7 plant-forward foods that are actually replacing heavy meat diets now

In 2026, the shift toward plant-forward eating is no longer about labels like vegan or vegetarian—it’s about flavor, gut health, and sustainability. People are moving away from heavy, meat-centric meals and embracing whole, fiber-rich, minimally processed plant foods that nourish the body and planet. Here are the 7 most talked-about foods leading this change.