Products & Launches

New vegan products are more than just plant-based alternatives, as they shape the modern understanding of a sustainable diet. Therefore, many new vegan food products are considered groundbreaking, with hardly any limits left in terms of new ingredients and flavors.

Frequently, new vegan products are drivers of innovation within the food industry; for example, the Swedish brand Oatly succeeded in becoming a synonym for oat milk after establishing the oat milk market in 1994, while revolutionary vegan food startups challenge the status quo in 2022 by developing products like Actual Veggies’ healthy morning burgers made with acai and pumpkin seeds.

©Actual Veggies

A 2021 report by Bloomberg predicted that the global plant-based alternatives market has potential to grow to $162 billion in the next decade and will account for roughly 7.7% of the global market. Accordingly, the global food market can expect a wide range of vegan innovations in the coming years, as more and more vegan food startups are founded in response to the growing demand and established brands steadily expand their portfolios.

An overview of the scale of the vegan food revolution is provided by the success of the non-profit organization Veganuary, which saw record-breaking retail participation during its 2022 campaign.

Veganuary 2022 as a Booster for New Vegan Products in January

An increasing number of people start January with the New Year’s resolution of a purely plant-based diet. However, not only did January 2022 start vegan for those who have joined the Veganuary 2022 Challenge, but many retail chains and restaurants are also joining by expanding their vegan portfolios in January with exciting new vegan products.

New Vegan Meat Products For Veganuary 2022

The vegan meat market, which often includes the much smaller vegan fish sector, is the cash cow of the plant-based sector. New vegan meat alternatives are entering the market at high speed, with Veganuary being a strategically smart month of the year to launch plant-based products and ready meals.

New vegan products in the meat alternatives segment that hit the shelves in time for Veganuary 2022 include the plant-based chicken breast by UK’s vegan meat brand Meatless Farm. Marking the foray into white meat for the Meatless Farm, chicken breast made from plant-based protein expands the selection of vegan chicken alternatives.

Moreover, Spanish alt meat leader Heura launched its first-ever plant-based pork products for Veganuary 2022, including vegan sausage and chorizo.

©Meatless Farm

New Vegan Dairy Products For Veganuary 2022

New vegan products in the dairy segment include plant-based milk, most commonly the two flavours almond milk and oat milk, with other options including soy milk, coconut milk, or a common blend made from several plant-based milks to increase plant protein content. Other vegan food options include vegan cheese, yoghurt, or sauces and creamy spreads.

In celebration of Veganuary 2022, some brands introduced a new range or single products into their vegan dairy portfolio. While some of them are starting off as a limited edition available until late February, many new additions prove their spot on the supermarket shelves and are there to stay.

Noteworthy new additions come from Bel Brands USA, the producer of popular cheese snack Babybel, introducing new vegan cheeses in 2022. Among other products, the US producer developed a vegan version of the classic cheese snack called Babybel Plant-Based. Marking a revolutionary act in veganising famous childhood foods, the cheesy snack debuted nationwide across the US.

©Bel Brands USA

Following into the footsteps of The Collaborative with its popular Raspberry Coconut Yog made from coconut milk, Danone subsidiary So Delicious announced a new line of yogurt alternatives made with coconut milk and botanical extracts in time for Veganuary 2022.

New Vegan Sweets For Veganuary 2022

Vegan sweet treats are often healthier and more sustainable than conventional sweets, yet they are dairy free and many options are also gluten free. For instance, South African chocolate brand De Villiers Chocolate has created a sugar free, gluten free, and dairy free range of plant-based chocolate made with sustainably sourced West African cocoa.

In recent years, vegan sweets have become increasingly popular, with even major restaurant chains joining the trend of offering vegan treats. From vegan chocolate mousse or a pecan and caramel brownie offered at coffee giant Starbucks, to vegan sandwich cookies developed by sandwich giant Subway, there are quite some vegan sweet options available.

Moreover, US doughnut chain Krispy Kreme was kicking of 2022 with a new assortment of vegan doughnuts for consumers in Ireland. The chain’s vegan menu features Fudge Brownie Bliss, Caramel Choc Delight and Apple Custard Crumble.

©Krispy Kreme Ireland

New vegan products in retail include a healthy salted caramel chocolate variant by UK’s vegan chocolate brand H!P. Made with an innovative vegan honeycomb, the Honeycomb Bar was added to the company’s oat milk chocolate line-up.

