UK

Better Nature tempeh

© Better Nature
Products & Launches

Better Nature Rolls Out Enhanced Tempeh to Appeal to Health-Conscious Meat-Eaters in the UK

Better Nature is launching an enhanced version of its Organic Tempeh this week, now available at major UK retailers including Tesco, Asda, and Ocado. The product has been reformulated to appeal to a broader audience, including meat-eaters seeking healthier protein alternatives. The new tempeh offers a higher protein content, matching that of chicken, and features gut-friendly fibre and prebiotics. The updated product boasts 44 grams of protein per 200g pack, which is comparable to one and a third chicken breasts, or the protein found in six eggs. Better Nature claims that the improved tempeh absorbs flavours more effectively than before, making it more versatile in cooking. The company’s new tempeh product is made from organic, non-GMO soybeans and offers additional benefits, such as being a …

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Matthias Krön © The New Originals Company
Interviews

New Originals Company: “We Recognized Early on That Tofu Will Be a Key Pillar of Our Future Diet”

The New Originals Company, headquartered in Vienna, was founded in February 2024 by the Lunter family – tofu pioneers since 1991 – NLT Management Holding and Raiffeisenbank Landesbank Oberösterreich, an experienced investor in the food industry, and already employs over 600 people in six European countries. The New Originals Company focuses on the development of innovative tofu products that meet modern nutritional requirements. With already five brands, all of which stand for innovative, high-quality tofu products and plant-based foods, the company aims to expand further in the rapidly growing European market for natural plant-based foods. Regional roots and comprehensive traceability of raw materials along the entire supply chain remain an important part of the mission. Matthias Krön, CEO of the New Originals Company, gives us …

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Oatly Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

© Oatly

Marketing & Media

Oatly to Give Away 20,000 Free Oat Milk Coffees Across the UK Following Positive Taste Test Results

Oatly has launched a new 360 integrated campaign that will see the brand give away 20,000 free coffees made with its Barista Edition oat milk across the UK. Throughout March and April, Oatly will tour major cities such as Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Glasgow, giving out Oatly flat whites to passersby who may not previously have had an opportunity to try the brand. The campaign comes after a recent blind taste test* compared coffees made with oat and cow’s milk, finding that up to four times as many consumers prefer the taste of oat milk than currently purchase it. This could potentially amount to tens of millions of people UK-wide. Cafe collaborations In the cities visited by the taste test van, Oatly will also …

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Tiba Tempeh

Founders Alexandra and Ross Longton. © Tiba Tempeh
Investments & Acquisitions

Tiba Tempeh Secures Over £1.1M in Funding Following 736% Surge in Retail Sales Value

UK tempeh brand Tiba Tempeh has raised over £1.1 million in funding. The round was led by Maven Capital Partners through its Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, supported by the British Business Bank. Perfect Redd, the venture capital arm of Samworth Brothers, also made a follow-on investment. The funding will be used to enhance Tiba Tempeh’s marketing, sales, and product development, with new product launches planned for 2025. The news comes after Tiba Tempeh saw its retail sales value increase by a huge 736% in the past year, reportedly becoming the fastest growing brand in the UK chilled meat-free category*. The company has contributed £1.2 million in retail sales value over the past year, as demand for less processed meat alternatives continues to rise. Tiba …

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BlueNalu yellowtail

© BlueNalu
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

Eight Companies Selected for UK’s First Cell-Cultivated Food Safety Programme

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has selected eight companies to participate in a two-year regulatory programme focused on evaluating the safety of cell-cultivated products (CCPs). The initiative is funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology’s Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund and will involve collaboration with academic institutions and industry representatives. The programme is designed to gather scientific evidence on the production and safety of CCPs, which will inform the regulatory framework overseen by the FSA and Food Standards Scotland (FSS). The data collected is expected to support more efficient assessments of CCP applications. As part of the initiative, the FSA has committed to conducting full safety evaluations of two CCPs during the two-year period. Science Minister Lord Vallance stated, “By supporting the safe …

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The Coconut Collab strawberry protein yogurt

