Canada

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and developments in Canada’s thriving vegan, plant-based market, and cutting-edge cellular agriculture sector. Discover Canada’s vegan market for food & beverage and fashion, beauty & design. Notable companies leading the way include Daiya Foods, bettermoo(d), Lallemand, Protein Industries Canada, Wamame Foods and Future Fields.

Jampa's and University of Nottingham develop next generation of plant-based protein products

© Jampa's
R&D

University of Nottingham Partners With Jampa’s & Tartistes to Develop “Next Generation of Plant-Based Protein Products”

The UK’s University of Nottingham has announced that it is partnering with plant-based food producer Jampa’s and Canadian food manufacturer Tartistes to develop the “next generation of plant-based protein products”. Researchers at the University’s Division of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics have been awarded funding for the project as part of the UK-Canada Innovate UK initiative, which aims to foster sustainable innovation and strengthen ties between the UK and Canadian food sectors. The project builds on Jampa’s long-standing relationship with the University’s Food Innovation Centre (FIC), which will lead the product design and development. The collaboration will focus on reformulating Jampa’s plant-based beef alternative to include local and valorised crops that could be used in both the UK and Canadian markets. There will be a strong …

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Burcon sunflower protein

© Burcon
Ingredients

Burcon Unveils High-Purity Sunflower Protein Targeting Weight Management and F&B Applications

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a Canadian-based company specializing in plant-based protein technologies, has announced the launch of Solatein™, a high-purity sunflower protein isolate. This ingredient is the company’s latest addition to its portfolio of plant-based proteins and is positioned as a sustainable solution for food and beverage manufacturers. According to Burcon, Solatein™ is derived through an upcycling process that transforms by-products from sunflower seed oil production into a non-GMO, hypoallergenic protein ingredient. With a protein purity level exceeding 90%, the product is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality plant-based protein solutions. The company spotlights Solatein’s neutral flavor, off-white color, and functional properties, which it says make it particularly suited for applications with delicate flavor profiles. The company describes Solatein™ as a versatile ingredient that …

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Tacos filled with mycoprotein meat

© Maia Farms x The Better Butchers
Investments & Acquisitions

CULT Food Science Targets Mycelium and Hybrid Alternatives with Acquisition of The Better Butchers

CULT Food Science Corp. (CSE: CULT, OTC: CULTF, FRA: LN00), a Canadian company focused on advancing cellular agriculture and lab-grown meat technologies, has executed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire The Better Butchers Inc. (TBB). The transaction involves CULT acquiring 100% of TBB’s shares, subject to due diligence, regulatory approvals, and other conditions. The Better Butchers was founded in 2022 with the mission to be the first to bring cultivated meat to market in Canada, along with opening a cultivated meat butcher shop in Vancouver. Recently, however, the company has been focusing on mycelium-based meat alternatives. Using fungi-derived mycelium proteins through biomass fermentation, The Better Butchers has introduced a range of plant-based products designed to offer both nutritional value and familiar textures. These …

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© nito - stock.adobe.com
Ingredients

Canada Invests in Sustainable Faba Bean Protein Development to Expand Plant-Based Ingredient Options

Canada is expanding its plant-based protein offerings through a new initiative focused on faba beans. The project, backed by Protein Industries Canada (PIC), aims to develop high-protein, sustainable ingredients from faba beans, which will be used in a variety of food products.  The initiative involves a partnership between several organizations: Griffith Foods, BFY Proteins, Botaniline, and Faba Canada. These companies are working together to create neutral-flavored faba protein ingredients for use in consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), such as meat alternatives and breadings. The project focuses on improving the processing of faba beans to create high-protein, allergen-free, and lower-sodium ingredients suitable for the food industry. Faba beans have gained attention as a valuable plant-based protein source due to their high protein content (18-35%) and nutritional benefits. Global …

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University of Alberta researchers have developed pea inks with better shape-holding features using plasma, making them suitable for 3D-printed foods.

