New York

Nature's Fynd Plantega

© Nature's Fynd
Food Service

New Nature’s Fynd Fy™ Bites Available at Plantega-Affiliated Locations in NYC

Nature’s Fynd has expanded its product offerings with the introduction of Spicy Indian Fy™ Bites, now available at Plantega-affiliated bodegas across New York City. The new item is part of the company’s line of fungi-based foods utilizing its proprietary protein ingredient, Fy™, and is currently being rolled out across more than 50 locations. The bites are falafel-style and formulated with Fy™, a protein derived from a microbial strain discovered in Yellowstone National Park. Each serving contains 14 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and the equivalent of one-third cup of vegetables. The product is free from the top nine allergens, certified gluten-free, and vegan. Nature’s Fynd CEO and co-founder Thomas Jonas noted, “With Fy Bites, we weren’t trying to mimic meat or dairy—we wanted …

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NYC Health + Hospitals

© NYC Health + Hospitals
Society

NYC Health + Hospitals Marks Milestone of 2 Million Plant-Based Meals Served

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, NYC Health + Hospitals has announced the milestone of serving over 2 million plant-based meals to patients since launching the program in March 2022. In 2024 alone, the health system served over 900,000 plant-based meals to its patients. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Sodexo, is based on scientific evidence linking plant-based eating patterns with improved health outcomes. Studies suggest that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, while also supporting weight management and the treatment of conditions like hypertension. “It’s been an incredible three years. Crafting quality food has always been the first thought in mind. Crafting quality innovative food to help heal others is even more rewarding. I …

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Just Egg launches at New York bodegas in Bird Flu Bailout campaign

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Egg Alternatives

Just Egg Breakfast Options Offered at 50+ New York Bodegas in “Bird Flu Bailout” Initiative

As bird flu continues to drive historically high egg prices and shortages across the US, Just Egg and Plantega have partnered to launch a new initiative called the Bird Flu Bailout. The campaign will see over 50 independent New York bodegas offer plant-based takes on classic bodega breakfasts such as bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. Each breakfast item will be made with Just Egg’s plant-based egg alternative, and Bird Flu Bailout customers will also receive $2 off Just Egg’s retail products. As the bird flu crisis continues, Just Egg says its sales are surging, reportedly growing five times faster than chicken eggs and five times faster than last year. 90% of buyers are not vegan or vegetarian, and repeat purchases have reached over 54%. “Folks …

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Daiya crustbuster pop up

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Fairs & Events

Daiya Hosts 90s-Themed Pop-Up to Promote Dairy-Free Pizza in NYC

Dairy-free cheese leader Daiya organized a 90s-themed pop-up event last Friday in New York City to promote its dairy-free pizza offerings. Dubbed “Crustbuster,” the event took place at SoHo’s Upside Pizza and attracted more than 500 attendees, including food influencers and local comedians. The event was designed to address what the company has termed “FOMOO” — the “fear of missing out on dairy.” According to Daiya, skepticism about taste remains a primary obstacle for consumers considering dairy-free options. To counter this, the company showcased its revamped pizza line made with the Daiya Oat Cream™ Blend, which it claims replicates the taste and texture of traditional dairy-based pizzas. John Kelly, chief marketing officer at Daiya, explained the purpose of the event, stating, “We’ve worked tirelessly to …

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Danone Silk cereal liar

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Fairs & Events

Silk Investigates Dairy Preferences With Polygraph Taste Test in NYC

Silk, one of North America’s leading plant-based beverage brands, is questioning breakfast loyalties with an unconventional campaign aimed at settling a long-standing debate: Is dairy milk truly the best choice for cereal? According to the company, during a recent national taste test, 7 out of 10 dairy drinkers said they preferred Silk Vanilla Almondmilk in their cereal. Now Silk is taking its case directly to skeptics in a high-profile New York City event.  The campaign, dubbed “Cereal Liar,” invites participants who claim to prefer dairy milk to take a lie detector test while sampling both Silk and dairy options with their cereal. The event, set for January 9—two days before National Milk Day—is designed not just to promote Silk’s product but to challenge perceptions about …

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Helaina is ready to commercialise its animal-free lactoferrin for functional foods

