meati products roll out at sprouts market

© Meati

Market & Trends

Sprouts Farmers Market: Plant-Based Food Sales Increased 21% in 2022

US specialty grocer Sprouts Farmers Market reveals sales of plant-based foods at its stores grew 21% in 2022, according to the company’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. Sprouts, which operates more than 380 stores in 23 states, names the plant-based foods category as an integral part of the company’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions.  In the report, Sprouts highlights its efforts in 2022 to care for people and the planet by reducing its carbon footprint, plastic use and waste while increasing sustainably sourced products, among other ESG initiatives.  Of $6.4Bn in net sales in 2022, the company reports the plant-based food and beverage category grew 21% year-over-year, driven by innovative products and in-store promotions, including a dedicated plant-based “frozen bunker” in new …

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Abbot's Butcher plant-based Ground "Beef" and Chopped Chick'n available at Sprouts Farmers Market.

©Abbot's Butcher

Retail & E-Commerce

Abbot’s Butcher Launches Clean-Label Chorizo and Chopped Chick’n at US Sprouts Markets

Abbot’s Butcher, maker of clean-label plant-based proteins, announces the debut of its “Chorizo” and Chopped Chick’n in all 370 Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US.  The natural retailer will carry the products in its refrigerated case. Made with 100% whole food ingredients, Abbot’s Butcher’s proteins are free from soy, gluten, preservatives, natural and artificial flavors, canola oil, and the top nine allergens. The products are also Non-GMO Project Verified and the first plant-based meat line to receive Whole30 approval. “Launching with Sprouts is an incredibly exciting step for us,” said Founder & CEO Kerry Song. “There is an undeniable shift taking place in how consumers are thinking about their food, and they are actively seeking out food made with ingredients that truly nourish their bodies. …

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Unreal Deli Vegan Lunch Meats

© Unreal Deli

Products & Launches

Unreal Deli Launches Full Line of Plant-Based Deli Meats into US Sprouts Markets

Mrs. Goldfarb’s Unreal Deli announces its premium plant-based deli meats are now sold at Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US. The Mark Cuban-backed company also reveals it plans to launch into thousands of more retail locations this year, and ranked as one of the fastest-growing brands on Instacart in 2022.  Founded by Jenny Goldfarb, Unreal produces a line of Corn’d Beef, Roasted Turk’y and Steak lunch ‘meats’ meant to recreate the experience of enjoying a traditional New York-style deli sandwich. After securing an investment from Shark Tank in in 2019, Goldfarb went on to launch Unreal’s product line in thousands of US retail and food service locations, including Publix, Whole Foods, Ralphs, Wegmans and ShopRite.  By entering Sprouts, an Unreal spokesperson says the brand’s retail …

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Plant-based Pepita Egg

©Spero Foods

Products & Launches

Spero Foods Launches Pourable Pepita Egg into US Sprouts Markets

Plant-based dairy brand Spero announces it is launching The Pepita Egg egg alternative into Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US. Made with just seven ingredients, The Pepita Egg is described as the “first and only” clean-label, pourable egg alternative.  Sold as a bottled, liquid product, Pepita Egg’s star ingredient is pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, which offer a good source of plant-based zinc, iron, and magnesium, and contain a similar amount of protein per serving as chicken eggs. Pepita Egg can be used for scrambles, omelets or baking, and unlike traditional eggs, is allergy-friendly and free from cholesterol.  Fewer ingredients According to the brand, most plant-based eggs on the market contain an average of 13-30 different ingredients, including lecithins, pyrophosphates, citrates, sugars, synthetic vitamins and transglutaminase. Pepita …

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Fy Cream Cheese Sprouts

©Nature's Fynd

Products & Launches

Nature’s Fynd Launches Dairy-Free Cream Cheese into US Sprouts Nationwide

Nature’s Fynd, a food tech company making meat and dairy alternatives with fungi-based Fy™ protein, announces its Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is now available at Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US.  Made with Fy, a fungi protein grown using Fynd’s novel fermentation technology, the new cream cheese compares to traditional cream cheese in taste and spreadability, says the brand. It can also be substituted in nearly any recipe calling for cream cheese ingredients. Available in Original and Chive & Onion flavors, each 8 oz tub retails for $4.99 and can be found in Sprout’s refrigerated sections.  Fynd’s notes its Dairy-Free Cream Cheese is fully vegan, nut-free, soy-free and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.  Volcanic protein Fy protein is a nutritious and highly sustainable ingredient originally …

