Nutrition News - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

Kate Farms Gains First Major US-Wide Retail Listing as Its Kids Nutrition Shakes Launch at Target

March 14, 2025

Plant-based nutrition brand Kate Farms has announced that its new Kids Nutrition shakes are launching at selected Target stores and on Target.com. The launch marks the brand’s first major US-wide retail listing. The new science-formulated shakes are designed for children age 1 to 13. They contain 8g of organic pea protein, 27 vitamins and minerals, and DHA to help support brain and eye health. The shakes are available in three flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla) and are free of common allergens, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. “Parents today want nutrition they can feel good about — designed for their kids’ growing needs, made with high-quality ingredients, and free from things they don’t want,” said Catherine Hayden, Registered Dietitian and Chief Marketing Officer at Kate Farms. “We’re …

Organisations and brands:

Kate Farms

Target

Flour hemp in a wooden spoon, hemp seed in a bag and on the table, hemp oil in a glass jar, hemp leaves on the background of wooden boards

©kostrez - stock.adobe.com

Health

Study: Consuming Plant-Based Oils Instead of Butter Could Significantly Reduce Mortality

March 10, 2025

A new study that analyzed data from over 200,000 people followed for more than 30 years has concluded that consuming plant-based oils instead of butter may have significant beneficial health effects. Investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that higher intake of plant-based oils (especially soybean, canola, and olive oil) was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meanwhile, butter intake was linked to increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The types of fatty acids found in butter and oil may account for the difference; butter is rich in saturated fats, while plant-based oils contain more unsaturated fatty acids. In future, the researchers would like to study the …

Beverages

Freedom Food Alliance Combats Nutrition Misinformation With New Platform FoodFacts.org

February 11, 2025

The Freedom Food Alliance, a consumer advocacy organization founded by Plant Based News co-founder Robbie Lockie, has announced the launch of a new platform providing accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information about nutrition. Called FoodFacts.org, the platform has partly been launched in response to the recent decision by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to end third-party fact-checking on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. It aims to give individuals, policymakers, and industry leaders the tools to make informed nutrition decisions. One of the key features of FoodFacts.org is an AI-powered chatbot providing tailored real-time guidance. The feature can assist users in exploring nutritional data, investigating food sourcing, and debunking food-related myths. “The decision to remove independent fact-checking from major social media platforms is deeply troubling,” …

Organisations and brands:

The Freedom Food Alliance

Hana Hrstková © Biocyclic Vegan International

Interviews

Hana Hrstková: “A Biocyclic Vegan Approach Is Not Just an Option—It’s a Necessity”

February 5, 2025

Hana Hrstková is a Prague-based resilient food system & vegan gastronomy strategist, dedicated to reshaping the food system to support both human health and environmental sustainability. With over a decade of experience in plant-based nutrition, she integrates principles of organic farming, zero-waste management, and biocyclic vegan agriculture—an approach that eliminates all animal-derived inputs while regenerating soil health. For Hrstková, the connection between soil, the environment, and human well-being is fundamental to the future of food. At the upcoming Biofach trade fair, she will once again take the stage to showcase how plant-based culinary innovation, paired with biocyclic vegan ingredients, can drive a more sustainable and ethical food system. In this interview with vegconomist, Hrstková shares her insights on the future of sustainable gastronomy and why …

Organisations and brands:

Biocyclic Vegan International

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Health

Are Plant-Based Alternatives Healthier? Nutritional Review Offers Surprising Insights

December 3, 2024

With plant-based foods making their way onto more plates, consumers are asking critical questions: are these alternatives as nutritious as traditional meat and dairy products, and are they healthy? ProVeg International’s latest study takes a deep dive into the nutritional profiles of 422 meat alternatives and 251 plant-based milk products across 11 countries, comparing them to their animal-based counterparts. The findings reveal a complex but encouraging picture. On average, plant-based meat alternatives have a higher nutritional quality than animal-based meat, with significantly lower levels of saturated fat and vastly more fibre. Plant-based meat alternatives also contain good amounts of protein – a nutrient that is often up for question. Plant-based milk also stands out, with lower fat and sugar levels compared to cow’s milk, while …

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Health

Report: Plant-Based Meat & Milk Have Similar or Better Nutritional Profiles Than Animal Products

November 26, 2024

Research conducted by ProVeg International in 11 countries has found that plant-based meat alternatives have a better overall nutritional profile than conventional meat, while milk alternatives have similar nutritional properties to cow’s milk. The survey, the results of which have been compiled in a report, evaluated 422 meat alternatives and 251 milk alternatives in Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US. Scoring was based on internationally recognized guidelines — the WHO Nutrients Profile model (NPM), the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, and the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) nutrition claim legislation. Meat alternatives were found to have less saturated fat and significantly more fibre than animal meat, while milk alternatives contained less total fat and less saturated fat …

Organisations and brands:

ProVeg

Image courtesy of The Freedom Food Alliance

Health

Upcoming Report to Address “Tidal Wave”of Nutrition Misinformation on Social Media

