Modern Family Star Jesse Tyler Ferguson Promotes Cooking With Plant-based Meat

American plant-based company Planterra Foods has partnered with Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson to celebrate the expansion of its OZO line and promote cooking with meat-free products. Actor and upcoming cookbook author share his favourite plant-based recipes using OZO products to help consumers eat well, feel better and live their best without having to compromise on flavour.

In addition, Planterra Foods is announcing a massive donation of $1 million of OZO plant-based protein products to help families in need across the US. The company will donate the products to Food Banks and Non-Profit Restaurants.

The new OZO line features six products that give consumers more protein choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The range includes Burgers, Ground, Mexican Seasoned Ground, Italian Style Meatballs, Original and Maple Breakfast Sausages. 

OZO products are non-GMO, certified vegan by BeVeg. They contain no cholesterol and fewer calories, fat and saturated fat than 80 per cent lean ground beef, as well as other leading plant-based protein brands currently in the market.

Ferguson is set to release his first cookbook in March 2021. "Food Between Friends," co-authored with cooking partner Julie Tanous Ferguson will feature delicious plant-based OZO recipes – like Swiss and Green Chile Burgers and Spicy Thai Basil Salad.

"Cooking has become a creative outlet and passion of mine, and I enjoy finding new recipes to share with my family and friends," said Jesse Tyler Ferguson. "What I love about OZO is that its versatile line of plant-based foods adds a boost of nutrition to my dish, are full of clean ingredients and most importantly, taste great. Giving back is also important to me, and I'm grateful that throughout this partnership Planterra Foods is donating $1 million worth of OZO products to food banks and non-profit restaurants across the country to support those in need."

Planterra makes meat alternatives with pea protein which is known to aid muscle growth, weight loss and heart health. The company uses high-quality pea and rice protein that relies on the fermentation of shiitake mycelia (root) and creates a nutritionally superior product that enhances the taste and minimises the flavour impact. This plant protein is more digestible and easier for the body to utilise.

The culinary possibilities are endless, as consumers can use OZO products for every meal. The plant-based meat alternatives can be easily cooked at home with pasta, sauces, used on a pizza, stacked in a sandwich or stirred into hearty soups.

"It's a natural fit for us to partner with Jesse Tyler Ferguson to share our combined appreciation and joy for tasting the good in life with delicious food that delivers on exceptional taste, nutrition and simple ingredients," said Darcey Macken, Planterra Foods CEO. "At Planterra Foods, we are passionate about expanding protein options to allow everyone at the table to enjoy good food, which is why we are continually innovating to deliver what we know is OZO good."