Fresh Direct Launches Mushroom Meat

Kevin Coles

Sysco GB

Premium Supplier 30th April 2024
Kevin Coles

Sysco GB

Premium Supplier

Fresh Direct Launches Mushroom Meat

Fresh Direct, the UK’s leading foodservice fresh produce provider, has launched mushroom ‘meat’, an innovative, new product that provides a healthy centre of plate alternative to meat.

Mushroom meat is made from the stalks of mushrooms that would otherwise be discarded, as only the caps are required for standard mushroom products. Rather than waste the stalks, Fresh Direct has partnered with specialist Irish mushroom grower, Umi Foods to harvest, cook and shred the surplus products.

Ian Nottage, Head of Food Development at Fresh Direct, said: “The texture of the mushroom meat provides a fantastic alternative to more traditional centre of plate options.

“It also has the benefit of avoiding food waste, as it’s made from the unused stalk of the mushroom when it’s harvested. With the fibrous root of the mushroom there is a natural texture, which gives a satisfying eating appeal. It’s also suitable for vegans as only soya protein, tapioca flour and coconut oil are added to make this really innovative product.

“Our chefs have created some fantastic recipes, experimenting with barbecue flavours, perfect for the summer as well as an alternative to pulled pork, which is brilliant in a burger.”

Based on projected sales, the launch of mushroom meat is expected to save around 80 tonnes of food waste every year.


In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.