YORK, Pa. — Convenience-store retailer Rutter’s will introduce plant-based egg patties and burgers in all 72 of its stores this month.
By launching these items, Rutter’s looks to please consumers seeking meat alternatives that reduce greenhouse emissions and encourage responsible use of land, water and fertilizer, the company said. Both items will be available on Rutter’s hot grab-and-go menu and restaurant touchscreen kiosks.
“With the flexitarian consumer growing at a rapid rate, Rutter’s believes it’s the perfect time to release a plant-based portfolio,” said Ryan Krebs, director of foodservice for Rutter’s. “Providing our customers with the highest-quality, healthier alternative options, while satisfying the ever-growing demand for plant-based proteins, is key to our foodservice strategy.”
The Just Egg patties have more protein per serving than conventional chicken eggs and are free of cholesterol, saturated fat and artificial flavoring, Rutter’s said. The patties’ ingredients also require less water and emit fewer carbon emissions than chicken eggs.
"We’re thrilled that Rutter’s is the first convenience-store chain in the country to put the award-winning Just Egg on the menu, continuing their reputation as a leader in foodservice innovation,” said Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Just. “By offering delicious, healthier and more sustainable products like Just Egg, Rutter’s is helping redefine the c-store experience for a new generation of customers. The team at Just is proud to partner with them on this pairing—one that is better for our bodies and better for our planet.”
Rutter’s will also offer the Perfect Burger, which is produced by frozen foods company Dr. Praeger’s, Elmwood Park, N.J. The Perfect Burger is made with four kinds of vegetables: sweet potato, butternut squash, beet and carrot. The burger also has 15% less sodium and 22% less fat per serving than the classic veggie burger and is soy-free.
“The meat-alternative burger market lacks a tasty vegan burger that contains a short and simple ingredient list,” said Larry Praeger, CEO of Dr. Praeger’s, “The Perfect Burger provides all the flavor you want from a traditional beef burger but with clean plant-based protein and ingredients you can taste with each flavorful bite.”
York, Pa.-based Rutter's, formerly Rutter's Farm Stores, has more than 70 c-stores in central Pennsylvania. The company ranked No. 96 on CSP's 2019 Top 202 list of the largest chains in the United States. Rutter’s Dairy distributes products in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia.
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