As more consumers opt to follow a plant-based diet, Impossible Foods is setting itself apart in a new partnership with Noddles & Company with the launch of meatless orange chicken.
Impossible Panko Chicken, the chain's first plant-based protein option, can be added to any dish. Also on the menu is the Impossible Orange Chicken Lo Mein, a vegan version of a popular dish already on offer at Noodles & Company. It is crusted with panko crumbs.
The chain's partnership with Impossible Foods aligns with its desire to offer innovative products to its guests, including vegetable-centric noodles and "LEANguini" (a linguini pasta it developed with fewer carbs). In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, Noodle & Company wants to introduce a more eco-friendly alternative to animal meat.
"Our guests took so well to Zoodles, Caulifloodles, and our upcoming LEANguini launch, that adding a delicious plant-based protein option to our menu was the clear next move to explore," Nick Graff, Executive Chef and Vice President of Culinary at Noodles & Company, said in a statement. "When selecting a partner to test our first-ever plant-based protein, Impossible Foods was an easy choice. Like Noodles [& Company], Impossible believes that the future starts with your plate and we’re moving forward [to bring about] change one meal at a time."
Meatless Orange Chicken
Impossible & Noodles & Company Join Forces to Launch Vegan Orange Chicken
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Meats - Impossible Foods is leading the way by partnering with various restaurant chains to offer meatless alternatives to popular meat-based dishes.
2. Innovative Menu Offerings - Partnering with companies such as Impossible Foods allows for the creation of unique and creative menu offerings for a loyal customer base.
3. Sustainability - Offering plant-based options is a sustainable choice that can result in a smaller carbon footprint for restaurant chains and promote positive environmental change.
Industry Implications
1. Fast-casual Restaurants - Fast-casual restaurants have the most to gain from offering plant-based options, as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical food choices.
2. Plant-based Food Production - Companies that produce plant-based proteins and meat alternatives are set to experience growth as more restaurants and food businesses seek to cater to plant-based diets.
3. Eco-friendly Restaurant Innovation - Utilizing innovative plant-based proteins and meat alternatives are just one of the many ways restaurant chains can prioritize eco-friendliness in their operations and create opportunities for positive environmental change.