UNLIMEAT Brings Vegan Korean BBQ to Sprouts Stores Across the US

UNLIMEAT, a prominent Korean vegan food producer, has announced a significant retail partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, launching its products in approximately 400 Sprouts stores nationwide. The initial lineup features plant-based Korean BBQ, bulgogi, and pulled pork.

The company’s product offerings are designed to provide vegan alternatives to traditional Korean dishes, which have been gaining popularity in the US as part of a growing global interest in Korean culture.

Rising interest in Korean cuisine

According to data cited by The Food Institute, interest in Korean food spiked almost 90% in 2021 and has continued to grow since. UNLIMEAT notes that Google Trends data indicates a 35% increase in searches for Korean recipes and ingredients from 2021 to 2023.

“Korean food is experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States”

Ryan Chung, Co-CEO of UNLIMEAT, commented, “Korean food is experiencing a surge in popularity across the United States, and I believe it’s the perfect time to introduce our products, which offer a variety of plant-based options, across the US Our plant-based product line has been meticulously crafted to be used in a variety of global cuisines while meeting the needs of vegan consumers.”

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The Korean BBQ product is a plant-based version of the classic Korean barbecue, offering a versatile base that can be customized with various sauces. The bulgogi aims to replicate the savory and sweet flavors typical of Korean BBQ, while the pulled pork mimics the texture and taste of traditional pulled pork using plant-based ingredients. 

Key US retail partner

Sprouts Farmers Market is known as one of the largest and fastest-growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural, and organic food in the US. Its product selection includes various organic, plant-based, and gluten-free options, attracting consumers with diverse lifestyles.

“We are thrilled to introduce our products to the mainstream US market through Sprouts, a trusted supermarket chain renowned for promoting natural wellness and offering wholesome products catering to various dietary preferences,” continued Chung.

© UNLIMEAT

UNLIMEAT’s entry into Sprouts Farmers Market follows the addition of its products to PlantX’s e-commerce platform and their availability in other natural and organic stores such as Good Earth Markets, Mollie Stone’s Markets, and Albertsons.

“Korean cuisine represents a unique competitive advantage”

In an interview with vegconomist, UNLIMEAT founder and CEO Keum Chae Min stated, “We firmly believe that igniting curiosity beyond the usual meat textures and providing a distinctive and delightful experience to consumers who enjoy Korean cuisine represents a unique competitive advantage and a strategic approach to expanding our retail presence.”