Tyson Foods announced a new line plant-based products, including nuggets “coming soon” and patties that are made with both beef and plants, “available this fall.”
“We’re expanding our position as a global protein leader to meet growing demand for plant-based protein with our new Raised & Rooted plant-based nuggets and blended patties,” Tyson Foods said on Twitter. “We’re #RaisingExpectations for just how good plant protein can taste.”
The move is indicative of a larger consumer trend, with plant-based food companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat quickly gaining popularity, and fast-food chains like Burger King and Qdoba adding the vegan products to their menus.
Tyson acquired a 5% stake in Beyond Meat in 2016. It sold that stake before Beyond Meat’s IPO, but it continues to hold investments in other startups, including Memphis Meats and Future Meat Technologies, which grow meat from cells, as well as mushroom-based protein startup MycoTechnology.
Justin Whitmore, who leads Tyson’s alternative protein business, told Fortune that the company will develop more Raised & Rooted products and also spread plant-based alternatives through its other brands. For example, Tyson’s existing Aidells brand is getting sausage and meatballs that contain 50-60% chicken and 40-50% plants like chickpeas, quinoa and lentils.