Nestlé-owned British confectionary brand Rowntree’s added a new vegan food product to its range of vegan Jelly Tots, the Tropical Tots, which are available in tropical flavours such as passion fruit, pineapple, and peach.

Other New Vegan Food Products For Veganuary 2022

Other new vegan food products include a new range of sauces developed by The Simple Root in collaboration with frozen potato product giant McCain Foods. Specific products will include pesto, bechamel sauce, cream cheese, smoky chipotle and roasted garlic and herb.

Moreover, UK’s vegan snack brand Cheeky P’s expanded its range of vegan snacks made from roasted chickpeas, available in BBQ, Black Pepper, and chickpea curry flavours.

LoveRaw launches at Albert Heijn and Shell in the Netherlands

LoveRaw Launches at Hundreds of Albert Heijn and Shell Stores Across the Netherlands

November 30, 2023

Fast-growing UK-based vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw has gained new listings at two Dutch retailers — Shell and the Netherlands’ largest supermarket chain, Albert Heijn. LoveRaw’s M:lk Choc Wafer Multipack will now be available at 250 Albert Heijn stores, while the brand’s Cre&m Wafer Bar will be available at 150 Shell locations in M:lk and White varieties. This is LoveRaw’s first nationwide listing outside the UK, though the brand was already available in the Netherlands at Holland & Barrett and Flink. Within the UK, LoveRaw is available at major national retailers such as Tesco, Co-op, Waitrose, and Ocado. The brand recently announced that it would be launching at SPAR stores internationally after joining the retailer’s Challenger Brand program, and has also just secured its first ever …

Organisations and brands:

Albert Heijn

LoveRaw

Vegan Zeastar Adds Crispy Coconut Shrimpz to Plant-Based Shrimp Range

November 29, 2023

Netherlands-based Vegan Zeastar, which claims to be the world’s largest supplier of plant-based shrimp, introduces the newest member of its family of 100% plant-based shrimp with Crispy Coconut Shrimpz. The NPD joins the lineup of Crispy Chili Shrimpz, Crispy Lemon Shrimpz, and Original Vegan Shrimpz, as introduced in November last year. So far in 2023, Zeastar has also launched the “world’s first” complete range of vegan sushi and poke bowl products and more recently, another “world’s first” in the form of a plant-based king crab product which it claims is cheaper than the conventional equivalent. The company, a brand of Vegan Finest Foods, offers a wide product range ranging from vegan Sashimi Salmon, No Tuna, Tasty Codd, Kalamariz, and Tuna Schnitzel. The market is ready …

Organisations and brands:

Vegan Zeastar

The Kraft Heinz Not Company Mac & cheese

The Kraft Heinz Not Company Unveils First Ever Plant-Based KRAFT Mac & Cheese with NotCheese

November 29, 2023

This morning, The Kraft Heinz Not Company LLC, a joint venture between NotCo and Kraft Heinz, announces the first-ever plant-based version of the iconic KRAFT Mac & Cheese in the United States. The KRAFT Mac & Cheese line, already a convenience food mainstay in North America, was extended with a vegan iteration back in 2021, which appears to have been limited to the Australian market. KRAFT also owns the Philadelphia brand which debuted a vegan cream cheese in 2022 and rolled out nationally across the US this year after the success of its trial. This new launch marks the first KRAFT Mac & Cheese produced with NotCo and featuring the company’s NotCheese. The company cites that the growth of health-conscious mac & cheese alternatives has …

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Kraft Heinz

The Kraft Heinz Not Company

Hooked Launches Plant-Based Seafood Range at Hundreds of German Stores

November 28, 2023

Swedish plant-based seafood brand Hooked has expanded beyond the Nordic countries for the first time, announcing a launch at hundreds of REWE West stores in Germany. The expansion has been made possible by a partnership with leading sales agent Ooha, which will allow Hooked to launch at anywhere between 250 and 500 REWE stores. The product range will include plant-based salmon, tuna, and seafood spreads, all made using high-moisture extrusion technology. The launch comes as Germany increasingly gains a reputation as Europe’s biggest plant-based market; data published earlier this year revealed that the country’s meat consumption is at a record low, while consumption of plant-based foods is at a record high. “A growing demand” Hooked raised the capital to fuel the expansion in June, through …

