As bands continue to diversify their income streams in the challenging all-digital landscape (see Drew Shirley's Shirts, Lauren Daigle's Dangles jewelry line, and Korey Cooper's Kupcakes), MercyMe has announced it is entering the highly competitive category of plant-based products.

MercyMeat is the latest entry in what will be a $15.7 billion dollar industry by 2027, valued at $7.9 billion last year alone. The Christian band announced its flagship product in partnership with Chick-Fil-A, a national restaurant chain popular with faith communities.

"We've been playing instrumental versions of MercyMe's music in our stores for years, and we are so excited to partner with this historic group as we launch a new menu option that will be enjoyed by all our customers, 'Even If' they are not vegan," shared Chick-Fil-A founder, Dan Cathy with a slight grin after making the obvious MercyMe pun. 

MercyMeat Nuggets, an all-plant-based alternative to the chain's popular chicken and grilled nuggets, will come in a 4-count or 8-count and debut in all 2,898 stores this summer.

"'I Can Only Imagine' what these things taste like," concluded Chick-Fil-A founder, Dan Cathy, in-between chuckles. "That was another MercyMe pun."

Apparently poor humor, alongside cows, need mercy right now.