Planterra Foods, a Colorado-based food brand owned by meat processor JBS, announces the retail launch of OZO True Bite™ Plant-Based Bacon in Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide.
Made with proprietary technology, Planterra says the new bacon is a first-of-its-kind product that offers consumers the authentic look, aroma, and sizzle of traditional pork bacon.
With “cutting-edge” True Bite technology, the brand claims to have created the first sizzling, crispy plant-based bacon that will impress the most passionate bacon lovers.
Available in Cracked Black Pepper, Applewood Smoke, and Spicy Jalapeño flavors, OZO’s bacon is made from a blend of rice flour, wheat, soy, and pea protein, plus sunflower oil and coconut oil.
A bet on bacon
Planterra’s parent company JBS is the world’s largest meat company, and subsidiary JBS USA is the country’s second-largest producer of fresh pork, operating five large hog processing facilities. It also owns Swift and Plumrose USA – two major brands of pork-based bacon. Thus, JBS’s entry into plant-based bacon alternatives is a significant development in a category largely dominated by smaller brands.
In recent times, JBS has made a series of dramatic forays into alternative proteins. In 2021, the meat giant acquired Dutch plant protein producer Vivera for €341M ($362M), then entered cultivated protein with the purchase of Spanish cultivated meat firm Biotech. In May 2022, JBS revealed plans for a cultured meat production plant in San Sebastián, Spain.
“We heard from bacon lovers that they’re open to plant-based versions, but they’ve yet to find one that fully satisfies their craving for the savory, flavorful taste and crispy, sizzling texture of bacon,” said Darcey Macken, Planterra Foods CEO. “Which is why we’re thrilled to launch this innovative plant-based bacon product as part of our True Bite promise to delight the senses, from first sight to the last bite. OZO Plant-Based Bacon is unlike anything else in the market and we know food lovers everywhere will enjoy it.”
