“With more people eager to try delicious plant-based options, we’re excited to bring an even greater variety of favourites to consumers’ backyards and kitchens this summer.”

Nestlé-owned Sweet Earth Foods is expanding its range adding Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs and plant-based jerky to its US lineup as demand for alt protein products continues to rise.

The new products follow the company’s expansion of its Mindful Chik’n line-up in April.

The Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs are made with a pea and potato protein base and are said to deliver “an authentic hot dog experience”.

According to the plant-based subsidiary of Nestlé, the vegan hot dogs are also 23% bigger than other similar products in the market.

The plant-based jerky is the brand’s first shelf-stable snacking product claimed to deliver the same meaty taste and texture as its traditional counterpart.

It is available in two flavours and contains 13g of plant protein per serving. 

The Spicy Kung Pao Jerky is made with the ‘flavours of the Szechuan province’, including savoury and spicy ginger and cracked red peppercorns.

Sweet Earth Foods’ Sweet Korean BBQ Jerky includes soy sauce and gochujang peppers.

Sweet Earth has also reformulated its Awesome Burger by combining hemp, fava beans and pea protein as its base.

The version 2.0 burger patties offer a “beefier texture and more authentic burger experience,” the company said.

Plant-based protein demand

“Our relentless approach to innovation allows us to offer consumers tasty, nutrient-diverse protein options they can feel good about incorporating into their diets,” Sara Wheeler, Sweet Earth Foods general manager said.

“With more people eager to try delicious plant-based options, we’re excited to bring an even greater variety of favourites to consumers’ backyards and kitchens this summer.”

Speaking about the reformulated burger, Ryan Riddle, senior product development specialist with Nestle and Sweet Earth added: “The Sweet Earth Awesome Burger saw incredible success at its launch in 2019, but at Sweet Earth Foods we’re constantly asking ourselves and our customers how we can make our plant-based proteins tastier, more craveable and more like traditional animal-based proteins.

“Over the last year, we have continued our product development, listened to consumer feedback, and made the Awesome Burger 2.0 even juicier with a beefier flavour and meatier texture.”

Sweet Earth Vegan Jumbo Hot Dogs cost $6.99 and are available at select Ahold grocery stores with greater availability at Kroger stores in August.

Similarly, the Spicy Kung Pao jerky is already nationwide while the Sweet Korean BBQ jerky will hit shelves later this year.

The Sweet Earth Awesome Burger 2.0 priced at $5.99 will roll out nationwide this summer at Target, Whole Foods, H-E-B, Sprouts and more.

• Read: Jaden Smith to open restaurant ‘for homeless people to get free vegan food’ in LA

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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