Tyson Foods, Inc., Springdale, Ark., introduced the company’s first plant-based and blended products, along with its new Raised & Rooted brand.

The Raised & Rooted brand was created to provide plant-based and blended foods that are rooted in how people eat today. The initial products under this brand, which will launch with several major retail customers this year, include plant-based nuggets as well as blended burgers made with a combination of beef and plants. In addition, the company’s existing Aidells brand launched Aidells Whole Blends sausage and meatballs made with chicken and plant-based ingredients.

“Today’s consumers are seeking more protein options, so we’re creating new products for the growing number of people open to flexible diets that include both meat and plant-based protein,” says Noel White, president and CEO. “For us, this is about ‘and’ – not ‘or.’ We remain firmly committed to our growing traditional meat business, and expect to be a market leader in alternative protein, which is experiencing double-digit growth and could someday be a billion-dollar business for our company.”

“The creation of the Raised & Rooted brand is an excellent example of Tyson’s ability to think big and move fast, capitalizing on our existing infrastructure,” says Justin Whitmore, executive vice president, alternative proteins and chief sustainability officer. “We began development of our alternative protein products last year, and have succeeded in creating a new brand and bringing those products to market in well under a year. Customers tell us they love the taste and nutritional attributes and are excited to partner with us.”

“While most Americans still choose meat as their primary source of protein, interest in plant and blended proteins is growing significantly,” adds Noelle O’Mara, chief marketing officer. “These products appeal to a broad cross section of consumers who enjoy food from a variety of protein sources, and we expect interest to continue to grow across protein types. The Raised and Rooted launch and our pipeline of innovation will reflect our consumers’ expectations for 100% plant-based, blended and traditional protein offerings.”

The Raised & Rooted nuggets will launch through retailers nationwide in late summer, and the blended burgers this fall.

The Raised & Rooted nuggets are made from a blend of pea protein isolate and other plant ingredients, and contain 5 grams of fiber and omega-3s and less saturated fat than traditional nuggets. The blended burger is made with Angus beef and pea protein isolate, and has fewer calories and less saturated fat than other plant-based burgers.