Slideshow: New products from MorningStar Farms, Meati Foods and Bitchin’ Sauce

KANSAS CITY — New plant-based products are making their way to retail as several companies are expanding their plant-powered portfolio.

Meat alternative manufacturer Meati Foods is launching four products under its Eat Meati line of animal-free protein.

Added varieties include Meati Crispy Bites, a chicken nugget alternative; Meati Garlic & Pepper Steak, featuring Meati’s Classic Steak with black pepper and roasted garlic seasoning; Meati Spicy Crispy Cutlet, a variation of Meati’s Classic Crispy Cutlet that includes moderate heat from cayenne and red pepper; and Meati Italian Seasoned Cutlet.  

Meati added its first shelf-stable snack product in October with the launch of mycelium plant-based jerky. In June, the company welcomed former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter as an investor and an adviser.

MorningStar Farms, a brand from Kellanova, is bringing back its fast-food-inspired plant-based riblets. The vegan riblets, which can be found in the freezer aisle, will be returning for the first time in spring 2024 and will be available in two varieties, sweet BBQ and Korean BBQ.

“MorningStar Farms riblets left shelves in 2018, and ever since then, loyal fans have petitioned, begged and demanded to get riblets back in their lives," said Joe Beauprez, senior director of marketing, frozen foods. “You asked. We've answered. Unlike certain fast-food sandwiches, there's nothing 'limited' about this return – riblets are here to stay.”

Plant-based sauce company Bitchin’ Sauce added a dill pickle flavor to its line of almond-based condiments. Other flavors from the company’s portfolio include original, chipotle, cilantro chili, pesto, Bombay, eggplant and olive, caramelized onion, and avocado serrano, among others.

The product is formulated with a blend of plant-based ingredients like water, almonds, lemon juice and nutritional yeast, among others. The dill pickle Bitchin’ Sauce can be used as a dip for snacks, a spread for burgers, sandwiches and wraps, or as a way to smother over grilled proteins and rice bowls, according to the company. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, kosher and Project Non-GMO certified.