Image courtesy of Helaina
Fermentation

Helaina Raises $45M to Commercialize First Precision-Fermented Human Lactoferrin

US precision fermentation company Helaina has raised $45 million in Series B funding to scale and commercialize its first product, effera Human Lactoferrin. Effera, claimed to be the first and only human lactoferrin available, is a bioactive ingredient that supports women’s health, active nutrition, and healthy aging. According to the startup, clinical and pre-clinical research indicates it is even more effective than bovine lactoferrin. The round, led by Avidity Partners, brought Helaina’s total equity funding to $83 million. Spark Capital, Ingeborg Investments, Tom Williams of Heron Rock, Barrel Ventures, Siam Capital, Relish Works, CF Private Equity, and Primary Venture Partners, among others, also backed the first company to put human proteins into food. Founder and CEO Laura Katz shared, “This infusion of new capital marks …

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New York City Health and Hospitals

© New York City Health + Hospitals
Health

Default Plant-Based Meals at New York City Health + Hospitals See Over 90% Patient Satisfaction

Since 2021, plant-based meals have been the default option for patients at New York City Health + Hospitals. Now, a new paper published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has found that the policy has high patient satisfaction, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and lowers costs. Patient acceptance of the plant-based meals, which are the primary lunch and dinner option at 11 hospitals, is extremely high at more than 95%. Patient satisfaction is not far behind, reaching over 90%. Calculations indicate that the hospital system’s emissions have reduced by 36% as a result of the plant-based menu, while the cost of the plant-based entrees is $0.59 less than for meals containing animal products. This saved a total of $318,000 in 2023. The program has been …

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a plate with a steak takes center stage, representing the connection between meat consumption and environmental degradation Generative AI

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Fairs & Events

Plantega & World Animal Protection Join Forces to Promote Plant-Based Diets at Climate Week NYC 2024

The plant-based deli brand Plantega and the animal welfare organization World Animal Protection US are joining forces at Climate Week NYC 2024 to promote plant-based eating to protect animals and the planet. The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the “devastating” environmental impact of animal agriculture and the link between eating meat, dairy, and eggs and climate change. According to the non-profit, most climate decisions and strategies overlook industrial meat and dairy despite their significant role in GHG emissions and land use. Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director of World Animal Protection US, shares: “The growing accessibility of innovative animal-free proteins signals a culinary and environmental revolution. We’ve partnered with Plantega to prove that plant-based eating is not just easy and delicious — it’s the ultimate way …

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Swedish plant-based food company Havredals announces the launch of its plant-based meat range in the New York Metro area, following its debut in Virginia this February.

Havredals' fava chicken patty - Image courtesy of Havredals

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Havredals’ Fava Bean Meat Range Rolls Out in New York Metro Area in Response to High Demand

Swedish plant-based food company Havredals announces the launch of its fava-bean meat range in the New York Metro area, following its debut in Virginia this February. Despite the decline of plant-based meat sales in the USA, Havredals says it has been experiencing strong demand for its great-tasting and affordable beef and chicken offerings crafted with fava beans, peas, and oats from regenerative farming, which, moreover, are soy, gluten, and GMO-free. Listed with Performance Food Group (PFG), the company’s distribution partner in the country, Havredals’ range is now available for food service customers across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, marking a substantial expansion in the Northeast. The Swedish company states, “This expansion highlights Havredals’ mission to drive positive change in the food industry, contributing …

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Plant Based World Expo

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Fairs & Events

Plant Based World Expo North America Sees Record Attendance From Buyers

Plant Based World Expo North America took place for the fifth time on September 11-12 at the Javits Center in New York City. This year’s event saw a record-breaking number of buyers in attendance, representing sectors such as food service, retail, hospitality, and distribution. Of the thousands of visitors at the show, two-thirds had direct purchasing power. Other key industry players also attended, such as senior executives from major companies, product developers, academic researchers, and government officials. An expanded Hosted Buyer Matchmaking Program helped buyers and exhibitors make business connections. The expo saw international participation, featuring exhibitors and products from countries such as Mexico, the UK, Italy, and Brazil. Key industry trends were revealed, including the growing shift towards whole food-based products. There was also …

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Clean Meat Terminal's website

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Meat

Pythag Tech Launches the “Clean Meat Terminal,” All-in-One Platform for Deep Industry Data

