Monday, February 17, 2020

Is Eating Fake Meat for Lent OK



There is no doubt that ‘fake’ meat, aka the Impossible Foods, Burger and or Beyond Meat, products are hot products and top of mind with consumer this year. Driven in large part Millennials quest for food discovery. It is also true that ‘fake meat’ products in the minds-eye of the consumer have the ‘Halo’ of better for you.
Close to 25 percent of Americans will be observing Lent this year.  Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® stated “given that Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment  “pulls no punches” lamenting pollution, climate change, a lack of clean water, and biodiversity.  Then ‘fake’ meat should be and OK replacement for meat during Lent.
However, not being as close to the Pope as others, he decided to check in with his own parish priest. His priest said that yes, making a conscious choice to forgo meat and select a meat replacement would be inline with the directive to not eat meat. Johnson, then went on to say clearly this elevates the ‘halo’ around fake meat.  
That means Wayback Burgers new Impossible Melt (coming Feb 26) that starts with the Impossible plant-based patty, and features spicy garlic aioli sauce, topped with swiss cheese and sautéed onions, all sandwiched between two toasted, inverted buttered buns is OK to eat during Lent. 
Demand for plant-based meat options continue to grow and a nearly 80 percent increase in plant-based burgers consumed at restaurants last year, according to the NPD Group.  Then again there will be lots of other options including fist for those of you that are more traditional: Including  
Arby’s Fish ‘N Cheddar Sandwich: A crispy fish filet with cheddar cheese sauce, lettuce, and tartar sauce all on a sesame bun, $2 for $6.
A&W Restaurants Cod Sliders: Premium pub-style battered cod topped with tartar sauce and pickles, served on a soft potato bun. Served two-sliders to a basket with fries and coleslaw at the suggested price of $8.99.
Bojangles BojAngler Fish Sandwich:  Wild-caught Alaskan Pollock filet dusted with Bojangles’ Cajun-inspired seasoning blend, served with a slice of American cheese and a dollop of creamy tartar sauce on a toasted, buttered bun, $5 for two sandwiches or a combo meal.
Mission Taco Joint Jamaican Jerk Salmon Taco:  Salmon filet rubbed with Jamaican jerk spices and grilled in a banana leaf, served in a house-made flour tortilla with grilled pineapple pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, Scorpion Chile aioli and fried pickled onions, $3.75.
Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/ or twitter.com/grocerant

In the Battle for Share of Stomach

Does your menu have a 'Halo' of better for you?




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