Tyson unveils blended burgers, pea protein-based nuggets: ‘Alternative protein could someday be a billion-dollar business for our company’

The Raised & Rooted​​ products - set to launch with several major retail customers - include nuggets (launching late summer) made with pea protein, egg white, bamboo and flaxseed; and blended burgers (launching in the fall) made with a combination of Angus beef and pea protein isolate.

The ‘Whole Blends​’​ line of products under the aidells brand is made with chicken, quinoa, beans and veggies.

For us, this is about ‘and,’ not ‘or’​

The soy-free products – unveiled as Perdue announced its Chicken-Plus​​ line of blended nuggets, tenders, and patties – reflect growing demand for plant-based and blended products, said White.

“Today’s consumers are seeking more protein options so we’re creating new products for the growing number of people open to flexible diets that include both meat and plant-based protein. For us, this is about ‘and’ – not ‘or.’ We remain firmly committed to our growing traditional meat business and expect to be a market leader in alternative protein, which is experiencing double-digit growth and could someday be a billion-dollar business for our company.”​

Tyson 'uniquely positioned' to tap into plant-based/blended protein trend

Tyson Foods expects to introduce additional alternative protein products “through multiple customers and sales channels​” both under the Raised & Rooted brand and other brands in its portfolio, said the company.

“The company’s depth and breadth of experience in protein product development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing, makes it uniquely positioned to introduce new plant-based and blended proteins, and drive growth.”​

The Raised & Rooted plant-based nuggets contain 9 grams of protein, 5g fiber, and 33% less saturated fat than regular chicken nuggets; while the blended patties contain 19 g protein, 40% fewer calories, and 60% less saturated fat than a regular all-beef 80/20 burger.