Shicken rolls out new allergen-free recipe

UK plant-based ready meal brand Shicken has launched a new allergen-free recipe for its plant-based meat, claimed to be a category-first.

Shicken’s next generation of plant-based chicken, free from the UK’s top 14 allergens, has evolved from a soy- and wheat-based recipe to one made from pea proteins. The protein is sourced solely from peas farmed in East Anglia and made in the brand’s newly certified allergen-free site in Kent.

The company believes it has brought the first allergen-free meat alternative made with home-grown ingredients to market in the UK. Its new recipe will launch nationally into Costco this week within its tikka kebab product. It will then be phased throughout the entire range of curry and kebab dishes across retail, D2C and foodservice by the end of the month.

Becoming allergen-free is a key part of the brand’s strategy to make plant-based food more inclusive and remove consumption barriers around dietary requirements. Shicken also believes the new pea protein recipe has improved the products’ taste and texture, while using home-grown ingredients has contributed to its sustainability goals.

Parm Bains, co-founder at Shicken, commented: “As a business we are committed to making plant-based food delicious, inclusive, and ethical. Our next generation recipe has been developed to taste even better and opens the Shicken range up for everyone to enjoy – whatever their dietary requirements are.”