Plant-based foods are transforming the way we eat. They’re healthier, more sustainable, and cater to the growing demand for meat alternatives.
For industries like food production, retail, and restaurants, this shift is happening at the perfect moment.
In this report, we highlight 20 companies leading the charge in plant-based innovation. From established food giants to exciting startups, these brands are pushing the boundaries of taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
They’re tackling challenges in taste, affordability, and scalability with groundbreaking solutions.
We’ll explore the efforts of top players like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, who are reshaping the future of plant-based diets.
For a closer look at insights like these, head over to our complete article here.
#1 EMGEE TRADING BVBA
Headquarters: Belgium
EMGEE Trading BVBA specializes in various innovative solutions, with a particular focus on advanced technologies.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Pet Food Comprising A Protein Composition And Method Of Producing Said Food (WO2021023839A1)
Hypoallergenic pet food made from proteins isolated from animals of the same species group to avoid allergic reactions. The proteins are from sources like fowl, teleost, bovid, leporid, or deer.
The protein composition provides essential amino acids in the right amounts for pet nutrition. The high digestibility of the proteins reduces allergenicity.
The food also contains fats, vitamins, minerals, and optional supplements. The method involves mixing isolated proteins from animals in the same group.
Pet Food Containing A Protein Composition And Method For The Production Of The Said Food (BE1027481B1)
A hypoallergenic pet food that provides a nutritionally balanced diet without causing allergic reactions in sensitive pets.
The food contains protein sources isolated from animals of the same group, like poultry, fish, or bovids. This avoids cross-reactivity between proteins.
The protein sources provide essential amino acids in quantitative requirements for pets. The food has a digestibility of at least 80% for absorption.
Additional ingredients like vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and supplements are mixed in.
Pet food comprising a protein composition and method of producing said food (GB2586139A)
Pet food with hypoallergenic protein sources to prevent allergic reactions in pets. The food contains multiple protein sources isolated from animals within the same group (e.g., fowl, teleost, bovid).
This reduces the likelihood of hypersensitivity compared to using proteins from different animal sources.
The protein composition provides essential amino acids, digestible aminos, low purine content, and balanced nutrients. The ingredients are chosen to avoid allergens and provide optimal nutrition for pets.
#2 SOCIÉTÉ DES PRODUITS NESTLÉ SA
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland
Nestlé is a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness, providing a wide range of products in the food and beverage sector.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
A Milk Analogue Product Comprising Cereal And Legume (WO2021259802A1)
A vegan food composition made from cereal and legume that closely resembles milk in taste, texture, and nutrition.
The composition contains at least 3% cereal and 6% legume on a dry basis, with dietary fiber from both sources.
It aims to provide a clean label, plant-based alternative to milk that avoids common issues like grittiness, bitterness, and long ingredient lists.
The composition can be made by milling cereal and legume to reduce particle size, then mixing with water, heating, homogenizing, evaporating, sterilizing, and drying.
Functional Food Composition Comprising Collagen And Methods To Produce It (BR112022011830A2)
Functional food composition with collagen and almond protein that is stable during storage and has a smooth texture.
The composition contains collagen peptides in an amount of 15-25% and an almond protein blend in an amount of 25-40%. It avoids sugar and gluten to be suitable for sports nutrition.
The collagen and almond protein provide collagen replacement and protein without hardening during storage or discomfort when consumed.
The composition can be consumed as a meal or supplement to maintain collagen levels.
Fermented Non-Dairy Food Composition Comprising Oat And Faba Proteins (WO2022253818A1)
Fermented non-dairy food composition that has a good taste profile, a good nutritional profile and resembles the appearance and texture of dairy yoghurt.
The composition comprises oat and faba protein isolate, vegetable oil, a source of calcium for fortification, and wherein the food composition does not comprise dairy protein.
It is free from stabilizing gums and has a pH below 4.6, preferably a pH of 4.4 – 4.6, can be source of protein, source of calcium and containing a live culture.
#3 CARGILL INC
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Cargill is one of the world’s largest private companies, focusing on food production, agriculture, and risk management solutions.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Plant-Based Ground And Formed Meat Alternatives (WO2023250414A1)
The present disclosure relates to a meat substitute composition that comprises a textured plant protein, a plant protein powder, and a binding system.
The present disclosure also relates to a meat substitute product that comprises the meat substitute composition.
A method of making a meat substitute product is also described herein.
