Hummus Rising: A Middle Eastern Staple Goes Global — With Tahina Unlocking a Complete Amino Acid Profile
Once a humble mezze dish passed from hand to hand across Levantine tables, hummus is now a global culinary icon — and a quiet nutritional powerhouse. According to recent market analysis, the global hummus industry is projected to reach USD 4.5 billion by 2035, driven by rising health awareness, plant-based diets, and culinary innovation. But for the Middle East Vegan Society, this isn’t just a market trend. It’s a moment of cultural affirmation — and biochemical surprise.
The Gulf’s Plant-Based Rise: Wellness, Innovation, and Culinary Transformation
In 2025, the Gulf’s dining landscape is undergoing a vibrant transformation. From Abu Dhabi to Muscat, consumers are embracing health-driven choices, plant-based innovation, and cutting-edge culinary technology. Plant-based offerings are no longer niche—they’re central to how the region eats, innovates, and redefines luxury.
New Archaeological Research Reveals Bronze Age Plant-Based Diets in the Middle East
New archaeological research from the UAE and Oman is reshaping our understanding of Bronze Age diets—revealing that plant-based eating was far more prevalent than previously believed. For decades, scholars assumed that Bronze Age communities in the Arabian Peninsula relied primarily on meat and dairy. But a recent study led by Dr. Akshyeta Suryanarayan of the University of Cambridge challenges that narrative. Through advanced lipid residue analysis of 179 pottery fragments from sites like Hili 8 and Hili North Tomb A, researchers uncovered chemical traces of plant-derived compounds, including markers from cereals and date palms.
Saudi Arabia’s Protein Bar Boom: A Gateway for Plant-Based Innovation
Saudi Arabia’s wellness revolution is reshaping snack culture — and it’s packed with plant-powered potential. According to IMARC Group’s latest market report, the country’s protein bar market is projected to grow from USD 30 million in 2024 to USD 50 million by 2033, with a steady 4.2% CAGR. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper story: one of cultural evolution, ethical choices, and the rise of vegan nutrition.
A Call from Abu Dhabi: Global Alignment for Alternative Proteins
In her op-ed for The National, Fatima Al Dhaheri, head of the AgriFood Growth and Abundance cluster at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, confronts a critical impasse in the evolution of food systems. Alternative proteins—plant-based, cultivated, and precision-fermented—offer sustainable solutions to a world choked by climate breakdown and agricultural instability. Yet, instead of accelerating their integration, global regulators have created an obstacle course of inconsistent approvals, high compliance costs, and fragmented market access.
Out of Water, Into Agony: New Study Reveals the Hidden Torment of Fish
By now, most of us understand that animals feel pain. But when it comes to aquatic life, this understanding often dissolves like salt in water. A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports has exposed the harrowing reality too often ignored: the prolonged suffering fish endure when pulled from water. Led by Cynthia Schuck-Paim of the Welfare Footprint Institute, the research quantifies what was long felt intuitively by animal advocates. When fish, particularly rainbow trout, are removed from water and left to die by asphyxiation—a common commercial practice—they can experience up to 22 minutes of intense pain.
Research Reveals the Health Benefits of Daily Chickpea & Black Bean Consumption
For centuries, the Middle East has embraced nutrient-rich foods, with chickpeas standing out as a staple. Originating in the Fertile Crescent, they’ve shaped Levantine cuisine, featuring in hummus, falafel, and hearty stews. But beyond their culinary significance, chickpeas have now gained scientific recognition for their cholesterol-lowering and inflammation-reducing properties. At the NUTRITION 2025 conference, scientists from the Illinois Institute of Technology presented findings showing that daily legume consumption—including chickpeas and black beans—can provide measurable health benefits. Their 12-week study on 72 adults with prediabetes tracked the effects of eating one cup of chickpeas, black beans, or rice per day, with striking results.
Plant-Based Revolution in Saudi Arabia: Meat Substitutes Gain Momentum
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a notable shift toward plant-based diets. A recent report on the Saudi Arabia meat substitutes market estimates its value at USD 124.56 million in 2024, with projections to reach USD 168.56 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.17%. This steady expansion highlights evolving consumer preferences, as more individuals embrace alternative protein sources that promote health, minimize environmental impact, and support ethical consumption values.
The Plant-Based Milk Revolution in Saudi Arabia: Trends, Challenges & Opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s dairy industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the rising demand for plant-based alternatives. As global dietary preferences shift toward sustainability and health-conscious choices, the Saudi market is embracing dairy-free options, presenting immense opportunities for growth
UAE Soy Milk Market: Unprecedented Growth and Promising Future
According to a report published on May 9, 2025, the UAE soy milk market is experiencing remarkable expansion, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, plant-based alternatives. With rising health awareness, environmental consciousness, and dietary diversification, soy milk has established itself as a leading choice in the non-dairy sector. As demand surges, manufacturers are investing in innovation and market strategies to solidify soy milk’s presence in households, cafes, and retail stores across the region.
