Consumers’ hunger for plant-based proteins is growing, according to a report by Packaged Facts.

The thriving market for plant-based alternatives to meat, poultry and seafood has given Americans a push to rely less on animal-based protein sources and in some cases, skip them entirely, according to the research.

"Consumer interest in boosting protein intake remains strong in 2016 with more attention being paid to the specific types of protein being consumed,” says David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts in a company release about the report, entitled “Food Formulation and Ingredient Trends: Plant Proteins.”

Why are people turning to plants? People are looking for clean labels, easily digestible ingredients, allergen-free options and food that’s compatible with vegetarian and vegan lifestyle concerns about sustainability, says Sprinkle.

Meat and seafood still dominate the protein market today, but the researchers predict that
on a global basis, alternate protein sources will grow faster than meat and seafood.

They forecast global production increases for protein-rich crops including soy, peas, rice, flax, canola and lupin. A push from none other than the United Nations won’t hurt. The organization has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. They’ll be promoting the lean, plant-protein sources worldwide, including a campaign encouraging people to take the Pulse Pledge to eat pulses once a week for ten weeks.