If you’ve cooked with our
Plant Basics Hearty Plant Protein, you’ve seen how it quickly earns a spot as a pantry staple—it’s high in protein, shelf-stable, and endlessly versatile. It’s one of those base ingredients that easily works its way into your routine.
But we started to wonder: what if we could make that routine even more convenient?
Turning an Idea Into a Product
Time and time again, we found ourselves reaching for the same go-to flavor combos while cooking—
Plant Basics Just Like Beef Taco, Just Like Italian Sausage, Just Like Chicken, and, yes, that random spice mix we grabbed on vacation and still haven’t found again. That sparked an idea: could we bring the flavor into the product itself?
That’s how the new
Plant Basics Hearty Plant Protein Flavored Pea Crumbles were born. They’re the same great pea protein crumbles, now available in seven flavor-packed varieties, ready to cook with no extra seasoning required.
Refining the Details—And Enjoying the Process
We really enjoyed the process of developing these flavored crumbles. From testing flavors to dialing in the coating process, it was hands-on every step of the way—and the result is something both tasty and convenient we’re proud to share.
It all started at our northern Illinois location, where we pack and produce the
Plant Basics line. We outfitted our workspace with our own seasoning equipment, experimented with coating methods, and got to know the process inside and out. The first machine we tried wasn’t quite up to the job—so we took what we learned and had a new one custom-built specifically for this product.
Simple, Flavorful, and Purposefully Made
From there, we tested different non-GMO olive oils to find the one that would work best as a binder. We ultimately landed on expeller-pressed, non-GMO olive oil—a high-quality option that not only helps seasoning stick but also aligns with our goal of clean, recognizable ingredients. Then we fine-tuned the seasoning blend and dialed in the texture and coverage.
Coating Process—we coat the Pea Crumbles with Non-GMO Olive Oil to help the seasoning stick.
Throughout the entire process, we stayed focused on keeping the ingredients as simple as possible. Our goal was to deliver great flavor while sticking to what
Plant Basics does best: clean, real ingredients. That’s why we kept the formula straightforward—no binders, no thickeners—just our single-ingredient crumbles, olive oil, and seasoning.
Seasoning Process—we add the seasoning and tumble the crumbles so all pieces are evenly coated.
Once the coating process was ready, we moved into full-on flavor mode. We’d run a batch, test a seasoning level, cook up a meal, and taste—then do it again, and again. We had fun experimenting and dialing everything in.
Plant Basics Hearty Plant Protein is already a regular part of our own meals, so the "taste test phase" was just an extension of dinner.
Chicken Flavored—For stir fries, pot pies, wraps, and casseroles
Ham Flavored—Try in breakfast scrambles, split pea soup, or baked potatoes
Beef Flavored—Use for tacos, burgers, or chili
Turkey Flavored—Great for meatloaf, stuffing, and shepherd’s pie
Vegetable Flavored—Adds plant-forward flavor to any dish
Taco Flavored—Use for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
Italian Sausage Flavored—Perfect for pizza, pasta, or sausage and peppers
This launch isn’t just about saving time (though that’s a bonus). It’s about continuing our mission to build a smarter, more flexible plant-based pantry—one that fits the way people actually cook and eat every day.
Real Cooking, Real Innovation
At
Plant Basics, we really enjoy the process of developing products that are rooted in real-life cooking. We’re proud to keep creating innovations that fit your kitchen and lifestyle, and we’re grateful for the customers who help shape what we do with feedback, creativity, and community.
We hope these new flavors make your meals a little easier—and a lot more delicious.
Kim Skaff, also known as Mrs. Fake Meats (married to the owner of Fake Meats, LLC.), is a passionate advocate for fake meats, having been vegetarian since 2000 and vegan since 2010. With a deep interest in meat alternatives, Kim researches and follows the latest plant-based trends. As an experienced writer, blogger, and social media influencer, she shares her insights with a broad audience, educating and inspiring others on their plant-based journeys. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her a trusted voice in the community.
SHIPPING SPECIAL - $35 Orders Ship for $0.99!* does not include refrigerated shipping; click for details