© Pauline Chan
Science

Canadian Researchers Pioneer Cold Plasma Treatment to Use Pea Proteins in 3D Printed Foods

University of Alberta researchers have developed pea inks with better shape-holding features using plasma — the fourth state of matter — making them suitable for 3D-printed food applications. 3D extrusion printing allows the creation of plant-based foods with customizable shapes, flavours, textures and nutritional profiles. But, pea protein, a hypoallergenic, low-cost source available from Canadian prairie legume crops, is generally unsuitable for 3D printing due to its poor structural properties. Improved 3D printability of pea protein could expand its use in price convenient plant-based meat and cheese — alternatives much needed to transition to more sustainable diets. The cold plasma method To address the shape challenge in 3D printing, the researchers experimented by mixing pea protein isolates with water activated with cold plasma in a method …

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Anne‑Laure Gauthier, Board Member of Exter North America, and Ruggero Crameri, VP of Savory & Biotech at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients

Anne‑Laure Gauthier, Board Member of Exter North America, and Ruggero Crameri, VP of Savory & Biotech at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients
Interviews

Lallemand & Exter’s Joint Venture – Exter North America Inc: “Our Combined Technologies Allow Us to Offer a Wide Range of Clean-Label Solutions”

Anne‑Laure Gauthier, Board Member of Exter North America, and Ruggero Crameri, VP of Savory & Biotech at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, here discuss the joint venture between the two companies. Trading as Exter North America Inc, the alliance formed this summer is strategically positioned to meet North America’s rising demand for plant-based and alternative protein flavors by combining Lallemand’s expertise in yeast fermentation with Exter’s slow-cooking technologies. The collaboration enables the development of authentic, natural, and clean-label taste profiles mimicking various meat flavors (e.g., beef, chicken, pork), aligned with consumer preferences for transparency and sustainability. The JV’s Montreal-based application lab tailors solutions to the regional market, addressing key trends such as clean-label ingredients, reduced environmental impact, and localized innovation in the plant-based sector. How does the joint venture between Lallemand …

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dog food

© Chalabala - stock.adobe.com
Investments & Acquisitions

Modern Plant-Based Foods Enters Pet Food Market With Acquisition of AnimalKind

Modern Plant-Based Foods Inc. (CSE: MEAT), a Vancouver-based company specializing in plant-based food products, has announced the completion of its acquisition of AnimalKind, a plant-based pet food company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. Through this acquisition, Modern Plant-Based Foods is expanding into the plant-based pet food sector, diversifying its portfolio beyond human food products. The acquisition of AnimalKind was finalized through the purchase of all outstanding securities of 1471394 B.C. Ltd., the company operating under the AnimalKind brand. AnimalKind’s product line includes sustainably sourced, plant-based treats for pets, such as blueberry, apple, and pumpkin treats for dogs.  According to the Share Exchange Agreement terms, Modern Plant-Based Foods issued a total of 4 million common shares to AnimalKind’s shareholders. Each share was valued at $0.20, for …

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Report ranks plant-based options at Canadian restaurant chains

© Chipotle Canada
Food Service

Report: Most Top Canadian Restaurant Chains Are Failing to Reduce Meat Consumption

A new report from World Animal Protection, titled Moving the Menu 2024, has found that most major Canadian restaurant chains are failing to offer adequate plant-based options. Additionally, none have set firm commitments to reduce meat consumption. Of the 23 chains ranked in the report, Chipotle came out on top with a B grade, based on its extensive plant-based options and policies promoting the benefits of plant-based eating. Some coffee chains, such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons, received a C but did not rank higher because they charge extra for plant-based milk. Fast food chains McDonald’s, Wendy’s, KFC, and Popeyes all received an F, the lowest possible grade. The report notes that while chains such as McDonald’s, A&W, and Tim Hortons have all trialed plant-based …

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Noochies! sprinkle toppers

© Further Foods / Noochies!
Pet Food

Further Foods Launches Noochies! Immune Sprinkles, FDA Deems Trial “Generally Appropriate”

CULT Food Science subsidiary, Further Foods Inc., yesterday announced the launch of new Noochies! Immune Sprinkles for cats and dogs, the first products from its line of Sprinkles toppers, in the US and Canada. CULT raised CAD$800,000 to expand the Noochies! portfolio back in May, with CEO Mitchell Scott stating at the time, “CULT is uniquely positioned to play a key part in the transformation of our food system. The funds raised in this private placement will allow us to further scale our portfolio company, Noochies, and establish it as a fast-growing, sustainable pet food brand.” This July, the company preannounced its plans to submit a feeding trial protocol for FDA approval of its cultivated chicken ingredient, and in August, Further Foods initiated the regulatory …

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Daiya new formulation

© Daiya
Cheese Alternatives

Canada’s Plant-Based Food Innovation Grows with Pulse-Centered Collaborations Led by Daiya Foods and Partners

The plant-based food sector in Canada is seeing a surge in innovation as companies collaborate to meet the rising global demand for alternative protein sources. A key initiative in this space involves several Canadian partners, including Daiya Foods, Ingredion, and Lovingly Made Flour Mills. Together, they are working on improving plant-based cheese products, with a focus on enhancing taste, texture, nutritional value, and affordability, using Canadian crops such as pea and fava beans. The project, supported by Protein Industries Canada, seeks to address one of the key challenges in the plant-based industry: making products that closely match the characteristics of traditional dairy. By using pulses grown in Canada, the initiative aims to create plant-based ingredients that elevate the taste and nutritional quality of products while …

