Plant-Based Pioneer Rip Esselstyn Launches PLANTSTRONG Branded Broths, Chilis, and Stews in Whole Foods Market Stores Nationally

 

PLANTSTRONG Foods, a company dedicated to creating delicious and convenient plant-based foods, has launched eight new PLANTSTRONG Food products in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. Founded by Rip Esselstyn, a former professional triathlete and Texas firefighter turned #1 New York Times Best Selling Author and health advocate, PLANTSTRONG Foods’ new assortment includes premium plant-based broths and ready-to-eat chilis and stews.

New Products

The launch includes four organic, plant-based broths: Slow-Simmered Vegetable Broth, Shiitake Mushroom Broth, Sweet Corn Broth, and Spanish-Style Sofrito Broth. They were developed in collaboration with industry-leading plant-based chefs and evidence-based nutrition experts to be full-flavored, all while being made without added sugar, oil, or salt.

The national rollout will also feature four ready-to-eat chilis and stews designed to provide quick and delicious meal solutions. Boasting both nutrition and taste, these lightly salted chilis and stews are made without oil, added sugar, and are plant-based. Customers will recognize the return of the Firehouse Chili (previously available under the Engine 2 brand), and will also be delighted with new recipes: Thai Carrot Chickpea, Creamy White Bean Chili, and Indian Lentil Stew.

A Brand Evolution

Engine 2 Plant-Strong was available for ten years exclusively at Whole Foods Market with Esselstyn serving as the brand champion. The previous food line featured a best-selling assortment of food items including a vegetable broth and a firehouse chili. “It was ahead of its time,” says Esselstyn, “before eating plants was even a glimmer in mainstream dietary trends. But now, the timing is right. We’ve entered what I call, The PLANTSTRONG Era, and people are awakening to the idea that a lifestyle change is important—for our collective health and the health of the planet.” Building on the success of the original two products under the Engine 2 brand, PLANTSTRONG Foods has expanded the line to include six more broth, stew, and chili SKUs.

This new product assortment will be exclusive at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide until November 1, before rolling out to additional retailers and online offerings.

“We are thrilled to offer PLANTSTRONG’s plant-based broths, chilis and stews exclusively at Whole Foods Market,” said Christina Pearson, Global Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market. “PLANTSTRONG’s products fill a clear need for our customers looking for a nutritious and convenient meal without compromising on flavor.”

PLANTSTRONG Foods has other plant-based products available on its website including dessert-inspired, guilt-free granola, whole grain pizza crust kits, organic popcorn, and the ever-popular Rip’s Big Bowl Cereal.

 

Gáspár Incze is the youngest member of the team. Currently a university student, he is studying management at Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Gáspár participated in several social initiatives, having volunteered as a tour guide at the Teleki Castle in the village of Gornești and currently working at ÉRTED, a Transylvanian Hungarian student initiative committed to community work, mainly in the cultural, scientific, economic, and environmental areas.