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Van Leeuwen banana bread

© Van Leeuwen

Sweets & Snacks

Van Leeuwen Launches Vegan Banana Bread Pudding at 390 Sprouts Stores in 23 States

New York’s Van Leeuwen, a producer of dairy and vegan ice creams, rolls out Vegan Banana Bread Pudding — featuring vegan banana ice cream, fudge swirls, and brown sugar bread bites — into 390 Sprouts locations across 23 states.   In 2020, the company secured Series B funding of $18.7 million, and in 2021 it launched its line of dairy and vegan ice cream bars. The new retail distribution marks the brand’s first exclusive collaboration with Sprouts.   Vegan ice cream reached a value of US$ 592.8 million in 2021 and is projected to reach a value of US$ 833.8 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.45% during 2022-2027.   “Sprouts has been an amazing partner to Van Leeuwen the past few years, so …

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Heyday Canning Co Line

© Heyday Canning Co

Food & Beverage

Heyday Canning Co is Bringing Premium Beans to Sprouts to Disrupt the Canned Foods Category

The canned foods aisle offers undeniable consumer value as a source of simple, affordable and shelf-stable food items. But while known for its accessibility, the category has also largely lacked creativity and innovation. Heyday Canning Co, a startup founded by Jamie Tulley and former Clif Bar and Sweet Earth exec Kat Kavner, hopes to change that by introducing a new line of high-flavor canned foods aimed at modernizing the age-old category, reports Food Navigator-USA.  Debuting at Sprouts Farmers Markets in November, Heyday’s first line features classic bean staples such as chickpeas, navy, cannellini and black beans cooked in a variety of globally-inspired sauces. Prepared this way, the beans can be eaten alone or easily added to rice, pasta, tacos and more, says Kavner. To create their …

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©Future Farm

Retail & E-Commerce

Brazil’s Future Farm Expands US Retail at Amazon Fresh and Sprouts Farmers Markets

Brazilian alt-protein brand Future Farm announces it is expanding its premium plant-based meats at two new US retailers, Amazon Fresh and Sprouts Markets.  At Amazon Fresh, the brand’s Future Burger, Future Beef, and Future Sausage are now available nationwide, while select products are launching at two Sprouts Market locations in southern California. The company says both retailers will be serviced by KeHE distributors, making its products available to even more consumers across the country.  Valued at $400M, Future Farm is one of Latin America’s leading plant-based meat startups. Since launching in 2019, the startup has raised US $89M, including $58M in 2021 to enter plant-based dairy and accelerate expansion into the US and Europe. Last year, the company also appointed Alexandre Ruberti, the former head …

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Mind Blown New Crab Cakes

©Mind Blown

Products & Launches

Mind Blown Seafood Debuts New Crab Cakes and Launches National Distribution at Sprouts Farmers Market

Mind Blown by The Plant-Based Seafood Co. announces the launch of its fourth alt-seafood product, Mind Blown Crab Cakes, and its first national distribution at Sprouts Farmers Markets. Starting today, the brand’s new Crab Cakes, Dusted Shrimp, and Dusted Scallops will be available at Sprouts locations across the US.  The Mind Blown Crab Cakes feature plant protein and are seasoned with celery and onion to recreate the classic flavors of crab cake, as well as panko bread crumbs for a flaky texture. In addition to Sprouts, the crab cakes, scallops and shrimp are also available for wholesale buyers through VedgeCo. Celebrity supporters In recent months, the female-founded vegan seafood brand has gained high-profile support from top influencers in the food industry, including celebrity chef Spike …

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Meati Mushroom chicken burger

© Meati

Products & Launches

Meati Launches Whole Cut, Mushroom-Based Chicken and Steak at Select Sprouts Markets

