Breaking: Vegan Foods Market Surpasses $55 Billion Globally in 2025

Key takeaway: A new market analysis released today shows the global vegan foods sector exceeded $55 billion in retail sales for 2025, driven by expanded plant-based dairy, private-label offerings, and broader supermarket distribution.

Market drivers

Industry analysts attribute the surge to several converging trends:

• Retail adoption: Major supermarket chains have increased shelf space for vegan alternatives, including in deli and refrigerated aisles.
• Private labels: Supermarket own-brands now offer affordable plant-based milks, spreads, and meat alternatives, broadening price accessibility.
• Product innovation: Improved textures and flavors have reduced aficionado-only appeal, attracting flexitarians and meat reducers.
• Sustainability messaging: Greater consumer awareness of food system impacts is nudging purchase behavior.

Regional highlights

North America: Plant-based dairy alternatives continue to dominate sales, but refrigerated plant-based meat and ready meals show the fastest growth. Retailers report double-digit YOY growth in private-label plant-based categories.

Europe: Europe remains an innovation hotspot for plant-based cheeses and dairy-free yogurts, with cross-border launches from artisanal brands finding rapid adoption.

Asia-Pacific: Growth is concentrated in urban centers with younger demographics, where local ingredients—like soy and jackfruit—drive product diversity.

Consumer behavior shifts

Surveys indicate that most purchasers identify as flexitarian rather than strictly vegan. Health considerations, taste improvements, and convenience are the leading motivations for choosing plant-based products.

"Were seeing the mainstreaming of plant-based food as a category, from niche aisles to everyday shopping lists," said an industry analyst interviewing for this report.

Retail and brand implications

Established food brands are ramping up investment in plant-based R&D. Meanwhile, startups that focus on supply chain efficiencies and clean-label formulations attract acquisition interest from major food conglomerates.

Environmental and social perspectives

While plant-based foods generally have lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than equivalent animal products, experts caution that ingredient sourcing and packaging choices significantly affect overall sustainability footprints.

Outlook for 2026

Analysts forecast continued growth at a moderated pace, with particular expansion in affordable private-label items and value-driven frozen meal formats. Expect innovation in fermentation-derived proteins and broader adoption of upcycled ingredients.

What this means for consumers

More choices at different price points, better tasting options, and wider availability are likely to benefit shoppers. However, consumers should remain mindful of label-reading to avoid overly processed options and unnecessary additives.

We will continue to monitor launches and retail changes as brands respond to this market momentum. For shoppers, the takeaway is clear: plant-based options are here to stay and will become increasingly accessible.