Joyn Foods' Blended Beef Wins Over South Carolina Schools with 96% Approval
Joyn Foods has secured approval on the South Carolina Purchasing Alliance (SCPA) bid, allowing school districts across the state to buy its blended meat products through simplified procurement. The move marks a key achievement for the company, which previously operated as Mush Foods, as it expands into K-12 school meal programmes.
The approval process for K-12 schools is known for its strict requirements. Joyn Foods had to meet detailed product specifications, comply with USDA meal standards, and prove competitive pricing. Student taste tests also played a crucial role—preschoolers in grades K-2 gave the blended meat an 84% approval rating.
In tastings at Berkeley County schools, students preferred Joyn Foods' 50Cut products over traditional beef. Meatballs received a 96% approval rate, while burgers scored 92%. The company's blended meat combines beef with mycelium and roasted mushrooms, using a 30-50% inclusion rate. This mix boosts moisture and umami flavour without altering cooking methods.
The mycelium itself is grown using solid-state fermentation, a circular process that repurposes agricultural waste. The result is a product that behaves like 100% beef in kitchens, requiring no extra training or equipment changes. Nutritionally, 50Cut offers complete protein, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, along with dietary fiber. It also cuts saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium compared to conventional beef.
Environmental benefits are equally notable. Producing 50Cut uses over 95% less land and 99% less water than traditional beef, slashing its climate impact. Despite these advantages, no US state had signed official contracts with Joyn Foods or similar providers for school meals as of February 2026.
With SCPA approval, Joyn Foods can now supply its blended meat to South Carolina schools through a streamlined system. The product's high student acceptance, nutritional profile, and sustainability credentials position it as a viable alternative to conventional beef in school cafeterias.
