Beyond Meat Jerky (BYND) is here — yes, you read that right.
The plant-based leader partnered with PepsiCo (PEP) to create the new shelf-stable snack, which is set to roll out at stores nationwide beginning this month.
Beyond Meat Jerky, marinated and slow roasted to offer a similar taste experience to traditional beef jerky, contains 10 grams of protein and is made with simple, plant-based ingredients such as peas and mung beans.
The product will be available in three different flavors: original, hot & spicy, and teriyaki.
"We are thrilled to introduce the first product from Planet Partnership, our joint venture with Beyond Meat and PepsiCo," Dan Moisan, Planet Partnership CEO, said in a press release.
"The nationwide launch of Beyond Meat Jerky will make plant-based meat accessible to millions of households. It tastes great, it’s a good source of protein, and it’s convenient to eat whether you’re on the go, at the office or out on adventures," the executive added.
The news comes as Beyond Meat continues to expand its footprint within both retail and fast food.
Earlier this year, KFC (YUM) announced the nationwide debut of Beyond Fried Chicken after a two-year testing period.
McDonald's (MCD) McPlant burger, which analysts say could hit the Golden Arches this year, has been viewed as one of the most-anticipated plant-based rollouts. An expanded release could help lift not only Beyond Meat's bottom line, but plant-based meat makers overall.
The company has also struck up alliances with Taco Bell, Costco (COST), Subway, TGI Friday’s, Dunkin’, Pizza Hut, and more.
Other competitors like Impossible Foods have searched to secure viable partnerships of their own.
In 2020, Impossible landed a mega deal with Disney (DIS) that would sell meatless items at high-traffic locations including Disneyland in Anaheim, Disney World in Orlando, and the Disney Cruise Line.
That same year, Starbucks (SBUX) announced that it would offer an Impossible Sausage breakfast sandwich at stores nationwide, and Burger King unveiled an Impossible Whopper (QSR), which hit the fast food chain to much fanfare in 2019.
Overall, alternative meat and dairy options have skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years.
According to the latest Good Food Institute industry report, U.S. plant-based food sales grew two times as fast as animal-based food sales in 2020, totaling $7 billion. Within that category, plant-based meat crossed the billion-dollar mark, expanding by 45% in dollar sales from 2019.
Alexandra is a Senior Entertainment and Food Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alliecanal8193
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