© The Coconut Collab
Products & Launches

The Coconut Collab Launches Strawberry Flavour Plant-Based Protein Yogurt

UK-based coconut yogurt brand The Coconut Collab has launched Strawberry Protein Yog, a single serving plant-based protein yogurt. Made with a coconut and almond base, the yogurt is flavoured with a strawberry compote that is free of added sugar. Each pot provides 9g of protein from almonds and soy, along with live cultures for gut health. The launch follows the success of The Coconut Collab’s original Protein Yog, which was introduced last year. “The Coconut Collab’s Protein Yog has been a hit with our consumers, who love that it is a natural way to get protein into their diet without any artificial sweeteners, so we’re thrilled to add a new flavour to the range,” said Anna Dominey, Managing Director of The Coconut Collab. “Like all …

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Scientists argue that a shift to plant-based diets, a global phaseout of industrialized animal farming, and a global standardization of climate change metrics are effective measures to reduce global warming.

© pathdoc - stock.adobe.com
Sustainability / Environment

Climate Change Committee Report Tells UK Government to Slash Meat & Dairy Consumption

The UK government’s official climate advisor, the Climate Change Committee, has published its Seventh Carbon Budget. The report provides recommendations for reducing carbon emissions, including advice on replacing meat and dairy with alternative proteins. The recommendations include: “The right direction” A previous Climate Change Committee report published in 2023 was critical of the UK government’s progress towards adopting climate mitigation measures, noting that legislators had not set out plans to support the public in shifting to low-carbon diets. The authors found that a 20% reduction in meat and dairy consumption by 2030 could reduce emissions by 5 MtCO2e. A recent analysis by GFI Europe found that the UK government has invested £75 million in alternative protein innovation so far, making the country Europe’s second-largest public …

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allplants curries on tablescape

© allplants
Company News

Grubby to Relaunch Allplants’ Ready Meals After Acquiring the Brand’s Recipe IP

Plant-based meal kit brand Grubby has announced its acquisition of the recipe IP for ready meal company Allplants, which entered administration last November. Grubby now plans to relaunch Allplants’ product range — which includes pre-prepared meals, desserts, healthy breakfast pots, and more — under its own brand. The news comes after Grubby launched a new Marketplace feature on its website, allowing consumers to order plant-based grocery items alongside the company’s meal kits. The Allplants brand and digital assets were acquired by Ella Mills, founder of plant-based brand Deliciously Ella, last month. She said Allplants would be integrated into her existing business, Plants; however, the deal did not include recipes. “The love for these meals is clear” Allplants was launched in 2016 and initially achieved considerable …

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Plenish enriched oat milk

© Plenish
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Plenish Launches “UK’s Only” Clean-Label Fortified Oat Milk With No Oils or Additives

British plant-based beverage brand Plenish has launched a new product, Plenish Enriched Oat M*lk, which combines essential nutrients with a short, natural ingredients list. Claimed to be the UK’s only clean-label fortified oat milk without oils or additives, the product contains just three base ingredients — oats, water, and salt. It provides fibre without added sugar and is fortified with calcium, vitamin D, B12, riboflavin, and iodine. The new milk alternative launched at Tesco stores UK-wide on March 3 and will arrive at Waitrose on April 28, followed by Ocado and Amazon. Plenish has also recently reformulated its original Oat M*lk with a new creamy recipe, which has already begun rolling out at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, and Tesco. “Dedicated to being transparent” Plenish was …

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Campaign urges Brits to give up dairy for International Women's Day

© Animal Justice Project
Charity & Campaigns

Campaign Urges British Consumers to Give Up Dairy for International Women’s Day

UK charity Animal Justice Project is calling on the British public to avoid dairy products on International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the treatment of cows in the dairy industry. As part of the campaign, Animal Justice Project has commissioned research to gauge consumer awareness of common dairy industry practices. The results indicate low awareness among the majority of respondents — for example, 52% did not know that dairy cows are impregnated annually to enable milk production, while 83% were unaware that calves are often separated from cows within 24 hours of birth. Furthermore, 82% did not know that dairy cows are typically slaughtered between the ages of 5 and 7, despite having a natural …

