Burger King is teaming up with French start-up La Vie to serve plant-based bacon on their Veggie Steakhouse Burgers for a limited time at select locations. Beyond Meat’s bringing some star power to the team with their first ever Chief Taste Consultant, Kim Kardashian. And vegan chain Project Pollo took on ABC’s Shark Tank.
Joey Thurman:
Welcome to Talking Plant Protein. I'm Joey Thurman, and these are this week's trending topics. Burger King changed the game for plant-based alternatives in fast food when they launched their Impossible Whopper in 2019, and now they're shaking it up again. In response to customer requests, the burger chain will now be carrying plant-based bacon from French startup La Vie in 550 locations. The bacon would be served on the veggie steakhouse burgers, available only in France for a six month trial run. Beyond Meat is often considered one of the first brands to take the veggie burger to the next level. And since then, they've grown into a massive company with an incredible offering of products, including burgers, chicken tenders, sausages, jerky, and more. They've gained a lot of traction in the plant-based community, and now they're adding some major star power to the team by announcing their newest chief taste consultants... Drum roll, please... Kim Kardashian.
The star said in a recent press release, "I'm really inspired Beyond Meat's mission and love that they are not only making plant based eating delicious and accessible, but are doing so in a way that benefits both people and the planet." Plant-based chicken chain Project Pollo has joined the growing list of alternative protein brands taking on ABC's Shark Tank, rounding out the show's 13th season. The sharks tried several of the restaurants menu items, including the deluxe chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets with fries, and buffalo mac and cheese. And investor, Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O'Leary, said it was the best fake chicken he'd ever had. While Project Pollo CEO Lucas Bradbury walked away without a deal, he says he's not slowing down in the mission to provide affordable, plant based options to consumers anytime soon. From Talking Plant Protein, I'm Joey Thurman, and those are this week's trending topics.