SPINS data shows that the plant-based sector is not deteriorating but evolving. Consumers are prioritizing plant-based options that promote health, sustainability, and functionality. Despite a period of reset and rebalancing, the analysts predict an upturn in the sector from 2025 to 2026, termed "the next wave."

While conventional channels have seen a decline, natural retailers have experienced growth. High-protein plant-based products are up by 24 percent, with a rise in Korean-inspired products and an increase in Asian flavors driving growth as well. Functional plant-based ingredients like mushrooms, matcha, and probiotics have added over $20 million in sales, indicating that the plant-based market is adapting to meet evolving consumer needs. The report emphasizes that the plant-based sector is in a period of rest and reset, not collapse, and suggests that brands must focus on innovation and aligning with consumer values to continue driving growth in the industry.