There’s something pretty spectacular about a perfectly cooked, pink-centered, juicy burger. The texture, flavor and smell are all part of what makes burgers an icon in American food culture. And we’re here for it. But plant-based foods are one of the quickest rising trends happening today. Customers are demanding tasty menus, minus the meat. So, what’s the remedy?
Veggie burgers are nothing new; they've been hanging around the back of freezers since disco was king. And let’s be honest, some of them lack significantly in the flavor and texture department. Not every veggie burger is created equal; some brands have great flavor profiles and are made with incredible ingredients. But many customers today want something that rivals a traditional burger, including the sizzle and mouth-watering goodness. Can you have a great tasting cake — uh, meatless burger and eat it too? The popularity of the newest meatless burgers on the market that “bleed” like the real deal says yes.
They’re all the industry’s rage
Tasty meatless burgers are marketed to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike because they mimic the flavor, texture and smell of traditional burgers. Over 60% of millennials said they were interested in a flexitarian (mostly plants, with minimal meat) lifestyle. Establishments everywhere are incorporating meatless burgers onto their menus. From high-end restaurants, grocery stores and cafeterias to some of the largest fast-food corporations, it seems everyone is getting on this train. And it isn’t stopping anytime soon; the industry expanded 128% in 2020 and continues to rise.
What exactly does meatless mean?
Meatless burgers’ main ingredient is plant protein — usually soy, wheat, or pea. But, it's the texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor that are the hardest to reproduce. So how do these companies make a burger that entices even the most discerning carnivore? It’s all about innovation. The companies who are getting it right have managed to create a way to manipulate plant fibers to have a meat-like spring, mimicking the texture of meat. Animal fat in burgers brings moisture, flavor and sizzle when it cooks. Both palm and coconut oil are solid at room temperature, a consistency that the plant-based burger industry capitalizes on for the same effect in the meatless version. And it makes for a crazy-good burger enjoyed by more consumers each year.
Benefits for your business
Because interest in plant-based foods is on the rise, having juicy meatless burger options on your menu is one way to bring more customers to your operation. The Millenial and Gen Z population are focused on health and socially conscious issues. Catering to their food preferences can benefit your business. The other plus is that the prep and cooking techniques for meatless burgers don’t sway too far from the real deal, making it an easy transition for your staff. Simply season the patties, add a fat source to the pan or grill like usual; cook until it reaches an internal temp of the recommended 160°F (71°C). These tasty entrees will be a customer favorite in no time.
A new food icon.
A perfectly cooked, pink-centered, meatless burger could become the newest food icon. If you approach this trend right, it could very well help drive sales for your operation. But that’s not the only meatless trend you can benefit from. For those that want something from the sea instead, check out our post on what plant-based seafood is and why you should take notice of this emerging trend.
