Nestlé Launches Plant-Based Cheese And Bacon For Its ‘Awesome Burger’

Nestlé has developed plant-based alternatives to cheese and bacon – to complement its existing animal-free ‘Awesome’ burger patties.

The company says it is the first of its kind to ‘develop and produce all three essential elements for a no-compromise plant-based bacon cheeseburger’.

It calls the burger – which is aimed at meat-reducers – the ‘PB triple play’, and says the whole burger package will first be available to restaurant and foodservice operators in 2020.

Plant-Based options

“More and more consumers are looking for delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based options when they dine out,” Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said.

“We have now raised the bar by developing a ‘PB triple play’ of ingredients for an all-time classic: the bacon cheeseburger. 

“We’re continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet.”

Vegans and Nestlé

Although the products are free-from animal products, Nestlé is a brand many vegans boycott due to its chequered history when it comes to various business practices.

These include a major scandal in the 1970s, when many boycotted the conglomerate due to its aggressive promotion of its formula milk over breastmilk to women in developing countries.

Following an internal investigation, Nestlé admitted that forced labor practices were taking place in its supply chain. It has also faced accusations of child labor, unethical water mining, and deforestation among others.