TORONTO – Maple Leaf Foods has developed a line of products that fuse animal-based and plant-based proteins with other natural ingredients. The company’s 50/50 products aim to satisfy consumer demand for foods that incorporate plant-based proteins while maintaining the flavor and quality consumers expect from animal-based proteins.

The new Maple Leaf 50/50 product line includes:

• Maple Leaf 50/50 Burger: A beef & plant-based burger made with premium beef, pea protein and natural ingredients, delivering 21g of protein per serving.
• Maple Leaf 50/50 Dinner Sausages: A pork & plant-based sausage made with premium pork, pea protein and natural ingredients, delivering 12g of protein per serving.
• Maple Leaf 50/50 Breakfast Sausages: A pork & plant-based breakfast sausage made with premium pork, pea protein and natural ingredients, delivering 10g of protein per serving.
• Maple Leaf 50/50 Grounds: Beef and plant-based grounds made with premium beef, pea protein and natural ingredients, delivering 19g of protein per serving.

Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab research found that interest in plant-based protein is growing in Canada, with 55% of Canadians thinking about reducing their meat consumption. Maple Leaf Foods said Maple Leaf 50/50 is a direct response to Canadians’ desire to eat sustainably.

“There has been significant growth in the meat-alternatives category, but the taste, texture and long list of ingredients have been barriers for some consumers who want to explore plant-based protein foods,” said Casey Richards, senior vice president of Marketing and Innovation, Maple Leaf Foods. “Providing delicious options that reflect the way Canadians live, cook and grill is a priority for us at Maple Leaf. We are proud to launch Maple Leaf 50/50 and introduce fusion protein as a balance of meat and plant-based protein for Canadians who love meat protein but want to make sustainable food choices.”

To support the Maple Leaf 50/50 products, the company is hosting a #GrillingForGoodness Facebook and Instagram Live Chat series featuring celebrity chefs and grilling professionals. The series will span three weeks leading up to and including National Barbecue Day which is July 13.