Search Results for: plant-based foods

A young woman drinks green smoothies and eats a burger in a vegan fast food restaurant

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Health

Study: Replacing Animal Products With Plant-Based Foods, No Matter How Processed, Leads to Weight Loss

A new study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism has concluded that eating plant-based foods instead of animal products can lead to significant weight loss, regardless of how processed the foods are. The research is a secondary analysis of a study that randomly assigned participants who were overweight to an intervention or control group for 16 weeks. Those in the intervention group followed a low-fat, plant-based diet with no calorie limit. They experienced improved metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, and weight loss, compared to the control group who made no changes. “Our new study is an important reminder that plant-based foods that are considered processed, like canned beans, cereal, and veggie burgers, are actually part of …

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Cabbage Field

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Company News

PBFA Unveils Strategic Plan to Grow US Production & Consumption of Plant-Based Foods

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and Plant-Based Foods Institute (PBFI) have unveiled their 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. The plan will guide the organizations toward achieving their goals of growing plant-based market share and increasing US production and consumption of plant-based foods. It describes a systems-based approach that involves working across sectors and disciplines in partnership and collaboration with a diverse group of food system participants. “By combining the industry-building work of PBFA with the food system work of PBFI, we are creating a uniquely powerful engine to drive change farther and faster,” said Rachel Dreskin, CEO of PBFA and PBFI. Six pillars The pillars of the Strategic Plan include: “The spirit of service” Progress has already been made toward the first pillar by revising the …

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Company News

Plant-Based Industry Association ENSA Rebrands to Plant-Based Foods Europe

European plant-based foods association ENSA has announced that it is rebranding to Plant-Based Foods Europe to better reflect the evolution of the industry. The organisation was founded in 2003 as the European Natural Soyfood Association (ENSA), but became the European Plant-Based Foods Association in 2012 due to the expansion and diversification of the industry. However, the ENSA acronym was initially retained. Following the significant growth of the plant-based sector in recent years and the expansion of plant-based innovation across new categories, the organisation has decided to adopt a new identity. However, Plant-Based Foods Europe will continue its mission of advocating for innovative plant-based food solutions across the continent. “Exciting new era” Members of Plant-Based Foods Europe produce a range of products, with a focus on …

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ProVeg International

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Retail & E-Commerce

The Case for More Plant-Based Foods in Retail

In some supermarkets, plant-based foods have been losing shelf space due to concerns over a perceived slowdown in growth. But is this really the end of the plant-based movement? Not at all, says ProVeg International. While some retailers hesitate, others are doubling down – and reaping the benefits. Lidl GB, for instance, recently introduced 28 new plant-based products and aims for 25% of total protein sales to come from plant-based sources by 2030. Their strategy reflects a broader reality: the plant-based market is evolving, not disappearing. As consumer habits shift and sustainability becomes an ever-greater priority, expanding your plant-based range is a smart business move. The market is maturing, not declining Despite economic challenges, the plant-based food sector continues to grow. In 2023, European plant-based …

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Plant-Based Foods of Canada Third Annual Conference

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Fairs & Events

PBFC Annual Conference 2025 to Explore Growth and Innovation in Plant-Based Foods

Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC) is set to host its 3rd Annual Conference on February 13, 2025, at the Maple Leaf ThinkFOOD! Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Under the theme “Cultivating Community: Collaborative Growth in the Plant-Based Foods Industry,” the event will bring together over 125 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of plant-based foods in Canada. Insights on innovation and market growth in plant-based foods The Conference will feature a keynote speech by Dave Donnan from Northwestern University, who will explore innovation, scaling, and unmet needs in the plant-based sector. Other notable speakers include Michael LeBlanc, who will discuss evolving retail trends, and Murad Al-Katib, who will highlight future opportunities for plant-based foods in Canada. The event will also host panel discussions …

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Fermented fats

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Fermentation

Melt&Marble Partners With Valio to Develop Plant-Based Foods Containing Fermented Fats

