Who knew that the humble nugget, a staple of fast food menus and children’s dinner plates alike, could stir such culinary change? In a surprising twist, plant-based nuggets have clucked their way to the top in the largest blind taste test ever conducted, leaving traditional chicken nuggets pecking at the dust.

This intriguing outcome stems from a comprehensive study by Food System Innovations (FSI) under its NECTAR initiative. In the largest sensory analysis of its kind, the “Taste of the Industry 2024” report involved 1,150 American omnivores who rigorously tested 45 plant-based meat products across various categories to provide a broad perspective on consumer preferences in the evolving landscape of meat alternatives.

Caroline Cotto, the director of NECTAR, expressed her enthusiasm about the project’s findings: “We are thrilled to officially unveil NECTAR and embark on this journey towards a more sustainable and delicious future. Our research underscores the potential of alternative protein products to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations.”

Delving deeper into the nuggets category, the report delivered some crispy details: the average plant-based nugget has now achieved taste and texture parity with traditional chicken nuggets. In fact, these meat-free morsels didn’t just match their animal-based counterparts—they clearly outperformed them.

“It wasn’t just one brand that outperformed. Multiple brands overperformed on taste, which is really exciting,” Caroline Cotto remarked in comments reported by the National Post. Participants preferred nuggets produced by Impossible Foods, MorningStar Farms, Quorn, Rebellyous Foods, and Simulate.

Despite the crowning of plant-based nuggets, the study revealed mixed results in other categories like burgers, hot dogs, bacon, and chicken tenders, where many brands struggled to meet consumer expectations. This variance underscores the challenge of crafting plant-based foods that truly mimic their meat-based counterparts in every aspect.

The report highlights that although some plant-based items like nuggets and tenders are nearing taste parity with animal products, there remains considerable room for improvement across the board. Flavor, texture, and appearance are key areas where consumers are calling for enhancements. They desire bolder, meatier, and juicier flavors in their plant-based choices.

Interestingly, the study found that blended burgers, which mix plant-based ingredients with other elements, received higher ratings than purely plant-based options, pointing to a consumer preference for mixed ingredients. This suggests a transitional space where hybrid products could ease the shift from traditional to plant-based eating habits.

Reflecting on the broader implications of these findings, Max Elder, managing director of FSI, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative: “By championing great-tasting products, empowering brands and consumers with data-driven insights, and fostering partnerships across the industry, NECTAR’s launch heralds a new era of innovation and collaboration in the alternative protein space.”

This study not only highlights the strides made in the plant-based sector but also charts a path forward, illustrating how these products can evolve to meet and exceed the broad spectrum of consumer tastes and preferences.