Daring Foods

Jeffrey Gendelman © Daring

Interviews

Daring Foods: “Plant-Based Meat Companies Are Facing an Important Question, “Who Do You Want To Be?””

July 26, 2024

Daring Foods is the #1 unbreaded plant chicken brand in both the natural and multi-outlet grocery sectors, holding 44.9% market share in the US, according to SPINS. The company focuses on whole-muscle plant-based chicken products, including wings, pieces, and a range of frozen entrees. Daring Foods products are currently available in over 15,000 doors across the US at retailers such as Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and many more. Jeff Gendelman took over as CEO in April of this year, transitioning from his role as COO. In this interview, Jeff explores Daring’s impressive growth in 2023, driven by new product launches and strategic pricing. He also discusses the company’s approach to supply chain management, key partnerships, and goals for 2024. When you transitioned from COO to CEO in …

Company News

CEO of Daring Foods, Ross Mackay, Steps Down to Pursue New Venture in the Beverage Industry

April 3, 2024

Ross Mackay, the founder and CEO of Daring Foods, has announced that he is stepping down to begin a new venture in the beverage industry, Cadence. Mackay, who co-founded Daring Foods in 2018 alongside Elliot Kesses, has transitioned to a Chairman Emeritus role at Daring, with Jeffrey Gendelman, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, to take over as CEO. Daring Foods began with a goal to “remove chicken as a form of animal protein from our food system”. The company spent months developing a plant-based chicken alternative that aimed to mirror the taste and texture of chicken without compromising on quality, resulting in a product comprised of only five key ingredients. After its initial launch, Daring Foods secured its first food service partnership in Scotland in …

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Daring Foods Announces US Retail Launch of 5 New Plant-Based Frozen Entrees

November 10, 2023

Daring Foods has officially launched a new line of plant-based and gluten-free frozen entrees. With the launch, the company, known for its clean-label plant-based chicken made from simple ingredients, expands its product range with convenient, plant-based ready meals. Daring Foods originally debuted these entrees at Expo West in California in March of this year and announced plans for a retail launch, which has now materialized this week. Ross Mackay, CEO and founder of Daring Foods, commented on the company’s mission, stating, “We’ve always been on a mission to transform the category by offering delicious plant-based options that embrace diverse tastes and dietary preferences.” Daring’s frozen entrees offer over 16 grams of protein per meal, ranging from 350 to 460 for the entire serving. The company says …

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Blackbird Foods Partners with Daring to Launch Buffalo Plant Chicken Pizza

April 18, 2023April 14, 2023

New York City’s Blackbird Foods announces it is partnering with plant chicken leader Daring Foods on its latest pizza offering – Blackbird Buffalo Pizza. Launching exclusively at US Sprouts Farmers Markets, the new frozen pizza will feature Daring’s Breaded Plant Chicken Pieces. The Buffalo Pizza is described as “pizzeria” quality, and includes a New York-style hand-tossed crust topped with spicy buffalo sauce, vegan cheese, fresh onions and Daring’s Breaded Plant Chicken. According to Blackbird, the pizza makes a quick and convenient meal with a baking time of just eight minutes. “We are thrilled to partner with Blackbird to create our new exclusive Buffalo Plant Chicken Pizza,” says Founder and CEO of Daring, Ross Mackay. “It’s exciting to see two beloved plant-based brands with a similar …

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Frozen Foods

Pizza

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Daring Debuts First Line of Frozen Plant-Based Chicken Entrees

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

Plant-based chicken brand Daring announces it will release its first-ever convenience line of frozen entrees. Available in several varieties, Daring Plant Chicken Entrees are debuting at this week’s Expo West in Anaheim, California, along with two additional product innovations: Daring Teriyaki Pieces and Buffalo Wings. Easy and versatile Described as premium and clean-label convenience foods, the new Plant Chicken Entrees are said to be gluten-free bowls packed with protein. Speaking on social media, Daring said its customers are seeking easy and versatile meals that don’t sacrifice taste or quality. The frozen bowls are offered in several varieties, including Spicy Fajita, Teriyaki and Penne Primavera. Also at Expo West, Daring is showcasing its two latest Plant Chicken flavors: Teriyaki and Buffalo Wings. The Teriyaki Pieces, which …

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Convenience

Frozen meals

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Daring Unveils Teriyaki Pieces as Latest Addition to Plant-Based Chicken Line

January 25, 2023

Plant-based chicken brand Daring announces the debut of its newest flavor – Daring Teriyaki Plant-Chicken Pieces. Described as a sweet and savory addition to the brand’s lineup, Daring Teriyaki is now available at select US retailer locations, including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Jewel Osco, Shaws, Acme, Carrs and Tom Thumb. Featuring the classic Asian-inspired marinade, Daring says its new Teriyaki pieces bring rich notes of garlic and ginger to any dish that calls for teriyaki chicken. The pieces can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads, bowls and wraps. In addition to being non-GMO and gluten-free, Daring Teriyaki also contains 13 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. The product joins the brand’s other offerings, including Original Plant Chicken Pieces, …

