AUSTIN, MINN. — Hormel Foods Corp.’s Happy Little Plants brand is introducing a plant-based pepperoni-style topping for the foodservice industry.

The soy-based topping is seasoned with paprika, garlic, red pepper and black pepper and is designed to look, cook and taste like traditional pepperoni, Hormel said. Each 3.5-oz serving contains 150 calories, 11 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.

“Our team worked closely with pizzerias, chefs, foodservice operators and pizza experts to develop a plant-based pepperoni style topping that cooks and tastes exactly like traditional pepperoni,” said Anthony Panichelli, foodservice pizza toppings brand manager at Hormel Foods. “Chefs and restaurateurs are very aware of today’s dynamic food landscape and consumers’ desire to add more plant-based foods to their diets. The new Happy Little Plants brand pepperoni style topping was developed with foodservice operators to ensure pizzeria-level taste, convenience and quality, so much so, that many people may have a hard time tasting the difference between Happy Little Plants brand pepperoni style topping and traditional pepperoni.”

The new Happy Little Plants pepperoni-style topping will be rolling out to pizzeria menus across the country over the coming weeks and months.

Hormel launched the Happy Little Plants brand in 2019, marking its first foray into the plant-based meat alternative segment.