Beyond Meat rolls out meat-free chicken tenders in US restaurants

Beyond Meat has announced the launch of its new plant-based chicken tenders product at nearly 400 US restaurants nationwide.

Beyond Chicken Tenders are made from a plant-based blend of faba beans and peas and offer 14g of protein per serving.

The new product comes more than two years after Beyond Meat discontinued its frozen plant-based chicken strip, which it first launched in 2012. The company has also previously teamed up with KFC to trial fried plant-based chicken in the US.

Beyond Meat claims that its new meat-free alternative also contains 40% less saturated fat than the leading foodservice chicken tender; as well as no GMOs, antibiotics or cholesterol.

According to Beyond Meat, its latest plant-based innovation “does not sacrifice any of the taste and texture of traditional chicken tenders: a crispy, golden outside immediately followed by a flavourful, juicy inside”.

“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, Beyond Meat’s chief innovation officer.

“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 ground-breaking, tasty options that are better for people and for our planet.”

Beyond Chicken Tenders are now available for consumers to try in nearly 400 restaurants across the country including Dog Haus, Blissful Burgers, Duke’s on 7, Toppers Pizza and Plow Burger.

After its initial launch in foodservice, the company hopes to make its plant-based chicken product more widely available to consumers.