Beyond Meat introduced Beyond Chicken, a plant-based faux chicken tender, at select restaurants across the country on July 8.
“We’re innovating the poultry market with the new Beyond Chicken Tenders – the result of our tireless pursuit for excellence and growth at Beyond Meat,” said Dariush Ajami, Chief Innovation Officer, Beyond Meat.
“As with all our products, Beyond Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and an exceptional culinary experience, along with strong nutritional benefits. Innovation is at the heart of Beyond Meat, and Beyond Chicken Tenders are the latest example of our mission to create groundbreaking, tasty options that are better for people and for our planet.”
Ethan Brown, CEO of Beyond Meat, first hinted at plant-based poultry back in 2019, although plans were likely delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You’ll see some exciting things from us in the poultry space in 2020,” he said. “I can’t name specific partners or developments.”
The challenge of plant-based chicken
Plant-based proteins went mainstream in 2019, however the majority of meat alternatives available on the market are designed to taste like beef or pork. This is because it is much more difficult to mimic the taste and texture of poultry.
Earlier this year, Beyond Meat partnered with quick service restaurant chain, KFC, to develop a similar product to Beyond Chicken Tenders called Beyond Fried Chicken. The chain plans to begin an active roll-out of the brands first-plant-based chicken to eight markets globally.
More about Beyond Chicken tenders
Beyond Chicken tenders are “crafted to look, cook and taste like traditional chicken tenders” and “breaded to perfection for a crispy outside and irresistibly tender bite,” according to a press release.
The plant-based faux chicken is made from fava beans and peas, containing 14 grams of protein per serving, 40% less saturated fat than the average tender, no GMOs, antibiotics or hormones and have no cholesterol. More than 200 research, innovation and culinary team members spent more than 10 years creating the tenders.
Beyond Chicken tenders is now available at nearly 400 restaurants across the U.S. For a full list of foodservice locations, click here.
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