Plant-based Nuggets Outperform Meat In ‘World’s Largest’ Taste Test

In a recent taste test described as the “world’s largest,” plant-based chicken nuggets were found to outperform their animal-based counterparts. The study, conducted by NECTAR, a new initiative from Food System Innovations (FSI), involved 1,150 American participants who preferred the flavor of plant-based nuggets over traditional ones. This marks a significant achievement in the plant-based protein sector, with multiple brands such as Impossible Foods, MorningStar Farms, Quorn, Rebellyous Foods, and Simulate performing well in the test.

While plant-based nuggets proved to be a favorite in the study, there is still room for improvement in the plant-based meat industry. Participants in the taste test expressed a desire for saltier, juicier, and greasier products, indicating areas for development in flavor, texture, and appearance. NECTAR’s upcoming study will focus on blind taste-testing of “blended” products containing both meat and plant-based protein, aiming to further explore consumer preferences in the evolving protein market.