Nestlé Professional launches new range of plant-based food

Nestlé Professional has launched a new range of plant-based food to meet a growing demand for meat-free options by health and environmentally conscious diners when eating out.

The Garden Gourmet range is designed to appeal to flexitarians as well as non-meat eaters. It offers vegan filet pieces and mince, a vegan burger, vegetarian schnitzel and a vegetarian burger, all of which are a source of protein and fibre and can be easily prepared for use in a variety of dishes. The products have also been created with a smaller environmental footprint than meat-based versions.

A report commissioned by Nestlé Professional to support the launch, Balancing Plates: Navigating Consumer Dining Demands in 2020, found half of diners (51%) would like more meat-free options when eating out and seven in ten (71%) would like more healthy options. On top of this 55% of those surveyed prefer restaurants with strong eco-credentials.

Rohini Alam, savoury food category manager said: "we've found that people can be disappointed by the taste or monotony of vegan and vegetarian options when eating out of home, so we've worked hard to make tasty, meat-free alternatives that can easily replace many classic meat-based menu items. The texture and taste of the products really make this a versatile and easy-to-use range for chefs."

Food outlets will be able to use the Garden Gourmet range as substitutes for meat dishes they already have on their menus.