La Vie launches plant-based ham

French meat alternatives brand La Vie has launched a new plant-based ham product made from pea and soy proteins.

The start-up is known for its vegan bacon and lardons, which have launched in several European countries including France and the UK.

Now, La Vie’s new sliced ham product has hit supermarket shelves in France after five years of research and development. It is available in packs of four slices, in both original and smoked varieties.

The innovation offers a 19.5g serving of protein per 100g and is made from just seven ingredients, including rehydrated pea and soy proteins, radish concentrate and potassium acetate. It is also nitrate-free and has been made without texturizing agents.

La Vie describes its new product as able to “perfectly reproduce everything we love about traditional ham, without the pig”.

Alongside the launch, La Vie announced a new crowdfunding campaign via Crowdcube, currently open until 28 September, aiming to raise €1 million. The start-up raised €25 million in Series A funding last January.