Beyond Meat will expand its plant-based chicken lineup with the addition of Beyond Chicken Nuggets and Beyond Popcorn Chicken.
“We’re always exploring new plant-based protein sources that deliver the taste and texture of its animal protein equivalent and are proud that by using faba bean protein we’ve been able to create a portfolio of absolutely delicious plant-based chicken products with no added soy, a key differentiator for our Beyond Chicken products within the category,” said chief innovation officer Dariush Ajami.
Beyond Chicken Nuggets are pre-cooked, while Beyond Popcorn Chicken is designed to go from freezer to plate. Both plant-based chicken products cook in the air fryer.
The two new offerings have 14g of plant-based protein derived from faba bean and pea, 50% less saturated fat than traditional chicken nuggets, 0mg of cholesterol and no added antibiotics, hormones or soy, according to the press release. They will launch at more than 5,000 Kroger and Walmart stores nationwide.
Beyond Chicken Nuggets and Beyond Popcorn Chicken join Beyond Chicken Tenders in Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken lineup. Launched in 2019, the plant-based faux chicken tenders are 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.
In 2022, Beyond Meat partnered with KFC for the release of Beyond Fried Chicken. Beyond Fried Chicken “looks and tastes like KFC's world-famous fried chicken, but with the attributes of plant-based meat,” according to the quick service brand.
More recently, the meat alternative manufacturer reported a US$97.1 million net loss, a $6.2 million gross profit loss and a 1.6% year-over year drop in net revenues during its August 4, 2022, quarterly financial review. The losses were attributed to the effects of inflation.
Shortly thereafter, Beyond Meat chief operating officer (COO), Doug Ramsey, was arrested in September on suspicion of terroristic threatening and third-degree battery. Ramsey, a former executive at Tyson Foods, left Beyond Meat shortly thereafter.
