UK

Premier Foods no added sugar vegan jelly

© Premier Foods
Sweets & Snacks

Premier Foods Launches McDougalls No Added Sugar Vegan Jelly Amid Growing Demand for Low Sugar School Desserts

British food manufacturer Premier Foods has launched a new range of vegan jelly with no added sugar under its McDougalls brand. Introduced in response to rising demand for low-sugar school desserts, the jelly is available in four flavours — strawberry, raspberry, orange, and lime. It is free of gluten and all major allergens, and is compliant with the UK’s HFSS (high in fat, sugar, and salt) regulations. The jelly is sold in 1.4kg packs, each of which produces 17 litres of jelly. It is said to be easy to prepare, and sets in just an hour. According to LACA, a recent survey conducted by Premier Foods found that four in five children like jelly and 24% list it among their top five school desserts. Additionally, …

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Omni b corp

© Omni
Pet Food

Plant-Based Pet Food Brand Omni Achieves B Corp Certification

Omni, the UK plant-based pet food brand focused on helping allergy-prone pets, has achieved B Corp certification in recognition of its ethical and transparent business practices. As well as offering highly sustainable products, Omni claims to have people-first policies, providing its team with wellness allowances, full health and dental care, increased team training, professional development, and inclusion initiatives. These include enrollment in programmes that offer recognised certifications. Employees also set personal environmental and social goals to achieve each quarter, and benefit from flexible and remote working. The company reportedly maintains over 90% employee satisfaction. Additionally, Omni aims to promote sustainability through the use of recycled packaging, emissions tracking, and energy use audits. The company provides charities with product donations and fundraising efforts, and supports initiatives …

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Hoxton Farms

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Politics & Law

UK Government Food Strategy Says the Country is Well Positioned to Develop New Alternative Protein Products

The UK government has published its new food strategy, which aims to make healthy and sustainable food the default choice for consumers. Called Towards a Good Food Cycle: A UK Government Food Strategy for England, the policy paper cites a previous report which claims that there is a £14 billion productivity gap in UK food and drink manufacturing. It says that the country has a “strong research and development and advanced manufacturing base”, which makes it well placed to “develop new products and markets, including for healthier products and in alternative proteins”. Nonprofit and think tank the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) has welcomed the paper, and is now calling on the UK government to bring in specific measures outlining how innovative foods could …

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Dairy is Scary Viva!

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Marketing & Media

Advertising Standards Authority Bans Viva!’s ‘Dairy is Scary’ Ad, Sparking Controversy Over Censorship

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a cinema advert produced by the UK-based charity Viva!, following a small number of complaints, despite the approval of both the ASA’s internal investigation team and the Cinema Advertising Association (CAA). Dispute over “irresponsible” content The advertisement, titled Dairy is Scary, was deemed by the ASA to be “irresponsible” and likely to cause “unjustified distress” and “serious and widespread offence.” However, the ASA’s internal team had initially concluded that there was no breach of regulations and that the ad was suitable for a 15+ audience. The CAA, which oversees cinema advertising in the UK, had also cleared the advert for screening before films rated for viewers aged 15 and over, confirming its appropriateness for the target demographic. Despite …

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Harsh Amin

Harsh Amin - Image supplied by Ivy Farm Technologies
Opinion

Op Ed: Harsh Amin – How Cultivated Meat Can Bolster British Food Security and Tackle Price Rise

Harsh Amin, CEO of Ivy Farm Technologies, is a stem cell scientist with a PhD from UCL and postdoctoral experience at Imperial College London. With a strong background in biotech R&D and leadership roles from start-ups to Lonza Biologics, he blends scientific expertise with commercial insight to drive innovation in sustainable protein. In this opinion piece, Harsh discusses the growing pressures on the UK’s food industry, particularly the beef sector, and explores the potential of cultivated meat as a solution to strengthen the nation’s food security, support sustainable farming practices, and meet the evolving needs of consumers. The UK’s food industry is under extraordinary pressure, and the threat to our national food security is something everyone from farmers to families is starting to feel. Take …

