How Beyond Meat's Beyond Chicken Tenders Can Better the Planet

Written by

Kristine Nguyen

Published

The moment that many plant-based eaters have been waiting for is finally here. Beyond Meat is officially launching its own Beyond Chicken Tenders. Better yet, they're coming to nearly 400 restaurants across the United States beginning July 8th.

Beyond Meat has become a favorite amongst the plant-based community and carnivores alike with its arsenal of delicious and strikingly-similar vegan meat substitutes. At this point, there's a good chance you've tried both the wildly successful Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage considering even popular fast food joints (like Dunkin' and Del Taco) carry their products. Now, chicken is being added to the mix, too.

"As with all our products, Beyond Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and an exceptional culinary experience, along with strong nutritional benefits," said Dariush Ajami, chief innovation officer at Beyond Meat, in a press release. "Innovation is at the heart of Beyond Meat, and Beyond Chicken Tenders are the latest example of our mission to create groundbreaking, tasty options that are better for people and the planet."

The new Beyond Chicken Tenders are made up of plant-based ingredients, such as faba beans and peas. They also don't slack in the protein department, coming in at 14 grams of protein per serving and 40 percent less trans fat than your typical tender. Despite not containing any animal products, these plant-based tenders don't sacrifice any of the texture or taste of traditional ones made of chicken.

With the demand for chicken increasing and the nationwide chicken shortage, Beyond Chicken Tenders couldn't have come at a better time as a more eco-friendly alternative. According to the University of Michigan, meat products have larger carbon footprints per calorie than grain or vegetable products.

Another 2020 report found 31 percent of food emissions come from livestock and fisheries. Meanwhile, plant-based protein sources, such as tofu and beans, have some of the lowest carbon footprints. Even going meatless one day a week reduces your carbon footprint by eight pounds per week.

We're excited that these new tenders will be available in so many restaurants nationwide. (See the list here!) Hopefully with this new addition, even more people will be open to trying plant-based meat substitutes and reducing their own carbon emissions. Especially since it's such a delicious way to better the planet.