Mycelium-meat company Meati launched its Breakfast Patties, exclusively in 280 Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide, expanding its presence in the breakfast category.
The Original and Maple-flavored patties are made with 98% mycelium and deliver 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and zero saturated fat or cholesterol, according to the company.
“Our brand narrative is relatively simple, because the benefits of our products are so strong – they are delicious, nutrient-packed and clean,” said Phil Graves, CEO, Meati, in an interview.
With nostalgia in mind, “Meati’s breakfast patties are taking us all back to the feeling you got from eating sausage on those slow Saturday mornings growing up,” he said.
Meati debuted its frozen breakfast patties at Sprouts following the strong performance of its other products in the retailer’s stores, explained Graves.
“Our breakfast patties will be available exclusively at Sprouts to start, but we already have other retailers around the nation who are eager to add our breakfast patties to their offerings,” Graves said, adding that he expects for the patties to be carried in more retail outlets this year.
As the breakfast category continues to grow, attributed to consumers’ return to work and preference for convenient and healthy options, Meati expects that “mycelium breakfast patties will be a significant growth avenue,” Graves said. The company declined to comment on specific numbers or revenue targets.
Mycelium as an ‘alternative’ to plant-based and meat products
Consumers are increasingly critical of plant-based meats, often viewed as ultra-processed, and factory-farmed meats due to negative impacts on health, animal welfare and the environment, Graves pointed out.
Meati positions itself as a premium alternative to plant-based and animal meat products “that comes from responsible practices,” he said.
The company faced a couple of false advertising lawsuits in 2023 and in 2024 over ‘mushroom root’ claims for its cutlets and steaks when they are made from a strain of filamentous fungus called Neurospora Crassa – a type of mold. Similarly, The Better Meat Co. which also uses a strain of Neurospora Crassa received a “no questions” letter from FDA for its Rhiza mycoprotein meat alternatives. Meati’s 2023 lawsuit was dismissed and the 2024 lawsuit is pending.
“We want to change the protein paradigm and force the category to supply better-for-you and better-for-the planet options,” Graves said.
Meati produces its mycelium products in its industrial-scale production facility in Thornton, Co., dubbed the “Mega Ranch.” The facility opened in January 2023 and is “perfectly poised for scale” of Meati’s mycelium patties, cutlets and steaks, Graves said.
The company uses “10 times less water than soy, 73% less water than steak and creates 89% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than steak,” Graves said.
“We have got everything we need to double or even triple production. And, efficiencies in our production are not just good for the bottom line, it is good for the environment, so this is always top of mind,” he added.
