The Quest for Accessibility: Why Impossible Burger Patties Aren’t Yet in Supermarkets
Have you ever wondered why your local supermarket doesn’t stock Impossible Burger patties? This article will explore the journey of Impossible Burger and why despite being one of the most popular plant-based options available, it hasn’t yet reached the grocery shelves in a significant way.
Introduction to Impossible Burger
The Impossible Burger is a plant-based meat alternative that replicates the taste and texture of beef without the need for live animals. While it’s gaining momentum in restaurants, many curious customers are left wondering why it’s not available in their local supermarkets.
Why Isn't Impossible Burger Available in Supermarkets?
The primary reason is commercial and economic. According to an article, the company plans to make Impossible Burger available in grocery stores in 2019. However, several factors contribute to the delay.
Production Costs and Pricing
The mixture for Impossible Burger patties is all-organic, which significantly impacts the production cost. If sold in packages of 4-6, the price point would be too high for most consumers. The current strategy relies on higher prices in restaurants where they can command a premium due to being a unique and premium offering.
By contrast, supermarkets typically offer a wider range of products at varied price points. An Impossible Burger in a supermarket would have to compete with cheaper, pre-made sandwich options that are fluffed up with vegetables, lettuces, tomatoes, onions, and buns which cost only about 5 cents.
Consumer Demand and Market Potential
According to a 2018 article, there are currently over 5,000 restaurants across the United States serving Impossible Burgers. This number suggests strong consumer interest, but when it comes to supermarkets, the market is more complex.
Only 6% of the U.S. population identifies as vegetarian, translating to a relatively small market for Impossible Foods. This market is further limited by the fact that a significant portion of those who might consider the product are already making the transition to plant-based options.
The argument for supermarkets to stock Impossible Burgers is based on expanding their product range and appealing to health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. However, the demographic that might benefit the most from these products is already catered to in restaurants, particularly those who see it as a transitional product.
Health and Consumer Preferences
From a health perspective, the debate rages on. While Impossible Foods touts their product as healthier than traditional meat, some nutritionists argue that veggie burgers are still processed products that contain various additives.
Moreover, the traditional appeal of crafting one's own fresh ground meat burgers cannot be understated. This artisanal aspect of cooking is something Impossible Burgers cannot fully replicate due to their frozen, pre-manufactured nature.
Additionally, as consumers become more aware of the benefits of grass-fed beef, the desire for real meat continues to grow. This suggests that the market for Impossible Burgers is limited by the fact that many omnivores value the real meat experience over the imitation option.
Conclusion
While Impossible Burger continues to gain traction in the fast-food and casual dining sectors, its entry into supermarkets is being carefully managed. The economic factors, market potential, and health considerations all play a role in this strategic decision. As the market evolves and consumer preferences shift, it remains to be seen how (and when) Impossible Burgers will gain a stronger presence in supermarkets.
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Final Thoughts
Whether Impossible Burgers make their way into supermarkets fully depends on market demand and customer preferences. For now, the strategy is to build a strong presence in restaurants where the premium price point can be maintained. As the market for plant-based alternatives grows, we may see more availability of Impossible Burgers in supermarkets. But until then, the Impossible Burger remains a choice for those already making the transition to a plant-based diet.