The new dippers offer schools an easy-to-serve, vegan meat-free option that supports inclusive menus without compromising on quality, taste or nutrition. The product is available in 8 x 200g foodservice packs and available nationwide via catering wholesalers.
New research from Linda McCartney found that four in five (80%) parents say it is important that vegetarian school meals are offered in familiar formats children already enjoy, such as dippers, nuggets and bites. Linda McCartney Foods says recognisable, child-friendly formats play a key role in encouraging uptake of meat-free options in schools.
Linda McCartney Foods' new Chicken Style Dippers are high in protein, containing 29g per recommended school serving compared to 21g in comparable products. The dippers are vegan and dairy-free, allowing schools to cater for a range of allergen requirements and intolerances.
This makes them an ideal meat-free alternative that helps schools meet Government School Food Standards in England, which require a non-dairy protein option on three or more days each week.
Research shows that when vegan 'chicken-style' dippers look and taste similar to traditional chicken dippers, 69% of parents say their child is likely to choose them at school. There is significant potential for high-quality plant-based alternatives to succeed on school menus when they deliver on both familiarity and flavour.
Rebecca Fairbairn, marketing and strategy director at Linda McCartney Foods, said: "We've created a dipper that kids will actually want to eat, which means better uptake for caterers, less waste, and more children benefiting from nutritious meat-free meals.
“As the original meat-free pioneer, Linda McCartney Foods remains a brand that caterers and families trust for taste and quality. These dippers give schools confidence that they can offer vegan options children will reach for first.”