New York’s Pythag Tech, a technology company dedicated to “all things cultivated meat,” announces the launch of a market intelligence platform — the Clean Meat Terminal (CMT) — designed specifically for the cellular agriculture industry. CMT is said to offer a comprehensive, reliable, all-in-one source of deep industry data, aiming to simplify the navigation of the sector’s complex landscape. It caters to anyone invested in cultivated meat from investors seeking opportunities to researchers needing the latest data or companies staying updated. Sami Nabulsi, CEO of Pythag Technologies, shares: “As skeptics of the cultivated meat industry persist, Pythag Tech launches CMT with the opposite view.” Sector-specific data Pythag’s platform offers sector-specific data for business and academic needs. The platform’s key features include: Detailed metrics and insights …

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Plantega opens flagship kitchen for corporate catering

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Food Service

New York’s Plantega Launches Flagship Kitchen for Corporate Catering and Events

Plantega, the New York brand offering turnkey plant-based deli-in-store solutions, has announced the launch of its first fully self-managed flagship kitchen. Called Plantega Kitchen & Catering (PKC), the kitchen will provide food for large group orders, corporate catering, and events across New York City. It has been launched in recognition of the fact that many meals in the city are consumed within offices, event venues, and other private institutions. Described as “highly tech-enabled”, PKC is optimized for both city-wide catering clients and local direct-to-consumer delivery. The launch follows a boom in workplace catering as workers increasingly return to the office. Plantega says PKC will allow organizations to serve options that are better for people and the planet, helping them reduce their food-related emissions. Additionally, the …

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chunk foods pastrami queen

© Chunk Foods
Gastronomy & Food Service

Chunk Foods Partners with Pastrami Queen to Launch Plant-Based Pastrami in NYC

Chunk Foods, a producer of plant-based whole cuts, has partnered with Pastrami Queen, the home of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite pastrami sandwich, to introduce a new plant-based pastrami option. Pastrami Queen’s location at Moynihan Food Hall will offer “The Prince powered by Chunk,” a sandwich featuring Chunk’s plant-based pastrami, traditional New York deli mustard, rye bread, and a pickle, This partnership is groundbreaking, Amos Golan, founder and CEO of Chunk Foods, stated, “We’re thrilled about this partnership with Pastrami Queen, a beloved NYC institution. We can’t wait for New Yorkers to try this innovative and exclusive menu item.” Pastrami Queen, established on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1956, has a long-standing reputation for its hand-carved pastrami and traditional Jewish deli fare. According to Chunk, this partnership …

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Chloe Coscarelli

Chloe Coscarelli © CHLOE
Food Service

Chloe Coscarelli Reclaims Her Place in NYC Vegan Food Scene With Opening of CHLOE

In a tale of redemption, celebrity vegan chef and cookbook author Chloe Coscarelli has opened her new vegan restaurant, CHLOE, at 185 Bleecker Street in New York City, the original site of her first restaurant, By Chloe.  Coscarelli, the first vegan chef to win Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” co-founded By Chloe with Samantha Wasser of ESquared Hospitality in 2015. The restaurant, which opened its first location in Greenwich Village, quickly gained recognition for its plant-based menu, leading to rapid expansion across New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and internationally to London and Canada.  An abrupt halt In March 2017, a legal dispute arose between Coscarelli and her business partners at ESquared Hospitality over the brand’s direction. According to the lawsuit, the company wanted to mass-produce her …

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Urban Dessert Lab

Courtney and Zan © Urban Dessert Lab
Sweets & Snacks

“World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème Shoppe,” Urban Dessert Lab, Debuts New Plant-Based Desserts

Urban Dessert Lab (UDL), the “World’s First Oat-Milk Ice Crème™ Shoppe,” has announced the expansion of its dessert menu with the introduction of several new plant-based desserts. The shop, owned by sisters Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R., has gained recognition for its unique dessert offerings and was recently named one of ESPN’s Champion Black Businesses for 2024. The first UDL location opened in New York City’s Lower East Side in 2020. The shop quickly garnered attention from food enthusiasts and celebrities, leading to high demand for additional locations. Responding to customer requests, the founders chose West Hollywood, Los Angeles, for their second establishment, which opened in February of this year.  New summer menu UDL’s new summer menu includes a variety of plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, …

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Califia Farms acquires the plant-based milk dispenser company Uproot

© Califia Farms
Investments & Acquisitions

Califia Farms Acquires Uproot’s “Turnkey” Plant-Based Milk Dispensers for Foodservice

