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.

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.

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.

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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.

Daring Unveils Teriyaki Pieces as Latest Addition to Plant-Based Chicken Line

January 25, 2023

Plant-based chicken brand Daring announces the debut of its newest flavor – Daring Teriyaki Plant-Chicken Pieces. Described as a sweet and savory addition to the brand’s lineup, Daring Teriyaki is now available at select US retailer locations, including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Jewel Osco, Shaws, Acme, Carrs and Tom Thumb. Featuring the classic Asian-inspired marinade, Daring says its new Teriyaki pieces bring rich notes of garlic and ginger to any dish that calls for teriyaki chicken. The pieces can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads, bowls and wraps. In addition to being non-GMO and gluten-free, Daring Teriyaki also contains 13 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. The product joins the brand’s other offerings, including Original Plant Chicken Pieces, …

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ProVeg Incubator Announces 10th Cohort, Seeking Startups in Plant-Based, Fermentation & Cultivated Foods

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

The ProVeg Incubator, the world’s first and leading alt-protein startup accelerator, invites applications for its tenth cohort, announcing that it has increased the amount of investment for this edition. Startups that join and complete the programme can now benefit from up to €300K investment — an increase from the previous €250K — including €75K worth of in-kind services. The Incubator aims to support mission-driven startups working on plant-based, fermentation, and cultured-food products and technologies. Startups applying for the cohort should, through their offering, provide the potential to remove animals from the global food system, either by the production of alternatives to animal products or through supporting technology. Based in Berlin, the Incubator especially welcomes applications from startups developing egg, seafood, and chicken alternatives, as well …

Japan’s Daiz to Expand its “Miracle Meat” Internationally Through Roquette Deal

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

Plant protein leader Roquette announces an investment and business partnership with the Japanese plant-based meat ingredients company Daiz, referred to as the Impossible Foods of Japan. Through the business alliance, the companies will produce the pea-based Miracle Meat — a texturized vegetable protein originally developed using soy — as part of Roquette’s pea protein portfolio development and Daiz’s market expansion goals. Pierre Courduroux, CEO of Roquette, said: “Our objective is to be the best partner for our customers as they develop delicious products that will encourage more consumers to enjoy plant-based food more often. This investment in Daiz reflects our commitment to developing plant-based ingredients to meet those expectations.” The Impossible Foods of Japan Daiz’s proprietary technology, Ochiai Germination Method, uses plant seed germination and extrusion process …

Aviko Rixona Uses Potatoes to Make “Healthiest Ever” Vegan Cheese

January 25, 2023

Aviko Rixona, a Dutch producer of dried potato products, has launched a plant-based cheese alternative made from potatoes. Potato Cheezz is said to look and taste like dairy cheese, with a similar texture. However, the product is distinctive in that it is free of fat and salt, which according to Aviko makes it healthier than conventional cheese or any other plant-based alternative. Potato Cheezz is available for food service in ten-kilogram blocks, and is said to be ideal for use in finger foods, snacks, and fillings for meat substitutes. A separate version is available for pizzas. Potato-based dairy alternatives Aviko Rixona is not the only company making alt dairy products out of potatoes. Sweden’s DUG has developed a highly successful range of potato-based milk alternatives, …

Revo Foods and Mycorena Receive €1.5M to Develop 3D-Printable Mycoprotein

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023

Austria’s Revo Foods and Sweden’s Mycorena have received a €1.5 million grant for their joint project of developing 3D-printable mycoprotein. The funds come from Swedish innovation agency Vinnova, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, and cross-border EU funding program Eurostars. Applications were highly competitive, so the companies’ success demonstrates that there is significant interest in innovative mycoprotein solutions. “Getting this recognition from such an attractive and competitive initiative like Eurostars further emphasises that the technology we are developing is really an important part of creating a sustainable food system,” said Paulo Teixeira, Chief Innovation Officer at Mycorena. Whole-cut alt seafood First announced in October, the joint project is working on technologies and processes to create mycoprotein suitable for additive food manufacturing. It has a particular focus …