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Lacey's Vodkashake

© Continental Wine & Food
Beverages

Continental Wine & Food Launches Plant-Based Vodkashake Liqueurs

UK-based drinks producer Continental Wine & Food (CWF) has launched Lacey’s Vodkashake, a plant-based cream liqueur inspired by 1950s American diner-style milkshakes. The vegan-friendly and gluten-free liqueurs are available in two flavours — banana and strawberry. They are made with vodka, natural fruit flavours, and a creamy dairy-free base. According to CWF, the liqueurs can be served as chilled shots or added to hard milkshakes and cocktails. The products are already attracting attention; the banana flavour recently won a gold medal in the RTD Drinks and Pre-Mixed Cocktails category of the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Plant-based liqueurs Cream liqueurs are reportedly growing in popularity in the UK, representing the only category of spirits to see growth in 2023 according to CGA figures. While many …

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uFraction8 team

© uFraction8
Investments & Finance

uFraction8 Secures £3.4M to Optimise Cell and Biomass Production

uFraction8, a Scottish biotech engineering company with a fully owned subsidiary in Poland, has secured £3.4 million in an investment round led by Foresight Group. The round also includes funding from the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture investment fund Old College Capital, along with Scottish Enterprise, Alwyn Capital, Thia Ventures, and a grant from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. uFraction8 has developed microfiltration technology designed to optimise cell and biomass production, providing a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods used in the production of food, feed, and bio-based products. This technology, which was originally developed at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, could enhance the affordability and scalability of bioprocessing. The new funding will be used to further commercialise the technology, and …

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Magnum vegan ice cream

© Magnum/Unilever
Sweets & Snacks

Magnum Moves Away From Pea Protein With Reformulated Vegan Ice Creams

Unilever-owned ice cream brand Magnum is reformulating its vegan range in the UK, dropping pea protein from some flavours in favour of soy. The new recipe will be used for three products — Vegan Classic, Vegan Almond, and Blueberry Cookie. The brand says the use of soy protein will enhance the flavour of the range, after consumer testing found that participants enjoyed the updated recipe. A new pack design for the ice creams has also been introduced to reflect the changes. “Indulgence without compromise” Magnum first introduced its vegan Classic and Almond ice creams in 2018. They were initially launched in Finland and Sweden, before expanding into various European countries and other global markets such as the US and Australia. More flavours such as Vegan …

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GOAT cheese lifestyle shot, I Am NUT OK

© I AM NUT OK
Cheese

Cashew Cheese Brand I AM NUT OK Reports 24% Increase in YOY Sales

I AM NUT OK, a UK producer of cashew-based cheese alternatives, has reported a 24% increase in festive year-on-year sales. The rise, which saw the brand’s MinerThreat and NeroMinded cheeses sell out, has been partly attributed to a recent six-figure investment in production capacity and a UK-wide retail listing at Ocado. I AM NUT OK believes that the growth indicates increased demand for less processed cheese alternatives. This year’s Veganuary campaign has also reportedly brought a 39% uplift in I AM NUT OK’s sales compared to 2024. The brand now hopes to create a new cashew cheese category to help move the dairy alternatives sector away from ultra-processed foods. “This year, we expected a significant rise in sales given our partnership with Ocado and have …

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Cock and Bull

© Cock and Bull
Products & Launches

Cock and Bull Gains First Wholesale Listing for Its Plant-Based Meat Pastries at Cotswold Fayre

UK brand Cock and Bull, a producer of chef-made plant-based meat pies and pastries, has announced its first wholesale listing at fine food supplier Cotswold Fayre. Retailers will be able to purchase six of the brand’s products — Traditional Porky Pie, Choriz-no Porky Pie, Spicy Choriz-no Empanada, Chick’n & Mushroom Empanada, Spiced Beefy Empanada, and Saus-ish Roll. The pastries will be sold unbaked and frozen to be baked in-store, and a retail packaged range will also be available. According to Cock and Bull, the pastries have a 70% lower carbon footprint than comparable meat-based products and are free of preservatives and stabilisers. “Lip-smackingly good” Cock and Bull was founded by chef Richard Fox and Great Taste Awards ​judge Simon Hurley. Fox is also the founder …

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Revyve yeast protein egg replacers