August 20, 2024

The Freedom Food Alliance has announced a strategic partnership with Rooted Research Collective to publish a new report titled Nutrition Misinformation in the Digital Age. The report aims to address the spread of inaccurate dietary information on social media, after a recent survey found that 57% of Millennial and Gen Z TikTok users have been swayed by nutrition trends on the platform. A huge 98% of these trends, including extreme ones such as the carnivore diet and liquid cleanses, are said to go against public health and nutrition guidelines. 31% of users who have tried them say they experienced negative health effects. To raise awareness of this issue, the upcoming report will highlight the influence of social media on dietary trends by analyzing the spread …

Organisations and brands:

Rooted Research Collective

The Freedom Food Alliance

Health

Norway Becomes Latest Country to Recommend Eating Mostly Plants in New Dietary Guidelines

August 16, 2024

Norway has published updated dietary guidelines that recommend choosing mostly plant-based foods and limiting red and processed meat consumption. The guidelines advise that all meals should include fruits and vegetables, while several servings of whole grains should be eaten each day. Meanwhile, the maximum recommended red meat consumption has been lowered from 500g to 350g per week, and people are advised to eat as little processed meat as possible. The protein group in the food wheel now contains legumes and tofu as well as meat and seafood, and the recommendations suggest replacing some or all of the meat in certain dishes with beans or lentils. Low-fat dairy consumption is still recommended as a source of calcium, but the guidelines acknowledge that plant-based alternatives are a …

Organisations and brands:

Norwegian Directorate of Health

New version of Austrian Nutritional Recommendations

Health

Austria Publishes New Nutritional Recommendations That Advise Consuming Predominantly Plant-Based Foods

August 1, 2024

An updated version of the Austrian Nutritional Recommendations, commissioned by the country’s Ministry of Health, has recommended consuming more plant-based foods and fewer animal products. A new “plate model” published as part of the guidelines suggests that 50% of a person’s diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. Another 25% should be made up of whole grains and potatoes, and the final quarter should consist of predominantly plant-based proteins. For the first time, legumes and legume-based products (such as tofu and soy yogurt) have been given their own category in the new recommendations. Omnivores are advised to eat three servings of these products per week, while vegetarians should eat four. Meat-eaters are also advised not to eat more than three servings of meat and fish …

Tufts / Tender Food

Health

FAIRR & Tufts University Publish Protein Research Paper for Investors, While Tufts Announces “Unprecedented” Cell Ag Hires

June 20, 2024June 18, 2024

The FAIRR initiative — a global network of investors addressing ESG issues in the food system — has partnered with Tufts University to publish a paper called the ‘Protein and Nutrition Research Overview’ for investors. According to the authors, ESG frameworks tend to focus on environmental issues such as carbon emissions without taking nutrition into account, resulting in a tradeoff between health and environmental priorities. However, there is considerable potential for investors to be aligned with both, especially with the rise of “sustainable nutrition” funds. Setting the record straight & debunking misconceptions The new overview outlines major protein sources in food, setting the record straight about their health effects with supporting scientific evidence. It also outlines notable trends, risks, and opportunities in the protein supply …

Organisations and brands:

FAIRR

Tufts University

Tufts University Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA)

Health

New VEGANScreener App Screens the Dietary Needs of Europe’s Growing Vegan Population

May 3, 2024

Are your vegan eating habits leading to any nutritional deficiencies? A team of European researchers has developed the VEGANScreener, a web and app dietary screening tool specifically designed for European vegans. The tool consists of 29 questions centered around promoting or restricting specific foods and nutrients. It is currently under testing and validation, but the researchers foresee future uses for self-evaluation and healthcare purposes. The development project, also called VEGANScreener, aims to prevent and detect nutritional deficiencies in vegans early on, and promote nutritional awareness and support among vegans, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes within this demographic. The VEGANScreener project is a JPI HDHL (A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life EU program) funded initiative involving five scientific partners from European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain, …

Organisations and brands:

VEGANScreener

VEGANScreener project

Close up of woman biting into Planted chicken

Studies & Numbers

The “First” Systematic Review of its Kind Explores the Impact of Plant-Based Alternatives on Health & Environment

April 29, 2024

With the need for food systems and diets to align with global environmental and health goals, plant-based alternatives that mimic animal products provide a convenient option for consumers. But what are the real benefits of these alternatives? A recent study conducted by researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and published in Nutrition Reviews has found that many plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy have the potential to be healthier, more nutrient-rich, and achieve a net-zero impact on the environment compared to animal-based foods (ABFs). The researchers reviewed more than 90 studies and reports published in the past seven years to assess the benefits of novel food plant-based alternatives (NPBFs) in high-income countries with food security, where meat and dairy consumption tends …

Organisations and brands:

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

©Future Farm

Studies & Numbers

Could Alternative Proteins Address Undernutrition in Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

April 8, 2024

A supplement published in Current Developments in Nutrition (a journal of the American Society of Nutrition) has explored the potential of alternative proteins to provide sufficient protein intake for populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) without the negative environmental impacts associated with animal agriculture. The supplement features eight articles discussing different aspects of the topic: Suitability of Alternative Protein Foods for Agroecological Approaches to Address Nutrition in Low- and Middle-Income Countries — Molly Gordon et al. use agroecological principles, which emphasize ecology, local knowledge, and traditions, to determine the suitability of different alternative protein sources in LMICs. Alternative Proteins in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Face Questionable Future: Will Technology Negate Bennett’s Law? — Bennett’s Law states that when incomes rise in developing countries, consumers …