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Hooked

Pizza Hut and Beyond Meat Unveil Beyond Pepperoni Range Across the UK

November 20, 2023

Pizza Hut UK and Beyond Meat announce the introduction of the Beyond Pepperoni pizza range at Pizza Hut delivery locations across the UK. Beginning January 2024, the plant-based pepperoni will also be available at Pizza Hut dine-in establishments for a limited time, aiming to cater to the evolving dietary preferences of pizza consumers. The Beyond Pepperoni range features the Big New Yorker, a 16” pepperoni and cheese pizza, Beyond Pepperoni Feast with mixed peppers, and Beyond Pepperoni Melt pizza. By default, these pizzas come with regular mozzarella cheese, but Violife’s vegan cheese is available on request (at no extra cost) to make them 100% vegan. Hazell White, Head of Brand & Innovation at Pizza Hut UK & Europe, expressed pride in the partnership with Beyond …

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Beyond Meat

Pizza Hut

Asda vegan turkey - part of the vegan Christmas range

Asda Launches Extensive Vegan Christmas Range, Including Turkey With “Skin”

November 20, 2023

This year, UK supermarket chain Asda is offering an extensive vegan Christmas range featuring 57 products. Some of the highlights of the range are: Whole No Turkey — Made from a combination of wheat, pea, and soy protein, this turkey alternative features a unique crispy “skin” coating. Like conventional turkey, it also has a light-coloured “breast” and darker-coloured “legs”, with the two plant-based meats having different textures. Oyster & Porcini Mushroom Wellington — Designed for those who prefer a more vegetable-based option, this wellington contains white and oyster mushrooms with pea protein. The filling is topped with chestnut and porcini mushroom duxelles and wrapped in pastry. Mushroom Pigs in Smoky Aubergine Bacon — A plant-based version of traditional pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in …

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ASDA

VFC Launches Vegan Chickn Breasts & “First-to-Market” Chickn Mince

November 17, 2023

UK-based brand VFC has launched a new range of “naked” unbreaded vegan chicken, with two products — Chick*n Mince and Chick*n Breasts — rolling out in the frozen aisle at supermarket chain Morrisons. The launch marks an expansion beyond VFC’s core range of southern-fried coated vegan chick*n. The brand hopes the products will reach a wider range of consumers, as they are suitable for multiple usage occasions. The new plant-based mince is claimed to be a first-to-market product, with 31g of protein per 100g and 65% less saturated fat than conventional chicken mince. It is also gluten-free. The chicken-style breasts are said to “replicate the shape, juicy texture, and taste of real chicken breasts”, making the swap to plant-based as easy as possible. “Our vegan …

Organisations and brands:

Morrisons

VFC

Upton’s Naturals Announces Massive Retail Expansion, Cites Slow-Growth Strategy as Key to Trajectory of Success

November 16, 2023

Upton’s Naturals, a Chicago-based trailblazer in the plant-based meat industry, reveals it has secured a significant retail listing at Publix stores across the US, with founder Daniel Staackman citing the company’s slow growth strategy as the secret to the brand’s continued success. The self-funded company announces today that five of its SKUs are set to roll out onto shelves of over 1,300 Publix locations across the USA starting January 2024. The new listings entail Chorizo Seitan, Traditional Seitan, Updog Vegan Hot Dogs, Bar-B-Que Jackfruit, and Chili Lime Jackfruit. Upton’s Naturals has been operational for over 17 years, and despite the fluctuating dynamics of the plant-based market, the company has continued to thrive. The company reports that it has experienced a consistent upward trajectory in sales, …

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Upton's Naturals

Chicago’s ZENB Launches Yellow Pea-Based Lasagna and Cavatappi

November 16, 2023

Chicago-based food company ZENB announces its latest line expansion with ZENB Lasagna and ZENB Cavatappi. According to the company, the two new products are a first in the gluten-free, plant-based pasta category. The new products are said to offer the same mouthfeel as wheat pasta, but with more protein and fiber and no additives. According to the company, both ZENB Lasagna and ZENB Cavatappi are the first of their kind to have the same texture as wheat products, but with a clean label and made from just a single ingredient: whole yellow peas. The ZENB lasagna can be prepared in the oven like the original and enables the preparation of complex, multi-layered dishes. “This year was a unique year for ZENB as we entered retail …

Organic Vegan Cheese Brand Palace Culture Gains First Major Retail Listing at Waitrose

