UK

supermarket shelf with meat

©Media Srock -stock.adobe.com

Studies & Numbers

WWF-UK States Proportion of “Livestock-Based” Foods in Supermarkets is Almost Double Recommended Levels

Environmental charity WWF-UK has published its annual What’s in Store for the Planet report, which includes data on the lack of progress made by UK retailers towards sustainability targets. WWF-UK has developed a healthy, sustainable diet called Livewell, which it claims could deliver a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% reduction in biodiversity loss by 2030 compared to the current average diet. Livewell has a 40:30:30 percentage split across livestock, seafood, and plant-based protein foods; it is also in line with government nutrition guidelines. This year, the number of retailers who supplied data on the breakdown of protein food sales increased from six to nine. However, the data indicates that 79% of total protein food sales are livestock-based on average, almost double …

more

Organisations and brands:

National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre

© NAPIC
Society

NAPIC Becomes Latest Alternative Protein Innovation Centre to Open in the UK

The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) has been formally launched at the UK’s University of Leeds. It comes after the centre received £15 million in investment from two government funding bodies — the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Innovate UK. NAPIC is hosted by the University of Leeds and co-led with the James Hutton Institute, the University of Sheffield, and Imperial College London. Its aim is to “transform the alternative protein landscape and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet”. The launch event was attended by 250 delegates spanning academia, industry, investors, funders, and policymakers. It featured a keynote address by Professor Tim Benton of Chatham House, who discussed the critical role of alternative proteins in creating a sustainable …

more

chickpea tempeh

© Franklin Farms
Studies & Numbers

Scientific Study Reveals Which Meat Alternatives Offer the Most Health & Environmental Benefits

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has ranked different types of meat alternatives to determine which is best from the perspective of health, the environment, and cost. Titled A multicriteria analysis of meat and milk alternatives from nutritional, health, environmental, and cost perspectives, the study was led by Dr Marco Springmann from the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Global Health at University College London. The findings indicate that legumes such as beans and peas are the best meat alternative; if chosen over meat and dairy, they would reportedly reduce nutritional imbalances in high-income countries by half and mortality from diet-related diseases by a tenth. Environmental impacts (such as emissions, land …

more

© Tesco
Studies & Numbers

A Quarter of British Households Plan to Choose an Alternative to Turkey This Christmas

A survey commissioned by Global Knives has found that 1 in 4 British households intend to serve an alternative to turkey this Christmas, with those aged between 26 and 35 the most likely to make the switch. In some regions, the trend away from turkey is even more significant, with 50% of respondents in Portsmouth, 38% in York, and 33% in Cambridge saying they will opt for an alternative. It is not clear what percentage of these alternatives will be plant-based; however, a recent Tesco survey found that over 27% of respondents will serve or consider prioritising meat-free options this Christmas, supporting the idea that many consumers plan to avoid animal products. Vegetable-based festive dishes Tesco notes that plant-based shoppers are increasingly turning to veg-led …

more

Organisations and brands:

Meatable, a Dutch producer of cell-based pork meat, has become the first company to hold an officially approved cultivated meat tasting in the European Union and the first in the Netherlands.

Image courtesy of Meatable © Bart Maat
Charity & Campaigns

Is Cultivated Meat Vegan? The Vegan Society Says “Not Enough to Support it”

The Vegan Society acknowledges that cultivated meat has potential benefits, such as reducing animal slaughter and suffering, environmental improvements (less land and water usage, reduced greenhouse emissions), reduced zoonotic disease risks, and decreased antibiotic resistance. However, the organization states, “Cultivated meat is not vegan. Furthermore, it may never be considered vegan.” In a newly released research briefing, The Vegan Society discusses the intersections between veganism, ethics, and cultivated meat, highlighting the current limitations in alignment with vegan principles and ethical considerations. The paper also provides readers with essential information on the technology that has moved from a “fringe idea found only in science fiction” to being approved in Singapore, the US, and Israel, served in restaurants in Hong Kong, and approved as a pet food …

more

Organisations and brands:

Redefine Meat

© Redefine Meat
Company News

Redefine Meat Celebrates Record Growth & 1000th UK Site Partnership

Amid a period of industry challenges, premium meat alternatives producer Redefine Meat is celebrating a record year. The company has seen almost 100% year-on-year UK food service sales growth, and recently secured its 1000th UK site partnership with pub retailer Greene King. The brand’s Redefine Beef Flank steak is now available at 70 flagship Greene King sites UK-wide, including pubs, restaurants, and hotels. The premium-cut plant-based product is said to be ideal for all cooking methods and reportedly generates up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its animal-based counterpart. In total, the plant-based steak is now on the menu at 200 UK sites, with customers including Stonegate Group, Albion, Gusto, and Dirty Vegan Burgers. Meanwhile, Redefine Meat has seen year-on-year retail sales growth of …

more

Organisations and brands:

Stanford study compares the mechanical and sensory properties of plant-based and animal meat products.

