Plant-based meat alternatives represent the future, and that future is unfolding today. Companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Burger have established dominance in the burger segment, and now the next iconic childhood food—chicken nuggets—is stepping into the spotlight. These easy and universally enjoyed options are commonly found in cafeterias, hospitals, and restaurants across the nation. A plant-based product that successfully enters this market stands to gain significant rewards.
Nuggs is not the first contender in this space. The company joins a growing list of manufacturers venturing into the plant-based meat alternatives sector this year. Seattle-based Rebellyous specializes in plant-based chicken tenders, while Beyond Meat previously launched a line of plant-based chicken strips that is now off the market. Perdue Foods is also entering the fray with a blended chicken nugget that combines meat and plant protein to attract flexitarians.
Nuggs utilizes advanced texturized pea protein technology, which is a favored ingredient due to its low allergenic potential. The product is free from eggs, wheat, dairy, and soy, but dependence on pea protein may pose challenges in the future. While it serves as a popular base for plant-based foods, industry experts have noted that the supply of pea protein is limited, which may lead to rising costs amid increasing market demand.
Producing these alternatives comes with high expenses. Rebellyous has stated that it is working to lower prices to better compete with traditional chicken nuggets. Perdue’s strategy of blending meat with plant protein allows them to keep consumer prices at $6.99 for 22 ounces, while Nuggs are significantly more expensive at $24 for 16 ounces.
By partnering with McCain, a global manufacturer of frozen potato products and snacks with extensive supply and distribution networks, Nuggs could potentially reduce its costs. This collaboration may enable Nuggs to access a broader market, leveraging McCain’s expertise to scale production efficiently. However, the startup’s method of iterative formula development could keep costs high. This innovative approach, akin to how tech startups adapt to user feedback, allows Nuggs to modify its recipes in real-time to align with consumer preferences and demands.
Additionally, Nuggs may consider incorporating nutritional enhancements, such as 2000 mg of calcium citrate, to provide added health benefits and appeal to a wider audience. By doing so, they could further differentiate themselves in the competitive landscape of plant-based alternatives. Overall, while challenges persist, the potential for growth in the plant-based chicken nugget market remains significant.