QDOBA Launches New Health-Conscious Menu Offerings

Ahead of the New Year, QDOBA launched new, health-conscious creations under the Vegetarian, Keto & More category of their online menu. Introduced on December 29, the new entrées are designed to provide customers with menu options that help meet guests' dietary goals and needs, such as keto, vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free and more. The offerings include QDOBA's recently introduced Mexican Cauliflower Mash, a low-carb alternative to rice made with fresh cauliflower that's oven-roasted in-house daily.

"With many people looking to improve their personal wellness in the New Year, we wanted to offer our guests a wide range of menu options that help them...

Impossible Burger Debuts in Canadian Grocery Stores

Impossible Foods is making its plant-based burger available to home chefs in Canada in nearly 600 Sobeys Inc. banner stores beginning this week, including Sobeys, Foodland, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, IGA, IGA Extra, and the retailer’s online home delivery platform, Voilà by Sobeys.

Sobeys is the exclusive retailer of the Impossible Burger until February 2021, at which point the product will be available to purchase in all of Sobeys 1,500 family of stores across Canada.

“We are proud to be the first national retailer to bring Impossible Foods to Canada,” said Paul MacLeod, Vice President, Merchandising at Sobeys Inc. “We are always looking to find innovative products to keep...

Impossible Foods Debuts in Asian Grocery Stores 

Impossible Foods is making its award-winning, plant-based meat available to home chefs in Asia in nearly 200 grocery stores across Hong Kong and Singapore, the first time Impossible Beef Made From Plants has been available for home chefs outside of the United States.

Starting this week, Impossible Beef will roll out at nearly 100 PARKnSHOP banner stores across Hong Kong, including PARKnSHOP, FUSION, TASTE, food le parc and GREAT FOOD HALL. It’s also available for delivery through parknshop.com.

In Singapore, Impossible Beef will start rolling out this week at nearly 100 NTUC FairPrice stores, including...

Soy Protein: An Introduction and Import Assessment

If you are like a growing number of shoppers across the globe, checking the ingredients label on the back of food items has become instinctual. One such ingredient, soybeans and further processed soybean powders (like flours, concentrates, and isolates), have garnered increased media attention partly associated with its use in a growing number of novel, plant-based products. Generally, goods containing soy are considered either “traditional soyfoods” which use whole soybeans in the creation of more obvious items like soy milks, tofu, and soy sauces or “formulated foods” which contain concentrated forms of soy protein in products including comminuted meats, protein bars, soups, cereals, frozen desserts, and meat analogues.

Like peas and lentils, the soybean (Glycine max) is a species of legume plant and has numerous invaluable production applications. Most widely grown in...

A Snapshot of Plant-Based Protein Growth Amid the Pandemic 

Alternative protein markets, and those specifically utilized in the production of plant-based meat analogues, continue to boon as a result of COVID-19 economic implications. Primarily used to produce beef-like substitutes, products from companies like...

Top Plant-based Protein Producers Make Expansion, Distribution Efforts

A pair of companies leading the way for the plant-based protein industry, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods both announced moves to boost their presence in the retail and foodservice landscape.

On Monday, Beyond Meat announced it will double the distribution of its Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties. The company said the product will be available in additional Kroger, Super Target, Walmart, Publix and Harris Teeter stores by the end of the month.

“Following the initial release of our Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties at retailers earlier this year, we heard an enthusiastic and overwhelmingly positive response from consumers who asked for increased availability,” said Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer, Beyond Meat...

Study Sheds Light on U.S. Consumer Preferences on Conventional and Alternative Protein Products 

In the past six months, players within the plant-based protein industry have been dazzled by the performance of their alternative burgers, patties, nuggets, and sausages. As reported by the Good Food Institute (GFI) overall plant-based product sales increased to a peak of... 

Impossible Foods Launches Plant-Based Sausage in Hong Kong

Impossible Foods is rolling out Impossible Sausage Made From Plants in Hong Kong, the first international market for the award-winning, plant-based patty.

Impossible Sausage is the company’s first all-new product since the 2016 debut of Impossible Burger. California-based Impossible Foods launched Impossible Sausage to much fanfare at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Within six months, the patties have become available at more than 22,000 locations throughout the United States.

Starting today, Hong Kongers can buy Starbucks’ Maize Impossible Sandwich at...

Impossible Foods Debuts in Canada as International Expansion Accelerates

Canada’s most reputable chefs are launching Impossible Foods’ flagship product at their restaurants from coast to coast.

In response to overwhelming demand, the Impossible Burger will become available later this year in a wide variety of additional restaurants and grocery stores nationwide -- but patrons of the country’s top restaurants can get an exclusive sneak peek for the next two weeks.