Melt&Marble, a Swedish startup producing fat ingredients using precision fermentation, has partnered with major Finnish food company Valio to develop plant-based foods made with fermented fats. The long-term research collaboration will involve studying the properties of new types of fat produced by Melt&Marble, before commercializing plant-based foods containing the fats. These should have improved mouthfeel, structure, and succulence compared to existing plant-based alternatives. The fermented fats will need to gain novel foods approval to be sold on the European market, meaning it will take several years for the products to arrive on supermarket shelves. In the US, Melt&Marble’s products will undergo the FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe notification process, which should allow for faster approval. Consequently, commercialization may begin in the US by the end …

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woman with food basket at grocery or supermarket

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Politics & Law

Czech Government Abandons Plans to Restrict Labelling of Plant-Based Foods

The Czech government has abandoned a proposed amendment that would have restricted the use of terms such as “soy sausage” and “mushroom schnitzel”. It comes after the planned changes faced widespread backlash, as businesses worried about the potential negative impact on their profits and consumers feared that purchasing plant-based products would become more complicated. ProVeg Czechia and Rostlinně, a Czech project that promotes plant-based cooking, also campaigned against the amendment. “We don’t want to meddle in people’s lives,” Minister Marek Výborný announced on X last week. “I trust producers to label their products fairly so that every customer knows exactly what they’re buying. Conversely, customers are competent and know what they’re purchasing. I really don’t have the ambition to educate people.” The abandonment of the …

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R&D

How Fava Beans Could Improve the Mouthfeel of Plant-Based Foods

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich have studied how fava beans could affect the mouthfeel of plant-based foods. In particular, the researchers investigated protein nanofibrils from fava beans; these are special protein molecules organized into tiny structures, which can have a lasting effect on the texture of foods. To determine how fibrils affect cells under physiological conditions, the study used a cellular model of human oral tactile cells, which play a key role in the perception of texture and the mouthfeel of food and beverages. The research showed that the nanofibrils roughened the surface structure of the cells without changing their overall elasticity. Furthermore, adding nanofibrils to the cells’ culture medium altered the activity of receptor …

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Vegetables, fruit, cereals, beans, superfoods, clean eating WFPB

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Politics & Law

130+ Organisations Demand EU Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods

Over 130 organisations have written to Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, asking him to develop an EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods by 2026. The groups represent several interests, including farmers, health professionals, consumers, animal welfare, and the environment. Among them are BEUC, ProVeg International, Greenpeace, IFOAM, Rainforest Action Network, Compassion in World Farming, and Freshfel. The signatories are calling for a plan to strengthen the entire plant-based agri-food chain, from farmer to consumer. They have urged the Commissioner to ensure the plan’s development is included in the Vision for the Future of Agriculture and Food, which is expected in late February. Hansen has previously failed to commit to drafting the plan by 2026. It is suggested that the plant-based action …

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FDA headquarters

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Politics & Law

FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Labeling Plant-Based Foods: What Brands Need to Know

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released draft guidelines aimed at improving transparency in the labeling of plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. While this document is non-binding, it gives plant-based brands a preview of what the FDA considers best practices for labeling—and a potential roadmap for future regulations. These recommendations cover plant-based substitutes for eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy products under FDA jurisdiction, excluding plant-based milk, which is addressed in separate guidance. According to the FDA, the goal is to ensure that “consumers understand the nature or source of individual plant-based alternative foods, including differences among these products, and have the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.” Clearer statements of identity A key focus of the guidance is the statement …

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Planteneers

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Manufacturing & Technology

Planteneers: How Manufacturers Can Meet the Demand for Affordable Plant-Based Foods

