Plant-Based Burgers Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Frozen, Refrigerated), By Source (Soy-Based, Mushroom-Based, Lentil-Based, Chickpea-Based, Black Bean-Based, Others), By Distribution Channel (HoReCa, Online, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Others), By Region, By Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.44 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	11.42%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 12.32 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Plant-Based Burgers Market will grow from USD 6.44 Billion in 2025 to USD 12.32 Billion by 2031 at a 11.42% CAGR. Plant-based burgers are meat alternatives primarily composed of vegetable proteins such as soy, peas, wheat, or mushrooms, formulated to replicate the sensory experience and nutritional profile of conventional beef patties. The market’s growth is fundamentally supported by heightened consumer awareness regarding environmental sustainability, increasing concern for animal welfare, and a shift toward health-conscious dietary habits that reduce red meat intake. According to the Good Food Institute, global sales of plant-based meat analogues reached $6.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a resilient demand despite broader economic pressures.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the difficulty in achieving price parity with traditional animal-based meat products. High production costs often result in a premium retail price that deters cost-sensitive consumers, particularly during periods of economic inflation. Additionally, scrutiny regarding the ultra-processed nature of some product formulations continues to create hesitation among shoppers seeking clean-label ingredient profiles.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Consumer Shift Toward Healthier Dietary Habits and Reduced Meat Consumption serves as a primary catalyst for the Global Plant-Based Burgers Market, driven by a growing population of flexitarians seeking to mitigate the risks of lifestyle-related diseases and environmental impact. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the nutritional profile of their food, prioritizing lower cholesterol and saturated fat options while simultaneously aiming to lower their carbon footprint. This dual motivation is reshaping purchasing behaviors, as individuals substitute conventional beef patties with plant-derived alternatives that offer similar satiety without the associated ethical or ecological concerns. According to Food Frontier, September 2024, in the '2024 Consumer Survey', 61% of respondents cited health reasons for reducing their meat intake, while 37% specifically identified environmental concerns as their primary motivation for adopting alternative proteins.

Improved Retail Accessibility and Mainstream Market Penetration further accelerates market adoption, as leading brands secure expanded shelf space in major grocery chains and convenience stores, moving these products beyond niche health food aisles. By establishing a stronger presence in high-traffic retail channels, manufacturers are normalizing the consumption of plant-based burgers and overcoming distribution barriers that previously limited availability. This expanded reach allows companies to maintain growth momentum even amidst broader economic fluctuations. According to Beyond Meat, November 2024, in the 'Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results', the company reported that its U.S. retail channel net revenues increased by 14.6% year-over-year, underscoring the resilience of retail demand. Furthermore, according to the Good Food Institute, in 2024, 59% of U.S. households purchased plant-based foods, indicating that these products have successfully achieved widespread acceptance within mainstream consumption patterns.

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Key Market Challenges

The difficulty in achieving price parity with traditional animal-based meat constitutes a formidable barrier to the expansion of the Global Plant-Based Burgers Market. Production complexities, supply chain inefficiencies, and the high cost of specialized protein ingredients often necessitate premium retail pricing. This economic disparity significantly limits the consumer base, as budget-conscious shoppers frequently prioritize affordability over environmental or ethical attributes, particularly during periods of economic inflation. Consequently, the inability to compete on cost prevents plant-based burgers from transitioning from a niche alternative to a household staple, restricting deeper market penetration into the mass market.

This economic disadvantage is substantiated by recent industry data which highlights the extent of the gap. According to the Good Food Institute, in 2024, plant-based meat and seafood products commanded an average price premium of 82 percent over conventional animal-based counterparts. This substantial cost difference directly hampers market growth by discouraging trial and repeat purchases among "flexitarians," who often revert to traditional beef patties due to the financial burden of switching. As long as this wide price gap persists, the market struggles to convert interest into consistent volume sales.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of Clean-Label and Minimally Processed Ingredient Formulations is reshaping product development strategies as manufacturers respond to intensifying consumer scrutiny regarding the ultra-processed nature of early meat analogues. While initial market growth was driven by the novelty of mimicry, the current consumer base is increasingly rejecting products laden with synthetic binders like methylcellulose, demanding "pantry-friendly" ingredient lists that align with their expectations of natural nutrition. This shift has forced brands to reformulate recipes to eliminate artificial additives, as ingredient transparency moves from a premium differentiator to a fundamental baseline for retaining health-conscious shoppers. According to FoodNavigator, August 2024, in the 'Clean-label plant-based meat: Is it possible?' article, a survey by the EIT Food Consumer Observatory found that 54% of European consumers are specifically deterred from purchasing plant-based meat products due to concerns that they are classified as ultra-processed foods.