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Marketing & Media

10 Times Vegan Brands Took on the Food Industry With Provocative Ad Campaigns

June 21, 2023January 19, 2023

In a week where allplants and THIS in the UK, as well as Eat Just in the US, have challenged their counterparts with disruptive ad campaigns; we take a look at ten plant-based brands that have taken on the food industry over the past 12 months, causing the public to consider their food purchasing choices through the use of thought-provoking factual information or humor. And, in one case, nudity. 1. allplants, UK This week, vegan meal delivery service allplants has announced it is “taking a stance to break the industry free from ultra-processed foods with wholefood plant power”. The company has erected billboards in the UK comparing the ingredients in an allplants dish to those in a supermarket ready meal, after conducting a survey showing …

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Daring Expands in Food Service With New Sous Vide Plant Chicken Format

October 21, 2022October 20, 2022

Plant-based chicken leader Daring introduces new sous vide plant chicken format for food service. The idea is to provide ready-to-eat offerings to its existing and new restaurant partners. Juice Press already serves Daring’s sous vide plant chicken at over 80 of their locations. Daring developed the sous vide plant chicken in partnership with Cuisine Solutions, the largest premium food company, pioneering and perfecting the sous vide cooking technique. The sous vide plant chicken comes vacuum sealed, allowing for lower labor costs and less preparation time. It guarantees the product’s consistency and saves kitchen space. David Johnson, VP of food service at Daring, commented: “The sous vide format provides our food service partners with a new option not previously available: Ready-to-Eat. Combining our simple ingredients with Cuisine Solutions’ sous vide technology …

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Starbucks USA Trials New Plant-Based Menu With JUST Egg and Daring Chicken

October 13, 2022October 13, 2022

Starbucks USA is now testing 18 new menu items at several stores, including six all-vegan savory and dessert options. The new selection includes sous vide bites made with JUST Egg and Daring plant chicken, reports VegNews. The limited-time menu is currently available at three Starbucks stores in the DC Metro area and includes: Plant-Based Chicken Sausage and Pepper Sous-Vide Bite (Daring jalapeño chicken sausage and JUST Egg) Plant-Based Smoky Poblano & Black Bean Sous-Vide Bite (JUST Egg base with black beans, lime zest, sweet corn, roasted poblano peppers, and smoky chipotle chili) Plant-Based Chicken Sausage & Pepper Sandwich Mini (A sandwich version of its test chicken sausage bite) The chain is also testing several new sweets: Golden Ginger Coconut Boba Bite (Inspired by Taiwanese boba …

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Interviews

Daring: “Our Long Term Mission is to Replace and Rethink Chicken in the Global Food System”

August 22, 2022August 19, 2022

2022 has been quite the year for Daring, the New York and LA-based startup on a relentless mission to change how the world eats chicken. Led by the fearless Ross Mackay, Daring kicked off this year with a stunning full-page color spread in the New York Times imploring readers to switch to its sustainable plant-based chicken. From there, Daring took on grocery store meat departments, launching its first refrigerated plant chicken tenders, before rolling out into Target locations across the US, gaining serious starpower from celebrity ambassadors like Kourtney Kardashian, Travis Barker and Naomi Osaka along the way. We spoke with Mackay who spoke to Daring’s exciting recent growth, from its latest product developments to retail strategy, upcoming restaurant launches and how Daring has sold …

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Juice Press Partners with Daring for New Plant-Based Chicken Salad Wrap

July 30, 2022

Juice Press, a juice bar chain with over 80 locations across the US, has partnered with plant chicken brand Daring for its new Plant-Based Chik’n Salad Wrap. Protein lunch Containing 19 grams of protein, the menu item features Daring chicken, cashew cream and chickpeas served in a whole wheat wrap. Customers can find the wrap at most Juice Press locations in the New York Tri-State area. 2022 continues to be a strong year for Daring, which has expanded its innovative chicken products to thousands of new retail and food service locations. In June, the brand added Plant Chicken Tenders to its line, and launched the refrigerated product into the meat departments of 400 retailers, including Sprouts, Erewhon and New Seasons. Weeks later, Daring announced a …

