Food & Beverage

Vegan food has come a long way over the last decade, with many vegan brands developing into industry leaders in terms of nutritional value, sustainability, and innovation of their products. While the animal-based food business is barely growing in many product categories, the vegan food sector is experiencing strong growth across the board.

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Awareness of issues regarding planet and animal welfare is growing and results in an increasing number of adults and children following a vegan lifestyle. Today, the search for vegan alternatives is easier than ever before, whilst revolutionary vegan food news delivered by brands all over the world are reported by the international press.

vegan-food-news
© Symega Food Ingredients

Revolutionary food transition is shaping the future

A vegan lifestyle creates a link between the need for a healthier diet and the urgent shift to a sustainable food economy. Therefore, all signs point to a meat-free future that no longer exploits animals for food products.

News on food products without animal-derived ingredients are providing encouraging developments and events for a global food transition. Whether it’s vegan food news on airlines that will offer larger selections of vegan dishes, the emergence of dedicated plant-based school kitchens, or the creation of the world’s first vegan sub chain, they all provide clear indications for the direction that human nutrition is going to take.

A growing number of consumers are following vegan diets. Supported by a global vegan movement, including the successful non-profit organization Veganuary and The Vegan Society, many new vegan products entered the shelves of supermarkets and the menus of restaurants.

However, not only the number of vegan products in the store is rising, as searches for homemade vegan recipes are at an all-time high, while many celebrities and influencers are cooking vegan dishes to inspire their followers to go vegan. For vegan companies, it is essential to recognize trends early on and adapt the product range accordingly.

vegan-food-trends
©Eat Just

Trends in vegan news

The diversity and power of innovation in vegan food news from the nutrition sector is expanding every year. Trends to watch for in 2022 include cultured food produced using cellular agriculture, vegan egg alternatives, and innovative seafood products.

In 2022, the new category of cultivated pet food for cats and dogs will make its debut, while the development of nutritious egg alternatives continues to gain momentum. As predicted by the Vegan Society, 2022 will be the year that could finally boost veganism into mainstream.

Most relevant vegan food news

At vegconomist, the first vegan business magazine, you don’t have to search for relevant news, because we report on the latest innovations and developments in our category Food & Beverage several times per week. We receive emails from leading companies and market researchers in the vegan business world and guarantee for first-class vegan food news articles and interviews.

Through our newsletter, thousands of industry insiders and friends of the vegan business community are receiving the most relevant news from the vegan business environment directly into their inbox.

If you don’t want to miss out on the most relevant vegan news, sign up for the vegconomist newsletter here.

revyve's healthy foods made with BSY proteins

© revyve

Revyve & EGGcited to Launch Brewer’s Yeast Proteins Following Successful Scaleup

In 2021, the EGGcited project launched to industrialize processes for extracting new ingredients from spent brewer’s yeast.  Now, the project has developed a process to upscale revyve’s technology, which produces novel cellular proteins and fiber ingredients from the upcycled yeast. These ingredients can replace egg white, dairy proteins, and E-numbers such as methylcellulose or calcium diphosphate. Additionally, they can significantly improve the taste and texture of alt meats made via high moisture extrusion.  “Ingredients of animal origin, such as meat, milk and eggs, are the main sources of protein used in the food industry. However, the production of animal proteins is not sustainable,” says EGGcited on its website. Great opportunities Coordinated by the Dutch public-private consortium NIZO, EGGcited members include family firm Ruitenberg Ingredients — …

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Organisations and Brands:EGGcited.Revyve
Yumeat's plant-based range

© Yumeat

Singapore’s Yumeat Expands Shelf-Stable Vegan Meat Range Throughout Asia

In 2021, Ayam Brand — a Singaporean prepared and canned foods company established over 120 years ago — introduced a new plant-based meat brand called Yumeat.  Using the tagline “Get your proteins from plants,” Yumeat debuted in Singapore with plant-based luncheon meat and minced meat — two shelf-stable, ready-to-eat plant-based products that were unique in the market at the time. “Good for you, good for the planet,” says Yumeat, adding, “Whether you are vegan or an aspiring flexitarian, we are here to help you achieve a sustainable lifestyle.”  Expanding through Asia Over the past year, Yumeat has expanded into Malaysia, Australia, and Hong Kong, and it recently debuted in Thailand. Since its launch, the brand has been introducing new products, including Mapu Tofu and new …

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Organisations and Brands:Asam BrandYumeat

© ProVeg International

Why Do Consumers Want Plant-Based Chocolate?

