When you think of a delicious and juicy hamburger, several components need to be spot on—fresh vegetables, delicious bread, and first and foremost, a delicious patty (preferably a hand-pattied blend of beef). The star is certainly the meat—but what if there is no meat? Can a non-meat burger still be craveable and sought-out by consumers?
With shifts in attitude and preferences for healthier and even animal-friendly (think veganism and vegetarianism) meal options, it’s no wonder that more plant-based burgers are making their way on menus. While many veggie burgers are made from a combination of legumes like beans and lentils, new varieties are trying to come as close to a true meat flavor as possible.
Take the Impossible™ Burger. The company the produces it utilizes “ingredients with the precise properties needed to deliver the taste, texture, flavor and juicy sizzle that meat lovers crave ” In fact, these burgers even “bleed” like the real thing (heme is the key ingredient to produce this effect). Its primary ingredients are wheat protein, coconut oil, potato protein, and their meat is sold in restaurants across the country. So does it live up to the hype? You may have to try it yourself to determine this, but in the meantime, check out this review from The Spoon.
Meanwhile, some fast casuals are going 100 percent animal-friendly. Plant Power-Fast Food, based in San Diego, has a large menu featuring all your favorites like bacon cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast burritos and more. Everything served is plant-based and non-GMO.
If you are thinking of revitalizing your menu to include plant-based options, contact Synergy.