November 16, 2023

Palace Culture, an organic vegan cheese producer based in London, UK, has gained a nationwide retail listing at supermarket chain Waitrose. Three of the brand’s cheeses are now available at Waitrose stores: Mouldy Goaty — An alternative to aged goat’s cheese, made from cashews and almonds for a creamy texture. The product received a Great Taste award earlier this year. Kimcheeze — Made from cashews combined with kimchi brine. Holy Smokes — Also made from cashews, with the addition of cayenne pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. All the cheeses are fermented with live cultures, which are said to be beneficial for gut health. Palace Culture cheeses are also available at retailers such as Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Selfridges, Abel & Cole, and The Vegan Kind. …

Organisations and brands:

Palace Culture

Waitrose

The Coconut Collab new barista milk lifestyle shot

London’s Coconut Collab Launches “Game-Changing” Barista-Style M!LK

November 15, 2023

The Coconut Collab, founded in 2014 by entrepreneur James Averdieck, former founder of Gü, announces the addition of M!LK™ to its existing range of dairy-free yogurts, creams, and puddings. Initially launching at Ocado with a wider retailer rollout planned from January 2024, M!LK is said to offer a perfect froth while not altering the taste profile of tea or other beverages. The brand describes it as a “game-changing, barista-style M!LK™ that looks, tastes, and behaves just like its dairy counterparts”. The Coconut Collab has seen continued success over recent years and claims its natural yogurt is presently the UK’s leading dairy-free coconut yogurt. Its Double Cre&m has been served at the Wimbledon tennis championships for the last two years and is also available at Tesco …

Organisations and brands:

The Coconut Collaborative

New York's Blackbird Foods announces the launch of a new plant-based pizza topped with Beyond Meat's plant-based pepperoni and vegan cheese.

Image courtesy of Blackbird Foods

Blackbird Foods Launches “Meatier” Plant-Based Pepperoni Pizza with Beyond Meat

November 15, 2023

New York’s Blackbird Foods announces the launch of a new plant-based pizza topped with Beyond Meat’s plant-based pepperoni and vegan cheese. The brand’s Pepperoni Pizza, debuting in a new magenta packaging, is already available in the frozen aisle at The Fresh Market, Central Market, Earthfare, nationwide, and at select regions of Whole Foods across the USA. Blackbird Foods, which manufactures most of its own pizza toppings, launched a pepperoni pizza in 2022. However, the brand decided to “refresh” its recipe to satisfy pepperoni pizza enthusiasts. The company argues that Beyond Pepperoni is “meatier,” offering a “delectable” taste and crispy edges. “Pepperoni is one of the most popular pizza toppings, and we’re proud to provide Blackbird with a delicious, plant-based version that delivers the taste and …

Organisations and brands:

Blackbird Foods

Better Balance on X

Better Balance Introduces 3 Plant-Forward Burgers in Spain, Including Patty Made Entirely with Garden Vegetables

November 14, 2023

Better Balance, a plant-based brand launched by the Sigma Group in 2022 and headquartered in Madrid for EU operations, Dallas for US operations, and Monterrey for Mexico, continues its expansion in the Spanish market with the launch of three plant-based burger SKUs. In line with the current trend for plant-forward, whole food products where the vegetables are the star, as a contrast to meat analogues with a focus on replicating the taste of animal products, the new launch entails the Huerta Burger, the Eggplant Burger, and the Spinach Burger, each featuring vegetables as the hero ingredient. The additions come as a line extension to the burger launched in Spain this April, allowing the company to offer the most complete and varied range of burgers on …

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Better Balance

Rügenwalder Mühle Launches “Paulled Pork” in Collab with Brand Abmassador Paul Ripke

November 14, 2023

Germany’s Rügenwalder Mühle, a meat manufacturer which became the German market leader in meat alternatives, is continuing its partnership with brand ambassador Paul Ripke, a German fashion and sports photographer and music video director, with a new product launch of the vegan snack “Paulled Pork”. The vegan pulled pork product, described as a “fluffy yeast dough roll filled with vegan pulled pork in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce”, with no added flavour enhancers or thickeners, will feature as part of Rügenwalder Mühle’s Veganuary campaign and integrated into the company’s social media activities in addition to shopper activation at the POS. Paul Ripke, known for his photographs and videos of athletes, celebrities and models, has been a brand ambassador for Rügenwalder Mühle since August 2023. …

Organisations and brands:

