‘It tastes exactly like beef.’ For people with a life-threatening allergy to red meat, an ostrich burger can bring them to the verge of tears

Brent Williams developed a life-threatening allergy to red meat after being bitten by a tick, a condition known as alpha-gal syndrome. This allergy, which is not triggered by seafood or poultry, can cause symptoms such as hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after consuming just a small amount of red meat. However, ostrich meat, which shares a similar taste and appearance to beef, does not trigger these symptoms.

When Williams was approached by a partner to start an ostrich farm, he jumped at the opportunity, as the meat could provide relief for those with alpha-gal syndrome. The farm, Alpha Roost Farms, currently has over 400 birds and aims to nearly double that number by next year. The high cost of ostrich meat, ranging from $20 to $40 per pound, has made it a sought-after alternative for those with the allergy.

Leah Gibbs, who operates a local farm market, noted that customers are elated to have an alternative to beef that tastes exactly like beef. With the growing demand for ostrich meat, farmers like Clark Ostrich Farm in Texas are seeing increasing interest from restaurants and stores seeking to meet the needs of allergy sufferers.