At a time of pepperoni shortages and a growing consumer trend towards flexitarianism (that is, semi-vegetarianism), Pittsfield, New Hampshire-based American Flatbread is rolling out a new line of plant-based, flash-frozen pizza called Meatless Evolution.
The range, which includes vegetarian and vegan options, has been formulated not only to appeal to consumers intent on limiting their meat intake, but also to folks looking to switch up pizza night while still enjoying classic toppings.
“We are so excited to be the first brand on the market to offer plant-based pizza products with both traditional and non-dairy cheese options,” said Brad Sterl, president and founder of American Flatbread. “We understand our consumers want choices, which is why our team spent over a year developing the perfect taste and texture profile for pizza lovers who want a meatless alternative of their favorite toppings.”
Using hand-stretched dough made from 100% organic wheat, along with whole ingredients, each crisp and savory bite is powered by pea protein and provides consumers with a healthy serving of both protein and fiber.
Here are brief descriptions of the line’s newest additions, all of which feature 100% organic wheat crusts:
- Vegan Pepperoni is topped with plant-based pepperoni, tomato sauce, dairy-free mozzarella style shreds and herbs.
- Vegan Meat Lovers is a product loaded with plant-based pepperoni, faux sausage crumbles, tomato sauce, dairy-free mozzarella style shreds and herbs.
- Plant-Based Pepperoni is topped with faux pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, asiago, parmesan and herbs.
- Plant-Based Supreme is loaded with meat alternative pepperoni, broccoli, mushrooms, tomato sauce, mozzarella, asiago, feta and herbs.
Each 10-inch pizza in the Meatless Evolution line contains three servings and will retail for $8.99. They can be purchased starting mid-September at select Harris Teeter locations in the USA as well as on the company’s website. The products will also be available to purchase via the brand’s Amazon storefront page beginning in October.
Meanwhile, over the past 24 weeks American Flatbread brand sales have grown by 42.5%, outpacing many of its competitors. In the frozen pizza category, expansion has been nearly 30%.
“Even though the category is growing, we’re growing at two times the category rate,” said Sterl. “There’s a reason our brand is experiencing exponential growth while other brands are just growing. Unveiling the new plant-based line continues to set us from our competitors and we couldn’t be more excited.”
