7-Eleven Launches Ready-to-Eat Meal Featuring Kong Bulgogi

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Convenience store 7-Eleven launched a health-concept ready meal series using Kong Bulgogi on the 29th.

Recently, interest in health, environment, and animal welfare has increased, leading to a rise in popularity of plant-based meat alternatives. In particular, there is a growing trend of consumers reducing meat in their diets and increasing vegetarian options for health reasons.

This 'Green Meat Ready Meal' series features Kong Bulgogi, a plant-based meat, as the main ingredient and was developed in collaboration with Professor Han Young-sil's Customized Food Research Lab at Sookmyung Women's University, a food nutrition expert. Plant-based meat is made by injecting yeast into plant proteins extracted from soybeans or mushrooms and culturing them, resulting in lower calories and fat but higher protein compared to regular meat.

The 'Green Meat Lunchbox' contains Kong Bulgogi as the main ingredient along with vegetable fried rice and fusilli pasta, balanced with five major nutrients including sweet potato and pineapple to provide a healthy meal. Especially, the Green Meat Lunchbox reduces calories (611 kcal) and sodium (512 mg) compared to a typical lunchbox (average 800 kcal, 1300 mg), allowing for a healthier enjoyment. The price is 4,300 won.

The 'Green Meat Gimbap' is topped with Kong Bulgogi and fried tofu to enhance a savory and chewy taste, and includes chopped chili peppers to prevent any greasy flavor. Additionally, it is generously filled with various vegetables such as perilla leaves, oyster mushrooms, onions, and carrots. The price is 2,400 won.