Elmwood Park, New Jersey, USA-based Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has ventured into the pizza ingredients category with three plant-based pizza toppings now available to foodservice customers in 10-pound cases. The frozen meatless pepperoni slices, faux sausage toppings and chick’n strips are all 100% vegan and kosher certified with zero cholesterol.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding into the pizza category, and hope to see these new toppings on our favorite pizzas,” said CEO Larry Praeger. “Our mission has always been to provide a wide variety of delicious, clean, accessible, vegetable-focused foods. As the consumer appetite for plant-based protein sources grows, we are here to provide the variety they crave without sacrificing the integrity of our ingredients.”
He pointed out that the meatless pepperoni slices offer a cleaner version of a pizza classic with 43% fewer calories, 81% less fat and 59% less sodium than the average pepperoni. Similarly, the meatless sausage topping that has 22% fewer calories, 53% less fat, 35% less sodium and 38% higher protein than regular, mild sausage. The plant-based faux chick’n strips offer 19 grams of pure pea protein per serving.
About Dr. Praeger’s
Founded by two heart surgeons determined to make healthy food easily accessible to Americans, Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has been a leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and kosher frozen food categories in the United States for the past 25 years. Its wide range of products include Veggie Burgers, Bowls, Cakes, Puffs and Hash Browns, sustainable seafood items, Kid’s Littles and other items.
A majority stake in the company was recently acquired by Vestar Capital Partners (VCP), a New York City-headquartered middle-market private equity firm. It continues to be led by second generation family members Larry Praeger and Adam Somberg, president, who remain significant share holders.
As part of Vestar’s investment, Jeffrey Ansell, a senior adviser to VCP and consumer industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, has joined the board of Dr. Praeger’s as chairman.
