Future of the Industry 2024:
Balanced Proteins

World’s first publicly-available sensory analysis of 22 balanced
(blended) protein products across 9 categories with 1,192 omnivores.

NECTAR’s inaugural Future of the Industry publication represents the world’s largest sensory analysis of balanced (“blended”) proteins and dives deep into:

  • Categorical & competitive insights

  • Consumer satisfaction

  • R&D opportunities

  • Go-to-market strategy

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Report Update: May 2025

When NECTAR first launched the Future of the Industry 2024 report, we set out to benchmark what success looks like for Balanced Proteins–a new class of meat products that combine animal meat with plant-based protein or whole-cut vegetables. 

This month, we’ve re-released the report with an updated awards framework to showcase which balanced products are meeting these new taste standards compared to conventional meat. See below for the updated awards framework and the winning brands:

  • Taste Superiority: Balanced protein is preferred over animal

  • Taste Parity: Balanced protein is equal in preference to animal benchmark

  • Ready for Mainstream Adoption: Balanced protein is rated the same or better than the animal benchmark by at least 50% of tasters

Taste Superiority

Taste Parity

Ready for
Mainstream Adoption

Balanced Proteins: Category Deep Dives

Webinar

“NECTAR’s research has given us consumer proof points about the Balanced Proteins category that we've leveraged to tell a more compelling sales story & secure conversations with some of the country's largest foodservice operators.”

— Andrew Arentowicz, CEO, 50/50 Foods

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Taste of the Industry 2024
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