From left: Skyler St. Pierre, Marc Levenston, Ellen Kuhl, Reese Dunne, Ethan Darwin, Valerie Perez Medina, and Divya Adil pose with the meat and plant-based meat they analyzed © Kurt Hickman

Science

Stanford Engineers Develop 3D Texture Tests to Make Plant-Based Meat with “Precisely Desired” Properties

Stanford University engineers have developed a new AI model for food texture testing to improve the sensory experience of plant-based meat and encourage wider acceptance, especially among meat lovers. The researchers say the method could accelerate the development of appealing vegan alternatives by replacing trial-and-error approaches with a systematic, data-driven strategy that can tailor specific features to match consumer expectations. “Instead of using a trial-and-error approach to improve the texture of plant-based meat, we could envision using generative artificial intelligence to scientifically generate recipes for plant-based meat products with precisely desired properties,” the authors state. Testing the “mechanical signature” In the study published in Science of Food, the researchers show how they used a combination of mechanical testing and machine learning to measure and replicate …

more

Organisations and brands:

Karin Ridgers receives Best Vegan PR Company award

Karin Ridgers receives the Best Vegan PR Company award from actor and friend Peter Egan. Image supplied.
People

MAD Promotions Founder Karin Ridgers Receives Viva! Best Vegan PR Business Award

Karin Ridgers, the founder of MAD Promotions, has received the Best Vegan PR Business Award at vegan charity Viva!’s 30th anniversary celebration. Karin is a longtime Viva! member who has dedicated her career to helping ethical businesses gain visibility through PR and media relations. She supported Veganuary’s initial campaign and has worked with numerous vegan SMEs and charities. Additionally, she presents and promotes VegfestUK, the UK’s longest-running vegan festival. “It is always about my clients – however, this is about me and our work at MAD Promotions and I am rather chuffed to bits, especially to win an award from an organisation like Viva! that has inspired me for 30 years,” said Ridgers. “It’s been an incredible journey helping to champion vegan businesses over the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Bel UK launches Boursin Plant-Based

© Bel UK
Cheese Alternatives

Bel UK Launches Improved Plant-Based Boursin Cheese

The UK subsidiary of multinational cheese producer Bel Group has launched a new plant-based version of its popular Boursin soft cheese. Available in the flavour Garlic & Herbs, the cheese alternative is said to replicate the taste and texture of dairy Boursin. It is suitable for a range of applications such as spreading on bread or adding to cooking. Bel previously launched a plant-based Boursin product in 2021, available in both the UK and the US. However, the new version is said to have an improved taste and texture, along with updated packaging. While the original plant-based Boursin was sold in a plastic tub, the new version comes in the same foil-wrapped format as conventional Boursin. “We’ve worked to ensure the flavour, texture, and packaging …

more

Organisations and brands:

©TRAVELARIUM -stock.adobe.com
Studies & Numbers

Report Urges 20% Cut in Meat and Dairy to Decarbonize the UK Food System by 2050

A new report detailing a system for decarbonizing the UK food system suggests that reducing meat and dairy consumption is necessary to lower its 129.5 million-tonne carbon footprint and achieve sector net-zero targets by 2030 and 2050. The report is a collaboration between the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the accounting firm EY, and food industry leaders, aiming to craft a strategy for change that aligns net-zero emissions and health goals to avoid reactive policy impositions and maintain the food industry’s autonomy. Supply vs. demand-side Food emissions are a large share of global and UK greenhouse gas emissions, and deep cuts will be required on both the supply and demand sides to meet climate objectives. As the report …

more

Concepta Ingredients

© Concepta Ingredients
Fairs & Events

Concepta Ingredients to Present Premium Proteins Derived From Sesame at PBWE Europe

