Swiss plant-based meat start-up Planted has launched a new ‘steak bites’ product, now available in selected Coop stores in Switzerland.

The cubes, described as ‘juicy and umami-packed,’ are crafted from the brand’s steak muscle alternative and enhanced by its proprietary fermentation process. This enables a tender, meat-like texture and enhanced savoury flavour.

Like the rest of Planted’s meat alternative products, the bites are made with a focus on simple ingredients and are completely free from additives. They are made with soya flour and rapeseed oil and provide a good source of protein and fibre, as well as vitamin B12 and iron. They are also low in saturated fats.

The steak bites can be added to a range of hot and cold dishes such as stir fries with Asian-style noodles, stews like Goulash or Stroganoff, salads and other popular dinner recipes.

Planted added a fermented whole cut steak to its plant-based meat range in March last year, the first product to be created through its whole muscle technology platform and fermentation technology.

The company was recently involved in a lengthy legal dispute over the naming of its products, with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland ruling it cannot use the names of animal species such as 'chicken' and 'pork'. However, ‘steak’ is still permitted as it is not tied to a specific animal, the court ruled.