Plant-Based Egg Substitute (CA3186876A1)
Disclosed herein are egg substitutes based on plant protein. In an aspect, the egg substitute composition includes pea protein. In an aspect, the egg substitute composition is egg-free.
In an aspect, the composition is free of soy protein and/or wheat protein. Functional systems for providing the appropriate texture for a plant-based egg substitute composition are also disclosed.
Vegan Composition For Baking (WO2021243147A1)
The invention relates to a vegan composition for use as an egg and/or dairy replacement comprising a starch source, a dietary fiber source and a hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
The invention also relates to baked food products, such as cakes, in particular sponge cakes, comprising the composition.
The invention also relates to the use of the vegan composition as an egg and/or dairy replacement in baked food products.
#4 ROQUETTE FRERES
Headquarters: Lestrem, France
Roquette Frères is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and solutions, serving the food, health, and industrial sectors.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Process For Producing A Plant Based Food Product (WO2023099035A1)
Process for producing plant-based fruit leathers and jerky with a texture close to the original product, high protein content, and without requiring extrusion or cooking steps.
The process involves mixing textured vegetable protein, vegetable protein isolate, carbohydrate, and additives in specific ratios, then spreading and drying the mixture into the final product.
Plant Based Meat Analog (WO2022184317A1)
Plant-based gyros meat analog using pea protein isolate and hydrated textured pea protein to mimic the texture of real gyros meat.
The key is using specific ratios and particle sizes of pea proteins along with other ingredients. The process involves hydrating textured pea protein, chopping it, adding pea protein isolate, and texturizing the mixture.
The pea protein ratio is 37-34% (w/w) and the pea isolate ratio is 4-3% (w/w). The hydrated textured pea protein has a particle size of 0.7-2.0 mm.
This provides the right cohesiveness, sliceability, and chewiness to replicate gyros meat.
#5 EUROGREEN GMBH
Headquarters: Germany
Eurogreen specializes in innovative products and solutions for the environment, focusing on sustainable development and energy efficiency.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Lupine-based fertilizer (DE202020005424U1)
Fertilizer for plants, the fertilizer comprising proteinaceous material from legumes.
Lupine-Based Fertilizer (EP3878830A1)
The invention relates to a fertilizer for plants, the fertilizer comprising proteinaceous material from legumes.
#6 ANHEUSER BUSCH INBEV SA
Headquarters: Leuven, Belgium
Anheuser Busch InBev is one of the world’s largest beer companies, offering a wide variety of global and local beer brands.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Powder Nutritional Composition (BE1027710B1)
Powdery food composition derived from distillery or brewery by-products like spent grains to improve nutrition and health benefits of food products.
The composition contains protein and fiber fractions derived from sources like barley, malt, or grains. The protein fraction provides essential amino acids and the fiber fraction is predominantly insoluble fiber.
The composition can have specific fiber and protein content ranges for benefits like promoting weight loss, improving bowel movements, aiding digestion, and building tissues.
The composition can also have low alcohol content.
Powder Nutritional Composition (BE1027708B1)
Powdery food composition comprising a protein fraction and a fiber fraction, said composition being derived from a vegetable material.
Said vegetable material being barley, barley malt or a distillery or a brewery by-product, preferably a Brewer’s Spent Grain; characterized in that the total amount of the protein and fiber.
Fiber fraction in the composition is between 70 and 100% dry mass by weight of the composition, and wherein the ratio of protein and fiber fraction in the composition is between 0.30 and 0.70.
#7 COSUCRA GROUPE WARCOING SA
Headquarters: Warcoing, Belgium
Cosucra is a leading manufacturer of plant-based proteins, serving the food and nutrition sectors with sustainable ingredients.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Texturized Vegetable Protein And Use Thereof (WO2023017140A1)
The invention concerns a texturized vegetable protein (TVP) comprising faba bean protein and pea protein, wherein the texturized vegetable protein comprises at least 60% by weight of proteins.
The invention further provides an edible composition comprising the texturized vegetable protein, and the use of the texturized vegetable protein in a food product or a feed product, such as in a vegetarian chorizo, a vegetarian burger or a plant-based teewurst.
Composition comprising fiber and protein (TW202108007A)
The present invention relates to a composition containing fiber and protein for reducing the loss of muscle mass.
The present invention also relates to a composition comprising soluble fiber and protein, wherein the ratio of the soluble fiber to the protein is between 20/80 and 50/50 by weight.
Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of a composition containing soluble fiber and protein for preparing food or medicine.