Planteneers, a leading German developer and provider of customized plant-based products, has outlined how manufacturers can meet the growing demand for high-quality and affordable plant-based foods. With the help of a system called fiildMeat S 111404, Planteneers produces cold-cut alternatives like lyoner, fleischwurst, and salami using functional plant proteins combined with hydrocolloids. The system has been developed to make plant-based foods as accessible and affordable as possible with no compromise on taste or texture. To cut costs, Planteneers worked out that modified starch could be excluded from formulations if a “clever combination of other hydrocolloids” was used instead. The optimal choice and quantity of hydrocolloids also helps the products slice cleanly on large high-speed slicers. Meeting consumer expectations The correct choice of proteins is also …

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Dr Sun, Product Manager of Angel Yeast Europe

Dr Sun, Product Manager © Angel Yeast Europe
Interviews

Angel Yeast: “Innovation in Formulation and Functional Ingredients is Pivotal for Plant-Based Foods”

Angel Yeast a leader in the production of yeast and yeast-related products, specializes in a wide range of applications across various industries. Founded in 1986, Angel Yeast has grown to become one of the largest yeast producers worldwide, with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The company is particularly known for its high-quality baker’s yeast, which is used in bread and other bakery products, as well as its fermentation products, such as yeast extract and other flavor-enhancing ingredients. In addition to its core products, Angel Yeast also offers solutions for the plant-based food industry, with yeast-based ingredients being utilized in the production of vegan and plant-based meat alternatives, providing key functional properties such as texture, flavor, and nutritional enhancement. We were pleased …

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Kelly Newsome of ADM

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Interviews

ADM’s 2025 Flavor and Color Trends: “Plant-Based Foods Can Be Vehicles for Flavor and Culinary Innovation”

ADM‘s new 2025 Flavour and Colour Trends for Plant-based Applications report outlines the main themes and drivers shaping flavor and color trends for the upcoming year. In this new report, ADM states 2025 will be a year of embracing the “new human nature” and spotlights four key themes that will shape the F&B world and that reflect evolving needs for wellness, affordability and personalization. Kelly Newsome, Global Senior Marketing Manager, Colors & Savory Flavors, ADM, describes what we can expect next year, and explains that “consumers are on a quest for novelty and positive sensory experiences”. What are the flavor and color trends for 2025? How do they fit into plant-based product innovation? As technology continues to advance rapidly, consumers are gravitating toward flavors and …

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Market & Trends

Consumer Demand for Plant-Based Foods is Surging After a “Lackluster” Year, Amid Protein Supply Challenges

Mintec by Expana, a global price reporting agency and market intelligence company, has released its Plant-Based Protein “Monthly Market Insight,” revealing that consumer demand for plant-based foods is beginning to increase after a previously “lackluster year.” According to the report, there is an 18-37% year-over-year growth in plant-based purchases and a shift from animal products “across all categories” by new buyers. Meanwhile, the Plant-Based Food Association noted increased spending on plant-based milk, frozen meat, and frozen meals, indicating growing customer loyalty, Mintec notes. And according to GFI’s latest analysis, plant-based food sales in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK reached €5.4 billion in 2023, up 5.5% from 2022, while volume sales were up 3.5%. Higher prices for pea and soy proteins Mintec …

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The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has released a study that highlights Europe's animal-based protein balance and argues for the growing interest in alternative proteins. 

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Politics & Law

New EU Agri Commissioner Urged to Prioritise Proposed Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods

ProVeg International has called on the EU Commissioner-designate for Agriculture and Food, Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen, to prioritise the proposed EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods during his term in office. Hansen is set to take over from Poland’s Janusz Wojciechowski if he is confirmed on November 27. Earlier this week, he was interviewed by MEPs about the Action Plan concept, which was presented to the European Commission in September in a report titled Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. The report was the result of seven months of negotiations by organisations including green NGOs, consumer groups, farmers’ unions, and industry actors. It calls for a reduction in the consumption of animal-based proteins and support to make plant-based options more affordable and accessible. Additionally, …

