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

Even with this long history, researchers have struggled to explain exactly how plant-based foods reduce inflammation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 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

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

Danone is scooping up the maker of plant-based food powders and meal-replacement drinks to bolster its nutrition portfolio.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Tom Brady’s beef with Logan Paul, Paul’s beef with Rob Gronkowski and Brady’s beef with World Wrestling Entertainment all are as fake as plant-based meat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026