Eat Meati, the debut product line of Colorado-based Meati Foods, is launching its alternative proteins made from mushroom roots at three Sprouts Farmer Market locations in the Denver-Boulder area, with a larger rollout planned through 2022. The company is also expanding its partnership with natural fast-casual chain Birdcall.  Beginning today, Colorado shoppers can find the Meati Classic Cutlet, Crispy Cutlet and Classic Steak in Sprouts’ refrigerated and prepared foods sections. The products are currently available at select stores in Denver (#334), Boulder (#312) and Wheat Ridge (#326). As part of Meati’s mission toward accessibility,  the initial launch will be followed by a national expansion to all US Sprouts locations by the end of 2022. The brand states it plans to achieve an nationwide, omnichannel footprint …

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TMRW Foods Products

©TMRW Foods

Investments & Finance

Canada’s TMRW Foods Raises C$2M Ahead of Nationwide US Sprouts Market Launch

TMRW Foods, a Canadian plant-based foods innovator, announces the closing of a C$2M (US$1.5M) financing round to fuel the company’s expansion across North America. The brand also reveals it will launch eight products in US Sprouts Farmers Markets this August.  “An electric feeling” Based in Vancouver, TMRW Foods sells a lineup of soy-free and gluten-free protein shreds, burgers, sausages, and meatballs made with proprietary TMRW protein – an innovative blend of pea isolate, oat flour and brown rice protein. Earlier this year, the brand added several varieties of Ocean Cakes, a crab cake alternative, to its offerings.  In 2021, TMRW raised $2.6M from high-profile investors, including executives from Daiya and Disney, to support product innovation and expansion. Months later, it successfully entered two of Canada’s …

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Wildgood Caramelized Fig Ice Cream

©Wildgood

Products & Launches

Wildgood, the World’s First Olive Oil Ice Cream, Expands Gourmet Flavor Line with Caramelized Fig

Wildgood, the world’s first plant-based ice cream made with extra virgin olive oil, is expanding its gourmet lineup of flavors with Caramelized Fig. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the new variety features fig jam and caramelized sugar in a creamy olive oil-based dessert.  Backed by Stonyfield Organic co-founder Gary Hirshberg, Wildgood uses the “good fats” found in olive oil to replicate the rich textures of traditional dairy ice cream. With 2 grams of saturated fat per serving, the brand says its products boast the category’s lowest saturated fat content (for both dairy and non-dairy products), and contain 40% fewer calories than the leading dairy ice cream brand. Wildgood adds its products are nut allergy-friendly and made with simple, clean ingredients. An ideal ingredient First launched in …

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OmniPork Luncheon meat

David Yeung ©OmniFoods

Food & Beverage

OmniFoods Celebrating Earth Day with Month of Planet-Friendly Partnerships

OmniFoods, makers of plant-based OmniPork products, is honoring Earth Day on April 22 with a month-long series of promotions and partnerships intended to bring awareness to climate change and food insecurity.  Providing free food Throughout April, the company will help donate plant-based meals through Support + Feed, an organization founded by Maggie Baird, mother of music stars Billie Eilish and Finneas. Support + Feed partners with local restaurants in US cities to provide communities in need with healthy vegan meals. OmniFoods will also continue to donate Omnipork products to Rethink Food, a nonprofit that serves Omnipork in culturally-relevant plant-based meals. At last week’s Vegan Women Summit, OmniPork and OmniSeafood were also featured on the event menu, with dishes prepared by Chef Whitt from the Voodoo …

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No Evil Foods Beef Strips

©No Evil Foods

Company News

No Evil Foods Launches Best Life Vegan Beef Strips at 300 Sprouts Markets

No Evil Foods, producer of clean-label Plant Meats, announces the launch of its latest product, Best Life “Beef” Strips, at 300 Sprouts Farmers Markets in the US. The brand plans to roll out the product exclusively to Sprouts customers before expanding availability at more retailers this spring.  In a category dominated by burgers and crumbles, Best Life “Beef” brings a new strip format to the center-of-plate, No Evil says. The protein-rich strips feature upcycled ingredients – a new innovation for the brand – and provide a healthy beef alternative with 27 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbs, and just 3 grams of fat per serving. The product will also be sold in No Evil’s re-designed packaging, made with sustainable paperboard, which No Evil first …

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Veggie Grill Good Catch Tuna Melt