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dog food

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Investments & Acquisitions

Modern Plant-Based Foods Enters Pet Food Market With Acquisition of AnimalKind

Modern Plant-Based Foods Inc. (CSE: MEAT), a Vancouver-based company specializing in plant-based food products, has announced the completion of its acquisition of AnimalKind, a plant-based pet food company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. Through this acquisition, Modern Plant-Based Foods is expanding into the plant-based pet food sector, diversifying its portfolio beyond human food products. The acquisition of AnimalKind was finalized through the purchase of all outstanding securities of 1471394 B.C. Ltd., the company operating under the AnimalKind brand. AnimalKind’s product line includes sustainably sourced, plant-based treats for pets, such as blueberry, apple, and pumpkin treats for dogs.  According to the Share Exchange Agreement terms, Modern Plant-Based Foods issued a total of 4 million common shares to AnimalKind’s shareholders. Each share was valued at $0.20, for …

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MicroLub, a deep-tech spinout from the University of Leeds that produces a fat replacement for lower-calorie yet delicious plant-based foods, has announced that it has successfully closed a £3.5 million seed investment round led by Northern Gritstone.

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Investments & Finance

MicroLub Secures £3.5M to Commercialise Fat Replacement Tech for Low-Calorie Yet Delicious Plant-Based Foods

MicroLub, a deep-tech spinoff from the University of Leeds that produces a fat replacement for lower-calorie plant-based foods, has announced that it has successfully closed a £3.5 million seed investment round led by Northern Gritstone. Praetura Ventures and LIFTT also participated. Known as advanced protein technology, MicroLub’s innovation aims to address the demand for healthier products, as millions of people worldwide are at risk of becoming overweight or living with obesity. It also fuels interest in sustainable food options by helping plant-based foods become tastier, less astringent, and healthier. The new capital will support the technology scaling, product development in collaboration with partners, and team expansion. CEO David Peters (former head of Oatly UK) shares, “Our advanced protein technology is a real game-changer when it …

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Stephanie Goodwin Danone

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Opinion

Op Ed: Stephanie Goodwin, Nutrition Policy Director at Danone – Improving Access to Plant-Based Foods

Stephanie K. Goodwin, PhD, MPH, RD, is a nutrition and public health expert with a focus on national food and nutrition policy. Currently, she works for Danone North America to help bring the company’s mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible through partnerships, public policy, and national initiatives. Improving access to plant-based foods to drive better nutrition outcomes By Stephanie Goodwin, Director, Nutrition Policy, Danone North America There is no doubt that the food system in America needs to improve. Food insecurity is on the rise – a 2023 USDA Report on Household Food Security found that 17 million households are food insecure (up from 13.5 million the year prior). Rising prices and supply chain issues, along with an increase in …

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Ingredients for plant based meat over a yellow background

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Studies & Numbers

EU Urged to Develop Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods by 2026

A new report on the future of farming, presented to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week, urges the EU to support a plan for plant-based foods, asks for increased funding for nature and climate-friendly farming, and calls for a change in farm subsidies. The report results from seven months of negotiations by a forum of 30 organizations, including green NGOs, consumer groups, farmers’ unions, and industry actors, to agree on the future of Europe’s agri-food sector. Called “Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture,” the forum was set by von der Leyen in January amid farmer protests and climate warnings. Action plan for plant-based foods The report urges the European Commission to develop, by 2026, an “EU Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods” to …

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ExSeed sunflower protein

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Protein

ExSeed Develops Circular Sunflower Protein Isolate for Plant-Based Foods, Supplements & More

ExSeed is a Bulgarian startup producing a functional sunflower protein isolate that could provide an alternative to soy and pea proteins. The protein isolate is clean, nutritious, and non-allergenic, with a complete amino acid profile. It also has a neutral taste and can be produced at a competitive price. Sunflower press cake, a side stream of sunflower oil production, is used as an input for the protein isolate. This makes the process circular and efficient. Historically, extracting protein from press cake has proven challenging, involving the sacrifice of either yield, quality, or functionality; however, ExSeed’s technology provides a solution. The startup was originally working to extract protein from grape seeds, but some of the processes involved also proved effective for sunflower protein extraction. ExSeed eventually …

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