Alternative ingredients use advanced processing techniques, such as precision fermentation and cell culture, to replicate the taste and texture of conventional food ingredients while providing additional health and environmental benefits. Beanless coffee, cocoa-free chocolate, nut-free spreads, seed-free oil, and bee-free honey are examples. The industry is still relatively nascent, with most startups focused on product development. However, a few products, such as natural sweeteners, have been commercialized and are gaining momentum among early adopters.

The need to decarbonize the food sector and focus on ethical sourcing to address child labor and human rights violations drive the industry. Growing demand for allergen-free and other healthy foods is also playing a role. Alternative ingredients currently in the market have a significant price premium. The main hurdle for the industry is to keep manufacturing costs low enough to ensure economic viability. 

Note: The hub excludes ingredients for novel food products such as Plant-based Meat, Plant-based Dairy & Egg, and Cell-cultured Meat, which are covered in their respective industry hubs.