Nestlé's plant-based 'bacon cheeseburger' debuts in US

Nestlé today launches its Plant-based (PB) Triple Play - a plant-based version of a bacon cheeseburger - at the University of Massachusetts, to mark National Cheeseburger Day in the US.

“What better way to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day than with a new take on this iconic dish that is good for people and the planet?” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. “Nestlé is excited to partner with UMass to bring our PB Triple Play to students looking for a delicious plant-based option.”

This is the first time the PB Triple Play – and any kind of plant-based alternative to a bacon cheeseburger - will be available for foodservice customers in the United States. It will be available under the Sweet Earth brand at the University of Massachusetts in their dining halls, food truck, take-away, and for online delivery, and will become a permanent menu item this fall. In the months to come, additional US university operators, restaurants and foodservice channels will be added.

The plant-based burger patties, bacon and cheese use a combination of natural kitchen-cupboard ingredients. Nestlé food scientists, product developers and culinary chefs worked together to get the right taste, texture and appearance, as well as a good nutritional profile. They also worked alongside foodservice experts to tailor the products for use in professional kitchens, taking into account their specific cooking and serving requirements.

The PB Triple Play was developed by Nestlé in only 10 months, reflecting the company’s ability to further accelerate project timelines despite the current challenging environment. It is the result of Nestlé’s deep expertise in protein science as well as its global research, prototyping and accelerator facilities, allowing the company to rapidly expand its portfolio of plant-based alternatives to beef, pork, chicken, seafood and dairy products.

For more information, read the press release from Nestlé Professional.