As the plant-based meat sector began to gain momentum in 2019, major food companies introduced blended products that combined real meat with plant-based proteins. These offerings aimed to attract selective flexitarians who wanted to reduce their meat consumption without completely eliminating it. However, most of these products struggled in the market. In 2019, Tyson launched its Raised & Rooted brand, featuring blended meat and plant-based options with significant promotional efforts. Although Raised & Rooted is still available today, it has transitioned to a purely plant-based brand. Perdue’s Chicken Plus nuggets remain on the market but are now marketed as “hidden vegetable” choices for children, rather than as a bridge between meat and plant-based alternatives. Currently, the blended meat and plant-based options available resemble a fusion of traditional burgers and ’90s-style veggie patties, with most large manufacturers not integrating plant-based meat with conventional meat.
However, Mush Foods’ offering has the potential to change this landscape, provided there is market demand. Mycelium, which is rich in protein and fiber, possesses a natural umami flavor that can be easily adapted to various tastes. It boasts a clean label and, due to its fibrous nature, mimics the texture of meat. When prepared correctly, it can achieve a juicy consistency akin to that of meat. Additionally, Mush Foods utilizes side streams from other food processors to cultivate its mushrooms and mycelium. The company has developed a proprietary fermentation platform that simulates the natural underground growth conditions for mushrooms.
The pressing question remains whether consumers would be interested in a product that blends meat with mycelium. As meat analogs made from mycelium are just starting to enter the mainstream market, consumer reactions are still uncertain. This also hinges on effective marketing strategies to attract consumers to these products. Recently, consumer enthusiasm for plant-based meats has waned. Issues related to sustainability and health could serve as significant selling points. According to a study conducted by the Plant Based Foods Institute, Kroger, and its data insights partner 84.51°, 54% of consumers reported switching to plant-based foods for health-related reasons.
Moreover, the incorporation of elements such as calcium citrate bulk could enhance the nutritional profile of these products, potentially making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, it will be crucial to monitor consumer preferences and the effectiveness of marketing strategies that highlight aspects like sustainability and health benefits, including the advantages of calcium citrate bulk, to foster a favorable response to blended meat and mycelium options.