Plant protein company Lightlife begins Canadian distribution

Lightlife Foods a producer of plant-based protein products in the United States, has expanded into Canada. Lightlife is offering products including Smart Dogs, Gimme Lean Sausage and Veggie Bacon, in major retailers nationwide.

“Plant-based foods appeal to consumers following all types of diets — from vegan to flexitarian — as the benefits are becoming recognized around the globe,” said Dan Curtin, president of Lightlife Foods.

This comes as more consumers than ever are choosing plant-based foods, Lightlife said. They cited numbers from research firm Mintel that show more than half of Canadians — 53 percent — eat meat alternatives and almost a fifth — 18 percent — eat meat alternative products multiple times a week.

Lightlife joined the Canadian market with nine products ­in a full national launch starting in August 2018: Tempeh – Original, Tempeh Strips – Smoky, Smart Dogs – Veggie Hot Dogs, Meatballs – Italian-Style Veggie, Bacon – Original Veggie, Gimme Lean – Veggie Sausage, Tenders – Veggie Chicken, Ground – Zesty Italian Veggie, and Deli – Veggie Turkey. The MSRP for the products ranges from $3.99-$6.49 CAD and all Lightlife products can be found in the produce or refrigerated section of grocery stores nationwide.