I tried Cracker Barrel's new plant-based sausage that's sparking online backlash, and it completely changed my opinion on the chain
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
- Cracker Barrel recently introduced Impossible sausage, a plant-based protein, to its menu.
- The announcement sparked a backlash from some customers, which then led to further controversy.
Cracker Barrel is famous for serving classic southern comfort food, like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken to loyal customers.
Hollis Johnson
The chain just introduced Impossible Sausage, a plant based meat, to menus on August 1, and some customers were not happy.
Cracker Barrel
Nearly a year ago in September 2021, Cracker Barrel first introduced plans to test the meat substitute in 50 of its 660 stores.
Cracker Barrel
Source: Cracker Barrel
At the time, Cracker Barrel described the menu addition as a "savory, delicious sausage made from plants for meat lovers," for "those who just want to try something new."
Hollis Johnson
It didn't make headlines at the time, but the expansion to all US menus led to an outcry from some customers.
Cracker Barrel
"Discover new meat frontiers. Experience the out of this world flavor of Impossible™ Sausage Made From Plants next time you Build Your Own Breakfast," the chain posted on Facebook.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Hundreds of commenters derided the addition of plant based meat.
Karo R./Yelp
"You used to serve REAL things...Now you want to add in FAKE sausage.Bye bye old friend. When you get rid of the imitation sausage, I would like to come back. Until then, good bye," read one comment that was representative of hundreds more.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Hundreds more comments mocked the angry customers. "It's amazing the snowflakes here getting triggered by a meat alternative showing up on a menu," one wrote.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I visited Cracker Barrel myself to test it out, as part of the build your own breakfast meal.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I ordered the sausage, fried eggs, and the cheese casserole dish, which came with a side of biscuits and gravy.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It looked indistinguishable from a traditional meat sausage when the server set it in front of me.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The texture and look on the inside seemed exactly right to me.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
With all the same seasonings as a meat sausage, it even smelled like the real deal.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
It was absolutely delicious, and was the perfect addition to the other pieces of my breakfast.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The only downside was that it came with an additional charge of $1.79 over the base meal price, though that's common for plant based meats at quick service restaurants.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Even with the additional charge, my breakfast was less than $12 before tax and tip, which I felt was a very good deal.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Had I not known I ordered the impossible sausage, I think it's unlikely I would have clocked this as a plant based beat.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Now, I firmly believe breakfast is the best time to visit Cracker Barrel for the best value and food.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I ate every bite, and was completely satisfied.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Cracker Barrel's willingness to test out plant based meats impressed me, and changed my idea of the chain as old fashioned and unwilling to adapt.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I'm not a vegetarian, but now I'm more willing to return to Cracker Barrel knowing that there's room for growth and change.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.
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