BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Applegate, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corp., is launching Applegate Well Carved, a new line of burgers and meatballs that combine meat with whole organic vegetables, legumes and grains. The products are designed to appeal to consumers who are “mindful of their meat intake and its nutritional, ethical and environmental impact,” the company said.

In stores beginning April 1, the Well Carved portfolio includes a grass-fed organic beef burger made with cauliflower, spinach, lentils and butternut squash; and an organic turkey burger, made with sweet potato, great northern bean, kale and roasted onion. The lineup also offers organic Asian-style pork meatballs, made with brown rice, green onion, carrot and parsley; and organic Mediterranean-style turkey meatballs, made with lentils, feta cheese and spinach.

”People love meat and they aren’t going to simply stop eating it, nor should they have to, regardless of how many highly processed soy or pea-based burgers you put on the market,” said John Ghingo, president of Applegate. ”Well Carved offers an easy way for consumers to enjoy the real, clean meat they crave while also reducing overall consumption. The Well Carved line shows that better meat is possible.”

Additionally, Applegate has added a new variety to its portfolio of grab-and-go charcuterie plates. Rolling out to stores this month, the Applegate Naturals Chorizo Charcuterie Plate includes uncured chorizo salami, medium cheddar cheese and milk chocolate covered grain-free pretzels. The plate is gluten-free and non-GMO.

Also appearing in stores this month is newly reformulated Applegate Naturals Slow Cooked Ham. The pork now contains no sugar and is Whole30 Approved.

Applegate planned to unveil its new products this week at Natural Products Expo West, but the show was postponed due to caution regarding the coronavirus.