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GRUBBY superfood recipes

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Delivery Services

GRUBBY Launches Superfood Recipes to Help Customers Eat 30 Plants Per Week

UK plant-based recipe kit brand GRUBBY has launched a new range of superfood recipes that aim to help customers achieve the target of eating 30 unique plants per week. Eating a diverse range of plants is recommended by epidemiologist Professor Tim Spector and nutrition platform ZOE, and is said to benefit gut health. GRUBBY’s new menu, called Plant Points, aims to make eating in this way as easy as possible. There are eight dishes in the range; each contains up to 15.25 plant points, making it simple to hit the 30 per week target. According to GRUBBY, eating a variety of plants can not only benefit digestion, but also improve immunity and mental clarity. Among the new recipes are the Beetroot Hummus Bowl with Roasted …

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RAISE snacks

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Sweets & Snacks

UK Healthy Snack Brand RAISE Aims for £1M in Revenue Following Rapid Growth

RAISE is a UK-based healthy snack brand that was founded in 2023. The company’s revenue reached £135,000 last year, and following a period of rapid growth, it now aims to reach £1 million in 2025. RAISE produces nut and seed clusters, inspired by the granola snacks made by founder Chester Robinson’s Nigerian mother when he was growing up. After his father passed away when he was 22, Robinson developed a strong interest in eating healthily and exercising, and now hopes to revitalise the snack market with nutritious products. Shortly after RAISE was founded, it was chosen for Sainsbury’s Future Brands incubator program, gaining startup support and a listing at the retailer. “Securing a listing with Sainsbury’s was a dream come true, but we were met …

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Vegan food in bowl stock

Image: Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
Studies & Numbers

Large-Scale Study Links Healthy Plant-Based Diet to Reduced Risk of IBD

A large cohort study involving more than 143,000 UK participants has found that a healthy plant-based diet may reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The study, published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, examined the relationship between plant-based diets and IBD over a 14.5-year follow-up period. Lower risk for UC and CD The study tracked the dietary habits of participants and found that those who followed a healthy plant-based diet had a lower risk of developing IBD. Specifically, participants who ate more plant-based foods considered to be health-promoting, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, had an 8% lower risk of developing ulcerative colitis and a 14% lower risk of developing Crohn’s disease …

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Stella McCartney Balena sneakers

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Shoes

Stella McCartney Partners With Balena to Launch Sustainable Sneakers With Compostable Soles

Fashion house Stella McCartney has partnered with material science company Balena to launch a new version of its sustainable S-Wave Sport sneakers. The soles of the shoes are made with Balena’s BioCir® Flex material, which biodegrades into renewable biomass when composted in industrial facilities and can be recycled for continuous use. BioCir® Flex is made from sustainable sources like castor beans, oils, and polysaccharides, which do not compete with food resources. It is dyed with natural cinnamon, and is claimed to be as durable as TPU and as flexible as rubber. The white version of the sneakers features Piñayarn® mesh panelling, made with pineapple leaf fibres sourced from agricultural waste. This material is a zero-waste, biobased alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. The Wine version has …

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NOMO wins at Free From Food Awards

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Fairs & Events

Vegan Chocolate Brand NOMO Wins Three Golds at Free From Food Awards

UK-based vegan and allergy-friendly chocolate brand NOMO has won multiple accolades at the 2025 Free From Food Awards. The brand received three gold awards in the Confectionery category for the following products: Additionally, NOMO’s Birthday Cake XL Bar was commended in the Gifting & Celebration category. “Absolutely thrilled” NOMO previously received gold medals for its Coconut Egg, Easter Hunt pack, and Ultimate Egg at The Free From Food Easter Awards, along with a silver award for its Mini Creamy Vanilla Bunnies. “We’re absolutely thrilled that our brand-new products have been so widely recognised at the Free From Food Awards,” said Tara Stevens, Senior Brand Manager at NOMO. “This recognition shows there’s strong demand for free‑from products that not only meet dietary needs but delight with …