Brazil’s Concepta Ingredients, a division of Grupo Sabará specializing in natural food and beverage solutions, has announced its attendance at this year’s Plant Based World Expo Europe. Taking place in London today (November 13) and tomorrow, PBWE Europe brings together numerous important players in the plant-based industry, including retailers, service professionals, and investors. At this year’s event, Concepta Ingredients will showcase its Arboreto Premium Protein range. One of the highlights of the range is PRO 1000G, a protein asset derived from the extraction process of sesame oil. The product is said to be rich in protein, fiber, and calcium, and a source of essential amino acids. The range also includes PRO 1000GB, which combines sesame with the Amazonian ingredient babaçu. According to Concepta Ingredients, the …

more

Meatly, the UK's only regulatory-approved cultivated meat company announces the latest findings from its feeding trials for Meatly Chicken and a new investment round.

© Meatly
Pet Food

Meatly’s Cultivated Chicken Earns Paws of Approval in Feeding Trials, New Investments Ahead of 2025 Launch

Meatly, the UK’s only regulatory-approved cultivated meat company, announces the latest findings from its feeding trials with dogs for Meatly Chicken and a new investment round. The feeding trials, claimed to be the first in the world to evaluate a cultivated meat ingredient for pets, demonstrated that Meatly Chicken is safe, showing no significant adverse effects across 134 recorded meals. Since taste is king, even for dogs, alongside safety, the trials aimed to investigate if the canines liked the Meatly Chicken product. According to the results, “dogs are keen for seconds.” 50% of dogs continued licking the bowl after the meal, 75% of dogs reportedly enjoyed the cultivated meat more than their baseline diet, and 75% of dogs started their meals immediately or within a …

more

Sproud Barista Zero pea milk

© Sproud
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Sproud Launches Sugar-Free Barista ZERO Pea Milk

Swedish pea milk brand Sproud has launched a new product, Barista ZERO, formulated with no sugars or added sweeteners. Designed to provide baristas with exceptional performance, the new formula is said to have a smooth, creamy texture and neutral taste, with twice as much protein as oat milk. It offers long-lasting microfoam that can be used to create latte art by professionals and home baristas alike. Made from yellow split peas, Sproud products are free of major allergens and are claimed to have the lowest climate impact of any dairy or plant-based milk on the market. Barista ZERO makes its debut today (November 11) at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin, where Sproud is the official milk alternative sponsor. “Uncompromising product” The news comes just …

more

Organisations and brands:

Doisy and Dam acquired by Food Thoughts

© Doisy & Dam
Investments & Acquisitions

Doisy & Dam Acquired by Organic Cocoa Producer Food Thoughts

UK-based vegan chocolate brand Doisy & Dam has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Food Thoughts, a producer of organic cocoa and cacao products. Doisy & Dam was founded in 2012 and offers a range of ethical and sustainable plant-based confectionery, including plant-based alternatives to products such as M&Ms and Maltesers. The chocolates are available at major national retailers such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Holland & Barrett, along with various independent stores. Food Thoughts focuses mainly on fairly traded cocoa powder, along with chocolate chips and cacao nibs. The company is increasingly offering plant-based products such as chocolate chips made with oat milk, making the acquisition of Doisy & Dam a logical step. Food Thoughts purchased Doisy & Dam from plant-based beverage and snack …

more

Organisations and brands:

BOSH & Grubby CEO, as the 2 brands extend partnership

© BOSH / Grubby
Delivery Services

GRUBBY Extends Collaboration With BOSH! After Selling Over 100,000 Meal Kits

UK plant-based meal kit service GRUBBY has extended its partnership with vegan chef duo BOSH! following the success of their co-branded products. Over 100,000 GRUBBY x BOSH! meal kits have been sold since the collaboration began 18 months ago, with some varieties completely selling out. Now, the brands have launched ten new dishes, including Gochujang Tofu Mac & Cheese, Crispy Chilli Plant-Based Beef, Peanut Butter & Tenderstem Udon Soup, and Zingy Green Enchiladas with Avocado. The new recipes are already available on GRUBBY’s menu, with at least two to be featured each week. The range will be expanded throughout 2025 and beyond. “GRUBBY’s ambition to cook with more plants aligns perfectly with the BOSH! mission to put more plants on plates, and they stood out …

more

Organisations and brands:

