Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods and Applegate Farms, three of the biggest meat suppliers in the US, have all introduced new ‘blended meat’ and non- meat products in contrast to the usual animal products they have been processing and marketing for years. This is a response to the rising demand for plant-based alternatives to meat in order to increase the market value of these brands and increase sales from both existing and new consumers.
Perdue’s new “chicken plus” line includes nuggets, tenders and patties mixed with a half serving of cauliflower, chickpeas and plant protein and is designed to help flexitarian families and kids eat more vegetable servings. Tyson’s first mixed-protein products include blended protein burgers made from beef and pea protein, sausages and meatballs that combine chicken with plants including chickpeas, black beans and quinoa, and vegetarian nuggets. Applegate, owned by Hormel Foods, has introduced turkey and beef burgers blended with mushrooms for those who eat meat but “are looking to incorporate more plants and vegetables into their diets”, in the words of the brand’s president John Ghingo.
