Grocery store chain New Seasons Market has launched its own brand of meal kits. The new “restaurant-quality” range includes vegan options.
In partnership with chef Matt Lightner, who has received two Michelin stars, New Seasons Market released five meal kits consisting of seasonal recipes.
“You don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience,” said Chief Operating Officer Mark Law in a statement. “Our new restaurant-quality meal kits are another way we are collaborating with local chefs like Matt Lightner and sharing our passion for delicious, fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers and producers with our communities.”
The kits are packed daily, with fresh ingredients in minimal packaging, in New Seasons Market’s central kitchen. The pre-packaged meals serve two to four people and can be prepared within 20 to 45 minutes. The recipes of the dishes are intended to introduce shoppers to new flavor palettes. “There isn’t another meal kit like this in the market,” said Lightner. “Rather than simply trying a new recipe, you’re discovering the vegetable or protein flavor profile so you can take what you learned from the meal kit and experiment with your own recipes.”
Spice-roasted carrots with tahini dressing, cauliflower pilaf with fresh turmeric and fennel, and turnip curry with lemongrass and dates are among the recipes available.
The new products aren’t New Seasons’ first foray into vegan goods. The company also offers dairy-free, coconut-based ice cream from Luna & Larry’s. Shoppers can also find the plant-based Impossible Burger at New Seasons’ made-to-order hot bar.
Further, the grocery chain provides support for those looking to adopt a vegan diet or just introduce more plant-based foods into their lives. Those interested are invited to speak with New Seasons’ nutritionists at their local store free of charge. Alternatively, the plant-curious can reach out to the grocery chain nutritionists online.
On its website, New Seasons suggests easy swaps to help new vegans trade out animal-based foods for vegan ones. The company recommends replacing dairy cheese with nut and seed-based versions, swapping honey for maple syrup, and using lentils and minced mushrooms as an alternative to ground meat.
The new ready-made meal kits will be available in all of New Seasons Market’s locations across Oregon, Washington, and California.
Image Credit: New Seasons Market
