Sizzling Summer Ahead: Oscar Mayer Blends Real and Plant-Based Sausages for Flexitarian-Focused Packages
In a groundbreaking move, Oscar Mayer, a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz, has launched the EveryBun Pack – a packaging innovation designed to satisfy the growing number of Americans following both meat and plant-based lifestyles.
The EveryBun Pack, currently on a limited trial basis in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Dallas, combines Oscar Mayer's signature wieners with its plant-based Not Hot Dogs, without the risk of cross-contamination. This innovative packaging is a response to the popularity of hot dogs during the grilling season, with wieners featuring in over 1.5 million social media posts this summer and going viral through fashion collaborations.
According to recent statistics, nearly 50% of Americans follow a lifestyle that incorporates both meat and plant-based foods, and the EveryBun Pack aims to cater to this demographic. The pack is designed to be convenient for hosts, with each hot dog type sealed separately within the package to ensure clear separation and prevent cross-contamination.
The Not Hot Dog, a plant-based product released by Oscar Mayer last year, is made from wheat gluten, potato starch, bamboo fiber, and more. It boasts 31% less fat, 75% less saturated fat, and 43% more protein than Oscar Mayer's traditional wieners.
The new EveryBun Pack is Kraft Heinz's alternative to the blended meat category, which has seen a surge in global interest. Globally, 64% of consumers are interested in blended protein options, with the US following closely behind, as 74% of omnivores are interested in the concept of blended protein, and two-thirds are likely to purchase them (versus 57% who say the same for plant-based meat).
However, most vegan hot dogs fail to convince meat-eaters, with only 25% of omnivores liking plant-based alternatives in a large taste test this year. The EveryBun Pack aims to bridge this gap, providing one easy, delicious solution for all, no matter what's in the bun, as plant-based eating becomes more popular.
The mastermind behind the EveryBun Pack is none other than Oscar Mayer. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving food industry, particularly in response to the growing US plant-based market, as demonstrated by the debut of its Not Hot Dogs and Not Sausages in 2024, a joint venture between Kraft Heinz and Chilean food tech company NotCo.
Residents in the trial cities can order the EveryBun Pack via GoPuff until Sunday, August 24, while supplies last. The author of this article, Anay Mridul, a news reporter passionate about veganism, food tech, writing, and the Oxford comma, invites you to try this innovative product and share your thoughts.
