plant-based

American  

[plant-beyst] / ˈplæntˌbeɪst /

adjective

1. relating to or being a food consisting entirely or mainly of whole or minimally processed plant parts, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds: the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

   plant-based burgers that taste like meat;

   the health benefits of a plant-based diet and lifestyle.

2. relating to or being a medicine, fuel, etc., made from plants or plant matter.

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Etymology

Origin of plant-based

Coined in 1980 by Thomas Colin Campbell (born 1934), U.S. biochemist

Example Sentences

Investors hoped the company would appeal to environmentally-conscious and vegetarian-curious consumers — or with anyone concerned about the meat industry and animal welfare — and take off in a fashion similar to plant-based milk.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

Researchers at the University of Chicago have uncovered a surprising new role for zeaxanthin, a plant-based compound best known for supporting eye health.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The plant-based protein company reported a drop in fourth-quarter revenue and said it wouldn’t file its annual report on time due to weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“Our results for the fourth quarter of 2025 reflect ongoing headwinds in the plant-based meat category as well as the financial impact of several restructuring charges,” Chief Executive Ethan Brown said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense replacement for eggs, meaning you can make plant-based cookies and even plant-based mayo.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026