year-ago period. Introduced Beyond IV platform in 2024, developed with medical and nutrition experts and recognized by health organizations.
- Impossible Foods Inc. Raised approximately $500 million in funding in November 2021 to support growth and expansion. Introduced several new products in 2021-2022 including Impossible Sausage, Chicken Nuggets, and Pork. Expanded into new international markets including Canada, UAE, Australia, and New Zealand in 2021-2022.
- CHS Inc. announced the acquisition of West Central Ag Services in December 2024 to expand its agricultural footprint in the Upper Midwest. The deal will integrate West Central’s operations into CHS’s global grain and agronomy supply chains.
- Conagra Brands (including Gardein) Reported strong sales growth and innovation in plant-based products in fiscal year 2022. Introduced over 50 new frozen food products, including Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Chicken.
- Ingredion Inc. Completed one-third of $160 million in capital investments to expand capacity for specialty starches globally. Opened a new manufacturing facility in Shandong, China in 2022 to double starch production capacity.
Conclusion
The Plant-based Chicken Market is poised for remarkable growth, driven by a surge in consumer interest toward healthier, sustainable, and ethical food choices. As incomes rise globally and awareness about the environmental impacts of traditional meat production increases, more consumers are exploring plant-based alternatives.
With advancements in food technology enhancing the taste and texture of plant-based chicken to more closely mimic real chicken, and with broader distribution channels, including online retail and global market expansions, the sector is expected to see substantial growth. Companies that continue to innovate in product offerings and leverage eco-friendly practices are likely to thrive in this evolving market landscape, making plant-based chicken not just an alternative, but a mainstay in diets worldwide.
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