Plant Protein: Nutritious & Sustainable
Save On Menu & Labor Costs While Keeping Meals Healthy & Delicious
Plant proteins are increasing in popularity due to their savings and health benefits. National Food Group offers a variety of ingredient substitutions as well as individually packaged snacks to meet this important menu trend.
Plant Protein Solutions
Looking for new ways to incorporate plant proteins into your menus? National Food Group provides several solutions to meet your needs, including ingredients and individually wrapped snacks.
Plant Protein Ingredients
Easily switch up your favorite recipes with plant-based strips, crumbles, flakes and more.
Watch our video to learn more:
Yellow Pea Plant Protein
Our newest line of plant protein is a one-ingredient, sustainably grown premium pea protein option that is shelf stable and nutritious. It comes in a versatile crumble that is cost effective and quick and easy to prepare and use.
Benefits Of Pea Protein Ingredients
- Allergen friendly - soy free, gluten free, non-GMO, plant-based, vegan, OU Kosher and Halal
- 2 year shelf life - takes up little space
- Nutritious - high in protein, low carb, low fat and zero sugars
- Versatile - neutral flavor profile and hearty texture
- Cost effective - 3.5 oz of dry crumble + 12.5 oz of water = 1 lb of ground protein when hydrated
More volume equals better value - the rehydration of our pea protein is a 1:3.5 ratio - 1 part crumble to 3.5 part hot liquid (water, stock, broth, etc.). When adding liquid, the pea protein will increase by 5.33 times – which is the volume metric equivalent to ground turkey or beef.
Vegetarian Soy Protein
Soy is a very versatile ingredient that can be used as a replacement or extender for animal proteins in many of your existing recipes. These 100% vegetarian options improve nutritional value, offer high protein content, no cholesterol, and possess many of the desirable characteristics of meat proteins.
Soy ingredients are available in several sizes and flavors that can be used in a variety of applications depending on your needs. Below are three of the most common sizes:
Plant Protein Crumble
Plant Protein Chunks
Plant Protein Strips
Benefits Of Soy Ingredients
- Lean source of protein
- Saves money over animal protein
- Range of sizes and flavor profiles
- Quick preparation, saves on labor
- Vegan, Kosher and Halal
- Low fat & cholesterol alternative
- High in fiber
- Control sodium
Soy Nutritionals
Compare our classic and flavored soy items at a glance!
Zee Zees® Plant Protein Snack Options
Our Zee Zees plant protein snacks are convenient, delicious and meet K12 meal requirements. Most importantly, they're easy to add to a meal, snack on, or take on the go!
Zee Zees Dipz™ & Spread
The tastiest little cups, our Dipz & Spreads are the perfect plant-based protein dip for crackers and veggies. They’re ready to be added to any meal and great to spoon straight into your mouth - available in a variety of savory flavors!
Benefits Of Dipz™ & Spreads
- Hummus
- 3 oz – 1-1/2 M/MA or 3/8 cup VEG (legume) requirement
- 4.5 oz – 2-1/4 M/MA or 5/8 cup VEG (legume) requirement
- Bean Dipz
- 3 oz – 1-1/2 M/MA pr 3/8 cup VEG (legume) requirement
- 4.5 oz – 2 M/MA or 1/2 cup VEG (legume) requirement
- Convenient shelf-stable protein
- Gluten free, kosher and vegetarian
- Made in a nut free facility
- Smart Snack approved
- Commodity options available
Available Flavors:
Zee Zees Sunflower Kernels
There’s not a seed of doubt that our Roasted Sunflower Kernels are definitely a deliciously portable protein power pack that’s great for on-the-go adventures and a terrific source of vitamins and minerals. These individually packaged power-ups will definitely grow on you in no time flat.
Benefits Of Sunflower Kernels
- Meets 1 M/MA K12 food service requirement
- Convenient shelf-stable protein
- Made in a nut free facility
- Smart Snack approved
Available Flavors:
Zee Zees Roasted Chickpeas
Zee Zees Roasted Chickpeas are the plant-based snack with the crunch you’ve been waiting for. Packed with protein and fiber, these are a great snack to fuel your day and make a flavorful addition to any meal. When you’re on empty, you know to grab one of our tasty Roasted Chickpeas!
Benefits Of Roasted Chickpeas
- Meets 1 M/MA K12 food service requirement
- Convenient shelf-stable protein
- Made in a nut free facility
- Smart Snack compliant