Juicy Marbles Unveils the First Plant-Based, Whole-Cut Pork: “Our Cleanest, Most Nutritious Recipe Yet”

Despite recent downturns, the plant-based meat market is projected to reach $21.81 billion by 2030, according to recent estimates. And for Juicy Marbles, the Slovenia-based startup making realistic steak, lamb, and ribs, innovation and clean protein is key to the sector’s success. The label has introduced its newest product, Meaty Meat: Pork-ish—a 6.4-ounce plant-based pork cut priced at $10 per pack. Pork-ish is the first whole cut of pork in the plant-based category, which Juicy Marbles says offers new possibilities for chefs and home cooks. ​

Juicy Marbles has a history of pioneering plant-based whole cuts, including marbled steaks, tenderloins, and ribs with bones. In February, it introduced Meaty Meat: Lamb-ish, a versatile 6.4-ounce plant-based meat slab that sold out within 24 hours in the US. The new Pork-ish flavor offers a more adaptable taste, allowing home cooks to explore a wider range of traditionally meat-based dishes. 

Juicy Marbles

RELATED: The Juiciest, Meatiest Meat-Free Ribs You Can Buy

The Meaty Meat line was created to rival tofu as a versatile kitchen staple. With a quick, seven-minute cook time and a convenient portion size, Meaty Meat is designed for everyday use. Unlike tofu, Juicy Marbles’ signature texture allows it to be sliced, chunked, shredded, or cooked whole, adding a juicy, meaty texture and ample protein to any dish. ​

Co-Founder Luka Sinček explained the approach behind Lamb-ish. ”​Mimicking real cuts too closely can limit their perceived versatility in the kitchen. That’s why we went deliberately ambiguous with Meaty Meat’s shape. We wanted to give our customers more freedom while shifting the perception of plant-based whole cuts in general. By focusing only on what people love most about Juicy Marbles—meaty texture and flavor and nothing else—we hope we can give people permission to experiment with whole cuts in all kinds of recipes.” ​

Healthier vegan meat alternatives

Pork-ish builds on Juicy Marbles’ commitment to shift its entire portfolio to their clean-label recipe, codenamed Marble 3.0. Co-Founder and R&D Chief Maj Hrovat expressed dissatisfaction with nutrient profiles in plant-based meat.

“We’ve always been frustrated by how light plant-based ‘alternatives’ can be on essential nutrients, like protein, iron, and B12. Beyond taste and texture, people want nutritionally sensible food that helps them reach their daily nutrition goals and that they can cook for their families with confidence,” Hrovat said. “If we want plant-based meats to be a viable alternative, they have to get close to matching the nutritional profile of meat—with a sensible ingredients list. Marble 3.0 is our cleanest, most nutritious recipe yet, and will be our standard going forward.”

The launch comes as a new study from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests that swapping animal products for plant-based alternatives—even processed ones—may support weight loss. High-processed foods, particularly those high in sugar, salt, and fat, are often linked to obesity and chronic disease. However, lead researcher Hana Kahleova points out that plant-based options like veggie burgers and soy milk can still be a healthier choice than their animal-based counterparts.

“Our research shows that choosing a bagel instead of bacon for breakfast or a veggie burger instead of a hamburger for dinner is the best option if you are looking to lose weight,” said Kahleova, director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Juicy Marbles

The study, published in Nutrition & Metabolism, found that participants in the vegan group reduced their intake of animal products while increasing plant-based food consumption. According to Kahleova, “Filling your plate with plant-based foods—even if they are considered ultra-processed like soy milk, vegan meat, yogurt alternatives—instead of animal products, can have a positive impact on your weight and overall health.”