Tyson Foods Pursuing “Alternative Proteins”

Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest poultry producer, is moving further into the vegan market with plant-based proteins, as Compassion Over Killing’s campaign continues pressuring Tyson to continue this shift as well as end cruel rapid growth in birds.

On the company’s first-quarter earnings call, Tyson chief executive hinted at this new development, saying “In the weeks ahead, you’ll be hearing more from us as we announce new products in the alternative protein space.”

Tyson recently told industry outlet Meatingplace that Chief Sustainability Officer Justin Whitmore will be taking on the additional role of Vice President for Alternative Proteins. It looks like Tyson is getting serious about pivoting to plant-based options in response to rising consumer demand.

Since COK’s gut-wrenching investigation exposed egregious abuse and the devastating effects of rapid growth of birds in Tyson’s supply chain, more than a quarter million people have signed our petition. In response, the poultry giant has taken some promising steps: increasing investment in cruelty-free plant protein maker Beyond Meat, and even announcing its own line of plant-based bowls.

So far this year, the company has stepped up again by joining Kellogg and other food giants in funding MycoTechnology’s PureTaste, a new “clean label plant-based protein” produced through the fermentation of shiitake mycelium.

This announcement indicates that there may be more to come as the company builds its offerings of vegan proteins.

However, Tyson also continues its cruelty to chickens, yet to address the a major source of suffering: unnatural rapid growth.

Take action today: Sign our petition urging Tyson to end cruel rapid growth in birds and shift to plant proteins.

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