Plant-Based Alternatives: A Golden Opportunity for Vietnam's Agricultural Sector

Looking at this list, Vietnam can completely become the world's FoodTech Hub if businesses dare to invest in R&D and expand cooperation for innovation!

1. Eat Just : Plant-based egg made from mung beans

In the post-COVID world, the global supply chain is still trying to catch up, from technology to meat and eggs; as climate concerns intensify across markets, along with water supply concerns, some companies are turning to plant-based foods as a climate-friendly solution to save energy and resources like water.

And, Just Egg is the leading plant-based egg brand, owning more than 99% of the market. And they have helped more than two million households make delicious, plant-based breakfasts. Their product cooks, tastes and functions just like a chicken egg, making it a simple and easy swap for consumers trying to eat more plant-based.

The unique mung bean protein processing technology is the key to Just Egg's competitive advantage in the market. Mung beans are soaked, ground, and the protein is extracted. This protein is then processed to form a mixture that can coagulate when heated, similar to egg whites. As a result, Just Egg not only has a delicious flavor but can also replace chicken eggs in most dishes, from fried eggs and omelets to bread. Compared to chicken eggs, Just Egg uses 83% less land, 93% fewer carbon emissions and 98% less water, and to date we have sold the equivalent of more than 350 million chicken eggs. From a health standpoint, Just Egg contains zero cholesterol, 69% less saturated fat and nearly the same amount of protein per serving as a chicken egg.

You can use JUST Egg in many of the same ways you'd use conventional eggs: in a scramble, omelete, frittata, french toast, pancakes and many common baking applications. Just Egg offer a variety of recipes on their website for inspiration. Currently, these products are available in 48,000 retail stores, including Whole Foods, Target, and Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as over 3,300 restaurants and cafes in the US and Canada, such as Planta, Barnes & Noble, Caffè Nero, Peet's Coffee, and Philz Coffee.

Just Egg CEO Josh Tetrick said, "Initially, we believed there would be a plant that could create something like an egg. And then, with the combined efforts of scientists, engineers, and chefs, we turned that dream into reality, creating Just Egg - a healthy and sustainable alternative to chicken eggs."

To date, their Just Egg product has sold the equivalent of half a billion chicken eggs since its launch in 2019. This product line has captured 99% of the entire vegan egg market in the United States and is one of the fastest-growing egg brands – of plant origin nationwide. With the number of eggs sold, the company says it has prevented 87 million kg of CO2e from being released into the atmosphere, saved 18.3 billion gallons of water, and avoided using 26,900 acres of land to grow soybeans and corn as feed for chickens."

2. Kite Hill : Plant-based Cheese made from Almond

Kite Hill is a prominent brand in the plant-based food industry, founded in 2010 by entrepreneurs in Berkeley, California. The brand specializes in providing cheese alternatives and other products made from almonds, aiming to offer substitutes for animal-derived dairy products. This startup chose almonds as their primary ingredient due to their rich content of monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and essential minerals. When fermented and processed, almonds can produce cheese products with delicious flavors, smooth textures, and a moderate fat content that rivals traditional cheese.

Kite Hill's main products include fresh cheeses (cream cheese, ricotta, typically used for spreading on bread, baking, or pairing with other dishes); aged cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, which can be grated, seasoned, or baked); and almond yogurt. Kite Hill's almond cheeses have a texture and taste similar to traditional cheese, often without dairy or gluten, catering to vegetarians, those with dairy allergies, and individuals seeking to reduce saturated fat in their diets.

Kite Hill's products are crafted with high-quality ingredients, free from animal components, and certified organic, providing a healthy and environmentally friendly choice. The brand distributes its products through major retailers such as Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, as well as various restaurants and cafés. With rapid growth and investment from major investors, Kite Hill continues to expand and innovate in the plant-based food industry, meeting the increasing demands of modern consumers. The brand is expected to further scale and diversify its offerings. Kite Hill not only provides healthy alternatives but also contributes to the advancement of the sustainable food industry.

