US alt-meat slump continues, but plant protein gains traction in beverages – GFI

US alt-meat slump continues, but plant protein gains traction in beverages – GFI

US retail sales of plant-based meat and dairy continued their precipitous decline in 2025, while foodservice presented more of a mixed bag, according to a new report from nonprofit The Good Food Institute (GFI). Retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood fell 10% to $1 billion in 2025 with units down 11%, while sales of plant-based milk fell a more modest 2% to $2.7 billion with unit sales down 5%, according to data from SPINS crunched by the GFI. While dollar sales of most plant-based categories declined in 2025 with the exception of tofu/seitan/tempeh (+1%), there were some bright spots, however. Plant-based ready to drink beverage sales were up 12% driven by the high-protein trend, yogurt was up 7%, protein liquids and powders up 2%, and creamers up 2%. Source: Total market = SPINS Natural Grocery Channel + SPINS Conventional Multi Outlet Channel + SPINS Convenience Channel (powered by Circana) US foodservice: plant-based meat down, plant-based milk up In the US foodservice channel, the declines were slightly less pronounced, with plant-based proteins (meat analogs, tofu, tempeh, grain/nut/veggie items such as bean burgers) experiencing a 7% decline in dollar sales to $291 million and a 5% decline in volumes from broadline distributors to operators in 2025. However, there were bright spots in pork analogs, chicken nuggets, meatballs, chicken patties, hot dog links, and chicken filets, and growth in some non-commercial operators such as education and healthcare segments. Plant-based milk, in contrast, enjoyed strong growth, with sales in foodservice surging 16% to…

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