©Veggie Grill/ Good Catch

Food & Beverage

Good Catch’s Flagship Tuna Line Debuts at Sprouts Markets Nationwide

Good Catch, the pioneering plant-based seafood brand, announces its popular tuna is now available at Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US. Retailing for $3.99 per pouch, the tuna is high in protein and offers the same flaky texture, flavor and nutritional benefits of seafood without mercury, microplastics or GMO’s, the brand says. Sprouts now stocks all three of Good Catch’s shelf-stable tuna flavors: Naked in Water – An ingredient for adding daily protein in meals, can be used as a 1:1 swap for traditional tuna Mediterranean – Features rich flavors inspired by Southern Europe – garlic, herbs, sweet pepper and a kick of spice Oil & Herbs – Ready to eat out of the package, can be enjoyed as a quick meal or snack. First …

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hemp and cauliflower cheese

© Grounded Foods

Cheese Alternatives

Grounded’s Hemp and Cauliflower Cheese Launches Across 364 Sprouts Farmers Market Stores

Grounded Foods today announces the launch of its innovative hemp and cauliflower cheese into 364 Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the US, marking the LA-based brand’s first national retail rollout. “We firmly believe that it’s possible to satisfy people’s craving for dairy cheese using existing, natural and underutilized plant resources—stuff that comes from the ground,” Veronica Fil The cheese is made with a novel fermentation process that replicates dairy cheese using the proteins and fats in hemp seeds. The addition of upcycled cauliflower makes the cheese highly sustainable and healthier than many of its competitors. Currently, Grounded’s cheese is available in three varieties — Hemp Seed Cream Cheese, Hemp Seed GOAT Cheese, and CHEESE FREE CHEESE squeeze-on sauce. Rapid expansion While many food brands have …

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CHKN Not Chicken Sprouts Markets

©CHKN Not Chicken

Products & Launches

CHKN Not Chicken Launches in Over 370 Sprouts Farmers Markets

CHKN Not Chicken announces the startup has launched its shredded plant-based chicken at US Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide.  Made from a pea protein base, CHKN Not Chicken says its products replicate the full flavor, texture and juiciness of traditional chicken. Now available in Sprouts’ frozen plant-based meats, CHKN products offer 20 grams of protein per serving, are gluten- and soy-free, and made without GMO ingredients.  Sprouts shoppers can choose from four CHKN varieties: Naked (Original), Zen (Asian spices with ginger), Fiesta (Mexican spices and citrus), and a new Sprouts-exclusive flavor, BBQ CHKN, featuring sweet and savory barbecue sauce.  Award-winning startup  Each CHKN product comes in an 8 oz. pouch that is ready to cook and add to recipes, with a suggested retail price of $7.99.  …

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LikeMeat Chicken Wings

©LikeMeat

Products & Launches

LikeMeat Launches Chick’n Wings in Sprouts Locations Across the US

Plant-based brand LikeMeat, a LIVEKINDLY Collective brand, is launching Like Chick’n Wings in the US. Consumers can find the product in the freezer aisle at Sprouts locations across the US starting November 22nd.  The new alt chicken offering provides a tender and juicy vegan alternative according to the brand, which crackles when it cooks and arrives just in time for football season. Featuring 11 grams of plant protein per serving, the vegan wings are non-GMO and are packaged with Buffalo sauce for easy preparation. LIVEKINDLY Collective acquired the LikeMeat brand in September 2020, with LikeMeat products hitting shelves in US stores soon after. LIVEKINDLY Collective has acquired several plant-based brands into its portfolio and recently added The Dutch Weed Burger and two flagship brands in …

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Barvecue Plant-Based Pulled Pork

©Barvecue

Products & Launches

Barvecue Says Expansion Into 360 Sprouts Farmers Markets is One Of This Year’s Most Important Milestones

Following a year of growth and expansion, wood-smoked, plant-based barbecue specialist Barvecue is now launching across the US in 360 Sprouts locations. The move follows an expansion of its distribution channels through national wholesale food distributor KeHE. “2021 has been a strong year for Barvecue […] a year of incredible growth and expansion” After opening the world’s largest plant-based smokehouse, as well as putting its products on the menus of college campus diners, mission-driven company Barvecue has hit another milestone with the nationwide rollout. Seeking to create the leading plant-based barbecue on the market, the company is backed by Stray Dog Capital. In a previous interview with vegconomist, Founder and CEO Lee Cooper stated: “We are continually increasing availability with regards to both retail outlets …

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