#8 QUIRIS HEALTHCARE GMBH & CO KG
Headquarters: Germany
Quiris Healthcare focuses on innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical and health sectors, specializing in patient care products.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Composition Comprising A Combination Of Vegetable Proteins And Peptides (EP3763228A1)
A composition containing pea protein isolate and vegetable protein hydrolyzate for improved weight management and muscle building compared to animal or single vegetable protein sources.
The composition provides rapid satiety from the vegetable protein hydrolyzate and sustained satiety from the pea protein isolate.
The combination of these vegetable proteins with favorable amino acid profiles helps control metabolism by promoting fat burning and muscle building.
Composition containing a combination of vegetable proteins and peptides (DE102019212317A1)
A food supplement, food for general consumption, or functional food composition to promote weight management and metabolic control.
It contains a combination of pea protein isolate and vegetable protein hydrolyzate. The pea protein isolate provides sustained amino acid release for muscle building and satiety.
The vegetable protein hydrolyzate provides fast amino acid absorption for initial satiety. This combination has an optimal amino acid composition recommended by WHO/FAO.
It aims to control metabolism through targeted nutrient supplementation.
The composition can be used as a dietary supplement, food, or functional food for weight management and metabolic control benefits.
#9 OATLY AB
Headquarters: Malmö, Sweden
Oatly is a pioneer in plant-based foods, offering a variety of oat-based products aimed at sustainability and health-conscious consumers.
Key Patents in Plant-Based Food Products
Oat Derived Composition (WO2022171273A1)
The present invention relates to an oat derived composition comprising, by dry weight of the composition, 20-55% of oat protein, 5-20% of fat, 20-40% of dietary fiber, and 3-20% of carbohydrates.
The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the oat derived composition, and a use of the oat derived composition as food additive or ingredient, or for food manufacturing.
Non-Dairy Cheese Analogue (WO2022228697A1)
The present invention relates to a non-dairy cheese analogue comprising; an oat derived material in an amount of 3-15% by weight of the cheese analogue.
At least one vegetable fat present in an amount of 10-25% by weight of the cheese analogue; and at least one vegetable protein present in an amount of 10-25% by weight of the cheese analogue.
#10 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY
Headquarters: Phagwara, Punjab, India
Lovely Professional University is a renowned educational institution that provides higher education across a variety of disciplines.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
A Novel Protein Rich Dietary Formulation And Process Thereof (IN201911049027A)
The present invention discloses a novel protein enriched dietary formulation and process thereof. The process of formulation is simple and cost effective.
No extra protein source is used in the preparation of the formulation.
#11 HERBALIFE INT OF AMERICA INC
Headquarters: Torrance, California, USA
Herbalife is a global nutrition company, offering health products and supplements aimed at enhancing wellness and lifestyle.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Nutritional Plant-Based Protein Compositions With High Digestibility (WO2022046608A1)
Provided herein are plant-based protein blend compositions. The protein-based composition may include pea protein, quinoa, rice protein, and flaxseed.
Some embodiments provide for the composition to provide a high quality and easily digestible blend.
Some embodiments also provide a plant-based protein blend with comparable digestibility to milk protein.
#12 VALIO LTD
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Valio is Finland’s leading dairy company, offering a wide range of dairy products with an emphasis on quality and sustainability.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Process For Producing Non-Dairy Protein Preparation, And Protein Preparation (WO2022117917A1)
The present disclosure relates to the field of food technology.
The disclosure concerns an improved process for production of plant-based protein ingredient with neutral colour and taste as well as greatly improved functional properties.
Further, the disclosure relates to a plant-based high protein ingredient, a process for the manufacture thereof and uses in dairy-alternative products.
#13 WHITEWAVE SERVICES INC
Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, USA
WhiteWave is a leader in the production of plant-based foods and beverages, focusing on healthier and more sustainable alternatives.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Plant-Based Protein Mixtures And Nutritional Compositions (CA3138033A1)
A plant-based protein mixture with high essential amino acid content and rapid absorption for use in dietary supplements.
The mixture has a high concentration of pulse protein like pea protein and a lower concentration of non-pea plant protein.
This provides a complete protein source with high digestibility and essential amino acid profile similar to animal proteins.
The mixture has a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1.0 and similar leucine absorption to animal proteins.
It can be used in supplements like protein powders to provide complete protein with high essential aminoids from plant sources.
#14 ODDLYGOOD GLOBAL OY
Headquarters: Finland
OddlyGood specializes in plant-based foods, offering a variety of dairy-free products made from sustainable and innovative ingredients.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Non-Dairy Protein Based Edible Product And, Process For Manufacturing The Same (WO2022117918A1)
The present disclosure relates to the field of food technology.
