by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

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.

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