SHICKEN Unveils “Category First” Allergen-Free Plant-Based Chicken with Locally Sourced Ingredients

SHICKEN Foods has unveiled a new plant-based chicken recipe that is free from the top 14 allergens, using solely British ingredients at its newly certified allergen-free site in Kent, England. The company's switch from soy and wheat to pea proteins, sourced from local peas farmed in East Anglia, makes it the first meat alternative protein in the UK to be allergen-free with completely home-grown ingredients. Sustainable sourcing and reducing their carbon footprint are key components of SHICKEN's mission to create inclusive and ethical plant-based food options.

The company recently received a £4 million investment from Veg Capital, bringing their total funding to £6 million. This funding will be used for further investment in their Kent facility to create one of the UK's few dedicated plant-based, nut-free manufacturing plants. The new allergen-free recipe will be available nationally in Costco as part of their range of curry and kebab dishes, with plans to expand across retail, direct-to-consumer, and foodservice by the end of May.