The fervent desire for a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner diet has grown rampantly over recent years. After the pandemic’s widespread effect on productivity, gaining weight while staying at home during the long lockdown period was inevitable. Many people have turned to attending the gym regularly or trying the newest, viral products that will help them get through their fitness journey. The latest trend in the wellness category is the plant-based diet, attracting vegans and non-vegans alike. With this, there had been an inception for a steadily growing commerce interested in creating traditionally poultry or dairy-based food items from plants.

However, the culture of plant-based food isn’t a relatively new concept. The term “plant-based” was coined by the biochemist, Thomas Colin Campbell about, most often, consumable products that are made without the involvement of animal produce during the 1980s. Even though this diet can be traced back over 2,000 years ago, its modern-day popularity is thanks to the exposure it got from being showcased by wellness influencers, professionals, and prominent bloggers on social media. Additionally, a great contributor to this development is the climate change and animal rights activists who advocate not only against the inhumane slaughter of animals in the meat industry but as well as its harmful effects on the environment. Its internet comeback and sudden demand made way for companies to start expanding their inventory to more than just milk made of nuts.  

Two of the pioneers that helped shape the industry it is today are Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger who pride themselves in creating vegan burger patties that taste and look the same as the real thing. This is the goal that a lot of these companies share; to give their consumers a similar experience to eating regular dairy and poultry without actually having to. Production for more plant-based items is under development continuously, aiming to reach into all corners of the retail system. 

Americans have shown an open-mindedness towards the idea of going plant-based because of its health, ethical and environmental benefits. According to a survey conducted involving 1,043 American adults, results state that more than half of the respondents are comfortable with venturing toward the world of a plant-based diet but have no idea where to start. Furthermore, the respondents expressed their lack of deeper knowledge about their daily meals’ impact on society. This reflects that even with its wildfire spread on the internet, people are still puzzled about where to begin their diet. Proper education on the diet is the key breakthrough for its potential to make a Plantae future.