Nestlé outlines plant-based burger launch

The Garden Gourmet Incredible Burger is 100% plant-based, with natural protein from soy and wheat. It contains natural plant extracts such as beetroot, carrot and bell pepper to help create the look of a beef burger before, during and after cooking. It will launch in Europe this month (April), first coming to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

Wayne England, head of Nestlé's food business, said: “These new burgers don’t compromise on flavour, texture and cooking experience. They underline Nestlé's increased focus on tasty, authentic plant-based food. We believe this trend is here to stay, as consumers look at different ways to enjoy and balance their protein intake and lower the environmental footprint of their diets.”​

Awesome burger​

The business will also launch a plant-based burger under its Sweet Earth brand to the US market later this year. Labelled the Awesome Burger, it is designed to complement the existing Sweet Earth range.

Both the European and US lines are “the result of collaboration between culinary chefs, alternative protein researchers and local food experts​” at Nestlé.

England added: “We’re proud of our ability to make healthy and sustainable food accessible to everyone through our trusted brands. This includes plant-based food products under our Garden Gourmet range in Europe and the Sweet Earth brand in the US.”​

Poor expectations​

According to Nestlé, “Many consumers recognise that less meat in their diet is good for them and for the planet, but plant-based meat alternatives often do not live up to their expectations.” ​It pledged that the new burgers would allow even meat-lovers to enjoy a veggie burger that hardly differed from a traditional burger.

In June, GlobalMeatNews​ is hosting The Future of Plant-based Proteins Conference in Amsterdam. Featuring presentations from the European Plant-based Food Association, The Good Food Institute and Finnebrogue, it will discuss all elements of the plant-based sector. To book your place, click here​.