An Indian company by the name of Naka Foods has developed a plant-based chicken alternative, aptly branded Vegetarian Chicken, that uses widely available and indigenous ingredients to bring the flavor and nutritional value of chicken to its customers.
This Vegetarian Chicken offering makes use of three ingredients popular in Indian cuisine and diet, namely chickpeas, jackfruit and spirulina. The use of jackfruit is heralded in that it presents opportunities for fruit farmers in India, whilst helping the company lower the costs associated with importing materials from abroad, with the fruit itself renowned for its meat-reminiscent texture. Meanwhile, spirulina is known to be offer high-quality protein, vitamins and antioxidants.
While Naka Foods made its name by offering spirulina-based snack bars to environmentally conscious and health-obsessed Indian consumers, the company is now targeting its sights towards the plant-based meats market, with fish said to be next on the agenda.
Fruit-Infused Chicken Alternatives
This 'Vegetarian Chicken' Utilizes Meaty Indian Jackfruit
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Meat Alternatives - Naka Foods Vegetarian Chicken sets an example for the growth of sustainable and healthy plant-based meat alternatives in the market.
2. Fruit-based Meat Alternatives - The success of Naka Foods Vegetarian Chicken indicates the opportunities for utilizing indigenous fruit ingredients for developing meat-reminiscent plant-based alternatives.
3. Spirulina as a Sustainable Protein Source - Incorporating spirulina to plant-based meat alternatives can offer high-quality protein, vitamins, and antioxidants while promoting sustainable food production and health consciousness.
Industry Implications
1. Plant-based Meat Industry - Naka Foods Vegetarian Chicken opens doors for innovation and competition in the plant-based meat industry for a healthier and more environmentally conscious option that suits a wider range of consumers.
2. Agriculture Industry - The utilization of indigenous fruit ingredients for producing plant-based meat alternatives can provide a new market, as well as opportunity for development, for fruit farmers and the agriculture industry.
3. Superfoods Industry - The popularity of spirulina as a superfood opens up new possibilities for incorporating it into plant-based meat alternatives and other food products, thus driving innovation in the superfoods industry.