Starting today, Canadians can try the plant-based Impossible Burger in world-class restaurants by...

Impossible Foods' Flagship Product Rolls Out at Sprouts Stores

Impossible Foods is rolling out its flagship product, Impossible Burger, starting this week at more than 350 Sprouts Farmers Market stores in 23 states.

Sprouts shoppers can find Impossible Burger in the frozen meat section of the store in convenient, versatile 12-ounce packages for the price of $9.99. The product is available for curbside pickup and delivery.

Impossible Burger is versatile in all ground meat recipes, including...

Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat Respond to Lightlife's 'Clean Break' Campaign

Lightlife, owned by Greenleaf Foods, announced earlier this week that it is making a 'clean break' from the competition. As the plant-based meat category is surging, with sales up 91% in the past year, there is rising concern among consumers about the ingredients in their food. This revelation inspired Lightlife to create a campaign to ensure consumers know exactly what they are eating.

“At Lightlife, we understand the factors that are driving the recent rise in plant-based protein sales,” said Dan Curtin, President of Lightlife Foods. “Because we care so much about leading the future of this important category and...

Impossible Foods Launches Impossible Burger Patties in Grocery Stores

Impossible Foods’ flagship product is now available in packages of two pre-formed, quarter-pound (4-oz) patties at nearly 2,000 grocery stores nationwide owned by Kroger.

Patty packs of the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger will begin rolling out this week at Kroger-affiliated stores, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Mariano’s, Smith’s and more. Customers can find Impossible Burger patties in...

QDOBA Enhances Menu with New Signature Eats Entrees

QDOBA announced the introduction of its new Signature Eats menu that offers its guests unique chef-crafted flavor combinations, while also increasing convenience and flexibility. Now, in addition to the ability to create your own entreé through customizable options, QDOBA makes it easy to find your flavor through its set of Signature Eats recipes.

"Our new Signature Eats entrees are perfect for both first-time visitors and loyal fans," says Karin Silk, vice president of menu & off-premises at QDOBA. "The dishes feature curated combinations of our popular and freshly-prepared flavors. They are also...

Impossible Foods Debuts at Walmart 

Impossible Foods’ flagship product will begin rolling out at Walmart.

The Impossible Burger has started hitting Walmart shelves and will soon be stocked in nearly 2,100 Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations. Customers can find Impossible Burger in the fresh meat section of the store in convenient, versatile 12-ounce packages. Impossible Burger is also available through Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery.

With the addition of Walmart locations, Impossible Burger will be available in more than 8,000 brick-and-mortar grocery stores across all 50 states -- a more than 50X increase...

Impossible Foods’ Growth Accelerates as Restaurant Sales Rebound and Retail Orders Surge

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Impossible Foods has expanded its grocery store footprint by more than 30X, and the food tech startup is on track to increase retail availability 50X throughout 2020.

Impossible Burger was sold in only 150 grocery stores in March. Impossible Foods’ plant-based burger is now available in more than 5,000 grocery stores across 48 states, including the nation’s largest grocery chain, Kroger, as well as Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Gelson’s, Safeway, Vons, and Wegmans.

Last month, Ahold Delhaize-owned stores on the East Coast, including Giant, Giant Martin’s and Stop & Shop, began selling Impossible Burger. And Impossible Foods’ flagship product will...

Burger King Restaurants Launch the Impossible Croissan’wich

Burger King today announced it is lauurger nching the new Impossible Croissan’wich sandwich nationwide. After a successful test earlier this year in select U.S. markets, BK guests across the country can now get the same Croissan’wich sandwich they know and love with a delicious Impossible breakfast plant-based patty. This new menu item makes Burger King the first national restaurant to offer an Impossible breakfast plant-based patty on a breakfast sandwich. The all-new, limited-time-only Impossible Croissan’wich features a toasted flaky croissant, fluffy eggs, melted American cheese and a seasoned breakfast plant-based patty from Impossible Foods...

Impossible Foods Launches Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Accelerates Retail Expansion

Impossible Foods is launching an all-new e-commerce site today, allowing people in the lower 48 states to buy the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger and cook it at home.

The startup’s direct-to-consumer channel offers family-size quantities of the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger starting at $49.99 (plus tax). The orders come with compostable and recyclable packaging, free shipping and two-day home delivery.

Impossible Foods has increased its retail footprint nearly 20-fold since the start of 2020, and its flagship product is now available in over...

COVID-19 Impact on Alternative Protein Industry

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is re-shaping everything from the global economies to product categories, pricing, and stock availability to consumer behavior.

