Elmhurst 1925 launches ‘World’s Cleanest Chicken Alternative’ with single-ingredient hemp protein

By Agroempresario.com

Elmhurst 1925, renowned for its clean label plant-based milks and creamers, is venturing into the plant-based meat market with a revolutionary product. The company has unveiled Elmhurst TerraMeat Plant-Based Chick’n, a single-ingredient chicken alternative designed to disrupt the declining plant-based meat category.

Featuring 26 grams of protein per serving, TerraMeat is an ambient product composed solely of hemp protein. To prepare, consumers simply add water and oil, then microwave for 90 seconds to create versatile cutlets that can be seasoned and cooked in various ways, including grilling, baking, braising, or frying.

Manufactured by Steuben Foods, TerraMeat will initially be available direct-to-consumer in convenient pouches of hemp protein powder, which offer a long shelf life and ease of shipping. The company will also explore opportunities in the foodservice sector, with plans to introduce the product to select restaurants in New York City in the coming weeks.

Henry Schwartz, founder and CEO of Elmhurst 1925, expressed his optimism about the product: “At 90 years old, I’ve witnessed many changes in the food industry, but I believe Elmhurst TerraMeat Plant-Based Chick’n has the potential to redefine the plant-based meat market. Thanks to Dr. Cheryl Mitchell’s innovative HydroRelease technology, we are harnessing the full nutritional quality of hemp protein, offering a wholesome, protein-rich option that caters to both dietary preferences and sustainability goals.”

Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, SVP of ingredient manufacturing at Steuben Foods, developed the ‘HydroRelease’ milling process that sets TerraMeat apart. She explained, “Our technology liberates the components of hemp protein at relatively low temperatures, creating a texture and layering similar to muscle meats. Unlike extruded plant-based proteins, which can be unappetizing and rubbery, TerraMeat offers a superior texture that is more enjoyable to eat.”

Industrial hemp, used in this product, is a drought-resistant crop from Cannabis sativa, the same species as marijuana but with negligible THC. Its seeds are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious and legal ingredient in the US market.

Elmhurst’s entry into the plant-based meat market comes at a time when US retail sales of meat alternatives have declined by 10.7% over the past year, according to Circana data analyzed by 210 Analytics. Despite this trend, Elmhurst’s innovative approach aims to capture consumer interest with its clean, single-ingredient solution.