Starfield taps into the plant-based snacks segment
The launched products reflect increasing mainstream acceptance of plant-based products.
CHINA – Starfield, a Chinese food technology company, has introduced a new plant-based snack lineup that features three categories: bagel crisps, alkaline bread crisps and plant crisps.
The bagel crisps are baked rather than fried, trans-fat-free, and free from artificial additives and preservatives. They come in a variety of flavors, including whole wheat chia seed, honey butter, and garlic, to cater to diverse consumer tastes.
Inspired by the recent trend of alkaline bread, the company has introduced alkaline bread crisps. These bite-sized, caramel sea salt-flavored bread cubes are also trans-fat-free and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with yogurt and oats.
The plant crisps are made from beetroot and peas using vacuum-frying technology, which helps retain their natural ingredients while providing a crunchy, fiber-rich snack.
These new products represent a significant expansion of Starfield’s portfolio, which already includes plant-based meat, toppings, and snacks.
The company has partnered with over 100 leading brands in food and beverage (F&B) and retail sectors, as noted by Starfield’s PR manager, Rhea Wang.
Starfield has long prioritized research and development (R&D) to enhance its market presence. The firm operates several plant-based protein laboratories and a data center in China.
These labs include specialized research areas; for instance, the molecular sensory lab studies plant-based raw materials at a molecular level to improve flavor through optimized processing and storage, while the human nutrition lab tracks nutrient retention throughout the product life cycle.
The plant-based snacks market was valued at US$45.9 billion in 2023. According to Market Research Future, this industry is projected to grow from US$49.5 billion in 2024 to US$77.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.85%.
The increasing demand for plant-based products can be attributed to their health benefits such as improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation.
Additionally, the rising trend of veganism plays a significant role in driving market growth. For example, a survey conducted by the Vegan Society in collaboration with Vegan Life magazine revealed that the vegan population in the U.K. grew by approximately 360%. In Canada, the vegan population has increased by 250%, reaching around 850,000.
Furthermore, the growing interest in veganism among celebrities and athletes is expected to provide ample growth opportunities, as these influential figures often inspire young people to adopt similar lifestyles.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
