Startups have now become a viable option in the world, people are willing to indulge themselves in this so that they can achieve their dream to be an entrepreneur. Starting something innovative takes a lot of courage, one can be on top of the world, and on the very next day, you might see them at the bottom. Everything depends on the execution of the plan and the customer.
With over 1.3 billion people living in this country, eradicating malnutrition and hunger is not an easy job and in the future, it is only going to be more challenging. As per reports, 71% of Indians consume meat and it is a primary source of protein. Climate change is one of the most problematic factors now, it is being an obstacle to produce meat in a sustainable way.
Thanks to innovative technology and creation, people are finding ways to put food on everybody’s plate without harming nature and its creatures and by tackling climate change. Plant-based food items are on rising to provide a sustainable food system to everyone and by being slaughter-free. Just like the rest of the world, India also took partake in this industry and decided to make slaughter-free food products for its citizens.
“What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone. Know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.” – Dave Thomas
What is Plant-Based Meat?
To be specific plant-based meat are nothing but food items that are made by plants and look, feel and taste like meat. Nowadays plant-based meats’ popularity has increased given the positive factor that they are environment friendly and healthy as well.
They have enough amounts of proteins; calories and fiber needed for a healthy human body and cut off fat content that is harmful to the body. Plant-based meats are mostly made of soy, mushroom, wheat gluten, and beans.
Some of the most popular plant-based meat startups that are able to entice people who prefer slaughter-free products are listed below.
This article will list down the popular startups that have decided to accept the process of making cruelty-free and slaughter-free food items that are plant-based.
Plant-Based Meat Startups in India
Good Dot
This food tech startup was founded in 2016 with only one aim and that is to provide plant-based products that serve the taste of real meat to anyone and anywhere. It was founded by Abhishek Sinha, Deepak Parihar, Shruti Sonali, Stephanie Downs, and Taranum Bhatia and the headquarters is situated in Udaipur, India.
The products come at affordable prices and provide its customer with a healthier option for protein. The food items that are consumed are created by soya, pea, and wheat protein.
Some of the popular items are, ‘Veg Bytz’ that looked and taste like chicken strips. There we also have ready to cook ‘Vegicken’ and not to forget, chunks of mocked chicken ‘Proteiz’.
Evo Foods
This startup founded in the year 2019 by Shraddha Bhansali and Kartik Dixit is making headlines since the very first day. The main reason is being, although all the items are plant-based liquid eggs, they do taste, smell, and look like normal eggs that we consume. The liquid eggs are created by mung beans.
The startup is based in Mumbai, India, and claims that these vegan eggs make omelet fluffier than normal chicken eggs. Plus they are healthy to consume as they are cholesterol-free and fat-free. Omelets and scrambled eggs made by these vegan eggs taste really good.
Preeti Karna
Mister Veg
This startup not only provides plant-based meat but also provides seafood as well. It was founded in the year 2018 by Rupinder Singh and Simarjeet Singh, its aim is to save the environment by providing meat and seafood in a cruelty-free manner to its customer and at an affordable price.
Apart from all these, the Faridabad, India-based startup sells ready-to-eat meals that contain no preservatives and are consumed by the customer. The shelf life of these products is more than a year and can be kept at room temperature without any problem. The main attraction is the plant-based seafood and meat products for the customers.
Greenest
Like its name, it food item made up of green and healthy plants. It was founded in the year 2017 by Gaurav Sharma, Kannan Krishnamoorthy, and Dinesh Jain the main goal is to give nutritious tasty, and healthy food to the consumers in Asia without harming the environment.
Based in New Delhi, India the customer’s favorite food items are kebabs, meatballs, patties for burgers, and keema all of them are plant-based but taste exactly like real meat. Free from preservatives, this company takes care of its customer’s health as well as the planet.
Vezlay
This 2011 based startup founded by Amit Bajaj gives out vegan food items to its customers that are nutritious, delicious, and healthy for them. Based in New Delhi, India the food products looked and tasted like real meat but are actually made up of soy and wheat products.
Their famous food items are Seekh kebabs, Shami kebabs, Rogan josh and not to forget their Soya Vegget an exact replica in texture and taste of chicken nuggets. These ready-to-eat food products are cost-friendly for the customers and are environment friendly as well.
Wakao
Wakao is a plant-based meat startup promising to provide juicy and delicious food. The startup was founded by Sairaj Dhond in the year 2020. The company is situated in Goa, India. The company’s main aim is to serve food that is good for its customers as well as the environment.
The company also takes care of the food soldiers through their Friend’s of Farmers initiative. Whenever someone purchases their product, the company donates 1% of that sale to local farmers. The target audience of this brand is people with high incomes.
Imagine Meats
Imagine Meats is a plant-based meat startup founded by popular Bollywood couple Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza. The startup was founded in the year 2021, to provide delicious food according to Indian taste buds.
The brand is created to provide people with healthy, tasty and guilt-free plant-based meat products to the customers. The wide range of kebabs, nuggets, burgers and biryani main aim is to keep the planet safe without harming it by killing animals.
Souvik Dey
Conclusion
We live in a time where climate change has become one of the biggest challenges of our time. With an increasing population, it is not possible to provide food without increasing carbon footprints and harming the environment.
India is the second most populated country in the world; plant-based food items will not only contribute in saving the planet but will also help its consumers living a healthy life by having tasty and nutritious food.
FAQs
Is Plant-Based Meat Available in India?
Yes, plant-based meat is a fast-growing item in the food industry and is available in India.
How Big is the Plant-Based Meat Industry?
As of 2020, the market size of the plant-based meat industry was $5.6 billion. It is projected to reach USD 8.3 billion by 2025.
Is Plant-Based Meat Healthier than Regular Meat?
Plant-based meat is considered healthier as they are lower in saturated fat and calories.
What are the plant-based meat companies in India?
Some of the plant based meat companies in India are:
- Good Dot
- Evo Foods
- Mister Veg
- Greenest
- Vezlay
