Free from artificial additives & preservatives, consumers can expect plant-based chicken with a stronger nutrition profile and pocket-friendly price
Haofood has announced their latest innovation: Carefree Pulled Chickless, a clean-label plant-based chicken that will be available in China.
As the demand for plant-based products in Asia rises, it is crucial for brands to stay informed and adaptable to remain competitive in the market. Haofood recently conducted consumer studies in China to understand the preferences for sustainable protein sources and found that the top three obstacles to incorporating plant-based meat into daily diets are taste, the presence of additives in product ingredients, and cost. In response, Haofood created Carefree Pulled Chickless to address these challenges and provide a taste-centric, additive-free and affordable solution.
“Clean-label products will be more favourable for consumers, as one of the main reasons to choose plant-based products are for health benefits. The consumer demands for the assurance that they are eating the healthiest and safest food product, and at the same time that it is less harmful to the planet. Carefree Pulled Chickless is healthy and delicious – using simpler and plant-based ingredients produced with our know-how that enables us to create great texture and taste at the same time,” shared Astrid Prajogo, founder and CEO of Haofood.
“Haofood’s Carefree Pulled Chickless offers a clean-label, innovative solution in the plant-based meat market. With a focus on consumer needs and a dedication to staying ahead of market trends, Haofood is setting a high bar for the industry,” said Yip Hon Mun, an expert from the alternative protein industry who is also a member of Haofood’s Board of Directors.
Haofood’s innovation on clean label products is also warmly welcomed by the industry association in China. “Similar to many other lifestyle essentials such as cosmetics, the plant-based food industry requires constant R&D as great product quality is key to keeping consumers interested in protein alternatives. We are glad that Haofood listens well to consumers’ aspirations and responds wisely through developing and launching the clean-label plant-based chicken to the market. This clean-label product is exactly what our industry needs now,” shared Larry Lee, founder and CEO of China Plant Based Food Association.
The key to buy-in: Changing consumer perceptions
The challenge faced by industry players is not getting consumers to try plant-based meat, but to get them to incorporate it into their daily diet. For many, the perception towards plant-based meat is that it does not taste as good as real meat, and some even carry a weird mouthfeel.
Another key concern is consumers find that there is risk associated with eating plant-based meat formulated with artificial food ingredients to mimic the taste, texture, smell and appearance of real meat. Meat like chicken, beef and other protein products, on the other hand, are natural and free from additives. Even when a plant-based product meets food safety regulations, consumers are wary. Adding to that, the price point of plant-based meat is typically higher than what people are paying for real meat.
Clean-label products: Created to put consumers’ mind at ease
Health-conscious consumers are increasingly turning a critical eye towards ingredients used in plant-based meat. Carefree Pulled Chickless, the clean-label plant-based meat, in turn, addresses concerns over taste, label and cost.
Carefree Pulled Chickless contains zero artificial ingredients; no extra added additives, preservatives, thickeners, water retention agent, MSG, flavourings or colourings are present in this clean-label product invented by Haofood. In addition, Carefree Chickless is high in protein and contains trans-fat.
For the ease of cooking, Carefree Pulled Chickless comes pulled. All consumers have to do is reheat it in a microwave oven or pan fry it. In terms of pricing, the product is on par with chicken breast and around half the average market price of plant-based meat products.
Three flavours to pick from
Carefree Pulled Chickless is produced through an extrusion technology that results in a fibrous structure and a texturised product. The primary ingredient, peanut, naturally contains a high level of aspartic and glutamic acid, as well as common amino acids which creates a umami taste. Common household kitchen ingredients such as salt, pepper, chilli powder, cumin, clove and ginger have also been used to enhance the flavour of the product. Consumers will have three variants to select from: Original, Xinjiang Spices and Salt & Pepper.
