© Califia Farms

Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Califia Farms Launches Plant-Based Creamers in Lavender, Brown Sugar and Vanilla

Califia Farms, based in Bakersfield, California, announces the launch of plant-based creamers in three flavors: lavender, brown sugar, and vanilla. The creamers are USDA-certified and made with simple ingredients without gums or oils. The almond-based creamers, available in a 25.4-ounce refrigerated format, debuted at this week’s Natural Products Expo West Show in Anaheim, California. The creamers are the latest addition to the brand’s organic line, following Organic Almond Milk and Organic Oat Milk, which launched in January 2023. Most recently the company launched Califia Farms Complete, a plant-based milk designed to match the nutritional profile of dairy milk while containing 50% less sugar, just this week. The range will soon be expanded to include organic coconut milk and organic vanilla almond milk. Califia Farms was …

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Vegan Butter Toffee Ice Cream

©Frankie & Jo's

Food & Beverage

Miyoko’s Creamery and Frankie & Jo’s Bring Back Exclusive Holiday Ice Cream

Miyoko’s Creamery and Seattle ice cream shop Frankie & Jo’s announce the return of their exclusive holiday ice cream collaboration featuring Miyoko’s award-winning butter.  Toffee and more Launching December 1st, the new vegan Butter Toffee and Chocolate Ice Cream includes caramel ice cream swirled with bite-sized butter toffee bars dipped in dark chocolate. The unique flavor is made from Miyoko’s cultured vegan butter, a premium dairy-free butter used by top chefs throughout the country.  The new pint collaboration, which runs through the month of December, will be available at all Seattle locations of Frankie & Jo’s as well as through nationwide US shipping on Miyoko’s website.  Artisan ice cream Frankie & Jo’s is a popular plant-based ice cream shop with three store locations in Seattle, …

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Miyoko's Oat Milk Butter

©Miyoko's Creamery

Products & Launches

Miyoko’s Launches Cultured Oat Milk Butter into US Walmart Stores Nationwide

Plant-based dairy brand Miyoko’s Creamery announces it has launched its Organic Cultured Oat Milk Butter into US Walmart stores nationwide.  Described as the “world’s finest” cultured oat butter, the product is made from sunflower oil, whole-grain oat milk and coconut oil. According to the brand, the 12 oz. butter offers a convenient and allergen-friendly spread, with no gluten, lactose, soy, cashews or palm oil. The butter is also USDA Certified Organic and made without artificial colors or preservatives.  2022 has been an eventful year for Miyoko’s,  which is currently wrapping up a multi-state food truck tour it launched last month to showcase its range of artisanal cheeses and butter.  New products This spring, the brand debuted its groundbreaking Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella at regional Whole …

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Miyoko's Food Truck Tour

©Miyoko's Creamery

Marketing & Media

Miyoko’s Creamery Launches Multi-State ‘Foodie Truck Tour’ and Debuts New Smoked Gouda Cheese

Dairy-free pioneer Miyoko’s Creamery announces the launch of its Foodie Truck Tour – a new tasting tour bringing Miyoko’s award-winning butter and cheeses to multiple states this fall. Today, the brand is also releasing a new limited-edition Smoked Gouda cheese wheel at Whole Foods Market. Starting off in Northern California’s Sonoma Wine Country, the tour is making scheduled stops in the Bay Area, Southern California, Arizon and Austin, TX, where it will wrap up in November. Along the way, the brand will serve a “one-of-a-kind” tasting experience featuring dishes such as cajun street corn and orzo aglio e burro with Miyoko’s cultured vegan butter, margherita pizza made with its liquid cheese, and caprese salad with fresh plant milk mozzarella. Fans will also be treated to …

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Powerplant-Ventures

©Powerplant Ventures

Investments & Finance

PowerPlant Partners Reveals New $330M Fund to Exclusively Support Growth-Stage Companies

PowerPlant Partners, a global growth equity firm investing in disruptive plant-based companies, announces it has closed a $330M fund to shift from investing in startups to focus solely on growth-stage companies.  The new fund, known as PPV Fund III, will invest between $15M and $40M in target companies generating $10-$75M in annual revenue as active, primarily minority, investors. The firm will continue to support consumer-facing brands, but is expanding its vision beyond food and beverage products to include consumer technology, service and enablement companies that prioritize the importance of human and planetary life.  According to PowerPlant, this shift will allow the firm to grow its consumer wellness platform while providing a more integrated network for its current portfolio brands. Miyoko’s and more “With this additional …