The disclosure concerns an improved process for production of plant-based protein ingredient with neutral colour and taste as well as greatly improved functional properties.
Further, the disclosure relates to a leguminous plant-based protein ingredient, a process for the manufacture thereof and uses in dairy-alternative products.
#15 UNICHARM CORP
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Unicharm is a leader in consumer products, specializing in hygiene and personal care products that emphasize convenience and sustainability.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Pet food (WO2020235139A1)
Pet food containing isolated soy protein, fermented soybean meal, or a mixture thereof and having a protein digestibility of 88% or more.
#16 CLEMSON UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Headquarters: Clemson, South Carolina, USA
Clemson University is renowned for its research in engineering, science, and technology, driving innovation and development across multiple industries.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Methods Of Isolating Plant Protein And Related Compositions (WO2022093937A1)
Disclosed herein are various organic plant protein compositions including a balanced amino acid profile with no chemical residues.
Further disclosed herein are methods for creating organic plant protein compositions from organic plant material(s).
In some embodiments, the organic plant protein composition includes pea protein, sorghum protein, organic baking powder, and organic vinegar.
#17 THE COCA-COLA CO
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Coca-Cola is a global leader in the beverage industry, offering a wide range of soft drinks, water, juices, and other beverages.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Non-Animal Protein Blends And Compositions Containing Same (WO2023220339A1)
Described are non-animal protein blends comprising legume protein, and one or more of synthetic protein, seed protein, and grain protein, wherein the blend has a PDCAAS of 1.
Compositions comprising these blends and methods of using them are also disclosed.
#18 CHOE HAN NA
Headquarters: South Korea
Choe Han Na is a leading innovator in sustainable solutions, focusing on environmentally friendly technologies in the food and beverage industry.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Smoothie Manufacturing Method For Protein Supplementation And Smoothie Prepared Therefrom (KR102582550B1)
The present invention relates to a method for producing a smoothie for protein supplementation and a smoothie produced therefrom.
The smoothie produced by the above production method contains a high content of protein, and contains useful natural extracts necessary for digestion, recovery from fatigue, and strengthening immunity.
Because consumers’ preference is high, it can be useful for dieting, muscle growth, or strengthening immunity.
#19 OLIVER CARMEN
Headquarters: USA
Oliver Carmen focuses on creating cutting-edge technologies in the renewable energy sector, promoting sustainable solutions for future energy needs.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Plant-Based Whey Protein Powder Replacement (US2021186078A1)
A plant-based food supplement is provided that approximates the taste, texture, and flexibility of use of whey protein powder and is suitable as a substitute for whey protein powder.
The plant-based food supplement has a base of faba bean protein combined with at least one additional plant-based ingredient.
The plant-based supplement provides a source of protein for use in a variety of contexts, primarily as a powder for mixing with liquids.
#20 CLARA FOODS CO
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
Clara Foods is transforming the food industry with its innovative approach to creating animal-free proteins through biotechnology.
Key Patent in Plant-Based Food Products
Non-Animal Protein Sources With Functional Properties (BR112022003241A2)
Provided herein are increased protein content compositions, functional protein compositions, protein combinations and methods for their preparation
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Revolutionizing the Future of Food
The plant-based food industry is experiencing a dynamic shift, as companies push the boundaries of what’s possible in creating sustainable and delicious alternatives to traditional animal products.
As more consumers seek out healthier, environmentally friendly choices, these innovators are revolutionizing diets across the globe.
By crafting plant-based options that mimic the taste and texture of meat, dairy, and other animal products, they’re meeting the demand for clean, green, and compassionate food.
This evolution is not just a trend; it’s a movement shaping the future of our global food systems.
But with so many companies leading the charge, how do we stay informed about the key players driving this transformation?
Leading the Charge in Plant-Based Innovation
The plant-based food revolution is underway, and the Global Patent Search Platform is uncovering the innovations driving this shift.
These 20 companies are at the forefront, reshaping how we view food and what’s on our plates.
By utilizing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable farming practices, solutions are being developed to address challenges related to flavor, nutrition, and scalability.
From renowned brands to emerging startups, each company is contributing to the movement by providing healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional food products.
With growing interest in plant-based diets, the global food landscape is being reshaped, with a future where plant-based options become the norm now within reach.
Join us and explore how these trailblazers are making a lasting impact on the food industry and our diets through the insights provided by the Global Patent Search Platform.
