Hemp is a "complete protein, loaded with essential nutrients and fatty acids."
"Hemp is the subject of great mainstream buzz right now," according to Whole Foods Magazine. "It is also an excellent source of fiber. Given that as a crop it’s highly sustainable and hardly requires the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers, it is an extremely clean source of protein.”
There’s a major shift taking place right now: 39% of Americans now say they are actively trying to eat more plant-based foods, according to a Nielsen survey (1). There are a number of reasons driving this: Plant-based products are vegan, lactose-free, better for the planet, and full of micronutrients. And with product innovations, making the plant-based shift is easier—and tastier—than ever.
Pointing to the Nielsen research, Brock Knight, COO at Lehi Mills, Lehi, UT, notes, “The study revealed that many shoppers aren’t looking to traditional plant-based items like tofu or brown rice; they are looking for an array of alternative options.” This, too, is no surprise. Soy allergies make tofu and other soy products inaccessible to many; rice often contains arsenic, so while it’s a great part of a balanced diet, it can’t make up the whole diet.
In response to this rising demand, or perhaps even as part of the cause, eating plant-based foods no longer means deprivation or lack of variety. There’s incredible innovation out there to ward off diet boredom: Once Again Nut Butter has two new spreads with white cocoa butter; Lehi Valley sells marionberry syrup; Seapoint Farms sells edamame spaghetti and edamame rice. And companies aren’t just selling meat alternatives; they’re taking care to reproduce texture, mouthfeel, and taste, so not only do tofu and brown rice not have to be dietary staples for the plant-based community, but plant-based eaters can switch to plants without feeling like they’re missing out.
Moreover, “plant-based products” doesn’t end with food. It extends into HABA, with vegan skincare, cosmetics, and toothbrushes; it’s hit mattresses; and, perhaps most importantly for the ecologically minded, it’s hit packaging. Plant-based isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement, one that’s affecting every area of our lives, and it’s worth it to stay on top of what’s becoming a staple, what’s brand-new, and what’s important.
Read more about the Plant-Based Boom and how hemp fits into the picture as more than just a protein source, but a rich source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids 3, 6, and 9.
