A
The new wave of plant-based “meat” is going mainstream and straight into one of America’s most iconic chain fast-food burgers, the White Castle Slider. White Castle announced Thursday it is introducing a vegetarian fake-meat version of its famous mini-burgers. The burger is one of several scientifically engineered products made to make plant ingredients (成分) taste just like beef. Called the Impossible Slider, it will be first sold in the New York, New Jersey and greater Chicago areas with the potential for a nationwide promotion.
The White Castle Impossible Slider—made with cheese, pickles, onions and a bun—features a 2-ounce patty and costs $1. 99, while the traditional 0.9-ounce mini-cheeseburger costs 94 cents. “Plant-based proteins are growing. We felt it was a good opportunity to test it with our customers,” CEO Lisa Ingram said. “We think it will appeal to a broad range of customers—those that are meat eaters who want to try something different and non-meat eaters who want this.” She also said the new sliders might bring in new customers, too.
The Impossible Slider represents what few in the traditional beef industry thought possible—that cowless meat would be a hit in a country known for its meat-and-potatoes diet and love of burgers. Plant-based meat alternatives are growing at a rate of about 11% a year, according to research firm Acosta. The market isn’t just vegetarians: some 71% of people who buy plant-based meat also eat the real thing.
“Interest in meat alternatives seems to be driven by consumers at large, not just those looking for vegetarian life-styles, but looking for diversification (多样化) of tastes and health benefits,” said Billy Roberts, senior food and drink analyst at global market research firm Mintel. “Our business is a growth business. There’ll be increased demands for products like the Impossible Burger,” Impossible Foods Chief Operating Officer David Lee said. “People are increasingly asking about what impact food has on the environment and our health.”
21. What is the selling point of the Impossible Slider?
A. Its low price. B. Its good taste.
C. Its high technology. D. Its plant-based ingredients.
22. According to the passage, who may be attracted by the Impossible Slider?
① people living a vegetarian life ② people looking for various tastes
③ people valuing health ④ people disliking fast-food
A. ① B. ①② C. ①②③ D. ①②③④
23. What can be inferred from David Lee’s words?
A. Curiosity drives more people to buy the Impossible Slider.
B. People’s concern over the environment and health may help the new business.
C. People’s doubt about food impact may stop the Impossible Slider’s popularity.
D. Eco-friendly people play an important part in promoting the Impossible Slider.
