Pork Giant Smithfield Launches Plant-Based Sausage Links

Plant-based brand Pure Farmland—a subsidiary of pork giant Smithfield Foods—recently launched a line of plant-based sausages at select retailers nationwide. The new soy-based sausages are available in three flavors: Mild Italian Dinner Links, Savory Original Breakfast Links, and Maple Breakfast Links.

“At Pure Farmland, we strive to offer a breadth of plant-based protein products to meet consumer needs and continue to help them grow their options for all meal occasions,” Pure Farmland Brand Manager Erin Thacker told VegNews. “Plant-based sausage links are one of the most in-demand products in the refrigerated meatless category, so we’re excited to introduce our new Mild Italian Dinner Links and expand our breakfast offerings to include Savory Original and Maple Breakfast Links.”

Smithfield initially launched the Pure Farmland line in 2019 with breakfast patties (in original and maple flavors); burger patties (one that is “Simply Seasoned” and another stuffed with a dairy-free cheddar alternative); and meatballs (in “Homestyle” and Italian flavors, the latter made with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative). The line also features two flavors of “starters” (Simply Seasoned and Mild Italian), plant-based meat crumbles which can be added to recipes as a replacement for meat.

In August, Thacker revealed that the brand was “very pleased” with the performance of its plant-based product portfolio and revealed that it was working to improve the formulation of its initial line with more protein and non-GMO soy, while reducing sodium and saturated fat content.