Rügenwalder Mühle

THIS plant-based chicken pieces new recipe

THIS Upgrades Plant-Based Chicken Pieces, Cutting Ingredients List by 50%

November 14, 2023

THIS, a UK company that describes itself as “a plant-based food brand for meat-lovers”, has launched a new and improved version of its plant-based chicken pieces. Developed after 18 months of R&D, the new recipe is described as “tender, succulent, and tasty”. It is also simpler than the original recipe, with the ingredients list cut by 50% and various additives removed. According to THIS, the chicken-style pieces have “the most fibrous texture yet”, while remaining low in saturated fat and high in protein and fibre. It comes after THIS previously upgraded its beef-style burgers in August, accompanying the relaunch with a campaign challenging Beyond Meat. “This recipe is now so similar to chicken, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mel Gibson wanted to do its voice-over,” …

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THIS

Crispy seaweed sticks made from French seaweed

ZALG Launches Crispy Seaweed Sticks Made From Locally Grown French Seaweed

November 13, 2023

ZALG, a French producer of algae-based food innovations, has launched a new product — crispy seaweed sticks. Based in Brittany, ZALG uses locally-grown seaweed and macroalgae to develop sustainable, healthy plant-based foods. The seaweed sticks consist of a light sea vegetable filling surrounded by a thin layer of crispy breadcrumbs, with two flavours available — lemon zest and onion. Intended for food service professionals, the crispy seaweed sticks can be prepared in a fryer in just 90 seconds. Suggested applications include sharing boards, sandwiches, and wraps. “We are creating a new realm of possibilities in the use of seaweed in cooking to meet the current demands for a healthy, delicious, and sustainable diet,” said Tanguy Gestin, co-founder of ZALG. “French culinary heritage” ZALG was founded …

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ZALG

Daring Foods Announces US Retail Launch of 5 New Plant-Based Frozen Entrees

November 10, 2023

Daring Foods has officially launched a new line of plant-based and gluten-free frozen entrees. With the launch, the company, known for its clean-label plant-based chicken made from simple ingredients, expands its product range with convenient, plant-based ready meals. Daring Foods originally debuted these entrees at Expo West in California in March of this year and announced plans for a retail launch, which has now materialized this week. Ross Mackay, CEO and founder of Daring Foods, commented on the company’s mission, stating, “We’ve always been on a mission to transform the category by offering delicious plant-based options that embrace diverse tastes and dietary preferences.” Daring’s frozen entrees offer over 16 grams of protein per meal, ranging from 350 to 460 for the entire serving. The company says …

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Daring Foods

Wicked Kitchen’s Frozen Entrees Hit Shelves in Target Stores Nationwide

November 10, 2023

Global plant-based food brand Wicked Kitchen has announced the launch of its lineup of frozen entrees at nationwide Target stores in the US. This expansion comes just two years after the company’s entry into the US market in 2,500 stores across the country in what the company claims was the largest plant-based product rollout in US grocery history. The news comes towards the end of a busy year for Wicked Kitchen, with the launch of several new product lines, company acquisitions, retail expansion in the UK, and notable investments. Pete Speranza, CEO of Wicked Kitchen, commented, “The launch at Target is another step towards giving more access to plant-based foods to consumers, and it’s especially exciting since we share the same hometown of Minneapolis. It is validating to have such …

Organisations and brands:

Target

Wicked Kitchen

EXCLUSIVE: Dairy Company Bauer & Kern Tec Launch ZUM GLÜCK! Alt Dairy Range Using Upcycled Apricot Kernels

November 10, 2023November 10, 2023

German dairy group Bauer, founded in 1887, one of the leading dairy companies in Germany with a turnover of more than €600 million, announces to vegconomist it has partnered with Austria’s Kern Tec for the development of a range of dairy alternative products under the newly formed “ZUM GLÜCK!” brand, with an innovative flavour based on apricot kernels – an upcycled product from fruit cultivation. ZUM GLÜCK! (translating as “fortunately” or “luckily”) will launch in January 2024, offering a comprehensive range of plant-based indulgence products exclusively on the German market. “We are looking forward to launching our new plant-based Bauer brand “ZUM GLÜCK!”. With “ZUM GLÜCK!”, we are exclusively offering a top plant-based range with an innovative flavour based on upcycled apricot kernels. To this …

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The vegconomist-newsletterinformation for decision-makers

The vegconomist-newsletter
information for decision-makers