3. Impossible Foods : A Multisensory Experience of Real Meat with Plant-Based Alternatives

Impossible Foods, a direct competitor to Beyond Meat, has revolutionized the food industry with its renowned Impossible Pork. Unlike traditional pork, Impossible Pork is made from plant-based ingredients, primarily soybeans, yet maintains the distinctive flavor and texture of real pork. The unique technology of Impossible Foods has created a "meatless" product that is not only delicious but also offers numerous health and environmental benefits.

CEO Pat Brown has articulated the company's vision: "Pork is a globally popular food source, especially in Asia. Our goal is to provide a sustainable and tasty alternative worldwide."

Impossible Pork is not only vegan but also certified kosher and halal, ensuring it meets various dietary needs. The primary protein source is soybeans, combined with heme—a compound that imparts a meaty flavor—helping Impossible Pork achieve a taste and color similar to real pork.

Compared to traditional pork, Impossible Pork has significantly lower calories and fat, contains no cholesterol, and is lower in sodium. It has 70% fewer calories than conventional lean pork (220 calories versus 350 calories in a 4-ounce serving), less fat (13 grams versus 32 grams), less saturated fat (7 grams versus 11 grams), and no cholesterol compared to 86 mg in regular pork. However, the protein content of both types of meat is similar, with both reaching 16 grams. This demonstrates that Impossible Pork is a nutritionally balanced choice suitable for various consumers.

The production process of Impossible Pork has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional pig farming. By reducing carbon emissions and saving water, Impossible Foods contributes to building a more sustainable food ecosystem. The product has quickly become an essential part of many restaurants and stores worldwide, meeting the growing consumer demand for healthy and environmentally friendly food options.

With an ongoing commitment to innovation, Impossible Foods is paving the way for a new future in the food industry, where plant-based products are not only an alternative but also a popular consumer trend.

4. Juicy Marbles : Plant-Based Bone-In Ribs

Juicy Marbles, a Slovenia-based startup leading the way in whole-cut plant-based meat, has announced a "new, more mature chapter" in meat alternatives with the launch of its plant-based Baby Ribs. This product is an upgraded version of the previous Bone-In Ribs and is ready for large-scale retail. To meet customer demands, the ribs are made using a new formula called Marble 3.0.

Marble 3.0 is composed of ingredients such as soy protein, sunflower oil, beetroot colorant, and methylcellulose. The company is also distinguishing itself in the plant-based field with a proprietary technology named the Meat-o-Matic Reverse Grinder 9000, which simulates the marbled texture in meat.

Juicy Marbles' plant-based ribs provide 32 grams of protein per serving with a complete amino acid profile, fulfilling the body's high nutritional needs. Notably, MARBLE 3.0 avoids thickeners and binders like methylcellulose and carrageenan, and is free from preservatives and additives. The product also contains essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B, and vitamin B12, with non-GMO ingredients and a Nutri score of A.

Vladimir Mi?kovi?, co-founder and Brand Director of Juicy Marbles, shares: “For years, we have gathered feedback from thousands of consumers. Since more than half of our customers are not vegetarians, our research has revealed a simple truth about food: we all want tasty food, but we also want to ensure it’s nutritious. We want to eat foods that are good for our bodies, and that’s what food companies should provide.” These innovations aim to counter the misconception that plant-based meats only mimic the taste and texture of animal meat without offering equivalent nutrients. He adds: “Consumers want products with ingredients they understand. Many are adding plant-based meat to their 'protein portfolio,' and we want them to be assured that they are not just eating something that mimics the feel of meat, but also providing essential nutrients for the body. It’s about ‘both form and content’ in food.”

To enhance the authenticity of the rib-eating experience, Juicy Marbles has developed plant-based bones made from pure protein. This unique idea allows users to fully enjoy the rib experience, from flavor to texture. The rib bones are also completely biodegradable and edible. After enjoying the meat, you can roast, fry, or dry the bones to create a crunchy, protein-rich snack, or use them to make a rich broth.

A key difference between traditional animal ribs and Juicy Marbles' Baby Ribs is the tenderness and ease of bone separation. Marbles' ribs require only 15-20 minutes of preparation, whereas real pork ribs take over 5 hours. Preparing high-end pork ribs demands patience and time, often reserved for special occasions. With Juicy Marbles' ribs, the rib-eating experience becomes more accessible, even for novice cooks.

Truc Uyen.