Kerry, the Taste and Nutrition Company, has released ‘Rethinking Meatless,’ a piece full of menu-inspiring concepts, which all feature plant-based protein, as well as insights on plant-based alternatives in the foodservice industry.

You can get your copy of ‘Rethinking Meatless’ HERE.

Kerry answers the question of how chefs can creatively use plant-based proteins while maintaining the integrity of their menus and meeting consumer trends and demands. In their research, Kerry found that consumers were twice as likely to have tried meat alternatives at a restaurant – 41% of consumers surveyed had tried it in a restaurant. As consumers try to explore the menu and experience plant-based alternatives that aren’t just a burger or a salad, chefs can find flexibility and creativity by using plant-based protein as a 1:1 replacement for meat.

“When replacing meat in any dish, I can’t compromise on taste, texture or application,” says Cian Leahy, Senior Executive Chef. “Plant-based proteins, such as Kerry’s PlantFare, provide a versatile alternative that meets expectations for all three, as both a chef and a consumer. They taste fantastic, maintain mouthfeel whether in a taco or a soup, and I don’t have to change the recipe around to make it work.”

In addition to the recipes, Kerry also surveyed over 500 American consumers on their preference and attitudes toward plant-based meat alternatives, leveraging point of sale retail data and trends data to provide unique insight into consumer trends and the future of moving plant-based food to the center of the plate.

As consumers demand a return to real food and beverage products, Kerry is responding with better, more authentic and nutritious taste experiences. We bring to the table our strong food heritage with 40 years of experience, global insights, marketplace knowledge, culinary and applications expertise and unique solutions that meet consumers’ needs. Kerry began as a dairy cooperative in Ireland, committed to producing real and wholesome ingredients. As we’ve grown, we continue to provide solutions that satisfy a fundamental need: to eat, to eat well and to be healthy. Kerry’s focus on Taste & Nutrition combines our multi-sensory  aroma and texture experience with in-depth knowledge of people, life stage and daily nutritional needs. By partnering with Kerry, customers are taken on a journey to make food, beverage and pharma products that people enjoy and feel better about. We call this Leading to Better.