Revolutionizing dairy alternatives with BENEO’s Faba Bean Protein

With plant-based foods gaining momentum, more consumers are shifting toward dairy-free choices. ⁱ Research conducted on behalf of BENEO reveals that over 30% of consumers are cutting back on dairyⁱⁱ, while nearly half (49%) have already embraced dairy alternatives. Also an important number is that 32% enjoy plant-based treats like chocolate.ⁱⁱⁱ Yet, there’s still room to grow with another third of flexitarian consumers being curious about dairy alternatives, and 42% are keen to explore plant-based sweets.^iv 

These flexitarian consumers are a crucial audience for plant-based product manufacturers, making it essential to understand what influences their purchasing decisions. According to BENEO’s survey, their top motivations for choosing dairy alternatives include health benefits and overall well-being (49%), a preference for natural ingredients (44%), and the desire to maintain a balanced diet (44%).^v To appeal to this audience, brands must emphasize nutritional quality and reinforce their positioning as ‘better-for-you’ options.

Beyond nutrition, it comes as no surprise that taste and texture are critical characteristics to convince consumers of (repeat) purchase. Nearly half of global flexitarian consumers consider these two factors when selecting dairy alternatives. Even more, for almost three in four (73%), achieving a rich, creamy texture similar to traditional dairy is essential.^vi Taking into consideration all of these trends and statistics, it becomes obvious that the market of dairy alternatives provides many opportunities.

This is where BENEO’s dairy-free cocoa dessert makes an impact! This indulgent creation highlights the versatility of faba bean protein, delivering the taste, texture, and nutritional benefits today’s consumers seek. Download the expert paper to explore how faba bean protein can take your next dairy alternative innovation to the next level.

BENEO source references for this article are available on request. 

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ⁱ BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 - Insites Consulting conducted an online quantitative survey in July 2021 in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, UK, US, Brazil, Australia, China and Russia: 1000 consumers/ country = 11,990 consumers in total. [48% gives a score of 7 or more on interest in plant-based nutrition N=11990]  
ⁱⁱ BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021  
ⁱⁱⁱ BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021  
^iv BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Flexitarians (N = 2905))  
^v BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Global Dairy Alternative Consumers & Flexitarian)   
^vi BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Global Dairy Alternative Consumers & Flexitarian)