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Petaluma Dog Food Partners with Erewhon Market for Brick-and-Mortar Debut

January 25, 2023

Sustainable dog nutrition brand Petaluma announces it is making its brick-and-mortar debut at Los Angeles grocery chain Erewhon Market. Petaluma’s premium dog food and chews are rolling out at all eight of Erewhon Market’s locations across Los Angeles County. The specialty chain will feature the brand’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato food in a five-pound bag, along with its dehydrated chews. According to Petaluma, since its direct-to-consumer debut in 2021, the company has grown a loyal subscriber base, 15% of which is made up of customers located in Southern California. Crafted by veterinary scientists, Petaluma’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato formula is gently baked to provide the nutrients dogs need with a much smaller environmental “pawprint”. Eco-friendly mission Petaluma states its dog food, …

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The ISH Company Raises Over $5M in Oversubscribed Round to Accelerate Plant-Based Shrimp and More

January 24, 2023

Alt-seafood startup The ISH Company announces it has raised more than $5 million in seed funding to accelerate growth and development of its plant-based seafood products. The oversubscribed round was led by ACCELR8, with participation from Stray Dog Capital, and multiple angel investors. The funds will primarily be used to propel the company’s market launch, create more innovative products, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships. ISH, whose name stands for Innovative, Sustainable, and Healthy, produces a range of plant-based seafood made from natural ingredients such as green coconuts and algae. Its flagship product, Shrimpish®, is a premium, more sustainable alternative to shrimp that launched in select US restaurants, colleges, and universities in early 2022. “The plant-based market has seen incredible growth over the past …

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Colorado: Meta Burger Partners with MeliBio to Debut Bee-Free Honey on Special Menu

January 25, 2023January 24, 2023

Meta Burger, Colorado’s leading plant-based burger chain, announces it is partnering with MeliBio to debut the world’s first bee-free honey on its menu. Beginning in February, Meta Burger will offer a specially crafted dish made with MeliBio’s plant-based honey. This month, customers have the chance to vote for which MeliBio honey-inspired dish they would like to see on the chain’s menu in February: Hot Honey Garlic Tender Basket, a Honey Sesame Burger, or a Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich. According to Meta Burger, which operates three locations in Denver and Boulder, this is the first time MeliBio’s bee-free honey will be available in the state of Colorado. “Meta Burger is making delicious, sustainable food more accessible,” said Michael Reeves, co-founder of Meta Burger. “Partnering with a …

After Smashing the UK Market, Better Nature Brings its Tempeh to Germany

January 24, 2023

Twice as much protein as tofu, twice as much fibre as an apple and as much iron as beef: Better Nature wants to conquer the German meat alternative market with its tempeh products. Tempeh consists only of fermented soybeans, water and a mycelium starter culture. It is also extremely versatile: unlike tofu, tempeh takes on flavours quickly and requires little marinade. This makes it particularly suitable for meat-free dishes, from curries and stir-fries to sandwiches and salads. In the UK, tempeh is already experiencing strong market growth, and the startup also recently launched in Swiss retail. Now Better Nature is bringing its tempeh products to Germany: at REWE Nord, the Tempeh Pieces are available as bite-sized, ready-marinated bites in Mediterranean, Curry and BBQ varieties. Tempeh …

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The Alternative Proteins Regulatory Tracker: New Tool Provides Up-to-Date Information For Sector

January 25, 2023January 24, 2023

Dentons, which claims to be the largest multinational law firm in the world, announces the Alternative Proteins Regulatory Tracker, a new tool for companies operating in the alt protein space providing an overview of global regulatory regimes for the sector. According to the law firm, since its launch in January 2023, the tracker covers ten jurisdictions, including the EU and its 27 member states, with more jurisdictions to follow. The tracker will help companies with the following: Staying up-to-date with changes in the regulatory regimes for alternative proteins in different jurisdictions Comparing the regulatory approaches of different governments Staying informed about new developments in regulatory regimes for alternative proteins Dentons explains that food manufacturers often face restrictions concerning the designation and labelling of alternative protein products. “The regulatory pathway for bringing …