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Burger King UK

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Marketing & Media

Over 40% of Meat Eaters Haven’t Tried Plant-Based Burgers – Burger King’s New Campaign Aims to Change That

Burger King UK has launched a campaign to encourage meat eaters to try plant-based options, supported by Pete Wicks, known for his role on the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex. The initiative is in collaboration with The Vegetarian Butcher, and its goal is to increase awareness and trial of plant-based burgers. Wicks, who has been appointed Burger King’s first-ever “Chief Persuader,” is tasked with delivering Vegan Royale® burgers to meat-eaters, hoping to convince them to experience the taste of plant-based alternatives. The campaign is driven by research from GFI that reveals more than 40% of meat eaters have never tried a plant-based burger. Speaking on his involvement, Wicks commented, “You don’t have to go full veggie to enjoy good food. I’m proud …

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Califia Farms launches new oat barista blends

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Califia Farms Launches Pistachio & Hazelnut Flavour Oat Barista Blends in the UK

Califia Farms has expanded its range of oat barista blends with the launch of two new flavours — Pistachio and Hazelnut — in the UK. The products aim to meet the growing demand for flavoured coffee, and are designed to steam and foam effectively for customers making lattes at home. They provide a less sugary and more cost-effective alternative to flavoured syrups. The pistachio flavour has been launched in response to social media trends for pistachio lattes and Dubai chocolate, while hazelnut is reportedly one of the most popular coffee flavours worldwide. “Unprecedented demand” Califia Farms has also been expanding its range in the US over the past year, launching plant-based milk for kids and coconut-based juice beverages with reduced sugar content. In July of …

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Young people eating burgers stock

Photo: MART PRODUCTION on Pexels
Studies & Numbers

Study: Almost Half of Gen Z Brits Would Eat Cultivated Meat Products

New research conducted by Ipsos in the UK has revealed that 47% of Gen Z Brits (defined as those aged 16-29) would consume cultivated meat products. This figure is significantly higher than for other generations — just 21% of Baby Boomers, 22% of Gen X, and 38% of Millennials said they would be willing to eat cultivated meat. However, the survey also indicated a widespread lack of awareness on the subject — 58% of respondents said they knew nothing about cultivated meat, with 33% having never heard of it. This could indicate opportunities to shape perceptions of cultivated products. When asked about the potential positives of cultivated meat, 33% mentioned that animals would not need to be slaughtered. 21% said there would be environmental benefits, …

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Papa John's La Vie

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Food Service

New Vegan Pizza from Papa John’s and La Vie Joins UK Menu for Good

Papa John’s has introduced a new vegan pizza to its UK menu, developed in collaboration with plant-based brand La Vie. This addition, now available nationwide, features a combination of premium plant-based ingredients, including La Vie’s vegan ham, spicy jackfruit pepperoni, and melty Sheese. The pizza is priced at £12 for a large. Here to stay The new creation is built on Papa John’s signature dough and includes a mix of vegetables such as mushrooms, red onions, peppers, and black olives. According to the company, the pizza aims to provide a robust flavor profile while maintaining high-quality, plant-based ingredients. This new offering is positioned as a permanent addition to Papa John’s Vegan Works range. Continued partnership with La Vie This launch follows earlier collaborations between Papa …

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peter mcguinness

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Society

McGuinness Talks Strategy for Impossible Foods’ European Expansion: “Leading with Climate Didn’t Work”

At Bloomberg’s Sustainable Business Summit in London, Peter McGuinness, CEO of Impossible Foods, shared insights on the company’s strategy for European market expansion. Speaking with Bloomberg’s Kriti Gupta, McGuinness detailed the company’s efforts to navigate the evolving plant-based food industry and its approach to overcoming current market challenges. UK market faces plateau Impossible Foods is seeking to expand its presence in the UK and the European market. McGuinness pointed out that the UK leads Europe in plant-based consumption, offering a unique opportunity for the company. However, he noted that the market, while initially growing rapidly, has begun to plateau, largely due to issues with taste and consumer confusion. “It started with a big bang, and there was a lot of publicity around it and several …

