New options are adding to the growing and competitive category.
Improved Nature, Garner, North Carolina., markets a range of easy-to-prepare, soy-based meat alternatives. Available in chunks, filets, nuggets, tenders, shreds and slices for private label and food service, the product comes in three forms. “Simplest” is soy and water formed into various shapes. It may be used to replace beef, chicken or pork in any recipe, according to the company. “Simpler” replicates the savory flavor of chicken and is recipe ready. “Simplest” is the quickest meal prep option. Just heat and serve.
Replicating beef patties is being done by enough companies so Culinevo Kitchen Inc., San Diego, is focusing on other animal proteins. The company showcased plant-based chicken, salmon, tuna and turkey patties at PLMA, along with its own beef burger replacement.
All-natural infant formula manufacturer Nature’s One, Lewis Center, Ohio, is entering the plant-based meat category with breakfast options. There are vegetarian patties designed to taste like pork sausage with a hint of smokiness. They are sold frozen and cook in the microwave in minutes. There is also vegetarian bacon described as being lower in fat, calories and cholesterol with no nitrites/nitrates and sustainably sourced.
Farm Foods USA Inc., Irvine, California, an Australian company specializing in fresh plant-based protein as well as flexitarian products, including burgers, ground, meatballs, meatloaf and sausage, is bringing plant-based chicken substitute to the US market. The soy-free product comes in burger, ground and nugget forms.
Wegmans, Rochester, New York, is offering a range of private label meatless alternatives to beef, chicken and pork. Sold frozen, Don’t Have a Cow, Don’t Be Chicken and Don’t Be Piggy products carry a tagline of “Food you feel good about.”
The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, is rolling out Simple Truth Plant Based, a collection of fresh meatless burger patties and grinds, as well as plant-based sausages (chorizo and kielbasa), deli-style slices, dairy products and more.
“Kroger’s commitment to innovating and creating new plant-based food mirrors the growing number of customers exploring meat and dairy alternatives,” said Nicole Davis, senior category strategy and innovation manager for Our Brands. “Taste is and will always be our No. 1 focus, and you can expect Kroger to continue to invest in this category, as we are committed to providing our customers with products that support their eating preferences and health and wellness goals.”
Supermarket chain Albertsons Companies, Boise, Idaho, which operates in 35 states under various retail banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and Jewel-Osco recently debuted a line of private labeled foods with a “Certified Plant Based” seal at 2,200 stores nationwide. The newly branded products — also certified organic — were created in partnership with the Plant Based Foods Association.
Spring offerings are spicing up menus.