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As the most preferred form of plant-based protein, beans are becoming a greater part of Americans’ meals, and Balanced Bushel allows them to fill their plates with beans straight from the farm
Long relegated as a side dish to main course meat, beans have started taking their place at the center of plates as the popularity of plant-based protein continues to climb. According to Mintel’s report “Plant-Based Proteins U.S., May 2021,” 51% of consumers use plant-based proteins in meals they prepare themselves, and 34% use plant-based protein in meals without meat. With 57% of adults more likely to consume beans than plant-based meat alternatives or tofu, they are the top source of plant-based protein.[1] As Americans increasingly eat less meat to live a healthier lifestyle, plant-based protein’s ascendance continues to grow the space for beans on the dinner plate. It is this space for which bean, pulse, and grain supplier Columbia Grain International (CGI) is introducing its new line of CPG beans, Balanced Bushel.
“Meatless protein is increasingly becoming the main course, and Balanced Bushel provides the most popular meat-free protein at its highest quality,” said CGI Business Manager of Retail Products, Bill Germano.
Launching later this summer, Balanced Bushel brings premium quality beans and pulses grown by farmers in the northern United States directly to American consumers. Its innovative ingredients offer a delicious substitute for meat in popular dishes like quesadillas, in which Balanced Bushel Black Beans provide a hearty, protein-filled base. While ground beef serves as a popular filling for stuffed bell peppers, Balanced Bushel Brown Lentils become infused with the bold flavor of the broth and spices in which they are baked, creating a rich, savory stuffing. People won’t miss meat while sinking their teeth into it.
While 80% of American adults eat some source of plant-based protein, 60% would eat more meat alternatives if they were less processed. By bringing beans directly from the American farm to the dining room table, Balanced Bushel offers the nourishing plant-based option for fulfilling this demand and bringing meat-free protein closer to the center of the dinner plate.
“As health consciousness takes up more of Americans’ minds, it is no wonder that plant-based protein is taking up more space on the plate,” said Germano. “Balanced Bushel is proud to offer our farmers’ highest quality beans as a meat-free option that people will look forward to preparing as the central course of their meal.”
For media inquiries, please contact Josh Grega at [email protected] or (206) 291-4709.
[1] Mintel. (2021, May). Plant-Based Proteins - US - May 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from https://reports.mintel.com/display/1082895/
About Balanced Bushel
The first foray into consumer-packaged food products for pulse, bean, and grain supplier Columbia Grain International, Balanced Bushel cultivates the highest quality beans and pulses from farmers in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains, with which it nourishes the world. Balanced Bushel has eight SKUs on the market, which include its 16 oz navy Beans, 32 oz pinto Beans, 32 oz Black Beans, 16 and 32 oz Chickpeas, 16 oz Split Green Peas, and 16 oz Small Red Beans.