WAGENINGEN, April 7, 2026 – Meat products enriched with plant-based ingredients, also known as hybrid products, have made a definitive breakthrough in Dutch retail. A baseline measurement by Foodvalley reveals that nearly all supermarkets have embraced the segment. The 115 analyzed products often outperform their traditional counterparts in both price and Nutri-Score and taste. Driven by rising meat prices, experts predict the assortment will double within a single year. An increase in plant-enriched dairy products is also expected. 

Image: Balanced Proteins – free for publication. Photo credit: Marnix Klooster.

Renaissance

Enriching meat products with plant-based ingredients to reduce animal-derived content is not a new concept. Until the 1990s, it was common practice to incorporate plant-based ingredients to optimize texture and flavor. Now, driven by rising meat prices and the desire of retailers to achieve protein transition targets more quickly, these combination products are making a comeback. They cater to consumer demand for products that respect existing routines and flavor profiles. 

‘Soft’ Communication

Foodvalley analyzed 115 products based on category, composition, price, Nutri-Score, and communication strategy. The data shows that high-turnover private label products, such as minced meat, smoked sausage (rookworst), and hamburgers, are the primary candidates for plant-based enrichment. Notably, retailers are employing a “soft” communication strategy: many only list the plant-based components in the ingredient declaration, as required by law. 

Key Results

• 115 products were investigated based on the definition used for this analysis. Of these, 111 were meat products and 4 were dairy preparations. 

• Jumbo carries the highest share of plant-enriched products (41%), followed by Albert Heijn (AH) (28%) and Lidl (8%). 

• The average plant-based content in the 111 meat products is 10.5%. 

• Fava bean protein is the most used plant-based ingredient (47%), followed by upcycled ingredients such as sugar beet fiber (20%). Seaweed, vegetable pieces, potato, jackfruit, oyster mushrooms, and mycoprotein are also utilized. 

• Nutri-Score: For 31 of the products, the Nutri-Score could be compared to a direct reference. In 35% of cases, the plant-enriched version scores better due to lower saturated fat and/or higher fiber content. 

• Price: For 44 of the products, the price could be compared to a direct reference. In 60% of cases, the price of the plant-enriched version is lower. On average, they are €1.27 per kilogram (4.4%) cheaper. 

International scaling: Balanced Proteins

The Protein Transition Map NL, released by The Protein Community in 2024, highlights the Netherlands’ pioneering role: the country hosts at least 30 production companies focusing on plant-based enrichment for meat, fish, or dairy using specialized raw materials, ingredients, and techniques. Foodvalley states that these innovations have significant potential to help international supermarkets, food service providers, and caterers scale these products globally. 
To support this, Foodvalley will announce a partnership with the American organization Food System Innovations during Plant FWD 2026 (April 8 & 9 at the Midden Nederland Hallen). Under the banner “Balanced Proteins,” they are joining forces to unite international expertise and stakeholders to take this category mainstream.

Expected growth in dairy

Foodvalley intends to conduct this measurement annually. For the coming 12 months, experts predict a doubling of SKUs in the meat aisle, alongside growth in the dairy sector; specifically in quark, yogurt, and cheese categories. Experts also forecast that AI will assist in discovering new combinations of animal and plant-based ingredients. Foodvalley emphasizes the potential of upcycled vegetable side-streams. Samples of these innovations will be available for tasting during the Plant FWD 2026 event. Together with Foodleap.com, the online platform hosted by Datascouts , The Protein Community is doing a market and data study in other European countries about Balanced Products. Some insights of this study, that is almost finalized, will be presented at plant FWD.