“More people are aware of the impact intensively farmed meat has on the planet and are now looking for fresh, good quality food that tastes amazing and not only helps protect our health, but the environment too.”

Restaurant chain Nathan’s Famous has launched its first-ever vegan hot dog as demand for plant-based meat continues to rise.

This is in partnership with the meat alternatives brand, Meatless Farms.

Gourmet, plant-based hot dog

The hot dog – created ‘to inspire a new generation of carbon-conscious consumers to eat more meat-less’ – features a pea protein-based sausage spiced with Nathan’s Famous 100-year-old secret seasoning blend.

According to the chain, the hot dog is ‘crafted with clean and simple plant-based ingredients’, and is rich in protein, low in saturated fat, low in sodium, gluten, and soy-free.

The newest offering is currently available exclusively at Nathan’s online retail portal on Shopify and will be rolled out in select locations including the tri-state area and Florida in May.

It is sold as part of a kit ($44.99) that includes six Nathan’s Famous Meatless Farm Hot Dogs, buns, and a bottle of Nathan’s Famous Deli Style Mustard.

‘For all who enjoy a healthier diet’

James Walker, the Senior Vice President at Nathan’s Famous Restaurants, said: “As plant-based menu items continue to grow in popularity, we are excited to launch the first ever gourmet, plant-based hot dog, a product created not just for our flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan customers, but all who enjoy a healthier diet.

“We’ve spent a great deal of time perfecting this hot dog and making sure that those who know and love Nathan’s one-of-a-kind flavor, as well as those that might not have tried a Nathan’s hot dog due to diet, can now enjoy an option that fits their lifestyle.

“We are looking forward to growing a new customer base with this partnership with Meatless Farm and know their high-quality ingredients are the way to deliver what our customers have come to expect of the original Nathan’s Famous hot dog.”

Quality food for carbon conscious consumers

Morten Toft Bech, the founder of Meatless Farm, added: “We’re working with the most iconic hot dog company in the country, turning this American favourite into a Meatless favourite.

“Increasingly more people are aware of the impact intensively farmed meat has on the planet and are now looking for fresh, good quality food that tastes amazing and not only helps protect our health, but the environment too.

“This exciting partnership with Nathan’s Famous provides the opportunity to inspire a new generation of carbon conscious consumers to eat more Meat-less. More people making smaller changes will have a greater impact than a few making drastic ones.”

This isn’t the only plant-based option rolled out at the New York-based restaurant and food company.

In February, Nathan’s said it was adding plant-based burger patties from Impossible Foods to its menu. The chain launched out a burger with two quarter-pounds of the Impossible patties with American cheese, onion rings, tomatoes and barbecue sauce on an everything-bagel seasoned bun.

• Read: Subway debuts world’s first ‘plant-based’ grime track to promote vegan food

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