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Ivy Farm

© Ivy Farm
Approvals

UK to Provide Direct Support for Cell-Cultivated Food Companies Through New Pilot Service

The Food Standards Agency (FSA), in collaboration with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has introduced a pilot support service aimed at assisting companies in the cell-cultivated food sector with the UK market authorisation process. This initiative responds to the increasing number of companies working to bring cell-cultivated products to market, which include foods like cell-grown chicken fillets and beef burgers. The service is designed to provide guidance to businesses throughout the authorisation process, ensuring these products meet the necessary safety standards before reaching consumers. Guiding safe market entry Thomas Vincent, Deputy Director of Sandbox and Innovation at the FSA, outlined the purpose of the new service, explaining that, “The FSA’s role is to make sure all foods are safe before they are sold in UK. As …

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Cultivated bacon on top of a burger

Image courtesy of Uncommon
Politics & Law

Cultivated & Fermented Foods Could Receive Increased Support Through UK Government’s Industrial Strategy

The UK government has published a new Industrial Strategy that pledges £184 million to boost the country’s engineering biology industry by building and upgrading pilot and scale-up facilities. The pledge has been made under the strategy’s Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, and could benefit producers of cultivated meat, cultivated ingredients, and fermentation-based foods. The plan specifically highlights London-based cultivated meat startup Multus to illustrate how clusters of engineering biology expertise already exist in different regions. Additionally, it explains how the UK’s cultivated meat regulatory sandbox could help to boost engineering biology. Designed to improve regulators’ scientific knowledge of cultivated meat, the sandbox is described as the first of its kind in Europe and has received £1.6 million in government funding. The plan pledges to partner …

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THIS burger

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Company News

Sales of THIS Plant-Based BBQ Products Surge 21% Amid UK Heatwave

As the UK experiences a heatwave, plant-based food company THIS™ has reported a 21% increase in sales of its burger and sausage ranges at Tesco and Sainsbury’s over the past two weeks. The rise in sales coincides with the increased popularity of barbecues during the summer months, with many consumers opting for meat-free alternatives at their grill sessions. The future of BBQ is plant-based Nick Ball, Commercial Director of THIS™, noted that the surge in sales reflects the growing demand for flavorful plant-based options. “Nothing says summer like the smell of a barbecued sausage wafting over the fence — and there’s a good chance it’s a plant-based one,” said Ball. THIS™ offers a variety of products suited for grilling, including the THIS™ Isn’t Pork Sausages, …

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Violife

© Violife
Products & Launches

Violife Launches Protein-Rich Plant-Based Cheddar Alternative in the UK

Violife has launched Supreme Cheddarton, a new plant-based alternative to cheddar cheese, which is the first in its category to be a high source of protein. The product also contains 30% less fat than traditional dairy cheddar, making it a potential option for consumers looking to reduce their fat intake without compromising on taste or texture. Currently available in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Ocado, the 200g pack of Supreme Cheddarton is priced at £2.95. The product will also be introduced to Asda and Morrisons stores in early July. Monica Bordin, Head of Violife Global Brand & Violife North America, noted that the product represents a significant development in the plant-based cheese sector. “This is a breakthrough moment for plant-based alternatives to cheese. With Supreme Cheddarton, we’re …

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Mighty Drinks

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Company News

UK Alt-Milk Brand Mighty Drinks Seeks New Owners After Entering Administration

Mighty Drinks, a UK-based producer of plant-based oat and pea milk, has entered administration following financial difficulties linked to rising costs and declining consumer confidence. The company, which was one of the UK’s fastest-growing dairy alternatives brands, appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on June 17. Struggles with investment & financial sustainability As initially reported by Just Food, the company’s parent organization, Watkins Drinks Limited, struggled to secure necessary investment, which ultimately led to its decision to appoint James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath as joint administrators. The firm’s product range, sold in supermarkets and health stores across the UK, included pea-protein and oat-based milks. Tom Swiers, food and drink sector lead at Interpath, explained that while Mighty Drinks had developed a strong product portfolio, …

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