Just In Time For Grilling Season, MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers Arrive in Canada

The #1 Veggie Burger in the USA¹ Steps up the Summertime Sizzle with Country Music Duo The Reklaws

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Plant-powered positivity is about to sweep the nation as Canadians get ready to veg out in a whole new way! MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers, the #1 Veggie Burger in the USA¹, are now available across Canada. A plant-based pioneer with more than 40 years of creating better-for-you veggie options, MorningStar Farms burger patties are veggie forward and proud of it, featuring and celebrating real ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms and much more goodness that you can see and taste. From day one, MorningStar Farms has been on a mission to ensure plant-based options are accessible, convenient and affordable for all. And with the new MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers, the company is out to convert even the toughest plant-based skeptics into flavour believers – one tasty bite at a time. Ideal for vegetarians or those who simply want to eat less meat without sacrificing taste, the protein-rich veggie burgers will give everyone around your grill a reason to flip this summer!

The #1 Veggie Burger in the USA Steps up the Summertime Sizzle with Country Music Duo The Reklaws (CNW Group/MorningStar Farms)

Available now in the freezer aisle of your favourite grocery store, MorningStar Farms' Veggie Burgers come in three delicious flavours – Harvest Veggie Burgers, Spicy Black Bean Burgers and Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers. And for the Canadian launch, MorningStar Farms is teaming up with more sizzling stars – award winning Canadian country music duo, The Reklaws – to lead the crusade for a summer plant-based takeover and to share their top tips for summertime gatherings.

Plant Power Positivity on a Bun
This plant-powered launch comes at a perfect time as Canadians' appetites to veg out are on the rise. With the entire meat alternative category up 40% since 2013² and the new Canada's Food Guide suggesting choosing protein foods that come from plants more often, MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers offer Canadian flexitarians a product line that takes their burgers to an all new, good-for-you level of deliciousness.

"Our research shows that Canadians who want to eat less meat are looking for plant-based proteins that are flavourful with real ingredients they can see," says Christine Jakovcic, VP Marketing & Nutrition, Kellogg Canada Inc., the company behind MorningStar Farms. "That's why we're so excited to introduce MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers to Canadians. They are positive proof that exciting and tasty vegetarian meals don't need to be fussy or expensive. Plant-based foods are also affordable and environmentally efficient – they require less land and water than animal-based foods – and provide great nutrition. As a plant-based pioneer for more than 40 years, MorningStar Farms couldn't be more thrilled that plant-based options are finally getting the attention they deserve!"

It All Comes Down to Taste
MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers are easy to find and easy to cook. With 9 to 11 grams of protein per 67 grams, the vegetable-forward ingredients also make it easy to eat green with three delicious flavours:

• Harvest Veggie Burgers – A tasty vegetarian classic. With nothing to hide, taste and see this burger for all that it is – a delicious combination of mushrooms, water chestnuts, onions, carrots, and red bell peppers.
• Spicy Black Bean Burgers – Veggies and beans are the spice of life. A mouth-watering medley of green chilies, jalapeno peppers, and black beans add the perfect kick to any meal.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers – In the spirit of Mediterranean simplicity, these burgers serve up a flavourful mix of chickpeas, spinach, Roma tomatoes, and traditional Greek herbs and spices.

What's not in MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers is also important: no artificial colours, flavours or trans-fats. The burgers are a source of fibre, certified Kosher and made with real plant-based ingredients. And best of all, they fit into the busy, everyday lives of Canadian families – they cook from frozen in approximately eight minutes and can be prepared according to your preference in a skillet, microwave, oven, or on the BBQ.

Why Vegging Out is Good
"MorningStar Farms is on a mission to convert plant-based skeptics into flavour believers and I am exactly that person," says Stuart Walker, one-half of The Reklaws musical duo. "I've always been hesitant to try plant-based burgers and I was BLOWN AWAY by how good MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers taste. They satisfy my cravings for a burger and are so easy to make. They will definitely be in full rotation on my BBQ this summer."

"We are on a crusade to improve our lifestyle, and this is by far the yummiest choice we have ever made," adds Jenna Walker, the second half of The Reklaws. "In addition to the burgers' great flavour, we love that we can relate to the story of MorningStar Farms. The origins of this company are firmly rooted on a small farm, just like Stuart and me. The company is not just jumping on a trend – they have been promoting plant-based love for more than 40 years – and they are genuinely proud to be veggie forward. There's something very comforting about that."

Long Live the Summer
When The Reklaws are not performing, they like to fire up the grill and host summertime gatherings with their friends and family. And what goes together better than a good ol' cookout and country tunes? When it comes to grilling, here are their top tips for bringing some plant-based goodness to your next BBQ:

1. Keep it Casual – Everybody loves burgers; having an assortment of MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers in our freezer is perfect for any impromptu summer parties!
   
   
2. Keep it Easy – Summertime is all about easy entertaining and MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers offer a convenient solution. They cook up in approximately eight minutes and are perfect for those who want to eat less meat but still demand great taste.
   
   
3. Keep it Outdoors – For us, summertime entertaining is all about enjoying the great outdoors, whether that means a backyard deck in the city, a portable grill beside our tour bus, or a big gathering on our family farm. 

Spreading Plant-based Love
Now available in the freezer aisle of major Canadian grocery stores across Canada, MorningStar Farms Veggie Burgers are sold in four-packs (MSRP $5.99). MorningStar Farms is also embarking on a crusade this summer, travelling between Ontario and Quebec to get Canadians to taste the plant-powered difference – watch for the MorningStar Farms taste tour at local events near you to get your free burger sample. For more information, visit www.morningstarfarms.ca or follow us on Instagram (@morningstarfarms_ca), Facebook (@morningstarfarmscanada) and YouTube (MorningStar Farms Canada).

About MorningStar Farms
A plant-based pioneer, MorningStar Farms has been making and innovating better-for-you, better-for-the-planet veggie foods since its founding – over 40 years of spreading plant-based love and goodness through everyday food for everyday folks. MorningStar Farms is committed to making plant-based eating accessible for everyone through food that is delicious, affordable and convenient.

^1 U.S. Nielsen xAOC Units Sold Calendar Year 2017;
^2 CANADA Nielsen Strategic Planner, National XNFLD GB + DR + MM, L52 Wks P/E Mar 03 201

SOURCE MorningStar Farms

Victoria Malisani, [email protected], 416-312-5656