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Plant-Based Creamers

© Coffee mate/Nestlé

Products & Launches

Coffee Mate Launches Plant-Based Creamers for First Time in 50-Year History

For the first time in 50 years, Nestlé-owned brand Coffee mate is launching plant-based creamers in the flavours French Vanilla and Caramel. Coffee mate’s conventional French Vanilla creamer is the best-selling in the refrigerated aisle, and the new almond and oat-based version provides an option for those who avoid dairy. The Caramel flavour is also a customer favourite, with the plant-based version described as having a rich, buttery taste that is ideal for the holiday season. According to Coffee mate, plant-based creamers now account for 15% of the category. Though the brand launched non-dairy options in the US in 2017 as part of its Natural Bliss line, the new launches mark the first time plant-based creamers have been sold under the Coffee mate brand. Non-dairy …

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Miyoko Schinner

©Miyoko's Creamery

Investments & Finance

Miyoko’s Creamery Raises Additional $7M in Equity Funding to Aid Expansion

Dairy-free innovator Miyoko’s Creamery has raised an additional $7M in equity funding, reports Biz Journals. The announcement is based on May 24 company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  A series of successes The fund amount of $6,999,990 was raised from undisclosed investors and would bring Miyoko’s total fundraising to date to $78.6M.  According to Intelligence 360, founder and CEO Miyoko Schinner was significantly involved in the investment, and the money will help the plant-based company as it continues to “aggressively” expand and increase product development.  The investment is the company’s first since last year’s massive $52M Series C round, which the brand used toward launching its groundbreaking liquid mozzarella and accelerating R&D. In 2021, Miyoko also won a landmark legal victory granting …

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Dear Bella Creamery founders

© Dear Bella Creamery

Interviews

Dear Bella Creamery: “What We Hear Over and Over From Our Customers is, “I Cannot Believe This is Plant-Based!””

LA ice cream shop Dear Bella Creamery was founded by Taiwanese-Americans Alice Cherng and Belinda Wei in 2017 to “offer a limitless approach to plant-based ice cream and other frozen treats” and quickly became a hit in Hollywood amongst vegans and non-vegans alike, recently revealing expansion plans beginning with a new location in Costa Mesa. The best friend-founders recently announced that the entire line of plant-based ice cream, including flavors such as Mango Sticky Rice, Taiwanese Pineapple Cake, Sweet Red Bean, Passion Fruit Banana, and Matcha Soft Serve, is now available for US shipping nationwide as the business goes from strength to strength. It was time to catch up with Alica and Belinda to discuss all things vegan ice cream. Tell us about yourselves and …

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Forager Project Kids Yogurt

©Forager Project

Food & Beverage

Forager Project Debuts First Line of Organic Kids Dairy-Free Yogurts

Forager Project, an organic plant-based creamery, announces the launch of Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt, the brand’s first kids-specific product line. Made for children three and up, the yogurt pouches are now available nationwide in the US at Whole Foods Markets, and will soon debut at Fresh Thyme, Mom’s, Central Market and additional stores.  Kid-approved yogurts Created specifically for kids, the Dairy-Free Kids Yogurt comes in three flavors and each pouch is filled with probiotics, calcium and Vitamins A, D and B12. There are currently minimal vegan snacks made especially for children, Forager states, and the new products provide parents a welcome, healthy option that can be enjoyed anytime.  The new flavors include: Berry Berry – Fruity and flavorful with tastes of blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry …

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Dear Bella Creamery Founders

©Dear Bella Creamery

Company News

Dear Bella Creamery Launches US National Shipping of Taiwanese-American Vegan Ice Cream

Dear Bella Creamery, an LA-based ice cream shop, announces its entire line of plant-based ice cream is now available for US shipping nationwide. Founded by Taiwanese-Americans, the brand aims to diversify the vegan ice cream market by introducing creative Asian-American ice cream flavors to mainstream consumers. Dear Bella is also opening a second LA ice cream shop this summer.  For shipping, customers can order up to five pints (5 for $65) from Dear Bella’s website. Founded in 2017 by Alice Cherng and Belinda Wei, Dear Bella produces all-natural, dairy-free ice creams in both classic and exotic flavors. Its extensive Hollywood menu features soft serve scoops, cones, sundaes, shakes and house-made ice cream cakes, among other frozen treats. According to the company, every ingredient is free of …

