Vegan and plant-based food launches roundup
As Veganuary winds down for another year, we take a look at some of the latest offerings from producers for consumers looking to cut animal products from their diets.
The event represents a month-long pledge by consumers to cut meat from their diets and eat purely vegan diets for the month of January.
This year more than 500,000 people signed the pledge, according to manufacturer Cauldron, which supported the campaign with a £3m ‘always-on’ marketing strategy to run throughout 2021.
Meanwhile, the plant-based food market is clearly still firmly on the rise, as mentioned in our Food Trends 2021 feature. According to a report by Deloitte, UK consumers account for nearly 40% of the European meat substitute market. This has spurred innovation among brand owners within the food and beverage market.
Vegan Easter range hits Holland & Barrett
Vegan chocolatier Mummy Meagz is to launch three new vegan chocolate products into Holland & Barrett stores nationwide.
Sunnycomb Bar, Dark Chocolate Orange Choccie Easter Egg and Bar and Smooth Moove Easter Egg will land in stores and online starting next week (10 February).
Each product in the range bears the Vegan Society logo and are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and contain only responsibly sourced palm oil, as certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
Meagan Boyle, co-founder of Mummy Meagz, said: “Easter is a time when we celebrate life, so by creating a range of new plant-based treats to mark the occasion, we’re hoping that more people than ever will choose to have a vegan celebration and give animal products a miss.
“Our Smoove Moove Easter eggs taste even better than their dairy counterparts, so everyone can enjoy a sweet springtime treat, regardless of whether they are vegan or not.”
South Korean plant-based seasoning sauce lands in the UK
South Korean umami brand Yondu has launched its plant-based seasoning sauce in the UK, following success in Spain and the US.
Made from a three-month slow fermentation process of organic soybeans blended with a broth containing seven different vegetables, Yondu has won praise from Michelin-starred chefs José Andrés and Quique Dacosta.
Yondu pitched the sauce as a staple for British kitchens, with a focus on consumers pursuing a vegetable diet. Additionally, it can be used as an alternative for bouillon, concentrated stock, or fish sauce and can be added to recipes at any stage of the cooking process.
Yondu is available to buy via its UK website and Amazon, retailing at £6.88 for 275ml.
Oumph! Balls roll into online retailer Ocado
Plant-based meat alternatives brand Oumph has launched its range of products into online retailer Ocado.
Leading the launch are Oumph! Balls. Made from soya, the balls are high in fibre and are free from gluten and dairy. The balls join Pulled Oumph!, Oumph! Kebab Spiced and Oumph! Smoky Bits on the online store.
Oumph!’s sister brands Fry’s and Like Meat also launched products in Ocado last month.
Tom Gray, buyer at Ocado, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer our customers a new product from Oumph! The Oumph! Balls are an exciting addition to the collection and allow us to extend our huge range of vegetarian and vegan products. It’s great timing that we are able to bring these to customers in Veganuary too.”
Vegan food firm Wholey launches smoothie bowls in UK
German vegan food and drink company Wholey has announced the launch of its smoothie bowls on to the UK market.
The smoothie bowls are sold in the form of portioned freezer packs. These are added to a mixer and blended with 150ml of water, creating a creamy mixture in 60 seconds, according to the manufacturer.
All Wholey’s organic fruit and vegetable ingredients are harvested and blast frozen as soon as they have reached maturity to ensure vitamins and nutrients are retained, according to the company.
Ingredients include exotic fruits such as red pitaya and blue spirulina, along with grasses, herbs, nuts and nut butters, depending on the recipe.
“The bowls are all sustainable and vegan,” said a Wholey representative. “This, combined with the intense, unmistakable colour tones in bright blues and pinks has meant it has become an instant hit among the Instagram foodie generation who are also conscious of modern consumer habits.”
Coldplay bassist launches plant-based protein range
A new range of plant-based protein products has been launched by Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman.
Bodyhero is vegan, clean-label and made from 100% non-genetically modified golden peas. The range includes protein bars, protein powder and protein shakes.
The brand hoped to target consumers who crave healthier foods but are dissatisfied with the taste of healthy snacks.
Commenting on the launch, Bodyhero managing director Andy Birch said: “We saw a gap in the market to make plant-based protein products cleaner, simpler, better tasting and more accessible. There is a joy in simplicity.
“They are unique in satisfying the three key nutritional requirements that people are looking for right now in being high in protein, low in sugar and high in fibre, as well as being plant-based, natural, free from, delivered straight to your door and – most importantly – delicious.”
Creative Nature launches Gnawbles vegan snack bites
Creative Nature has launched a new range of allergen-free plant-based confectionery bags into wholesaler Hancocks in time for Veganuary 2021.
Available in Hazelnot, Mylk and Super Salted Caramel flavours, Gnawbles are free from the 14 prime allergens and come in 30g and 75g packs.
Hancocks buyer Emily Harris said: “At Hancocks Cash and Carry we are striving to create a range of products inclusive of all dietary requirements, making these nibbles the perfect addition; being not only suitable for vegans but also top 14 allergen-safe.
“Gnawbles are just one of a large range of new vegan products launching.”
