Tyson Foods rolls out ‘Razorback Nuggets’ ahead of football season

Research and development workers at Springdale-based Tyson Foods wanted to develop a Razorback-inspired food that might be a hit at tailgating events for University of Arkansas fans. The result is a nugget that looks like a pig but tastes like chicken.

Niki Mann, director of product development for Tyson’s retail business, said she and her team sought to bring the product to market about four months ago, inspired by the excitement around Razorback sports, especially with the hiring of Hall of Fame basketball coach John Calipari. Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson played a role in the Calipari hiring.

The “Razorback Nuggets” shaped like the hog mascot are breaded frozen white meat chicken similar to the company’s popular dinosaur-shaped nuggets but about twice the size and sold only in a larger family-size bag.

Mann said the mold for a razorback shape did not exist. The R&D group worked on the shape and it took several tries to get the winner. She said the features had to be exaggerated in the mold to make the finished product resemble a Razorback. Tyson also had to work with the University of Arkansas for licensing rights on the packaging designed by Tyson’s creative team.

Mann said it’s only fitting that the chicken nuggets are made in Rogers at Tyson’s Chicken Quick facility.

The Tyson product will be sold in Walmart stores in Arkansas and some Missouri locations in the next few weeks. They will make their way into Sam’s Clubs by September. Tyson said distribution may be expanded as demand dictates. The retail cost is expected to be $12.99.

Mann said the hog-shaped chicken fits in a slider bun and should be a popular tailgate and game-day watch party festivities. She said the best way to prepare the frozen hog-shaped chicken snack is in an air-fryer for a crispy outside and moist inside texture. She said Tyson’s culinary team is working on signature sauces for these crispy chicken nuggets.

The rapid speed at which this food product is getting to market is almost unheard of, but Tyson’s close relationships with Walmart and the University of Arkansas helped. Tyson also drew from the success of other products like the Spooky Nuggets around Halloween and the kid-favorite Dino Nugget.

The first Arkansas Razorback football game for this season will be Aug. 18 in Little Rock against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.