Nestlé unveils ‘PB triple play’ – a plant-based bacon cheeseburger

Nestlé has developed vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon, designed to complement its existing plant-based burger patties.

This complete burger solution will first be offered to professional clients such as restaurant and foodservice operators. Nestlé’s plant-based burger patties are already available to food professionals, with the full package including the vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon following in 2020.

The ‘PB triple play’ is intended to appeal to consumers who are actively seeking to reduce meat in their diets and switch to plant-based meals more often.

Nestlé said the vegan cheddar cheese alternative “has the texture, meltability and delicious, rich taste of a dairy cheese”, while the bacon alternative “becomes crispy and chewy when cooked, similar to animal-based bacon”.

According to the company, its plant-based burger combination is “significantly lower” in fat and saturated fat, free of cholesterol and has a higher fibre content compared to a standard bacon cheeseburger. Like Nestlé’s existing plant-based offerings, the new products will also have a lower environmental footprint.

“More and more consumers are looking for delicious, nutritious and sustainable plant-based options when they dine out,” said Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider.

“We have now raised the bar by developing a ‘PB triple play’ of ingredients for an all-time classic: the bacon cheeseburger. We’re continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet.”

The move is part of the Nestlé’s efforts to speed up the transformation of its portfolio with innovative, sustainable products. The firm recently announced its ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This includes offering more plant-based food and beverages.

Nestlé has already launched its Sweet Earth Awesome Burger in the US and its Garden Gourmet Incredible Burger in Europe for retail and the foodservice sector.

In August, Garden Gourmet Incredible Mince was introduced in Europe, alongside the launch of a “meatier” Incredible Burger.