Shukran Foods Launches Vegan Eggs to “Revolutionize the Market” in Spain

January 24, 2023

Shukran Foods, a food company based in Spain specialising in hummus and spreads, announces the launch of a 100% vegan alternative to eggs for the food service & hospitality sector (canal HORECA). According to the company, the egg replacement offers a complete solution to the challenges that the plant-based egg market tackles: a wide range of uses, great taste, good nutritional profile, and less environmental impact. Vegan eggs with functional properties The company says its R&D department has developed a product featuring the functional properties of poultry eggs, such as foaming, binding and gelling. Shukran’s egg substitute stands out for its nutritional value, states the food company. Each 100g contains 17.1g of protein, 2.3g of fat, 0.4g of saturated fatty acids, and 11.5g of fiber. …

Kikka Sushi Launches Vegan Salmon & Tuna Sushi Into Whole Foods Markets

January 24, 2023

Kikka Sushi, a partner of Whole Foods Markets for over 30 years, announces the launch of a line called Vegan by Kikka, including vegan salmon and tuna sushi, into flagship Whole Foods Market stores. Kikka states it has embarked on a “five-year mission to create vegan products that satisfy the most discerning tastes with authentic flavors and textures”, starting out by switching out all white sugar for vegan sugar and avoiding bone char in all white rice products. The Vegan by Kikka line debuts with vegan salmon and tuna created with the root vegetable konjac, commonly used in the production of plant-based seafood, and the red algae, agar. The vegan fish offering is proprietary to Kikka and was created through a collaboration between Kikka Sushi …

Oat Milk Powders Have Arrived, Making Plant Milk Even More Sustainable

January 24, 2023

Two UK brands — MIGHTY and Overherd — are set to launch oat milk powders in a bid to make plant-based milks even better for the environment. While oat milk already consumes fewer resources than dairy — and generates far fewer emissions — it typically consists of around 90% water. Some argue that this makes preprepared oat milk inefficient, with the cartons unnecessarily heavy and bulky to transport. Producers of powdered oat milk argue that their products will benefit retailers and customers as well as the environment, increasing basket value and improving product availability. The powder also has a much longer shelf life than liquid oat milk, and could work out cheaper. For those who only use plant milks occasionally — including consumers and businesses …

James Cadbury’s Love Cocoa Raises £4.25M in Round Led by Richard Koch

January 24, 2023

Love Cocoa, the UK-based chocolate company founded by James Cadbury, has raised £4.25 million from investor and bestselling author Richard Koch. The company will use the funding to open several new retail stores in London, increase distribution of its plant-based HiP Chocolate brand, and hire a new finance director and head of marketing. Love Cocoa and HiP are now said to have a combined retail value of more than £10 million, with over 300% growth achieved in the past two years. The company’s founder, who is a descendant of Cadbury’s chocolate founder John Cadbury, said Love Cocoa had previously been bootstrapped since it was launched in 2016. The business has rejected investments numerous times, including on the TV show Dragons’ Den, but Cadbury said on …

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Aiming to Disrupt Global Seafood, Boldly Debuts With Plant-Based Calamari, Sashimi, Crab Sticks and More

January 24, 2023January 24, 2023

Boldly, a new plant-based foods brand, announces the upcoming launch of its 100% vegan seafood line, featuring salmon and tuna sashimi, calamari, shrimp, crab sticks, and white fish filets. The range will initially launch through US restaurant and food service partnerships in Summer 2023. Bringing diversity Created to disrupt the $600Bn global seafood industry, Boldly states its products use cutting-edge innovation to deliver the same taste and texture as animal-based seafood. As the public becomes more aware of the dire threats facing the world’s oceans, such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and heavy metal contamination, more consumers than ever are looking to balance their seafood intake with plant-based alternatives. Boldly’s new seafood line, which features konjac root as a core ingredient, is intended to create a …

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