MEAT GIANT TYSON JUST LAUNCHED ITS FIRST PLANT-BASED BURGER
This week, Tyson Foods—the biggest meat maker in the United States—dispatched its first completely plant-based burgers, sausages, and grounds at retailers nationwide. Under its Raised and Rooted line, the company currently offers soy-free plant-based burgers, Italian and Bratwurst sausage flavors, and vegan meat grounds made from pea protein.
The new vegan products are competitively priced with animal-derived meat (from $4.99 to $7.99 per package) and can be found in the refrigerated area in supermarkets.
“Our plant-based proteins deliver the same delicious flavors, in a better-for-you alternative, they are plants made meatier,” David Ervin, Vice President of Marketing at Raised & Rooted, said. “We are excited to provide people with satisfying alternative protein options perfect for any occasion.”
In June 2019, Tyson dispatched its first items under the Raised and Rooted brand: Nuggets Made with Plants (meatless chicken strips that contained egg whites) and The Blend burger patties.
They are all made for the most part with beef and pea protein isolate—a key ingredient in many plant-based meat products. While the brand expected to exploit the developing plant-based meat trends, using animal-derived ingredients presented a problem.
A year ago, Tyson focused on eliminating animal products from its Raised and Rooted brand and ceased The Blend burger patties for dispatching its new completely vegan plant-based burgers. Raised and Rooted products—which additionally incorporate Spicy Nuggets and Whole Grain Tenders—are presently distributed at 10,000 retailers across the US and Europe.