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Milkadamia Milk Cartons

©Milkadamia

Company News

Milkadamia and Beverage World Partner to Expand Macadamia-Based Milk in Canada

Dairy-free brand milkadamia announces a major partnership with beverage distributor Beverge World Inc. to bring its full range of macadamia-based products to Canada. Through the agreement, milkadamia’s line will launch at Canadian retailers nationwide starting in late May.  The product rollout will begin with milkadamia’s milk range before expanding to offer its macadamia-derived creams, butters, oil and spray. The first SKU’s under the deal will include:  Unsweetened Milk Unsweetened Vanilla Milk Lightly Sweetened Milk Barista Blend Unsweetened Barista Blend (Available in 32 oz.) Meeting the demand Previously only available in select Canadian stores, milkadamia says the Beverage World deal will significantly increase the brand’s retail presence throughout the country.   “We have had our milkadamia products featured in Costco and Loblaw’s and in a few of …

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Laird Superfood Bright Cups

©Laird Superfood

Beverages

Laird Superfood Launches Bright Cups – Compostable Coffee Pods Made With 85% Coffee Waste

Laird Superfood, a leading brand of functional coffee and superfood creamers, announces it has entered the single-use coffee pod category with Bright Cups. An eco-friendly alternative to conventional coffee pods, Bright Cups are compatible with most single-serve coffee machines and made from plant-derived, BPI-certified materials. Bright Cups are currently available online through Laird’s website and on Amazon starting in May. Bright Cups features Laird’s best-selling Focus Mushroom Coffee, made from high-altitude coffee beans, blended with Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts and adaptogens.  Coffee chaff According to the brand, about 12 billion single-serve coffee pods are purchased every year, with the great majority ending up as waste in landfills. To reduce the environmental impact of Bright Cups, the pods are composed of 85% coffee chaff – the natural …

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Farmer Toolkit

Farmer Toolkit

Society

Miyoko’s Creamery, Mercy for Animals and Animal Outlook Launch Toolkit to Help Farmers Transition to Plants

Three of the largest organizations in farmed animal welfare have joined forces to launch The Farmer Toolkit – a first-of-its-kind online information hub to help US farmers transition away from industrial animal agriculture.  Mercy for Animals’ Transfarmation project partnered with Animal Outlook and Miyoko’s Creamery Dairy Farm Transition program to construct the Toolkit, which provides extensive guidance and support for farmers looking to shift from animal agriculture to plant-focused farming.  Among many benefits, The Farmer Toolkit provides: State-by-state resources Funding opportunities Marketing guidance for selling products Information on growing specialty crops Enterprise budgets Webinars Publicity Facilitating better farming Through its programs, Mercy for Animals’ Transfarmation has already assisted numerous animal farmers to successfully shift their farms to grow sustainable crops like hemp and mushrooms.  As …

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Miyoko's Creamery liquid vegan mozzarella

©Miyoko's Creamery

Cheese Alternatives

Miyoko’s Award-Winning Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella in Whole Foods Launch

Miyoko’s Creamery’s award-winning new Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella is launching in Whole Foods Markets in the South and Southern Pacific regions. The liquid cheese innovation offers superior melting qualities when cooked, according to CEO Miyoko Schinner, who told vegconomist the product will “revolutionize vegan pizza cheese”. The unique Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella format differs from the conventional block or shredded cheese approach, which is made from organic cultured cashew milk, which is the brand claims is fermented according to traditional cheesemaking techniques. This format means the product does not have any added flavors or excess ingredients.  After recently winning the Best New Product Supporting a Plant-Based Lifestyle at the Expo West 2022 NEXTY Awards, Miyoko’s Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella will be hitting shelves at Whole Foods …

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© nutpods

Food & Beverage

Trendy Californian Brand Nutpods Launches Zero Sugar Barista Oat Line

Popular vegan creamer brand nutpods has just introduced a new line of zero sugar barista oat milks that are tailor-made for espresso drinks. The California-based brand, born from a Kickstarter campaign, was founded by Madeline Haydon in 2013 and has benefited from its ambassador and influencer marketing programs, as well as help from niche bloggers. The new collection “will satisfy nutpods fans’ desires for an easy to foam and froth oat milk designed to create barista-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home but without the high levels of sugar often found in oat milk,” says the brand.  Original and Cinnamon Dolce flavored Barista oat milks in 32oz cartons are now available at Sprouts and Fresh Thyme. “Our zero-sugar brand has always been about giving the consumer choice …

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© Renewal Mill

Food & Beverage

Miyoko’s Creamery and Renewal Mill Collaborate to Tackle Food Waste With 100% Upcycled Vegan Cookies

