Demand for plant-based proteins rises in Mexico
Mexican consumers are looking into new sources of protein in meat substitutes. Although the current alternatives available in the market remain too expensive for the majority of Mexican consumers, there is an increasing demand for plant-based products.
COVID19
The alleged zoonotic origin of SARS-COV-2 has raised awareness among Mexican consumers about food safety for meat products. The COVID19 pandemic has also increased their awareness about the human health, environmental sustainability and animal welfare aspects of meat. This has led some of them to switch from conventional animal protein products to plant-based protein products.
Perceived benefits of plant-based proteins
A recent market report from Euromonitor focused on Latin American consumers points out that 54% of Mexican consumers is looking to shift to plant-based proteins due to digestive problems. 49% of them stated that eating plant-based proteins instead of common meat products makes them feel better (health-wise), while 44% started consuming alternative proteins due to a doctor’s recommendation. 30% of Mexican consumers believe it is just good for them. Overall, 90% of the respondents indicated they would like to eat plant-based proteins more often.
Changing menus
Fast food chains are adapting to these trends and are looking to expand their menus to include more plant-and cheese-based options. At the same time, in order to appeal to the palate of Mexican consumers and be able to compete with real meat products, these alternatives will need to closely resemble the taste, texture and aromas of conventional meat. Also, most plant-based meat alternatives currently available in the market remain too expensive for most Mexican households.