The pandemic has also placed the spotlight on meat supply and food security globally. The spotlight on meat supply has been evident in both developed and emerging markets amidst disruptions to supply chains and panic buying and stockpiling, following announcements of lockdowns and social distancing measures...

Impossible Foods Accelerates Retail Expansion with Kroger 

Impossible Foods is accelerating its retail expansion this week with the rollout of its flagship product at more than 1,700 grocery stores nationwide owned by The Kroger Co., America’s largest grocery retailer.

In addition to grocery shelves at Kroger-affiliated brick-and-mortar stores, Impossible Burger is also available starting today for online ordering through Kroger.com for Kroger Curbside Pickup and Delivery.

The rollout of Impossible Burger at Kroger represents a 18-fold increase in Impossible Foods’ retail footprint so far in 2020. The company’s award-winning, plant-based meat is now on shelves in about...

Impossible Foods Confirms Approximately $500 Million in New Funding

Impossible Foods confirmed today that it has secured approximately $500 million in its latest funding round, led by new investor Mirae Asset Global Investments, with participation from existing investors including Khosla Ventures, Horizons Ventures, and Temasek. The industry-leading food-tech startup has raised nearly $1.3 billion since its founding in 2011.

Impossible Foods will use the funds in part to invest in fundamental research and innovation; accelerate its manufacturing scaleup; expand its retail presence and its availability in key international markets; and accelerate commercialization of next-generation products including Impossible Sausage Made From Plants and Impossible Pork Made From Plants.

“With this latest round of fundraising, Impossible Foods has the resources to accelerate growth -- and continue to thrive in a volatile macroeconomic environment, including the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Impossible Foods’ Chief Financial Officer David Lee.

Scaleup Accelerates

The new funding closely follows the launch of the company’s latest next-generation products...

Impossible Foods Partners with The Halal Shack to Serve Halal Certified Cuisine 

Impossible Foods has announced its latest national restaurant partner: The Halal Shack. With 8 locations in New York, California and Texas and 25 more locations in development nationally, The Halal Shack combines the best of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with a classic American spin for a delicious and unique dining experience. Impossible Burger meat will be available as a filling for any menu item, and can be added to Bowls, gyros, Wraps and Salads.

The Impossible Burger first became halal certified in 2018, and Halal Shack is the latest to benefit from this certification. The word “halal” derives from the Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted, as opposed to “haram” or prohibited. Halal meats are sourced and prepared in accordance with...

Impossible Burger Named the Preferred Plant Based Burger of Disney Parks and Cruises 

Impossible Foods announces a new strategic alliance today with Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. As part of the alliance, the food tech startup’s flagship product – Impossible Burger – will be designated as the “Preferred Plant-Based Burger” of Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line.

On February 28, Disney will debut Impossible Foods menu items at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, including:

• Petite Impossible Burger with Guac and Pepper Jack Cheese at Avocado Time Marketplace
• Impossible Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese at Nuts About Cheese Marketplace
• Impossible Meatball Submarine at...

White Castle to Complement Impossible Slider with Dairy-Free Cheese at Select Locations

White Castle will soon become one of the first fast-food hamburger chains in the U.S. to offer a dairy-free alternative to cheddar cheese. White Castle announced that it will launch the non-dairy product on March 1 in its New Jersey and New York City restaurants.

Customers will be able to order dairy free cheddar to top any slider, including the Impossible Slider, the plant-based slider that White Castle introduced in April 2018 as a test item and then launched as a permanent menu item five months later.

"Our Impossible Slider was an instant Craver favorite, but it's about to get a new dimension with...

NCBA Releases Consumer Research Showing Widespread Confusion About Contents of Plant-Based Fake Meat

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released survey results that show widespread consumer confusion regarding the ingredient composition and purported benefits of plant-based fake meat products.

In an online survey of more than 1,800 consumers, less than half of the respondents understood the labeling term “plant-based beef” was intended to describe an entirely vegetarian or vegan food product. One major source of confusion uncovered by NCBA’s research is that approximately one third of surveyed consumers believed that plant-based fake meat products contained at least some real beef in them. When asked to evaluate specific product labels and marketing materials from some of the leading plant-based fake beef products currently on the market, the results were astonishing...

Rabobank Talks Alternative Protein Surprises

Rabobank kicks off the first note of the decade by sharing some of the main highlights from their annual ‘We Didn’t See That Coming’ survey of food trends. At the end of every year, for the past five years, Rabobank has asked in confidence the simple but highly revealing question: “In the world of food, what surprised you the most over the last twelve months?”

The main surprise can be summed up as the ‘the rapid growth and consumer acceptance of alternative proteins.’ For ease of digestion Rabobank has broken it into four sections...