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Juice Bar

Juice Press

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Food & Beverage

Daring Continues US Expansion with Launches into Target and Monty’s Good Burger

June 18, 2022June 17, 2022

Daring, producer of innovative plant chicken, announces it is growing its retail footprint with a new launch into US Target stores nationwide, as well as select locations of regional stores Meijer, Ingle and Shoprite. The plant-based brand also revealed a debut at LA cult burger shop Monty’s. New markets Target stores will now carry Daring’s Original, Breaded and Cajun Plant Chicken Pieces in the freezer aisle. Made with simple ingredients like non-GMO soy, sunflower oil and spices, Daring’s chicken is currently sold in thousands of US retail locations including Walmart, Sprouts and Whole Foods. The plant-based brand can also now be found at Monty’s, an uber-popular vegan burger chain with five locations throughout LA. At Monty’s, guests can order a basket of Daring breaded chicken …

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ShopRite

Food & Beverage

Daring Launches New Plant Chicken Tenders in Grocery Store Meat Departments

June 2, 2022

Plant-based chicken leader Daring announces the launch of its new Plant Chicken Tenders, the company’s first product to be sold next to refrigerated animal-based meats. The tenders are now available at 400 US retailers including Sprouts, Erewhon, Dierbergs, New Seasons and Pete’s Market. Made similarly to Daring’s existing products, the Plant Chicken Tenders are larger in size than Daring’s Original Plant Chicken Pieces and sold fresh instead of frozen. As with the current plant-based line, Daring says its new tenders are uniquely textured and versatile with a savory and juicy chicken-like flavor. A rapid rise Nutrition-wise, the tenders offer a good source of fiber with high protein and zero cholesterol. They are also gluten-free, low-fat and non-GMO. The product is the latest innovation by Daring, …

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Food & Beverage

Expo West 2022 Recap – The Top 8 Plant-Based Innovations

March 17, 2022March 16, 2022

Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural and organic trade show, successfully held its first in-person event after a two-year hiatus last week, from March 8-12. The highly anticipated show attracted more than 2,700 exhibitors and 57,000 industry attendees to Anaheim, CA to make personal connections, attend keynote talks and discover the latest innovations in natural food, beverages and ingredients. Vegconomist was on-site seeking out the most interesting, creative and groundbreaking animal-free products and brands. From realistic vegan bacon and sushi to indulgent pizzas and mochi ice cream, this year’s plant-rich offerings did not disappoint. Out of dozens of exciting new products, we’ve selected eight particularly noteworthy innovations, along with full photo galleries of our favorite finds. 1. Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken – Daring Daring, …

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Daring’s New York Times Ad Urges World to Switch to Plant-Based Chicken

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022

Daring Foods is kicking off 2022 with a New York Times ad campaign asking readers to help reform the chicken industry. We spoke with the company’s founder about the reasons behind the campaign. Chicken is the most widely consumed meat product in the US, with the average American consuming over 65 pounds every year, Daring says. Fixing the industry In several full-page ads, the plant-based chicken brand calls attention to some of the worst environmental offences and ethical abuses found in commercial poultry production. Most prominently, industrial farms produce an enormous carbon footprint, emit huge amounts of pollution, and frequently contaminate groundwater with toxic runoff. As a solution, Daring invites readers to switch from conventional chicken products to the company’s protein-rich, plant-based alternatives that offer …

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Investments & Finance

Daring Foods Raises $65M From Celeb Investors, Bringing Total Raise to Over $120M

October 28, 2021October 27, 2021

Cult plant-based chicken producer Daring Foods announces an impressive $65 million Series C raise, as one of just a few companies to raise Series A, B and C in a single year. This brings Daring’s total raise to over $120M with earlier investors like Maveron, Palm Tree Crew, and rapper Drake. Daring also announces major retail expansion into over three thousand Walmart stores across the USA, doubling its distribution to 6,000 doors nationwide. The round was led by Founders Fund, joined by existing investor D1 Capital Group, alongside notable new personalities, athletes and celebrities like Naomi Osaka, Cameron Newton, renowned DJ Steve Aoki, and Chase Coleman. Founder and CEO Ross Mackay became vegan over a decade ago, after a fellow athlete “dared” him to try …

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Daring Enters “Chicken Wars” by Launching Original & Breaded Pieces at Whole Foods

August 3, 2021

Clean plant-based chicken brand Daring has launched two of its products — Original Pieces and Original Breaded Pieces — at select Whole Foods stores across the US.

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Investments & Finance

After Only a Year in the USA, Daring Foods Secures $40M From Investors Including Rapper Drake

May 19, 2021May 19, 2021

Cult vegan chicken brand Daring Foods announces $40M Series B funding just a year after its US launch. Canadian artist and entrepreneur Drake joined the round saying he was inspired by the Daring team’s mission to transform how the world eats. With the excellent tagline “Daring – the opposite of chicken”, the young company smashed the US market and its unique products recently rolled out into mainstream retailers such as Costco and Ralphs. “This is so much more than an investment in Daring, it’s an investment in the future of food,” CEO Ross Mackay. Originally from Scotland, the plant-based chicken became an immediate success with its original branding and its clean 5-ingredient product, and raised raised $8 million in 2020. Daring will use the fresh …

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