Organisations and brands:

American Society for Nutrition

Liliya Trott - stock.adobe.com

Health

New German Dietary Guidelines Recommend Eating at Least 75% Plant-Based Foods

March 6, 2024

The German nutrition society Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE) has updated its dietary guidelines, taking into account sustainability as well as health. Developed with a mathematical optimisation model, the guidelines recommend that diets should be made up of at least 75% plant-based foods. Legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils) now have their own separate recommendation, while eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is emphasized more than previously. The guidelines advise that meat consumption should be limited to a maximum of 300g a week, while dairy recommendations have been reduced from three to two daily servings. Plant-based fats such as vegetable oils are preferred over animal sources like butter, while water and unsweetened tea are the recommended beverages. For those who do …

Organisations and brands:

DGE

Studies & Numbers

Germany’s 2023 Nutrition Report Reveals Only 20% of Germans Consume Meat Daily

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023

Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, presented the 2023 Nutrition Report today, shedding light on evolving dietary trends and consumer preferences in Germany. This annual report, published by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), offers a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s nutritional landscape. A prominent theme highlighted in the report is the growing concern for environmental sustainability in food choices. The study indicates a significant shift in dietary habits, with a decline in the daily consumption of meat. In 2015, 34% of respondents reported eating meat daily, whereas this year, only 20% of individuals reported daily meat consumption. This transformation is coupled with a notable uptick in the consumption of plant-based alternatives. Minister Özdemir emphasized the increasing importance of …

Organisations and brands:

German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Health

Physicians Association for Nutrition: Plant-Based Meat is a “Healthy & Sustainable” Alternative to Animal Foods

July 27, 2023

International NGO the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) has published a paper outlining its position on plant-based meat products. PAN says it recommends legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and wholegrains as the healthiest and most environmentally sustainable protein options. However, the organization recognizes that plant-based meat products can provide a “healthy, sustainable and convenient alternative to meat”, particularly for those who have limited time or cooking skills. According to PAN, there can be significant variations in nutritional value between different alt meat brands, and consumers should attempt to choose those which are low in saturated fat and salt. Opting for products that have been fortified with micronutrients such as vitamin B12 is also recommended. The NGO says it supports plant-based meat brands in reformulating and …

Organisations and brands:

Physicians Association for Nutrition

Image courtesy LiveGreen

Health

Updated Nordic Nutrition Recommendations Advise Plant-Forward Diet With Minimal Meat

July 18, 2023

The much-anticipated sixth edition of the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) has finally been published, taking into account sustainability as well as health. The report has made headlines by recommending a mostly plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It advises that meat consumption should be restricted to a maximum of 350 grams per week, while dairy consumption should be moderate and limited to low-fat products. Alcohol, processed foods, and products high in fat, sugar, and salt should all be kept to a minimum. Along with advising a shift in dietary patterns, the report has increased recommended intakes for nutrients such as vitamin C and folate, while adding recommendations for other nutrients such as vitamin K and choline for the first time. …

Organisations and brands:

Nordic Nutrition Recommendations

Image: ProVeg Internatiional

Egg Alternatives

What’s Driving Consumers to Try Plant-Based Egg Products?

June 12, 2023May 2, 2023

Plant-based eggs are gaining consumer favour. This isn’t a recent development, however, the rate at which the industry is growing is surprising. In its recent New Food Hub article, ProVeg International uncovers the main consumer motivators for plant-based eggs and dives into the micro-drivers within each. Throughout the piece, ProVeg shares insights to equip businesses with the knowledge they need to understand their consumers and attract them to the blossoming alt-egg market. Consumers value health Research shows that health is the greatest driver in the plant-based egg market, due to numerous health risks and allergies associated with animal-based eggs, as well as the benefits of consuming plant-based alternatives. Plant-based eggs appeal to health-conscious consumers for a number of reasons: Low to no cholesterol: By swapping …

Organisations and brands:

Eat JUST

new food hub

ProVeg

Marc Coloma and Bernat Ananos, Heura founders

Company News

Heura to Unlock “Unprecedented Nutritional Value” With New Patent-Pending Technology

April 25, 2023

Heura has announced the development of a new patent-pending technology that claims to make it possible to produce plant-based foods with previously unattainable nutritional values. The Spanish food tech startup says it aims to address unresolved challenges in the plant-based industry, creating a “superior sensorial experience with high value nutritional products” and no additives. The new technology — derived from Heura’s Good Rebel Tech platform, which launched last year — is also said to provide a faster and more efficient way to design and process food products. According to Heura, the proprietary technology uses a novel thermomechanical technique, with heat and mechanical energy used to shape or modify a material’s properties. It is one of numerous innovations developed by Heura’s R&D team; another is an …

Organisations and brands:

Heura

The vegconomist-newsletterinformation for decision-makers

The vegconomist-newsletter
information for decision-makers