Fast Casual: Meatless — It's not just for vegans anymore

The plant-based diet trend continues to gain momentum. Face Casual recently detailed an NPD Group survey that noted a 19 percent growth in plant-based proteins being shipped to micro-chains between March 2017 to March 2018. According to NPD Group, in-house consumption of meat alternatives have also increased significantly citing a 24 percent increase since 2015.

"It's clear by the growth of plant-based proteins that this category has mainstreamed beyond those consumers who choose a meatless diet," NPD Food Sector Industry Advisor David Portalatin, said in the release. "Food manufacturers and operators have improved the quality and taste of plant-based foods over the past several years and these foods are appealing to a variety of consumer segments for a variety of reasons."

The survey also noted that 14 percent of U.S. consumers regularly use plant-based alternatives, even when they don't identify as vegans or vegetarians.