Impossible Burger hits state stores

Publix latest chain to sell popular meat substitute

Suddenly, Impossible Burger is available in grocery stores throughout South Florida.

Hailed by vegans and carnivores alike as one of the first meatsubstitute products that tastes like the real thing, Impossible Burger had been available exclusively in restaurants in South Florida since 2018.

Now home chefs can purchase the product at three area grocery chains: Trader Joe’s, Walmart and, beginning today, market leader Publix.

In a news release last Monday, manufacturer Impossible Foods said the product is now available in the meat departments of its 1,243 Publix stores across seven states in the Southeast.

Impossible Burger’s expansion into South Florida retail markets is part of a rapid expansion by Impossible Foods. In March, the burger substitute was available in just 150 stores mostly on the West Coast. Today it’s in 9,200 grocery stores across all 50 states.

In South Florida, Impossible Burger debuted in Trader Joe’s stores on July 26 and in Walmart stores on July 30.

It’s not just for grilled patties. The product, which looks like burger when uncooked, can be used in any recipe that calls for ground beef, including stews, chilis, tacos, cheesesteak sandwiches, and spaghetti sauce.

And while the amount of fat, calories and sodium has generated criticism that consumers will derive minimal health benefits from switching, Impossible Foods promotes its appeal to vegans who miss the flavor of hamburger and its potential for reducing global cattle consumption.

According to the website Business Insider, the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated demand for meat substitutes. Meat prices spiked and supplies tightened after outbreaks at meat processing facilities, prompting stores to limit purchase quantities and motivating consumers to seek alternatives, the report said.

As beef prices rise, Impossible Burger’s premium price becomes less of a drawback. A 12-ounce package typically sells for $7.99. Larger family-size packages can be purchased from Impossible Foods’ e-commerce site.

IMPOSSIBLE FOODS Impossible Burger’s expansion into South Florida retail markets is part of a rapid expansion by Impossible Foods.