Vegan pork brand La Vie has announced the launch of its first ever plant-based ham.
The France-based company, which is known for its vegan bacon, announced the new product at an event in Paris last week.
The ham, which took four years to develop, is said to feature a similar taste, smell, and texture to the real thing, Plant Based News reported.
La Vie called its vegan ham "a major revolution in the world of plants."
"Imagine a ham that perfectly reproduces everything we love about ham, without the pig," the company said in a statement.
La Vie said the plant-based ham is the result of an "unprecedented technological challenge" combining a perfect texture, unrivaled taste and high protein content. It's made from just seven ingredients: 91% rehydrated pea proteins, soy proteins, flavors, concentrated radish juice, salt, potassium acetates (acidity regulator), and vegan lactic acid (preservative). It is also free from nitrites, unlike ham made from pigs.
The ham is available to buy in France now and is set for release in the UK early next year. No word yet on a US launch.
La Vie hopes the new offering will encourage consumers to eat more plant-based meat.
"The brand's mission is anchored in the urgency of changing eating habits
to counter the devastating impacts of intensive livestock farming on the planet, global warming, climate change and deforestation, while keeping in mind that it is possible to do so without denying pleasure," the company said.