Calling all vegetarians: Impossible Foods' plant-based chicken nuggets have arrived in restaurants across Aotearoa, adding another meat alternative to our menus.
The Impossible Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants first debuted in the US in 2021 and have since become a plant-based staple, allowing vegetarians, vegans and people looking to reduce their meat intake to still participate in greasy fast-food goodness, without the animal products.
In a blind taste test among US consumers, the plant-based nugs were preferred nearly three-to-one over a leading chicken nugget served in restaurants. The interior is much like its classic chicken counterpart in terms of flavour and texture, with a crispy breadcrumb coating and a decent amount of protein per serve at 8.6 grams.
The Impossible Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants will launch at RE Burger stores from mid-August, with more restaurant partners on the horizon.
To celebrate, RE Burger and Impossible Foods will be giving away 10,000 plant-based nuggies to hungry customers across the North Island on Tuesday, August 15. Participating RE Burger outlets will be offering free nugs from 11am on a first come, first serve basis.
"RE Burger has a passionate student customer base who are aware of the environmental impact of the food they eat, so having the option to serve Impossible Food products gives our customers a more diverse menu to enjoy," RE Burger's founder Boris Reiber said in a statement.
Noel Clarke, senior vice president of international at Impossible Foods, added: "Impossible Chicken Nuggets are a fan-favourite, and we're excited to bring them to New Zealand restaurants for the first time. RE Burger was a natural partner for us, as they've been serving our Impossible Beef burgers for a while now with great feedback.
"We're looking forward to... making it easier to enjoy delicious meat from plants."
If you're in the South Island or can't make it to a participating RE Burger for the free nugs on Tuesday, Impossible Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants are also available at New Zealand supermarkets, as well as Impossible Beef and Impossible Pork Made From Plants. Other chicken alternatives on the market include Pams Plant-Based Crispy Nuggets, the Let's Eat Plant-Based Golden Nuggets, Plan*t's Plant-Based Chick*n, and Sunfed's Chicken-Free Chicken.
Burger King also offers plant-based chicken and beef alternatives in its Rebel range.
Impossible's plant-based nugs will be available at RE Burger in the North Island from August 15 and in the South Island from August 29.
RE Burger locations - North Island:
- Auckland: 21 Whitaker Place, Grafton
- Wellington: 100 Tory Street, Te Aro
- Palmerston North: 44 Princess Street
- Tauranga: 138 Chadwick Road, Greerton.
RE Burger locations - South Island:
- Dunedin: 36 Albany St, North Dunedin
- Mosgiel: 3 Factory Road
- Timaru: 111 Evans Street
- Christchurch: Hornby Mall: Shop 101, The Hub, 9 Masefield Drive, Rolleston
- Invercargill: Esk Eats, Central Mall.
