THIS and Planted, two plant-based meat producers from the UK and Switzerland, have unveiled Asian-inspired rotisserie-style vegan chicken products in the UK. THIS debuted THIS Isn't Chicken Shawarma, while Planted launched vegan Chicken Tikka Skewers.

THIS Isn’t Chicken Shawarma is made using soy and fava bean protein and mixed with a range of spices. It claims to mimic the taste and texture of real chicken from the company's extrusion technology. Planted's Chicken Tikka Skewers comes coated in a marinade with hints of cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and curry leaves. 

THIS Isn’t Chicken Shawarma will be priced at GBP 3.30 (~USD 4.2) per 170 g and will launch at ASDA, Waitrose, and co-op stores in the UK and Albert Heijn in the Netherlands in May 2024. On the contrary, Planted’s chicken alternatives will be available at Tesco stores.

Analyst QuickTake: The launch of these new products comes when the demand for vegan products rises. In 2023, the demand for plant-based alternatives dipped, causing several producers to cease operations. However, according to Tesco , plant-based meat sales in the UK have begun to pick up again, with plant-based chicken reporting an increase of 20% in sales.