Simultaneously, the Diversification into Novel Protein Sources Including Mycelium is advancing the market beyond the structural limitations of extruded soy and pea protein isolates. Mycelium cultivation enables the production of whole-cut analogues, such as bacon or steak, which naturally replicate the fibrous texture of animal muscle without requiring the extensive thermal processing associated with traditional isolates. This innovation addresses critical sensory gaps while supporting the clean-label trend, offering a differentiated value proposition that is finding success even amidst a broader category slowdown. According to Green Queen, October 2024, in the 'Plant-Based Meat is Struggling' report, while the broader sector faced headwinds, mycelium-based innovator MyForest Foods reported a year-over-year sales growth of 300% for its fungi-derived bacon products, highlighting the resilient demand for these next-generation proteins.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is positioned as the fastest-growing category in the Global Plant-Based Burgers Market, primarily due to the strategic expansion of Direct-to-Consumer channels by key industry players. Manufacturers are leveraging e-commerce platforms to overcome shelf-space limitations common in brick-and-mortar retail, thereby providing customers with access to a more extensive range of alternative protein products. Furthermore, advancements in cold-chain logistics have enabled third-party grocery services to deliver frozen and refrigerated burgers efficiently. This transition supports consumer demand for convenience while allowing brands to maintain consistent supply chains and reach untapped geographic markets.

Regional Insights

North America holds a dominant position in the global plant-based burgers market, primarily driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious food options. The region benefits from a highly developed food service and retail infrastructure that ensures broad product accessibility across major distribution channels. Additionally, the presence of key industry players facilitates consistent product development and marketing reach. Regulatory oversight from the Food and Drug Administration ensures rigorous safety standards, which fosters consumer confidence in meat alternatives and secures the region's market leadership.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Beyond Meat entered into a major foodservice partnership with Hard Rock Cafe to launch its latest burger product at all company-operated locations in North America. This collaboration allowed the restaurant chain to feature the fourth-generation plant-based patty, which is crafted with avocado oil and proteins from peas, lentils, and faba beans. The President of Hard Rock Cafe noted that the initiative aimed to meet the growing consumer demand for diverse and health-conscious dining options. The Senior Vice President of Sales at Beyond Meat expressed enthusiasm for bringing the improved product to a broader audience through this iconic hospitality brand.
• In October 2025, Impossible Foods achieved a significant milestone in product safety and quality validation by securing the NSF Certified for Sport designation for its plant-based beef and burger products. This announcement marked the first time a plant-based meat product received this prestigious certification, which is widely recognized in the sports industry. The certification verifies that the products are free from banned substances and unsafe contaminants. The company emphasized that this achievement validates the nutritional quality of its offerings for athletes and health-conscious consumers, reinforcing its commitment to providing nutrient-dense protein alternatives in the global market.
• In June 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of Impossible Foods announced the company's strategic intention to introduce its flagship plant-based burgers to European menus within the year. This development marked the conclusion of a six-year regulatory effort to enter the region's substantial market for meat alternatives. The expansion plan focused on countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom, pending final approval for the company's key ingredient, soy leghemoglobin. The executive highlighted that while European regulations on novel ingredients are strict, the company anticipated a successful entry to cater to consumers prioritizing sustainability and plant-based nutrition.
• In February 2024, Beyond Meat launched the fourth generation of its core beef platform, known as Beyond IV, in grocery stores across the United States. This significant product evolution included the unveiling of a new burger formulation designed to offer improved nutritional benefits and taste. The company utilized avocado oil to reduce the saturated fat content by 60 percent compared to the previous version and simplified the ingredient list. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Meat stated that this development involved collaboration with leading medical and nutrition experts to meet health organization standards while delivering a meat-like experience.

Key Market Players

• Beyond Meat
• Impossible Foods
• Nestle
• MorningStar Farms
• Gardein
• Lightlife
• Dr. Praeger's
• Tofurky
• Amy's Kitchen
• Field Roast

By Type	By Source	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Frozen Refrigerated	Soy-Based Mushroom-Based Lentil-Based Chickpea-Based Black Bean-Based Others	HoReCa Online Convenience Stores Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Plant-Based Burgers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Plant-Based Burgers Market, By Type:

• Frozen
• Refrigerated

• Plant-Based Burgers Market, By Source:

• Soy-Based
• Mushroom-Based
• Lentil-Based
• Chickpea-Based
• Black Bean-Based
• Others

• Plant-Based Burgers Market, By Distribution Channel:

• HoReCa
• Online
• Convenience Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Others

• Plant-Based Burgers Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE