It’s been a big week for Beyond. And yes, we do mean “Beyond,” because the days of Beyond Meat are over. The brand recently announced it’s dropping “Meat” from its name. In a statement, the company said it’s stepping away from the culture wars and doubling down on high-quality plant-based protein. Not everything going forward will mimic animal products. “You’ll see us come out with things like, maybe, lentil sausage,” CEO Ethan Brown told Fast Company. “Or chickpea hot dogs.”
But meat-lovers don’t need to worry; Beyond is still committed to its classic offerings. In fact, it just partnered with a steakhouse chain (more on that below), and there’s also news on its latest Beyond Ground products.
And as always, the food news doesn’t stop there. Keep reading for updates on Chicago’s new vegan farmers market, Redefine Meat’s latest launch, Hodo’s new tofu, and more.
Beyond Meat
Beyond’s new steak is available at Boa Steakhouse locations
Popular fine-dining chain Boa Steakhouse has added Beyond Steak Filets to the menu. The plant-based whole-cut filets, developed to be as juicy and tender as animal-based steak, are part of a new dish called Club Room Style Steak Frites. “Guests are going to be blown away,” Diana Stavaridis, Culinary Director at Beyond, said in a statement. “This is about capturing that steakhouse experience—without compromise.” Club Room Style Steak Frites is currently on the menu at Boa Steakhouse locations in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Austin.
Beyond introduces Beyond Ground
Beyond has also introduced two new products: Beyond Ground and Pre-Seasoned Beyond Ground. According to the California-based brand, this new protein is unlike anything it has brought to market before. Announcing Beyond Ground on Instagram, the company wrote: “Neither beef, pork, nor poultry. Simply Beyond.” It continued: “We kept it simple so you can get creative. With Beyond Ground’s neutral flavor that serves as a blank canvas for all your favorite spices, seasonings, and sauces, you get to have the fun.” The brand then followed up the post with an announcement about its pre-seasoned varieties, which are available in flavors like Tuscan Tomato, KBBQ, and Chipotle Pineapple. The brand is currently running a giveaway, offering 50 fans the chance to win early access to the products. Find out more here.
A vegan farmers’ market has launched in Chicago
Until September 26, Chicago is hosting a totally vegan farmers’ market. Led by BOT Bakery founder and vegan entrepreneur Betty Alper, the new market offers everything from fresh produce to artisan bread to vintage goods. “This new market aims to provide a dedicated space for ethically sourced and sustainable products, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options in the city,” the press release states. Find it every Friday on West Grand Avenue.
Hodo launches chili crisp tofu
Tofu brand Hodo Foods has launched a new range of lightly fried tofu in three flavors: chili crisp, golden turmeric, and gochujang. Minh Tsai, founder and CEO of Hodo, said in a statement: “We noticed broad consumer interest in spicy Asian flavors like chili crisp oil. The number one show on Netflix Global Top 10 was a show all about Korean cooking! Millennials and Gen Z associate fermented foods like miso, gochujang, and turmeric with health and wellness. Our new lightly fried tofu is flying off the shelves as we see strong initial reaction from consumers.” You can find the new products, which have been scored, lightly fried, and marinated, in stores like Erewhon, Good Eggs, The Fresh Market, Mom’s, PCC Community Markets, and Berkeley Bowl.
Redefine Meat
Redefine Meat launches new shawarma
Redefine Meat is known for its ultra-meaty, super-tender plant-based meat products, including steak, burgers, pulled pork, and bratwurst. Now, it has added a new option to the lineup: Redefine Shawarma. The new Middle Eastern-inspired product, which is designed to taste like lamb and is flavored with cumin, coriander, clove, and cinnamon, is available from Ocado in the UK. “We’re thrilled to be adding another innovative Redefine Meat product to the Ocado range. The exceptional feedback and reviews across the Redefine Meat products, along with impressive repeat purchase rates from our customers really stood out to us,” said Ocado buyer Georgina James in a statement. “Redefine Shawarma is a more sustainable option that delivers on flavor and versatility, and we’re confident it’s also going to be a hit with shoppers looking for exciting, plant-based options.”
Vegpreneur is offering $12,000 grants to mission-driven plant-based brands
Vegpreneur, a media brand and business community, has partnered with e-commerce company Shopline to launch a new accelerator for plant-based businesses. The new three-month program, designed to help mission-driven plant-based brands, includes cash grants of up to $12,000, as well as mentorship, access to a tailored e-commerce curriculum, and introductions to key investors, retailers, agencies, and partners. “Through this partnership with Vegpreneur, Shopline is delivering the infrastructure and ecosystem support founders need to scale with confidence and create lasting impact,” Christopher Yang, co-president of Shopline, said in a statement. “Supporting the next generation of plant-based brands aligns with our broader commitment to advancing sustainability across the commerce landscape.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