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Kaiser frozen snacks

© Kaiser
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Kaiser Launches Oat-Based Frozen Desserts in Quebec, Plans National Rollout

Kaiser, a new brand specializing in frozen oat-based desserts, has launched across select retailers in Quebec. The brand was developed by Nathan Kaiser, a Canadian farmer with extensive experience in small-batch oat production. Kaiser’s products cater to the increasing demand for oat-based alternatives in the dessert market, offering a range of vegan and gluten-free options, with a nationwide rollout planned by 2025. The range includes family-sized tubs and chocolate-dipped bars, with flavors such as Salted Caramel, Mint Chip, and Cookies & Cream. All the offerings are vegan, the majority of which are also gluten-free. These desserts are currently available at retailers, including Maxi, Magasin Pasquier, and Les 5 Saisons in Quebec. The brand aims to expand its availability to the Greater Toronto Area by the …

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A photo of a Odd Burger restaurant

© Odd Burger
Investments & Finance

Odd Burger Opens $4M Round to Fuel Vegan Fast Food Expansion Following Strong Q3 Results

Odd Burger Corporation, the company behind the vegan fast food chain Odd Burger, has announced a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $4 million via convertible debentures. As explained in the announcement, the debentures have a 36-month maturity and carry a 15% annual interest rate. Additionally, they can be converted into common shares at $0.25 each and may be forcibly converted if share prices increase significantly. Odd Burger is a franchised vegan fast-food chain with a vertically integrated supply chain and 17 operational stores across Canada. The first Odd Burger restaurant opened in London, Ontario, in December 2016, becoming the country’s first vegan-fast food restaurant. Today, the firm focuses on smart kitchens, advanced cooking technology, competitive pricing, and high-quality ingredients to offer healthier options …

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Sperri plant-based meal replacement beverage

© Sperri
Health

Plant-Based Meal Replacement Brand Sperri to Expand Into the US Following New Investment

Sperri, a Canadian brand of organic and allergen-free plant-based meal replacement beverages, has announced a new investment. Led by Nàdarra Ventures and supported by Invest Nova Scotia, the funding will allow Sperri to expand into the US and develop new products. Sperri was co-founded by Gregg Curwin, President and CEO of nutrition company Novagevity, and Dr. Mary Lynch, a physician and pain management specialist. Lynch was inspired to develop the beverages after noticing that many of her patients struggled to tolerate existing meal replacements due to ingredients such as dairy, gluten, refined sugars, and soy protein. To come up with a solution, Lynch partnered with Curwin, a seasoned entrepreneur. Their collaboration resulted in the development of Sperri, which is said to be Canada’s first organic …

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Silk almond milk

© Silk
Health

Listeria Outbreak in Plant-Based Milk: It’s Time to Give Some Context to the Reality of the Situation

A Listeria outbreak linked to Silk and Great Value plant-based milk products in Canada has recently made headlines, causing significant concern among consumers and prompting a large-scale recall by Danone Canada, the parent company of Silk. The food giant recalled 18 different products in Canada, including three almond beverages under the Great Value brand, all produced at a third-party manufacturing facility in Pickering, Ontario. Although the investigation into the exact cause of the outbreak is ongoing, this incident has raised questions about food safety in the plant-based sector. Listeria is a genus of bacteria, with Listeria monocytogenes being the most significant species concerning human health. This pathogen can cause listeriosis, a severe infection, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and …

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A plant-based burger

© Lallemand Bio-Ingredients
Ingredients

Lallemand Invests in Enzyme Firm Livzym, Expanding Alternatives to Proteins, Chemicals & Sugar

Canada’s Lallemand Bio-Ingredients announces an equity investment through its Swiss affiliate, Danstar Ferment AG, in Livzym Biotechnologies, a Turkish company specializing in fungi-based enzymes for industrial use. With additional equity from Turkish investors, the funds will help finance the expansion of Livzym’s production plant in Tuzla, near Istanbul, to meet the increasing demand for sustainable enzymes across a wide range of industries, including food, textile, paper, animal feed, and biofuels. Lallemand Bio-Ingredients president Lars Asferg, shares, “We are committed to making biotechnology one of the answers to the challenges the world faces concerning nutrition, health, and the environment. The inclusion of Livzym’s enzymes within Lallemand’s portfolio will enable us to offer our customers an exciting range of high-performance enzymes.” Strategic collaboration As part of the strategic …