The plant-based chocolate industry is skyrocketing – with the global industry expected to reach US$4 billion by 2032. But why? What consumer drivers are causing market growth? In its latest New Food Hub article, ProVeg International investigates the main consumer drivers for the expanding plant-based chocolate industry. With this knowledge, businesses can better understand how to approach the segment and target audiences, and how to design, merchandise, and market successful products.  Health and intolerances One of the most significant consumer motivations for dairy-free chocolate products is, perhaps surprisingly, health. Rising health consciousness is driving consumers’ search for healthier snacking alternatives and higher-quality chocolate. This is leading them to plant-based chocolate products, which are perceived as being healthier than conventional dairy-based varieties. Indeed, research shows that 86% …

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Organisations and Brands:ProVeg
Petaluma Plant-Based Dog Food for Seniors

©Petaluma

Petaluma Introduces “First” Plant-Based Dog Food Designed for Senior Dogs

US dog nutrition brand Petaluma announces the launch of its first senior dog food formula. Designed especially for the needs of older dogs, The Baked Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Flavor is veterinarian-formulated to provide “age-defying” nutrients to senior dogs.  According to Petaluma, its new formula is “the first” plant-based dog food specifically targeted toward senior dogs. Made with functional ingredients like peanut butter, applesauce and odor-fighting herbs, the new Baked Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Flavor also includes DHA omega-3 from algae oil, curcumin extract from turmeric, dietary fiber from pumpkin, and plant-based glucosamine. Petaluma states its evidence-based formula provides complete nutrition while addressing common health concerns such as inflammation, digestion, mobility and a healthy weight. Optimized nutrition “As a veterinarian and pet food formulator, I …

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Organisations and Brands:Petaluma
Oatley's new range with improved formula launches in the UK

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Oatly Introduces New Oat Drink Range in the UK: Light, Semi, Whole, and “No” Sugars

Just days after reporting robust global growth, Oatly announces the launch of a new “great tasting” oat drink range with improved recipes  — Light, Semi, Whole, and “No” Sugars — in major retailers across the UK.   Dairy and soy-free, Oatly’s new range is unflavoured, contains no added sugar or sweeteners, and is low in saturated fat. Oatly oat drinks provide calcium, iodine, riboflavin, and vitamins B12 and D. According to a recent study, this new range has a 58%-63% lower climate impact than comparable cow’s milk, announced Oatly. Aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability, Oatly recently launched a global regenerative agriculture movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically, starting in Canada, Sweden, the US, Finland, and the UK. Bryan Carroll, GM at Oatly UK, commented: “We want to …

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Organisations and Brands:Oatly
Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich at PLNT Burger

©The Plant Based Seafood Co

Mind Blown Seafood and PLNT Burger Team Up to Launch “New Bay” Crab Cake Sandwich

In celebration of World Ocean Month, Mind Blown™ by The Plant Based Seafood Co. and vegan chain PLNT Burger announce they are partnering to launch the New Bay Crab Cake Sandwich this summer.  Available for a limited time, the sandwich will be sold at PLNT Burger’s 7 locations across the DC Metro area – including Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC – from June 1st until Labor Day weekend.  The New Bay sandwich features Mind Blown’s Maryland-Style Plant Based Crab Cake, which is said to offer the real taste and texture of traditional crab meat, and contains 11 grams of protein. As part of Mind Blown’s mission to protect the oceans, 1% of profits will be donated to the Coral Restoration Foundation, which works to restore the …

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Organisations and Brands:Mind BlownPLNT Burger
Boldly Fish

©Boldly

Global Plant-Based Seafood Market to Grow With a Huge CAGR of 28.5%

A report by Data Bridge Market Research has predicted that the plant-based seafood market will grow with a considerable CAGR of 28.5% through to 2029. Growth will be driven by the rising popularity of veganism, along with environmental, health, and animal welfare issues. Increased prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, which can be caused by pollutants such as mercury in conventional seafood, may also drive demand. However, a lack of consumer awareness of seafood alternatives could impede growth. Europe is currently dominating the plant-based seafood market, due to numerous new product launches and the availability of alt seafood options at some major restaurant chains. The East Asian market is also projected to see significant growth over the forecast period, as the number of plant-based seafood products available …

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Vegan jerky and bacon bits in cart

©All Y'alls Foods

All Y’alls Foods Secures First Investment to Scale Up Plant-Based Jerky

Plant-based jerky brand All Y’alls Foods announces it has received an investment from Dr. Rizwan H. Bukhari, MD as part of a $1 million Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) note raise. Dr. Bukhari, a vascular surgeon, will also serve as the brand’s medical adviser.  According to All Y’alls Foods, it intends to use the investment to accelerate its growth.  “I am excited to join forces by investing in and becoming All Y’alls Foods medical adviser to help promote and develop healthier alternatives to animal-based products,” stated Dr. Bukhari, who is board certified in lifestyle medicine and owns the North Texas Vascular Center. Based in Texas, All Y’alls sells a line of meat-free jerky snacks and Big Crunchy Bacony Bits. In 2022, the company reported …

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Organisations and Brands:All Y'alls Foods
Popadelics Lifestyle

© Popadelics

Popadelics: How This NYC Mushroom Snack Helps Fund Psychedelic & Consciousness Research

NYC’s Popadelics® Crunchy Mushroom Chip takes whole shiitake mushrooms and gives them a special crunch using its unique vacuum frying cooking method, resulting in a superfood snack that has received multiple awards since launching just last year, including a Men’s Health Snack Award and StartupCPG’s Best Snack Award, and most recently the brand became an Expo West NEXTY finalist. Popadelics are vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project certified, and OU kosher certified, and come in three flavors: Trippin’ Truffle Parm (which the brand says contains “some of the tastiest vegan parm in the game”), Twisted Thai Chili, and Rad Rosemary + Salt. Despite the psychedelic name and branding, the snacks do not contain THC, psilocybin, or CBD. But when you purchase a bag, you get to support …

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Organisations and Brands:Popadelics
Vegan NotMayo Jar

© The Kraft Heinz Not Company

NotMayo Expanding to US Target Stores Nationwide

The Kraft Heinz Not Company announces its popular NotMayo will launch in US Target stores nationwide this month. Created with NotCo’s AI-driven food tech, NotMayo is made to offer the same look, taste and texture as egg-based mayo and can replace mayo in any traditional recipe.  According to The Kraft Heinz Not Company, current plant-based mayonnaise options aren’t meeting consumer expectations, with data showing just a quarter of plant-based mayo buyers become repeat consumers. NotMayo, available in 15 oz jars, is said to have the same savory and creamy taste of animal-based mayo and can be enjoyed in any summer or grilling dish, from burgers and French fries to BLTs and potato salad.  The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a joint venture between CPG giant Kraft …

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Organisations and Brands:NotMayoThe Kraft Heinz Not Company
People drinking vegan beer

© MirkoVitali -stock.adobe.com

Kerry Introduces Innovative Solutions for Brewing Vegan-Friendly Beer

International leader in taste & nutrition innovation, Kerry introduces Biofine Eco and FermCap Eco, a new Eco Range of plant-based processing aids to help brewers develop vegan-friendly beer while reducing their carbon footprint and costs. Kerry’s innovative plant-based products replace animal fining and antifoam agents such as gelatin, fish isinglass, milk’s casein, and egg albumen traditionally used in beer crafting. According to Kerry, manufacturers can add these new alternatives seamlessly into their beer brewing process without negatively impacting final product characteristics. “We are proud to introduce Biofine Eco and FermCap Eco which have been specifically designed as environmentally friendly solutions to replace traditional fining and antifoam options with plant-based alternatives,” commented Deborah Waters, Product Director Brewing Ingredients at Kerry.   Biofine for beer clarification Biofine Eco significantly improves beer clarification by providing almost …

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Organisations and Brands:Kerry
Gluten-Free Vegan Mac and Cheese

©Eat Howl Inc.

Penguin Natural Foods Acquires Howl, Will Launch New Lineup of Plant-Based Mac and Cheeses

US plant-based foods company Eat Howl Inc. announces it is selling the Howl brand to Penguin Natural Foods, a leading manufacturer of innovative packaged foods. Eat Howl founders Chef Craig Thornton and Fred Michaels will stay on as advisors. Penguin also plans to release a new and improved lineup of Howl’s plant-based mac and cheese beginning in Summer 2023.  Through the acquisition, Penguin – which already manages most of Howl’s manufacturing – will take over the entire production process, including the production of the latter’s cashew sauce. According to Howl, this will improve the brand’s consistency and quality while accelerating innovation, and allow Penguin to sell private-label versions of Howl.  “We are excited to grow Howl into the premier plant-based brand that we know it …

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Organisations and Brands:HowlPenguin Natural Foods
Veg of Lund, DUG's parent company receives patent approval for potato ice cream

© DUG

Veg of Lund Secures Swedish Patent Protection for “Unique” Potato Ice Cream

Swedish plant-based foods company Veg of Lund — DUG Drinks’ parent company — announces new patent approval for a “unique” ice cream that combines potatoes, rapeseed oil, and a vegetable protein emulsion.   This ice cream patent protection covers only the Swedish market. Still, the company says it has filed applications to secure international protection as well. Professor Eva Tornberg, founder and chairman of the board at Veg of Lund, commented: “We are pleased that a patent is approved in Sweden. The fact it is based on such an everyday crop as potatoes shows the uniqueness and strength of the patent.” Veg of Lund’s patent portfolio Eva Tornberg founded Veg of Lund in 2016, inspired by the potential of potatoes as a sustainable protein source for plant-based foods. These tubers’ …

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Organisations and Brands:DUGVeg of Lund
Vegan Burger Display at a Take Away stall in London's Borough Market UK

Image courtesy of Lallemand

Lallemand’s Animal-Free Vitamin D Yeast Approved For Multi-Category Use in UK

Lallemand, a family-owned business headquartered in Canada, announces the expansion of categories of use for its non-animal derived Lalmin vitamin D yeast in the UK. The company pioneered the use of vitamin D yeast as a novel food, obtaining the first such authorization in the EU in 2014. The respective Ministers of Primary Care and Public Health in England, Scotland, and Wales have now authorized extended uses in 26 food categories of UV-treated baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as an animal-free source of vitamin D, marking the first post-Brexit vitamin D yeast approval in the UK by Lallemand. The new categories include bakery, fermented products, sauces and condiments, pasta, and meat and dairy analogs. An application has also been submitted to the US FDA to extend …

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Organisations and Brands:Lallemand
LoveRaw Project D vegan doughnut box

© LoveRaw/Project Doughnut

LoveRaw Partners With Project Doughnut to Launch Epic Vegan Doughnut Box

British plant-based chocolate brand LoveRaw has joined forces with Project Doughnut to launch a new collection called the Epic Vegan Doughnut Box. The launch is LoveRaw’s first large-scale doughnut collaboration and Project D’s first vegan partnership. “[LoveRaw’s] exceptional vegan chocolate offerings perfectly complement our doughy creations, resulting in a match made in heaven,” said Matthew Bond, co-founder and creative director at Project D. “Despite being vegan, the taste is so exquisite that you wouldn’t even know it. We knew that this collaboration would be a hit with our shared customer base, and we can’t wait for them to try it out!” The collection combines Project D’s signature doughnut recipe with LoveRaw’s most popular chocolates to create six different products: Caramel Cre&m Dream: A ring doughnut …

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Organisations and Brands:LoveRawProject Doughnut
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