• MOD Pizza has partnered with Plantly, a plant-based F&B brand, to offer a plant-based sausage made from non-GMO pea protein.
• The chain is showing off its vegan sausage topping in the form of The Willow, a limited-edition “Flash MOD” offer.

Related: How MOD Pizza became one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant chains

Plant-based meat substitutes got another boost when MOD Pizza, the purpose-led chain based in Seattle, started offering vegan Italian sausage at all of its 500-plus locations nationwide on August 31.

The new plant-based protein is made from non-GMO pea protein and will be a permanent fixture as a MOD topping, the company said. Customers can add the protein to any pizza or salad, along with any combination of toppings—all for one flat price.

Developed exclusively with Plantly, a chef-created, plant-based food and beverage brand, the plant-based sausage is a classic spiced Italian-style crumble made with U.S.-grown non-GMO pea protein, filtered water and expeller-pressed canola oil. It’s seasoned with fennel, oregano and thyme.

With 12 grams of protein per serving, the plant-based sausage contains no artificial ingredients, fillers, sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colorings, the company said. It’s vegan, gluten-friendly and soy-free, offering flexitarian customers a meatless version of one of MOD’s most popular toppings.

“We’ve spent the past two years methodically testing plant-based proteins, and, simply put, we found Plantly’s Italian plant-based sausage to be completely craveable and far superior in both taste and quality—and were immediately drawn to the real ingredient list,” said Mark Shambura, MOD’s chief marketing officer. “We’re excited to bring our customers a product that is not only delicious, but an easy swap or add, if they want to go meatless or simply have more flexible choices.”

Related: MOD Pizza commits to hiring more employees with autism and differing abilities

To celebrate its newest menu topping, MOD declared August 31 “Plant Your Pizza Day,” with a special “Plant One, Get One” offer. To take advantage of this one-day offer, customers had to order in-restaurant with a friend.

MOD is showing off its vegan sausage topping in the form of The Willow, a limited-edition “Flash MOD” offer. The Willow features the plant-based Italian sausage on a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce base, topped with shredded asiago cheese, fresh creamy ricotta and sliced mushrooms. After the bake, it’s finished with peppery fresh arugula and a drizzle of smoky, rich Romesco sauce.

Offered through early November, The Willow is also available as a vegan option, featuring an extra-virgin olive oil base with chopped garlic, dairy-free cheese, roasted red peppers, sliced mushrooms and the same finish of arugula and Romesco sauce drizzle.