Beyond Meat Expands and Tyson Foods Invests

The shift in consumer preferences away from animal based proteins due to health and environmental concerns is being responded to by marketers and has resulted in an increase of options offered at restaurants and grocery stores. In addition, it has resulted in even traditionally meat-based companies to expand their offerings. This was made apparent when it was announced this fall that Tyson Foods', one of the world's largest food companies and producer of chicken, beef and pork, had recently bought a five percent ownership in Beyond Meat, a producer of plant-based meat alternatives. When I read this report, I was curious about the Beyond Meat products and decided to check them out at our nearest Whole Foods store.

It took several employees and myself searching the store before we finally found the selections in the freezer aisle.  Apparently its location had been moved several times and used to be with the refrigerated vegetarian/vegan items. I did read though that some Whole Foods stores are displaying the Beyond Burger alongside regular beef, pork and chicken.

There were beef and chicken options. We selected the Feisty Crumble which is made from a pea protein and a variety of spices. Beyond Beef resembles real beef in looks and texture although it was dryer than regular beef  when cooked. To prepare, I simply heated it in a little oil until it was heated all the way through. I made a quesadilla with melted cheese and then added the leftovers to a salad along with lettuce, tomato, avocado, lime juice and cheese. Prepared this way, I almost couldn't tell the difference between this and beef hamburger.

With a few ingredients on hand a quick meal is easy to prepare

Beyond Beef Quesadilla

Taco Salad

When I prepare a vegetarian meal, I usually don't want it to resemble meat, but I can see why there is a market for Beyond Meat and other meat substitutes to add variety and to know that your food choices may be impacting the environment a little bit less.