California’s Califia Farms, a leading brand in the premium plant-based beverage market, has acquired the New York-based company Uproot Inc., which specializes in plant-based milk and dispensing solutions for foodservice operations. The acquisition will help Califa Farms expand its product and service offerings in the “Away From Home” market. The team from Uproot, including the founders, will join the Californian company. Kevin Eve and Jacob Conway founded Uproot to provide healthy plant-based beverages alongside sustainable packaging solutions. They created the “plantmilk” dispensing program to offer a complete service from product formulation and distribution to high-volume liters for cafeterias. Uproot’s machines, packed with oat, soy, and pea milk in chocolate flavor, are operational on over 150 college and university campuses and other dining locations. Kevin Eve …

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Mellody Neat

© Mellody
Food Service

Lewis Hamilton-Backed Neat Features MeliBio’s Bee-Free Hot Honey Sando

MeliBio, a bee-free honey producer, has announced that Neat, a prominent plant-based restaurant chain supported by Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, has introduced a new menu item featuring MeliBio’s honey product, Mellody. The new dish, called the Hot Honey Sando and made with Mellody Spicy Habanero, is now available exclusively at Neat’s Nolita location in New York City. Darko Mandich, CEO of MeliBio, commented on the collaboration: “We are excited to see Mellody featured in Neat’s new Hot Honey Sando. This collaboration highlights the versatility and quality of Mellody, and aligns perfectly with our mission to create sustainable honey alternatives that help save the bees and protect biodiversity.” Mellody Spicy Habanero was launched earlier this year as the first vegan hot honey, joining the company’s …

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Plantega philly cheesesteak

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Cheese Alternatives

Stockeld Dreamery and Plantega Roll Out Cultured Cheddar at 60+ NYC Bodegas

Stockholm-based Stockeld Dreamery and New York City’s Plantega have announced a new partnership to distribute Stockeld’s Cultured Cheddar across more than 60 bodegas in New York City, enhancing the availability of plant-based cheese options in local convenience stores. Stockeld’s Cultured Cheddar will be incorporated into 18 of Plantega’s menu items, including breakfast sandwiches, burritos, chopped cheese, and Philly cheesesteaks. This product, known for its meltability, natural flavor, and creamy texture, was developed over four years in Sweden using fermentation and legumes. Nil Zacharias, founder and CEO of Plantega and a proponent of fermented foods, spoke on the advantages of cultured cheese, stating, “I’m a big fan of fermented foods, and it’s a no-brainer that a cultured cheese will perform better and be closer to dairy …

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Uncaged Innovations closes seed round for leather made from grain

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Investments & Finance

UNCAGED Innovations Raises $5.6M for “World’s First” Sustainable Leather from Grains

New York-based UNCAGED Innovations today announces it has raised an oversubscribed $5.6M Seed investment for its sustainable leather made from grains. The round was co-led by Green Circle Foodtech Ventures and Fall Line Capital, with participation from Ponderosa Ventures, Golden Seeds, and existing investor InMotion Ventures, the investment arm of JLR (Jaguar Land Rover). This investment will be used to bring the product to market, increase production, and expand the team. The latest capital follows the company’s 2023 pre-seed round in which UNCAGED secured $2 million. Director and Head of Sustainability at JLR Rossella Cardone commented at the time, “This is in-line with our strategy on the sustainability and provenance of the materials we use. We must embrace new material possibilities, new processes, and new …

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Chunk Foods launches at Jaja Mexicana

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Food Service

Tacos & Chimichangas Filled with Chunk Foods’ Famous Vegan Steak Arrive on Menus at NYC Chain Jajaja Mexicana

New York-based vegan whole-cut pioneer Chunk Foods announces it has partnered with the NYC chain Jajaja Mexicana to bring tacos and chimichangas featuring Chunk Steak to all four Jajaja locations in NYC, in Lower East Side, West Village, Hudson Yards, and Williamsburg. Last year, the addition of Chunk Steak to menus at high-end steakhouses was successful to the degree that Charley’s Steak House ordered 100,000 units of Chunk Food’s plant-based steak, confident of its superior quality. “We are reshaping the steakhouse experience and catering to the expanding tastes and preferences of today’s consumers,” said Seth Miller, VP and CEO of restaurant group Talk of the Town at the time. Later that year, Talk of the Town group would go on to add Chunk Steak to …

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