FlexMeat (Flexitarian Meat) is a term describing meat products (burgers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, hot dogs, etc.) that combine both animal meat/fish and wholesome plant products to create more healthy and sustainable foods without compromising on taste.
All FlexMeat products are defined by their “flex number” which is the percentage of the product that is made of plant ingredients. A higher flex number is better (similar to MPG for a car).
The FlexMeat Story
Flexitarians want the tastes and textures they love from meat and other animal products, but want something without the cholesterol, and other harmful additives present in virtually all animal products such as growth hormones, antibiotic and pesticide concentrations and residues, etc.
As 100% plant-based meats are evolving to taste even better, many flexitarians are choosing this new category of FlexMeat products (sometimes called “blended” or “hybrid” meats) as a way to reduce their animal product consumption today without compromising on taste and texture.
Flex number
The key is to have the highest flex number (percentage of plant products) without compromising taste and texture. While some meat companies have tried to cut costs by sneaking in fillers called “extenders”, FlexMeats are better products designed to cater to Flexitarians or anyone interested in having their burger or nugget while still eating a healthier diet. Many food pundits have called FlexMeats the meat of the future.
Additional benefits of high flex number FlexMeats include much less impact on the natural environment, and better animal welfare.