The Role of the Rising Vegan Population in Boosting Xanthan Gum Demand in the Middle East
Xanthan gum, a plant-based thickener and stabilizer, has become a popular replacement for animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin and eggs. This versatile ingredient is making waves in various industries, from food and cosmetics to oil and gas. According to recent research, the xanthan gum market in the Middle East is set to grow significantly, with its valuation projected to rise from $19.81 million in 2023 to $32.79 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.76%. Central to this expansion is the growing vegan population in the region, which has surged by 300% in recent years, alongside the rising demand for clean-label products and sustainable solutions.
Global Hummus Market, Rooted in Middle Eastern Tradition, Set for Significant Growth by 2032
The global hummus market is poised for remarkable growth in the coming years, with projections indicating a substantial increase from USD 4.21 billion in 2024 to USD 10.05 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.49% during the forecast period. According to a recent market analysis, the market's growth is driven by the rising demand for plant-based and enjoyable dips, as well as increasing consumer awareness about health benefits and animal welfare. Hummus, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, has gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity, nutritional value, and versatility.
Surge in Demand for Plant-Based Milk in Saudi Arabia: Market Poised for Growth
As the demand for healthier and more sustainable food options continues to rise, the plant-based milk market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant growth. According to a recent comprehensive report by Report Ocean, the market is expected to expand considerably by 2033, driven by increasing health consciousness, the rise of veganism, and lactose intolerance among consumers.
Turkish Researchers Secure Horizon Europe Funding for Plant-Based Protein Innovation
In a significant stride towards sustainable food production, a team of Turkish researchers led by Professor Mecit Halil Öztop from Middle East Technical University (METU) has secured Horizon Europe funding. The project, named APRISE, aims to develop new types of plant-based alternative proteins from staple Turkish crops. This initiative is part of METU's first consortium leadership within the Horizon Europe Program and is one of only 13 projects selected from 117 proposals under the WIDERA ERA Talents call.
Understanding Emiratis' Willingness to Replace Meat with Alternative Proteins
Replacing animal protein with alternative sources is gaining popularity for creating sustainable food systems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding consumers' views on alternative proteins in the UAE is crucial for widespread adoption. This study investigates the influence of dietary habits, objective knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the willingness to replace meat with alternatives among Emiratis in the UAE. Further, the factors that drive this willingness are explored.
Ancient Carbs: Findings from Gesher Benot Ya’aqov on the Jordan River Challenge Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet, known for its emphasis on lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, has long been promoted as a way to eat like our prehistoric ancestors. However, a recent study from the Gesher Benot Ya’aqov site in the Middle East suggests that this diet might not accurately represent ancient eating habits. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study supports the idea that ancient humans relied heavily on plant-based foods.
Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Ethics: The Growth of Vegan Cosmetics in the Middle East
In recent years, the beauty landscape of the Middle East and Africa has undergone a notable transformation. According to the Middle East and Africa Cosmetics Market Report (2023-2030), the cosmetics market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow significantly, with a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030. This shift toward ethical beauty choices, particularly vegan cosmetics, is reshaping market dynamics and consumer behavior. Deeply rooted cultural values, such as compassion, respect for living beings, and holistic wellness, are strongly influencing this trend, aligning with the region's rich heritage of natural and herbal remedies.
How Plant-Based Foods Influence Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Risk in Saudi Adults
A recent study has provided compelling evidence linking dietary patterns to the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among adults in Saudi Arabia. By analyzing the diet patterns of participants and calculating their GERD risk using the GerdQ questionnaire, researchers have identified significant correlations between plant-based foods and the prevention of GERD.
Nearly 5% of Saudi Adults Embrace Plant-Based Diets, Study Reveals
A recent study on dietary preferences in Saudi Arabia revealed that 4.7% of the population sample followed a plant-based diet, highlighting a notable shift in dietary habits within the country. Conducted by Mohammed Al-Mohaithef and published in the National Library of Medicine, the research titled “Prevalence of vegan/vegetarian diet and eating behaviour among Saudi adults and its correlation with body mass index: A cross-sectional study,” examined a sample of 1,143 Saudi adults.
Sustained Growth Ahead: Middle East's Alternative Protein Sector Driven by Consumer Demand and Food Tech Innovations
The rising interest in plant-based meat and dairy alternatives in the Middle East, driven by growing health awareness and a wider range of product options, is expected to boost the alternative protein sector's growth in the coming years. Ayca Yumlu Karaozan, Regional Product Manager – Culinary & Alternative Proteins SAMEA at Givaudan, notes that the combined forces of consumer demand and technological innovation are likely to elevate the alternative protein sector to mainstream status across the region.