Nukoko's founders

© Nukoko
Sweets & Snacks

Döhler Invests in Nukoko to Scale “World’s First” Cocoa-Free Chocolate From Fava Beans

Döhler, one of the world’s leading ingredients companies, recently announced an investment and strategic partnership with the UK-based startup Nukoko to scale the production of the “world’s first” cocoa-free chocolate from fava beans. The partnership aims to address challenges in the cocoa industry, from rising prices (89% in 2023) driven by climate change and declining yields to environmental impact and socio-economic issues, by offering a “delicious” and sustainable alternative to chocolate. With Döhler’s support, Nukoko will transition from pilot-scale to industrial-scale production by 2025, utilising 10,000-litre fermentation batches to increase output efficiently. In addition, Döhler’s expertise in regulatory processes and food safety will aid Nukoko as it prepares to launch its product. Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, representing Döhler Ventures, shared: “Nukoko’s technology presents a groundbreaking …

more

Organisations and brands:

National Trust

© National Trust
Sustainability / Environment

National Trust Members Vote in Favour of a 50% Plant-Based Menu at Cafés

Members of UK conservation charity the National Trust have voted in favour of a resolution to make at least 50% of the menu plant-based at the Trust’s 300 food and beverage outlets. The vote took place at the Trust’s 129th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in the Newcastle Civic Centre. 57,498 members voted in favour of the resolution, compared to 20,111 against. An overwhelming majority of members also voted in support of a resolution to strengthen the charity’s response to the climate and ecological emergency. The National Trust was founded in 1895 and manages over 500 heritage and nature sites across the UK. Around 40% of the menu at the charity’s cafes is already plant-based, and it has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions …

more

Organisations and brands:

POTINA banana oat drinks

© POTINA
Products & Launches

Former Alpro Sales Director Launches POTINA Banana Oat Drinks for Kids

Entrepreneur Adam Womersley, a former Sales Director at Alpro UK&I, has developed a new range of plant-based banana oat drinks for children. Called POTINA, the clean-label drinks are free of added sugars, sweeteners, oils, and additives. They combine oats with organic bananas to provide energy and natural sweetness. Each 200ml serving includes 4g of fibre, supporting gut health. POTINA is available in two varieties — Banana Oat and Banana Cocoa Oat. Womersley says he was inspired to develop the drinks by his professional background and experiences as a father. “I’ve always been passionate about healthy eating,” he said. “After years working with top food brands and the NHS, I saw firsthand how good nutrition can change lives. Our goal with POTINA is to make nutritious, …

more

Organisations and brands:

microbial protein Formo cheese gratin

© Formo
Charity & Campaigns

World Vegan Day: Celebrating 80 Years of Veganism with a Spotlight on Plant-Based Cheese Innovations

The Vegan Society, the world’s oldest vegan charity, is celebrating its 80th anniversary today, marking World Vegan Day. The society was founded in 1944 by Donald Watson and five other non-dairy vegetarians, who sought to create a movement distinct from vegetarianism and coined the term “vegan.” Over the past 80 years, the vegan movement has grown significantly, with veganism now recognized as a protected philosophical belief in the UK. Vegan options are available in supermarkets, restaurants, fashion, and cosmetics in Europe and North America, and the offer is slowly increasing in other continents. To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the charity is launching a virtual reality campaign, “The Future is Vegan.” The campaign features an AI-created avatar of co-founder Donald Watson, guiding users through a virtual world to …

more

Oatly Barista Lighter Taste

© Oatly
Products & Launches

Oatly UK Introduces Lower-Fat ‘Barista Lighter Taste’, Targeting Trend for Lighter Roasted Coffee

Oatly UK has expanded its popular Barista oat milk range with a new variety designed for coffee lovers, Barista Lighter Taste. The product contains a lower fat level than Oatly’s original Barista Edition oat milk (2.1%  instead of 3%) and is a response to the increasing popularity of lighter-roasted coffee. It has been designed to allow more subtle flavour notes to shine through while retaining the same performance capabilities as the original Barista edition, including frothing and foaming. The new milk alternative was originally trialled at a select number of coffee outlets earlier this year to gain feedback from baristas across Europe. It has now officially launched for retail in the UK, with a new name and updated packaging. Barista strategy The new launch comes …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more