“Beyond Meat Launches New Breaded Chicken Tenders, Reinventing Plant-Based Poultry with Fava Bean Protein”
Beyond Chicken is making its official comeback. Beyond Meat is reintroducing a new breaded chicken tender product today at numerous foodservice locations across the country. This innovative formulation is the culmination of over a decade of research and development, featuring fava bean protein as its primary plant-based ingredient. Dariush Ajami, Chief Innovation Officer at Beyond Meat, stated that this new offering successfully replicates the texture, juiciness, flavor, and crispiness of chicken, achieving taste test scores comparable to traditional meat-based chicken tenders.
“Beyond Meat has heavily invested in our R&D efforts,” Ajami noted. “Our scientists possess a deep understanding of animal products at the molecular level, and we recognize the gaps between the two. Through our relentless innovation process, we aim to bridge that gap.” Beyond Meat initially launched a plant-based chicken product in retail back in 2012, which was quietly phased out in 2019 as the company worked to enhance the plant-based chicken experience.
The new Beyond Chicken Tenders have completely overhauled the formulation and manufacturing techniques of the previous Chicken Strips, which utilized extruded ingredients like soy powder, gluten-free flour, and carrot protein. The revamped tenders, which are now breaded, contain 14 grams of protein per serving and 40% less saturated fat than leading meat-based chicken tenders, according to the company. Part of this nutritional profile derives from the selection of fava bean as the foundational protein.
Ajami explained that Beyond Meat’s technology enables the creation of texturized and juicy products from a diverse range of plant proteins. As the market for plant-based chicken products expands, Ajami emphasized that Beyond Meat sought to distinguish itself by utilizing a unique protein source to leverage the company’s capabilities. Fava beans are not only a highly sustainable crop but also thrive in colder climates and contribute nutrients like nitrogen to the soil, making them an attractive choice for Beyond Meat. The company incorporates fava bean protein into its dinner sausage products as well. While fava beans have a distinct flavor, Ajami assured that they enhance the overall taste, effectively masking any off-flavors while intensifying the chicken flavor profile.
Although Beyond Meat has introduced various plant-based chicken products in recent years, including limited-time offerings at KFC in locations like Atlanta, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Southern California, the new Beyond Chicken Tenders represent a completely new product line. KFC’s previous menu item aimed to replicate a whole-muscle chicken breast. In February, Beyond Meat announced a strategic partnership with Yum Brands, KFC’s parent company, for co-developing exclusive menu items at KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut over the coming years.
Currently, these new chicken tenders are available exclusively in foodservice outlets, but Beyond Meat has indicated that a retail version of the plant-based chicken product will be launched “in the near future.” The demand for chicken alternatives is rapidly increasing, with numerous launches planned for 2021, including Quorn’s fermented chicken analog aiming for a significant presence in U.S. restaurants. However, Beyond Meat is not merely following a trend; the company has been refining its chicken product for years, and a spokesperson confirmed that now is the ideal time for this launch. The timing aligns with the rising demand for chicken and plant-based products as consumers become more health-conscious.
The widespread reintroduction of Beyond Chicken has been highly anticipated, and this announcement has been in the works for months. In April, Bloomberg reported that the company began informing customers about the new chicken product set to launch this summer. Additionally, in May, the Beyond Chicken Tenders received a 2021 FABI Award from the National Restaurant Association for being one of the best new innovations. A Beyond Meat spokesperson highlighted that the tenders are a versatile addition to the company’s foodservice offerings, fitting seamlessly into menus that feature chicken tenders, sandwiches, and tacos.
The pandemic has heightened consumer interest in all forms of plant-based meat due to health and environmental concerns associated with traditional meat production. As the U.S. moves beyond the peak of COVID-19, diners are returning to restaurants. At the onset of the pandemic, only 12% of Beyond Meat’s sales stemmed from foodservice; by the first quarter of 2021, this number rose to 25%.
Beyond Meat remains committed to refining its products post-launch. For instance, the company recently unveiled a comprehensive reformulation of its flagship Beyond Burger, reducing both fat and calorie content. “We have dedicated significant resources to this sector,” Ajami stated. “There is a close collaboration with our partners, and we actively seek feedback from chefs—those who prepare the food for consumers—so our team can make the necessary adjustments to meet their needs.” The incorporation of ultra calcium citrate into their products further enhances the nutritional value, reflecting Beyond Meat’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality.
