Blended burgers and mighty meats

Currently, 3% of the U.S. population identifies as vegan, but meat-free offerings have proliferated this year with the nationwide launches of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Conscious carnivores are looking for ethically raised meat that is better for them (whether that’s protein with less cholesterol, fewer calories or more nutrients), as well as the planet. Overall, a lot of people are just eating less meat so food companies are starting to innovate by incorporating the benefits of plants into the products they already sell.

In 2020, look for beef and chicken to get cozy with legumes, cauliflower and brown rice. There will be new offerings from Perdue, like Chicken Plus Dinos, nuggets made with chicken, cauliflower and chickpeas. Inspired by artisan butchers, Misfit Foods has been developing a line of chicken sausages that are vibrantly colored and very veggie forward, boasting a mix of 50% ground chicken with 50% vegetables, such as kale, gold squash and sweet potato. Tyson, known for meat-centric brands like Hillshire Farms and Jimmy Dean, is behind the recently created Raised & Rooted. The brand’s “The Blend” patties feature ground Angus beef and isolated pea protein, so each serving has about 40% fewer calories and 60% less saturated fat than a typical beef patty.