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Sandwich with vegan sausage and greens

Image courtesy of Lallemand
Ingredients

Bakon® – Traditionally Smoked Torula Yeast: Embracing Alternative Smoked Ingredients as EU Tightens Regulations

Smoking is a traditional method used to preserve certain foods, such as fish, meat, and dairy products, while also altering their flavor. As an alternative to traditional smoking, smoke flavorings can be added to foods to impart a smoky taste. These flavorings can be used in foods not typically smoked, such as soups, sauces, or confectionery. How is the use of smoke flavorings regulated by law in Europe? Due to the complexity of smoke flavorings, which consist of numerous chemical substances, they are subject to special provisions that differ from those applied to chemically defined flavorings. In the European Union (EU), the use of smoke flavorings is regulated to protect consumers through various regulations. Regulation (EC) No. 2065/2003 focuses on the safety assessments and authorization …

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Students from the University of Waterloo in Canada, have received over $700,000 in grants to expand their AI-based research in advancing cultivated seafood.

© Von Firn - stock.adobe.com
Cultivated Seafood

University of Waterloo Students Secure $700,000 to Revolutionize Cultivated Seafood with AI

Kevin Shen and Rikard Saqe, students from the Faculties of Science and Mathematics at the University of Waterloo in Canada, have received over $700,000 in grants from Good Food Institute (GFI), Mitacs, and New Harvest to expand their research in advancing cultivated seafood with AI. The research goals, formulated within the Waterloo Alt Protein Project design team, a global network of over 60 student-led organizations supported by the GFI, aim to establish the large-scale production of cultivated seafood, specifically fish. Using AI, the researchers will predict and enhance cell behavior and create detailed genomic and proteomic profiles. Additionally, they will employ multi-omics technologies and use single-cell RNA sequencing to gain insights into the cellular makeup of fish. The collected data will be used to develop …

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Further Foods, the company behind the cruelty-free pet food brand Noochies!, will submit a feeding trial protocol for dogs and their cultivated chicken to the FDA later this month.

© Noochies!
Pet Food

Noochies! Takes First Regulatory Steps to Launch a Cultivated Chicken Product for Dogs in the USA

Canada’s CULT Food Science (“CULT” or the “Company”) (CSE: CULT) (OTC: CULTF) (FRA: LN0) announces that its subsidiary, Further Foods, the company behind the pet food brand Noochies!, will submit a feeding trial protocol for a cultivated chicken ingredient to the FDA later this month. Noochies!, a brand leveraging alternative proteins to avoid factory-farmed chicken and beef, has already introduced two unique products featuring a dried yeast protein developed by CULT Food Science to meet pets’ daily nutritional requirements: Freeze-Dried Dog and Cat Snacks. The brand has plans to formulate new Noochies! with cultivated chicken. The feeding trials, necessary for regulatory approval as cultivated chicken is a new ingredient that pets have never consumed, are planned to commence in Q4 of this year. This is contingent …

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Fava or broad beans

©[email protected]
Investments & Finance

Canada: New $7.7M Consortium to Develop Pea and Fava Protein Meat Alternatives

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new project to advance the development of pea and fava protein ingredients and food products. The consortium, including Lovingly Made Flour Mills, TMRW Foods, and Dutton Farms, will focus on optimizing ingredient processing and developing new meat alternative products. A total of $7.7 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada investing $3.3 million. The project aims to add value to Canadian pea and fava crops, creating a value-chain feedback loop that benefits ingredient processors, food manufacturers, and consumers. This effort is expected to improve the affordability, nutrition, and consistency of end products, strengthening the domestic ingredient manufacturing industry and capturing new economic opportunities for Canada. Resilient supply chains “Canada is proud to support Protein Industries …

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Lactalis Canada

© Lactalis Canada
Manufacturing & Technology

Lactalis Canada Reopens Former Dairy Plant as Plant-Based Milk Facility

Major dairy producer Lactalis Canada has announced the reopening of its manufacturing plant in Sudbury, Ontario as a plant-based milk facility. The site was a liquid milk processing plant for 60 years, but shut down in 2022 when Lactalis Canada announced plans to convert it into a 33,150 sq. ft facility for the production of plant-based beverages. The company said at the time that fluid milk had seen a “long-term volume decline”, reducing the profitability and sustainability of the plant. The Sudbury facility will now produce Lactalis Canada’s new plant-based milk brand, Enjoy!, which was launched this May. The milk alternatives are unsweetened and high in protein, with six varieties currently available — Oat, Oat Vanilla, Almond, Almond Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Hazelnut & Oat. The …

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