Juicy Marbles, a Slovenia-based startup, is changing the perception of vegan diets with the release of its plant-based whole cut pork, named Pork-ish. This 6.4-ounce product, priced at $10, is the first whole cut pork alternative on the market, designed to provide a nutritionally comparable option to animal meat.
Known for its vegan marbled steaks, boned ribs, and beef tenderloins, Juicy Marbles continues to innovate with versatile plant-based meats. Earlier this year, it also introduced Lamb-ish to its product lineup. The company focuses on creating meat replacements that can be used in various dishes, offering flexibility in cooking instead of sticking to one specific cut.
Addressing Nutritional Gaps in Plant-Based Meat
While vegan diets have faced criticism for lacking nutritional value compared to omnivorous diets, some plant-based alternatives fail to match the nutritional profile of animal meat. For example, some companies use konjac root as a substitute for calamari or white fish, which doesn’t always provide the same nutrients.
Juicy Marbles co-founder Luka Sinček explained, “Mimicking real cuts too closely can limit their perceived versatility in the kitchen. We went deliberately ambiguous with Meaty Meat’s shape to give customers more freedom and shift perceptions of plant-based whole cuts.”
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Plant-Based Products
Pork-ish is a step forward in Juicy Marbles’ mission to create clean-label plant-based meats with a dense nutritional profile. The company’s latest recipe, Marble 3.0, prioritizes essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B12, ensuring that plant-based options can meet daily nutritional needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
Co-founder and R&D chief Maj Hrovat shared, “We’ve always been frustrated by how light plant-based alternatives can be on essential nutrients. People want nutritious food they can cook for their families with confidence.” He emphasized that for plant-based meats to be a viable alternative, they must match the nutritional value of meat while maintaining a sensible ingredients list. Marble 3.0 is the company’s cleanest and most nutritious recipe yet and will be the standard going forward.
Benefits of Vegan Diets
Vegan diets are associated with various health benefits, including lower body weight, improved blood pressure, higher fiber intake, and reduced cholesterol levels. Studies from Veganuary have shown that as people incorporate more plant-based foods and reduce meat consumption, their cravings for meat decrease significantly.
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