Arizona’s whole-food, Plant-Based Protein “NexVeg” Challenges Broken Food System

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NexVeg is a revolutionary whole-food plant-based protein brand perfected and manufactured in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Since 2004, NexVeg founder Jonathan Netzky and his team have taken pride in creating all-natural, wholesome and vegetarian protein products that are sourced locally and handmade in small-batches. After years of research and development, NexVeg products are now distributed to over 100 restaurants, medical centers, schools and national parks throughout Arizona.

But NexVeg is different from the other meat substitutes getting hot press right now: NexVeg is driven by the importance of knowing where food comes from, combining whole ingredients, and maintaining a respectful and accountable relationship with producers and farmers. All of the ingredients are sustainably sourced and transparently disclosed.

“There’s so much confusion in plant-based dining today,” said Netzky. “Consumers have asked for healthier, more natural whole foods, yet we’re now being marketed the most heavily processed plant-based foods that have ever existed. We want our customers to feel confident that the food options we offer are healthier for them and better for the planet. It’s time we get rid of the notion that plant-based protein needs to be heavily processed while simultaneously addressing the health and sustainability issues that our food system faces.”

Tepary Beans are indigenous beans of the Sonoran Desert that are grown sustainably by the Akimel O’odham tribe’s Ramona Farms.

Formerly known as “Tepa Burger” (based on its namesake ingredient of Tepary Beans), NexVeg truly walks the talk for sourcing from the region’s farmers. “Jonathan and his team have built incredible systems that respect the realities of desert agriculture and the beauty of heirloom crops and customs,” said Terry Button of Ramona Farms. “They have opened the doors that have replaced soy and foreign-grown and adulterated ingredients with our indigenous crops, bringing the best foods to market, locally maximizing the returns to our native community.”

What’s Next for NexVeg?

NexVeg launched a Kickstarter campaign to introduce its delicious, non-allergen, non-GMO products to high- performance, health-conscious and environmentally aware people across the nation. The $50,000 crowdfunding effort will allow the company to create a second locally-focused commercial kitchen in Ohio to facilitate a direct-to-consumer subscription and delivery model with national reach.

Proximity to the source creates a high level of accountability for everyone involved in the supply and production chain. As they grow across the country, their commitment to sourcing regionally appropriate foods is clear; NexVeg flavor options are determined by the buyer’s zipcode: