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.

alpro kids

© Alpro

Alpro Launches Fortified Plant-Based Drinks and Yogurts for Kids

Alpro, a plant-based brand owned by Danone, has introduced a new product line targeted at children, responding to concerns from parents about healthy food options. The new range includes a chocolate-flavored oat-based drink, a strawberry-flavored soya drink, and soya-based yogurt alternatives in vanilla and strawberry flavors. The range will be available in ASDA starting today, and in Tesco on July 23rd, with wider availability in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose from September. The products are dairy-free and vegan-friendly, offering 30% less sugar than similar items available for children. They are fortified with key nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D2, iodine, and vitamins B2 and B12. The range is free from artificial colorings, preservatives, and flavorings, and is naturally lactose-free. Solution for health-conscious parents Tom Kerr, Head of Category …

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Konscious Foods

© Konscious Foods

PETA Names 2025’s Top Vegan Seafood Brands

Ahead of the 2025 summer season, PETA has released its rankings for the top vegan seafood brands. The list recognizes companies offering plant-based alternatives that cater to the growing demand for seafood alternatives while promoting ocean conservation. Among the featured brands is Mind Blown, based in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, known for its vegan crab cakes and shrimp. This year, Mind Blown has also focused on expanding its presence in foodservice, securing partnerships with Wintzell’s Oyster House and a repeating collaboration with PLNT Burger. Government support for vegan seafood Also making the list is Konscious Foods, a Canadian brand recognized for its vegan sushi and poke bowls. Recently, Konscious received a significant investment from the Government of Canada to expand production, increase exports, and create jobs, …

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plant-based seafood

© aamulya – stock.adobe.com

Report: Plant-Based Seafood Could Provide the Nutritional Benefits of Fish Without the Environmental Cost

A new report by ProVeg has found that with targeted improvements in nutritional formulation, plant-based seafood could provide the nutritional benefits of fish with a much smaller impact on the environment. The report analyzes the nutritional value of 100 plant-based fish products sold in supermarkets across 11 countries, including alternatives to fish sticks, burgers, filets, canned tuna, smoked salmon, shrimp, and calamari.   The research pays special attention to key nutrients that motivate consumers to choose fish, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, iodine, and vitamin B12. It also analyzes levels of fiber, which is only found in plants, along with saturated fat and salt, which should be limited for health reasons. “We have found that there are already some great plant-based fish products on …

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Prime Roots Deli Meats Slicer

©Prime Roots

Prime Roots Launches Upgraded Plant-Based Deli Meats That Outperform Conventional Meat in Taste Tests

Prime Roots, a U.S. producer of clean-label plant-based meats, has upgraded its line of mycelium-based deli meats after years of research and development. According to the company, the new meat alternatives were preferred over conventional deli meats in third-party blind taste tests, and the majority of meat-eaters said they would be willing to switch to the products. The updated recipes are claimed to be among the only deli meats that are heart-healthy and free of nitrates and cholesterol. Nitrates are found in processed animal meats and are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. The meat alternatives are also a source of complete protein. Prime Roots says recent studies indicate that the fungi proteins in its products can build muscle more …

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Califia Farms launches new oat barista blends

© Califia Farms

Califia Farms Launches Pistachio & Hazelnut Flavour Oat Barista Blends in the UK

Califia Farms has expanded its range of oat barista blends with the launch of two new flavours — Pistachio and Hazelnut — in the UK. The products aim to meet the growing demand for flavoured coffee, and are designed to steam and foam effectively for customers making lattes at home. They provide a less sugary and more cost-effective alternative to flavoured syrups. The pistachio flavour has been launched in response to social media trends for pistachio lattes and Dubai chocolate, while hazelnut is reportedly one of the most popular coffee flavours worldwide. “Unprecedented demand” Califia Farms has also been expanding its range in the US over the past year, launching plant-based milk for kids and coconut-based juice beverages with reduced sugar content. In July of …

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Country Delight oat milk

© Country Delight

Indian Dairy Brand Country Delight Expands Into Plant-Based With New Oat Milk

Indian dairy and grocery brand Country Delight has entered the plant-based drink sector with a new milk alternative. Sold under the name Oat Beverage, the product is made from Australian oats and is free of chemical additives, preservatives, and added sugars. It also does not contain soy or nuts, and is reportedly produced in an allergen-controlled facility to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The milk alternative aims to address the growing demand for dairy-free products among lactose-intolerant people and health-conscious consumers. It is said to be easy to digest and a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. “Making India live better” India has a strong tradition of consuming plant-rich food, and a survey conducted last year found that the proportion of people following a vegetarian …

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Abe's Muffins Iced Cakes

© Abe's Muffins

Abe’s Muffins Expands Range With New School-Friendly Vegan Iced Cakes

Abe’s Muffins, a US-based producer of vegan and school-friendly treats, has expanded its range with a new line of mini sheet cakes called Iced Cakes. The cakes are available in two everyday flavors (Vanilla and Chocolate), along with two seasonal flavors (Pumpkin and Gingerbread). They are all made without major allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, or pea protein. Inspired by birthday cakes, the products feature a rich frosting and rainbow sprinkles, all made from natural colors. According to Abe’s Muffins, an average of two children per classroom have a food allergy*, and the new cakes could help to ensure inclusive celebrations. “Extremely positive reception” Abe’s Muffins manufactures its products at an allergy-friendly bakery in West Nyack, New York. The cakes …

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Sunflower stock

Photo: Pixabay

Researchers Develop Meat Alternatives Made From Sunflower Flour

Researchers at Brazil’s Institute of Food Technology (ITAL) and University of Campinas (UNICAMP) have partnered with scientists from Germany’s Fraunhofer IVV Institute to develop meat alternatives that use sunflower flour as a protein source. To make the flour, oil was extracted from sunflower seeds, and the husks and phenolic compounds were removed from the grains before processing. This resulted in flour with a better color and improved digestibility. Then, two different plant-based meat formulations were prepared. The first used flour from roasted grains, while the second was made from textured sunflower protein. Both contained tomato powder, spices, and various vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, and linseed). Each formulation was shaped into small patties and baked, before undergoing sensory and physicochemical evaluations. The version made with textured …

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© Revo Foods

EU Considers Stricter Labelling Rules for Plant-Based Seafood

A new EU study has suggested that labelling rules for seafood alternatives should be stricter to make a clear distinction between conventional and plant-based products. The research analyses the seafood alternatives market, identifying 102 companies supplying 228 different products. These companies are based in 26 different countries, including 12 EU Member States. The analysis notes that plant-based seafood products were originally sold mostly in specialised shops and online, but in recent years have been supplied by major retailers in both North America and the EU. Additionally, large agrofood companies and conventional seafood producers are beginning to enter the market. 78% of the 228 products studied imitate tuna, whitefish (for fish finger-like products), salmon, shrimp, and crab, with the latter mostly sold in the North American …

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Nestlé

© Garden Gourmet

Nestlé to Cut 80 Jobs at Czech Factory, Citing Reduced Demand for Meat Alternatives

Nestlé has announced it will be cutting 80 jobs at its Krupka factory in the Czech Republic, citing a slowdown in sales of plant-based meat alternatives among European consumers. The cuts represent one-fifth of the plant’s workforce, though Nestlé hopes to help many workers reintegrate into the local labour market. The facility, which produces the company’s Garden Gourmet products, will remain operational; however, output will be reduced from September. Nestlé says it remains committed to its plant-based ranges, but must adjust to lower-than-expected demand following the pandemic. The company notes that market conditions such as inflation and increased competition have contributed to declining sales. Responding to market challenges Nestlé has previously indicated that its plant-based brands are facing challenging market conditions; in 2023, the company …

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Mooala Simple Almond Milk wins two awards

© Mooala

Simple Almond Milk by Mooala Wins Two Major Awards

Mooala, an organic plant-based milk brand based in the US, has won two major awards for its Simple Almond Milk. Good Housekeeping named the product Best Almond Milk in its 2025 Snack Awards, while SELF also recognized the beverage as Best Almond Milk in its 2025 Pantry Awards. The milk alternative has been praised for its short ingredient list — it contains just almonds, filtered water, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt, along with organic vanilla in the Vanilla Bean variety. The Mooala Simple line also includes Simple Oat Milk, which has a similarly short ingredient list. “We all care about what we put into our bodies, and that’s what inspired Mooala Simple,” said Mooala founder and CEO Jeff Richards. “You don’t have to …

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Mighty Drinks

© Mighty Drinks

UK Alt-Milk Brand Mighty Drinks Seeks New Owners After Entering Administration

Mighty Drinks, a UK-based producer of plant-based oat and pea milk, has entered administration following financial difficulties linked to rising costs and declining consumer confidence. The company, which was one of the UK’s fastest-growing dairy alternatives brands, appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on June 17. Struggles with investment & financial sustainability As initially reported by Just Food, the company’s parent organization, Watkins Drinks Limited, struggled to secure necessary investment, which ultimately led to its decision to appoint James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath as joint administrators. The firm’s product range, sold in supermarkets and health stores across the UK, included pea-protein and oat-based milks. Tom Swiers, food and drink sector lead at Interpath, explained that while Mighty Drinks had developed a strong product portfolio, …

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DMK Group announces planned merger with Arla

© DMK Group/Arla

Big News for Dairy Alternatives as Arla Announces Intended Merger With DMK Group

The boards of representatives of dairy cooperatives Arla and DMK Group, both of which are increasingly moving into the dairy alternatives sector, have voted in favour of a planned merger. According to the companies, the merger will unite Arla’s international reach and innovation expertise with DMK Group’s strong product portfolio and know-how. Following the approval of the cooperatives’ decision-making bodies, the intended merger will now be subject to regulatory approval. This process is expected to conclude in Q1 2026, and the companies will continue to operate as separate entities in the meantime. If the merger is successful, the new entity will carry the Arla Foods name and will be headquartered in Viby J, Denmark. Jan Toft Nørgaard will serve as Chair and Peder Tuborgh as …

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Plan(e)t Foods functional plant-based ice cream

© Plan(e)t Foods

Greece’s Plan(e)t Foods Raises €1.05M to Scale Its Functional Plant-Based Ice Cream

Greek brand Plan(e)t Foods, which claims to be the world’s first plant-based and carbon-negative ice cream company, has raised €1.05 million. The funding comes from Southeast Europe’s first impact fund, SPOROS Platform. It will support Plan(e)t Foods’ expansion into other European countries, with the first exports expected to take place this year. Additionally, the investment will fuel the company’s product development strategy, helping it expand further into functional ice cream innovations. Plan(e)t Foods was founded in 2021, and already claims to be one of Greece’s most recognizable ice cream brands. It has gained nationwide distribution at all major retailers in the country, and runs a flagship Plan(e)t Ice Cream store at the foot of the Acropolis. Since its launch, Plan(e)t Foods has reportedly more than …

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Juicy Marbles kinda cod

© Juicy Marbles

Juicy Marbles and Revo Foods Team Up to Bring Plant-Based Cod to the US

Juicy Marbles, the company known for its plant-based whole cuts like marbled steaks and ribs, has launched its first whole-cut fish alternative, ‘Kinda Cod’. The new product is part of the company’s latest initiative, Juicy Marbles & Friends, which introduces a curated selection of innovative plant-based products from various partners. The collaboration with Revo Foods is Juicy Marbles’ first entry into co-branded offerings, extending its reach and diversifying its product range. What’s inside ‘Kinda Cod’ The Kinda Cod filet, developed by Revo Foods, is a raw, unseasoned fish alternative made from fermented mycoprotein. This partnership allows Juicy Marbles to expand its product lineup without diverting resources from its core products. The Kinda Cod product will initially just be available through Juicy Marbles’ US online store. …

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NS/TX Industries

© NS/TX Industries

New School Foods Unveils NS/TX, Using Advanced Freezing Tech to Create Hyper-Realistic Plant-Based Whole Cuts

Toronto-based food technology company, New School Foods, has announced the formation of NS/TX Industries Inc., an expanded entity that will oversee its proprietary manufacturing platform, consumer brand, and operations. Known for developing the world’s first plant-based salmon that closely mimics the appearance, taste, and texture of traditional fish, the company now plans to apply its innovative technology to red meat products, including steak and bone-in ribs. NS/TX Industries Inc. will house the company’s breakthrough scaffolding technology, which utilizes directional freezing to create hyper-realistic whole-cut plant-based meats. This process, which the company claims is more advanced than traditional extrusion methods, allows for the combination of muscle fibers and connective tissue into a single structure. The resulting products aim to replicate the texture and cooking experience of …

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Rival Foods

© Rival Foods

Rival Foods Raises €10M to Scale Production of Clean-Label Plant-Based Whole Cuts

Dutch food-tech scale-up Rival Foods has raised €10 million in a Series B funding round led by pension investor APG on behalf of ABP. PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region also participated, while existing shareholder PeakBridge provided follow-on investment. Rival Foods has developed a proprietary platform to produce whole-cut, clean-label plant-based meat alternatives that are free of additives. The company will use the new funding to double production capacity at its facility in Geldrop and further scale its proprietary manufacturing technology. This will enable the optimization of production costs, which could help the products become cost-competitive with animal meat. Rival will also use the capital to grow its team and expand internationally, forming partnerships with major players in foodservice and retail. “This investment marks a major …

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Planted

© Planted

Planted Doubles Production Capacity with New Production Site in Bavaria

Planted, the Swiss company known for its plant-based meat products, has officially opened a new production facility in Memmingen, Bavaria, expanding its reach across Europe. The new plant, which incorporates advanced fermentation technology, will allow the company to significantly increase its production capacity. The facility is designed to produce biostructured proteins, with a focus on the planted.steak, the company’s most popular product that has seen strong demand since its launch in 2024. The Memmingen plant will initially have the capacity to produce more than 20 tonnes per day, doubling Planted’s total production output, which previously stood at the company’s Kemptthal, Switzerland location. Lukas Böni, co-founder of Planted, stated, “With Germany as our largest export market, and an export share of 75%, establishing production in close …

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UNLIMEAT launches Korean-inspired plant-based dessert brand bbang

© UNLIMEAT

UNLIMEAT Launches Korean-Inspired Plant-Based Dessert Brand in the US

Korean plant-based innovator UNLIMEAT has announced the launch of a new dessert brand called bbang in the US. Two plant-based, Korean-inspired products will initially be introduced — Oat Cream Buns and Hotteok. The Oat Cream Buns are a dairy-free version of the milk cream bun that has gone viral on social media, and feature a soft, chewy texture with an oat cream filling. The Hotteok is a traditional Korean street dessert featuring a blend of almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Both can be microwaved or heated on a stovetop to provide a “bakery-fresh experience”. The new brand builds on the success of UNLIMEAT’s gluten-free mochi cakes, which are available at over 300 Giant Foods stores. It is a strategic expansion into the Korean bakery …

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Pure Mylk

© Pure Mylk

Pure Mylk Opens Southeast Asia’s First Facility for Plant-Based Beverage Innovation

Pure Mylk has launched The Mylky Way, a new innovation hub located in Selangor, Malaysia. This facility, described as Southeast Asia’s first dedicated to plant-based beverages, supports the development of sustainable food technologies in the region. By combining beverage formulation, testing, and scalable production in one location, The Mylky Way will assist brands across various stages of product development, from prototyping to market launch. The Mylky Way provides a collaborative environment for food science and business development, with a focus on creating clean-label, functional, and climate-conscious products. The facility is designed to address the growing demand for plant-based beverages in Southeast Asia, where consumer interest in healthier, environmentally friendly options is increasing. In a statement, Marcus Khoo, the founder and CEO of Pure Mylk, explained …

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