Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 11:59 am
Beyond Meat, a leading plant-based meat producer, has announced the expansion of its portfolio in the UK with the launch of three new plant-based chicken-style products – Beyond Burger Chicken-Style, Beyond Fillet, and Beyond Nuggets. Following the successful launch of its beef and pork-style products, the company is catering to the growing demand for plant-based meat products in the country.
The Beyond Chicken-Style range is made from plant-based ingredients that are designed to look, cook, and taste like their animal-based counterparts. The products are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, providing a perfect hot meal occasion for carnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans. The products can be prepared quickly and easily in the air fryer, oven or frying pan, making them a convenient option for solo dinners or family meals.
The Beyond Burger Chicken-Style is now available at select Waitrose stores, and all three products will be available at select Sainsbury’s branches from early May. The launch comes just in time for the UK’s celebration of the Coronation, with a plant-based version of one of the nation’s most-loved and versatile street party foods – Coronation Chicken.
According to a study by GFI, sales of plant-based meat across Europe grew by 21% from 2020 to 2022, with sustainability, animal welfare, and a balanced lifestyle playing a significant role in the shift towards plant-based proteins. Beyond Meat is responding to this increased demand by introducing new products in the market, adapting and refining its portfolio to meet different European taste preferences.
Steve Dalby, Regional Sales Manager UK at Beyond Meat, said, “In our quest to make plant-based meat more accessible, we’re constantly adapting and refining our portfolio to meet different European taste preferences. After launching beef- and pork-style products in the UK over the past years, we’re delighted to be introducing Brits to our tasty new Chicken-Style range.”
The new Beyond Chicken-Style range includes:
- Beyond Burger Chicken-Style: This new plant-based burger packs a meaty taste and texture with 15 grams of protein per 100g.
- Beyond Fillet: Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Beyond Fillet is a delicious, versatile option that is quick-to-prepare and suitable as a main course.
- Beyond Nuggets: These golden nuggets are crispy on the outside thanks to their breading and tender on the inside, making them a winning combination for family and friends to enjoy. They are perfect for lunch, dinner or a delicious juicy snack.
The Beyond Chicken-Style products are made from a combination of wheat gluten and fava beans. Fava beans are a nutrient-packed legume crop that has unique qualities making them the optimal ingredient for replicating the taste and texture of traditional chicken.
Catherine Shacklock, Waitrose Chilled Vegan & Vegetarian Buyer, said, “We’re so excited to launch the new Beyond Burger Chicken-Style within our chilled plant-based category. Following the success of Beyond Meat’s burgers and meatballs, we know our customers love the brand and think they will love this product too, as demand for plant-based chicken grows. Our customers are always looking for something new, and this product is a great example of how advanced the plant-based market has come in both flavour and texture in recent years.”
Beyond Meat’s innovative approach to plant-based meat production has won many accolades and recognition, including awards for their chicken-style portfolio in the US. The launch of the new Beyond Chicken-Style products in the UK complements the existing Beyond Meat portfolio, which includes Beyond Burger, Beyond Sausage, Beyond Mince and Beyond Meatballs.
