There’s good news for barbecue fans who want to put some vegan treats on the grill this year: Nestlé is launching plant-based sausages in Europe and the United States that look, taste and cook like meat sausages.
In Europe, the soy-based Garden Gourmet Incredible Sausage will be available in Bratwurst and Chorizo styles. It will launch for retail starting in March in 11 markets including Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Soon after, version for restaurants and other foodservice outlets will be available to out-of-home customers.
The United States will see the pea protein-based Sweet Earth Sausage arrive on shelves beginning in April in three varieties including Habanero Cheddar, Asian Ginger Scallion and Chik’n Apple. A version for foodservice will be available as well. The company will also launch a range of plant-based deli meats, which will be available in the USA both in retail (pre-packaged) cases and from the deli counter.
“After the huge success of our plant-based burgers and grounds, we’re now adding another favorite. These plant-based sausages really deliver on flavor and texture,” said Wayne England, head of Nestlé’s food business unit. “Their juiciness and firm bite means you can cook and enjoy them any way you like, including grilling, roasting or pan-frying.”
Nestlé is committed to providing more delicious, nutritious and sustainable plant-based options for consumers around the globe, as consumers are continuing to look for different ways to eat more healthily by diversifying their protein intake and lower the environmental footprint of their diets.
The Vevey, Switzerland-headquartered multinational company says Garden Gourmet is putting the “incredible” into plant-based sausages with carefully chosen ingredients including soy, beetroot, carrots, peppers, and rapeseed and coconut oils. With 13 grams of plant-based protein, no cholesterol and around 40% less fat than a sausage made of pork, the Garden Gourmet Incredible Sausage scores a ‘B’ rating on the Nutri-score front of pack labeling system.
Garden Gourmet and Sweet Earth sausages have a lower environmental impact than a sausage made with meat, says Nestlé. For example, the Garden Gourmet Incredible Sausage has soy as its main ingredient. Compared to a pork-based sausage, a soy-based sausage can account for roughly 90 percent less CO2, 90 percent less water and 80 percent less land use. Packaging for the Garden Gourmet Incredible Sausage has also been designed to be fully recyclable.
Nestlé recently announced it ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including by offering more plant-based food and beverages. The company has also said it will make all its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Nestlé already has a wide range of meat alternatives on the market, including burgers, grounds, nuggets and schnitzels. Garden Gourmet and Sweet Earth are also continuing to expand their range of other products based on the goodness of vegetables.
“On top of meat alternatives, our chefs and plant-based food experts are developing tasty and nutritious veggie-centric ingredients and meals,” said Wayne England. “These are full of flavor and surprising textures from vegetables, grains and pulses to inspire plant-based or flexitarian eaters to widen their horizons.”