Miyoko’s Creamery and Renewal Mill, both female-owned companies from Northern California, have joined forces to launch a cookie made entirely from upcycled and plant-based ingredients. “A vegan, upcycled soft-baked cookie that tackles food waste is a marker of a food system renaissance.” The partnership has resulted in the “creamery of tomorrow” with vegan salted peanut butter cookies, which are now made with Miyoko’s Creamery European Style Cultured Vegan Butter. This marks the first co-branded, upcycled product using Miyoko’s Creamery Ingredients. Renewal Mill, an upcycled food and baking products company, is the winner of the 2022 Natural Products Expo West NEXTY Award for “Best New Planet-Forward Product”, for its upcycled Matcha Chip Cookie Mix. The NEXTY Awards celebrate the “most progressive, impactful and trustworthy products in …

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Chobai Plant-Based Coffee Creamers

©Chobani

Products & Launches

Chobani Releases New Line of Plant-Based Coffee Creamers Ahead of IPO

Chobani, a leading dairy foods brand, has announced the launch of Chobani Plant-Based Coffee Creamers. Available in four flavors – Sweet & Creamy, French Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Caramel Macchiato – the new creamers blend plant-based ingredients to produce a rich, dairy-like taste. All four varieties are non-GMO and free from artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives.  The latest products join Chobani’s growing coffee creamer selection, which includes the company’s existing range of dairy-free Oat Creamers.  Moving to the forefront of plant-based milk Long known for its popular Greek yogurt, in 2019 Chobani premiered the company’s first coconut milk-based yogurt products, followed by a major expansion into oat-based milks, yogurts, yogurt cups and pre-biotic drinks.   Recently, the company partnered with Tim Hortons, Canada’s largest quick service chain, …

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Chocolate chipotle ice cream from Little Bean

©Carly Diaz Official

Food & Beverage

Cold Stone Creamery Partners with Silk to Launch First Plant-Based Ice Cream

Ice cream chain Cold Stone Creamery announced the company’s Silk-crafted vegan ice cream is now available across the USA. The Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Frozen Dessert is Cold Stone’s first plant-based ice cream option and will feature in the Don’t Cry Over Spilled Silk Creation, made with Silk Chocolate Almondmilk Dessert, Banana, Peanut Butter and Roasted Almonds. Known for its signature “Creations” – where customers choose a combination of ice cream and mixed-in toppings – Cold Stone’s dairy-free menu was previously limited to a range of sorbet flavors.  The collaboration with Silk, which is owned by Danone North America, will allow customers who choose dairy-free ice cream to take part in the full Cold Stone experience by adding in treats like apple pie, fruit, nuts, Oreos, …

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Miyoko

©Miyoko Schinner

Gastronomy & Food Service

Miyoko’s Creamery Launches Vegan Butter Channel on YouTube

Miyoko’s Creamery, the pioneering alt-dairy brand known for its popular butter, is officially launching The Vegan Butter Channel. From yesterday November 23rd, the YouTube channel will stream acclaimed chefs showcasing how Miyoko’s plant-based butter melts, browns, bakes and spreads exactly like traditional animal butter.  Timed to coincide with the start of the holiday baking and cooking season, the show follows a high-profile court victory for Miyoko‘s over its use of the words “butter” and “dairy” on its product packaging. In August, a California court ruled in Miyoko’s favor, handing her a landmark win and setting a major precedent for a plant-based company’s right to use dairy terminology that is familiar to consumers. Bolstered by the victory, Miyoko’s has since closed $52 million in Series C …

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Frankie & Jo's Ice Cream Miyoko's

©Frankie & Jo's Ice Cream

Products & Launches

Seattle Ice Cream Brand Frankie & Jo’s Partners with Miyoko’s Creamery for Plant-Based Scoop

In partnership with Miyoko’s Creamery, Seattle-based ice cream brand Frankie & Jo’s has launched a new vegan ice cream flavor. Miyoko’s Butter Toffee & Chocolate ice cream features creamy caramel and bite-sized butter toffee bars, made with Miyoko’s cultured vegan butter, that are dipped in rich dark chocolate.  “Miyoko’s creamery is transforming the animal-free future of dairy and shares our vision of reducing our dependence on animals for our food, our traditions, and our daily lives” Like all its plant-based flavors, the ice cream is available to ship across the US as well as being available in Frankie & Jo’s Seattle-based shops. The ice cream specialist is encouraging customers to use the code “PLANTMAGIC” on Miyoko’s site to get 10% off orders for the month …

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