A&W introduces plant-based nuggets

Dec 03, 2019

The food item provides another crop marketing opportunity, one producer said

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

A restaurant chain is continuing its trend of giving consumers more menu options.

A&W Canada unveiled its Plant-Based Nuggets at locations in Ontario and British Columbia, the company announced on Monday. The nuggets are made with ingredients including peas, wheat flour and fava beans.

The restaurant chain launched the nuggets, which come in packs of six for $5.99 or a pack of 10 for $8.99, through a partnership with Lightlife, a company that produces vegetarian and vegan meat substitutes.

“We’re thrilled to partner with A&W as they launch their first plant-based nugget on menu,” Dan Curtin, president and CEO of Greenleaf Foods, SPC, Lightlife’s parent company, said in a statement. “A&W is an icon in the Canadian dining landscape, and we’re excited for their guests to experience the taste, texture and satisfaction of Lightlife’s plant-based nuggets.”

Ontario producers are of two minds about the nuggets.

While the opportunities associated with alternative proteins are welcomed, the taste and texture of the nuggets might be off-putting.

“It gives everybody another option for crop marketing and that’s always a good thing for farmers,” Todd Arthur, who raises edible beans in Middlesex County, told Farms.com. “But for me, the idea of a plant-based nugget is a little tough to swallow.”

The nuggets are available for a limited time and while supplies last.

If A&W receives a favourable consumer response, it may consider permanently adding the nuggets as a menu option.

Farms.com has reached out to Ontario Bean Growers for comment.

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