The evidence is clear: 2017 was the year of plant-based foods across North America, and the movement is set to get even more popular in 2018. Recent Nielsen market research shows that demand for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives increased by 8.1 per cent last year to reach 3.1 billion dollars in sales, while Google reported “plant-based diet” to be one of 2017’s top searched terms by Canadians. Major meat producer Maple Leaf Foods added a second plant-based brand to the company roster, acquiring vegan brand Field Roast last month after buying Life Light last year. So though interest in animal-free foods may be on the rise, it appears Canadians have yet to truly embrace plants as the main event at mealtime. As a result, more research has been conducted on the benefits of replacing animal proteins with plant-based sources.

Source: thestar January 01, 2018 11:03 UTC