© Alessa Joseph
Egg Alternatives

Revyve Study Finds Enthusiasm for Yeast Protein Egg Replacers Among European Consumers

A study by Dutch food tech company Revyve has found positive attitudes toward yeast protein egg replacers in three European countries — France, Germany, and the UK. Through AI-moderated interviews, the study aimed to gauge interest in Revyve’s functional brewer’s and baker’s yeast ingredients, which can be used as substitutes for egg proteins and synthetic texturizers. Consumers across all three countries recognized the nutritional and functional role of eggs in many foods, but showed enthusiasm toward the idea of yeast-based alternatives. While all three groups agreed that eggs were a source of protein and a good binder, there were some differences in opinion between countries. French consumers emphasized the role of eggs in thickening foods and creating soft, fluffy textures, but acknowledged that some people …

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Crackd

© Crackd
Egg Alternatives

UK’s Leading Plant-Based Liquid Egg, Crackd, to Enter US Market Amid Rising Egg Prices

Crackd, a UK-based plant-based liquid egg brand, is preparing to enter the US market in 2025. The product will make its US debut at Natural Products Expo West, held in Anaheim, California, from March 5-7, 2025, where company representatives will be available to discuss its features and distribution plans. Grocery store availability is expected by the second quarter of the year. The timing of Crackd’s US launch coincides with ongoing challenges in the conventional egg industry. Persistent avian flu outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and rising feed costs have driven up egg prices and caused shortages in grocery stores. These issues have also affected existing egg replacement products, further limiting options for consumers and food manufacturers. Crackd, however, will be produced domestically, reducing supply risks and …

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Brewdog

© Brewdog
Gastronomy & Food Service

BrewDog & Impossible Foods Bring Plant-Based “Chicken” Fillets to UK Pubs

BrewDog has launched a new plant-based menu in collaboration with Impossible Foods, Available from February 17 to March 31, the menu features a variety of plant-based dishes made with Impossible Foods’ latest product, the Impossible™ “Chicken” Fillet. The menu includes plant-based alternatives to traditional pub fare, such as cheeseburgers, tacos, and loaded fries, along with the Impossible “Chicken” Fillet. This product, designed to replicate the texture and taste of conventional chicken, follows the company’s previous plant-based chicken offerings. Impossible Foods states that the fillet is high in protein, contains zero milligrams of dietary cholesterol, and has a lower environmental impact than its animal-based counterpart. Noel Clarke, SVP of international at Impossible Foods, stated, “We make food for people who love meat, and our new ‘Chicken’ …

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Omni appears on Dragons' Den

© BBC/Omni
Pet Food

Omni Appears on Dragons’ Den, Receiving “Highest Ever Pet Food Valuation”

UK-based alt protein pet food startup Omni has appeared on business pitching TV show Dragons’ Den, achieving what is claimed to be the highest ever pet food valuation seen on the programme. Founders Dr. Guy Sandelowsky and Shiv Sivakumar secured a £75,000 investment from Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden in exchange for 2.5% equity. The Dragons were impressed by Omni’s significant growth since its launch in 2021; so far, the company has served over five million plant-based meals to pets in the UK alone, with over 400% sales growth. Omni faced challenges about some of its numbers from Dragons Peter Jones and Tokar Sulyman. In response, Sivakumar explained that while the business spends £40 to acquire a customer, that customer will have a £400 lifetime …

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Pigs in gestation crate

Image courtesy of Coller Foundation

Agriculture / Agribusiness

Study: Up to 96% of Brits Oppose Common Animal Farming Practices

Data from Bryant Research has found that the vast majority of the British public opposes a range of common farming practices. For example, 94% of respondents disapprove of keeping chickens in a cage as small as an A4 sheet of paper, while 96% oppose keeping pigs in cages where they cannot turn around. 87% are against cutting off the beaks of newborn chicks, and 85% oppose killing male chicks because they cannot produce eggs. For every practice studied, disapproval rates are at least 75%. The figures show that these practices remain prevalent despite widespread public opposition. For example, 99% of male chicks in the egg industry are currently killed, while 90% of calves have their horn buds removed with a hot iron. However, prevalence data …

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