Meati Opportunity Arises from Iowa Law

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Iowa’s looking to ban food stamps, a move that would ban people from receiving fresh meat. Specifically, the bill that lawmakers are looking to introduce would look to limit spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, and funnel it into other areas of importance.

While this is not in the people’s best interest, it does provide a very fertile ground for people trying to innovate in the food-tech space.

Why is this an interesting trend? The plant-based meat space is absolutely crushing it currently, with 20% year-over-year growth. 

Sorry, Keto, there’s a new cat on the block, and her name is Ms. Plantica….

Anyways, If you’re a health nut, and many of you readers of this publication are, then this provides the perfect opportunity to launch a business in the space. 

Cool, but what’s a business I can start with this info?

We got your back!

Let's look at a specific, recent case study.

Meati:

Meati is a plant-based steak startup that uses. Before you roll your eyes, let me paint a picture. It uses the roots of mushrooms to produce these delicious whole cuts, like what you would put in a salad or a sandwich.

 Not only does it seem like a promising idea, but it’s one that is funded as well. $50 million in funding to be precise, putting their valuation in the $200 million + range. Not bad for some fungi on a plate. 

The founder, Tyler Higgins, says he “wants to put the proverbial meat on the table and have a conversation”....basically, he’s looking to make some big moves with this brand.

Meati uses fermentation to develop its mushroom-based protein alternative, which is nutritionally better than soya protein alternatives.

Why Mushrooms Though?

Here are the health benefits of mushrooms for y’all (no, not those kinds of mushrooms):

• Can decrease risk of cancer by nearly 45%

• Help’s lower LDL Cholesterol

• Protection against Alzheimers

• Improved gut health

• Improved immune system (we all need a bit of this now, don’t we?)

Basically, mushrooms are pretty damn good for you and are a cornerstone plant-based protein alternative with huge market potential.

Great, but how would I do this exactly?

Well, for one, here are some specific steps you could take to launch a plant-based protein company:

• Create content, or build a brand around plant-based meat (this could be on TikTok, Twitter, or Instagram)

• Have those affected by the food stamp withdrawal legislation as your ideal customer profile, and position yourself as helpers in this situation

• Send tons of emails to food pantries, government officials in your state, and facilities. All you need is 1 or 2 yes’s, and boom. You’re in business

• Partner with fitness influencers (sounds cliche, but it works)

• Raise money if you need it (we highly recommend you get profitable, then fundraise to build out infrastructure or hire the people you need).

• Got an agency or provide a service? Offer copywriting or ghostwriting services to the founders of plant-based meat companies- many of them are flush with cash.

And that’s a wrap!

Lads, we hope you enjoyed this edition of The ZenChad, and be sure to be on the lookout for those Plant-based meat alternatives. They’re everywhere, literally.