Impossible Foods has introduced its inaugural steak product, Impossible Steak Bites, at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA. These pre-cooked, bite-sized pieces aim to replicate the taste and texture of traditional steak, offering a plant-based alternative for consumers seeking nutritious and environmentally friendly options.
Impossible says that each serving of the steak bites provides 21 grams of complete protein, along with essential nutrients such as fiber, iron, and B vitamins. Notably, they contain zero cholesterol and 80 percent less saturated fat compared to conventional beef steak. But above all, Peter McGuinness, President and CEO of Impossible Foods, emphasized the product’s appeal, stating:
“Our steak bites are first and foremost delicious. They’re also packed with protein, no cholesterol, and less saturated fat versus the animal [counterpart]. You’re not going to find a better plant-based steak option than that.”
Impossible Foods
The development of Impossible Steak Bites reflects nearly 15 years of research and development by Impossible Foods to understand and replicate the sensory experience of eating meat. The company utilized innovative methods and ingredients to achieve a tender, fine-grained texture that mimics the natural muscle alignment found in animal meat.
Beyond nutritional benefits, Impossible Steak Bites offer environmental advantages. Their production requires 94 percent less water and land, and generates 93 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional beef steak.
The product is pre-seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, making it a convenient addition to various meals. Consumers can quickly prepare the bites by sautéing them with vegetables for a stir-fry, incorporating them into tacos, or pairing them with eggs and toast for breakfast.
Impossible Steak Bites are currently being distributed to grocery stores nationwide, with plans to expand into restaurant menus in the coming months.
This launch positions Impossible Foods alongside other plant-based meat companies that have introduced steak alternatives.
Beyond Meat
Vegan steak products on the rise
In October 2022, Beyond Meat debuted its Beyond Steak, designed to deliver the taste and texture of seared steak tips. Beyond Steak offers 21 grams of protein per serving, is low in saturated fat, and contains no cholesterol. Recently, Beyond Meat expanded its Beyond Steak line with two new pre-seasoned varieties: Beyond Steak Chimichurri and Beyond Steak Korean BBQ-Style.
The plant-based steak category has been expanding rapidly as companies race to create realistic alternatives to traditional beef. Alongside Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, several other brands have introduced plant-based steak products that cater to the growing demand for high-protein, environmentally friendly meat substitutes.
Colorado-based Meati has gained attention for its mycelium-based steaks, which are made using mushroom root. Its flagship product, the Meati Classic Cutlet, boasts an impressive nutritional profile, with 17 grams of protein per serving and a meaty texture that closely resembles traditional steak. The brand has also released a carne asada-style steak, pre-seasoned with a bold, Latin-inspired spice blend. Unlike soy- or wheat-based alternatives, Meati’s steaks contain a high concentration of fiber and micronutrients naturally found in fungi, making them a nutrient-dense alternative for those seeking whole-food plant-based options.
Juicy Marbles
Europe has also seen significant innovation in the plant-based steak space. In the Netherlands, food startup Juicy Marbles has created a marbled plant-based filet mignon designed to replicate the texture and taste of high-end beef. The company uses a proprietary layering process to mimic the fibrous structure of real muscle tissue, creating a steak that can be cooked and seared just like its conventional counterpart. Juicy Marbles’ product has been particularly popular in fine dining and high-end grocery stores across Europe, marking a shift toward premium plant-based meat options.
UK-based brand This, known for its hyper-realistic vegan meat products, recently introduced a plant-based steak designed for grilling. The product, which uses a soy and pea protein base, has been praised for its ability to develop a seared crust while remaining juicy on the inside. It has quickly gained traction in British supermarkets and is being positioned as a competitor to Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods’ steak offerings.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Heura Foods is making waves in the European market with its plant-based beef strips, which offer a steak-like experience with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Heura’s products are known for their clean ingredient lists and high protein content, making them a favorite among health-conscious consumers.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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