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With Ultra Processed Foods hitting the headlines, Christopher Kong, co-founder and CEO of Better Nature Tempeh, discusses the opportunity for whole food ingredients that are healthy for both humans and the planet.


Conversation around Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) has been increasing within the food and beverage industry of late. Hardly a day goes by when there isn’t another news story about the dangers of UPFs and the potentially negative impact that they could have on our health.

In meat-free, we’re seeing the fallout. Too much shelf space has been given to ultra-processed meat alternatives, and whilst these have played a key role in taking plant-based mainstream, the focus on health appears to have been lost.

Health: A transformational shift

What we are seeing right now in the category is a transformational shift, with health being increasingly prioritised.

According to YouGov, health is the number one driver for the move to plant-based food before the environment and animal welfare. And today, health is the single biggest opportunity to transform the category.

Consumers want a wider choice of minimally-processed meat-free products on the shelf, so for plant-based manufacturers that can offer natural and nutritious clean-label options that shoppers can trust, there is all to play for.

The meat-free aisle is awash with innovation, but some of this is lacking from a nutritional perspective and many have long ingredients lists filled with artificial ingredients.

The opportunity for whole foods

Whole foods like tempeh – which is minimally processed and nutritious with a simple, all-natural ingredients deck – offer a clear opportunity to reinvigorate the category.

Consumers are primed to adopt plant-based food but are hesitant because they feel they are not meeting their health needs, so educating consumers about health benefits is key. Tempeh, alongside other high-protein and high-fibre whole foods bringing improved nutritional balance to plant-based offerings, should be celebrated as great-tasting natural foods in their own right, rather than being compared with meat products.

However, an element of familiarity is important to entice consumers. Tempeh is still a relatively new food for many UK consumers, so exploring different product formats, such as burgers, falafels and veggie balls is key to driving purchases. It’s not about being a meat replacement, but about bringing the goodness of tempeh to formats consumers know how to cook with.

With technology and innovation, we often look forward, but sometimes the best innovation is rooted in the past. Tempeh has been a staple in Indonesian cooking for more than 300 years, and as a 100% natural and nutritious plant-based food, its potential to help people live more healthful and sustainable lives in the future is exciting.

Purpose led and planet-friendly

When it comes to health, planetary health and human health go hand in hand.

The world has never been more in need of simple, nutritious, plant-based foods, made in an ethical and sustainable way. With more consumers actively looking for planet-friendly products, the need for meat-free food that is good for both people and the planet is clear.

B Corp is part of that – not only does B Corp accreditation give businesses a clear sustainability framework to work from, it also helps them access more resources to do better business and connects them to a global community that shares the same values around health, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity.

This is just the start of the journey. As an industry, we need to push ahead to manufacture plant-based foods that are beneficial for both people and the planet. Reaching sustainability goals, doubling down on Net Zero strategies and honing how businesses are being run, not just for shareholders, but for all stakeholders, will all be vital as we navigate the challenge.

#BetterNature #cleanlabel #tempeh #WholeFoods

Opinion: Health is the biggest opportunity for plant-based

The Plant Base

17 October 2023

Opinion: Health is the biggest opportunity for plant-based

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