EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. — In the midst of raging restaurant chicken wars, Beyond Meat, Inc. is launching Beyond Chicken Tenders, a new breaded plant-based poultry alternative nearly 10 years in the making. The tenders are debuting this month at select restaurants across the country.

Beyond Chicken Tenders are designed to look, cook and taste like traditional chicken tenders, Beyond Meat said, and the products scored equally in overall flavor to animal-based chicken tenders in a May 2021 taste test. Nearly 200 research, innovation and culinary team members spent almost a decade formulating the tenders. Beyond Meat made its first foray into plant-based chicken in 2012.

Made with fava beans and peas, Beyond Chicken Tenders contain 40% less saturated fat than traditional foodservice chicken tenders, the company said. The plant-based alternative is cholesterol-free, non-GMO and provides 14 grams of protein per serving.

“We’re innovating the poultry market with the new Beyond Chicken Tenders — the result of our tireless pursuit for excellence and growth at Beyond Meat,” said Dariush Ajami, chief innovation officer for Beyond Meat. “As with all our products, Beyond Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and an exceptional culinary experience, along with strong nutritional benefits. Innovation is at the heart of Beyond Meat, and Beyond Chicken Tenders are the latest example of our mission to create groundbreaking, tasty options that are better for people and for our planet.”

Beyond Chicken Tenders are launching in nearly 400 restaurants nationwide, including Detroit Wing Company, Dog Haus, Jailbird, Sarpino’s Pizza and more.