Plant-based product development and innovation round-up
Finnebrogue reveals plant-based launches
Finnebrogue Artisan has launched three new plant-based products under its Naked brand.
Naked Without the Moo No Beef Teriyaki Strips, Naked Without the Cluck chicken style Southern Fried Goujons and Without the Splash No Fish Goujons have launched in Tesco, Sainsbury and Morrisons stores across the UK.
The plant-based roll out is the latest expansion into the sector for the Northern Ireland food producer, following the opening of its £30m plant-based factory in December 2020.
Finnebrogue head of new product development Sarah Savage said: “These latest additions to the Naked range not only extend the choice of delicious plant-based foods for our very loyal Naked consumers, but mark our entry into all four key plant-based categories – imitation pork, chicken, beef and fish.
“These launches are only the start of what we intend to develop over the coming months and years to come.”
Snacking first for This
London-based meat-alternatives producer This has taken its first step into the snack food market with the launch of plant-based This Isn’t Pork Cocktail Sausages.
The product is part of a trio of new lines for the summer, which also include This Isn't Bacon Lardons and This Isn't Chicken Skewers – available in Sticky BBQ and Lemon & Herb flavours.
The launches are intended to build on the brand’s commitment to offer plant-based alternatives to all traditional meat-based products available in supermarkets.
Ice cream launch and brand refresh by Blue Skies
Blue Skies has expanded its dairy-free ice cream portfolio with the launch of a new Caffè Latte flavour in selected Waitrose stores.
Made with fresh coconut milk, the new flavour was accompanied by a brand refresh and will sit alongside Blue Skies existing flavours on shelf – Mango Passion Fruit and Simply Coconut.
Hugh Pile, chief executive of Blue Skies, said: “With the plant-based dairy category doubling in size over the past five years and a quarter of young British millennials believing the pandemic has made a vegan diet more appealing, we are responding to consumer demand.”
Wheat-based bacon concept developed by Loryma
German wheat ingredients expert Loryma has developed a concept for vegan bacon that it claims perfectly replicates the sensory characteristics of its meaty counterpart.
The expected mouthfeel is achieved by the wheat-based binding component Lory Bind, which enables the vegan bacon to behave like its meat-based counterpart when prepared in a pan. It becomes crispy on the outside, while retaining a delicate, fibrous texture. A smoky seasoning is added to convey the characteristic bacon flavour.
Loryma hoped its wheat-based bacon alternative could meet demand for authentic plant-based alternatives to popular meat products
Henrik Hetzer, managing director of Loryma, said: “Our raw materials combine naturalness with maximum functionality. In addition to uncomplicated handling, they offer manufacturers the opportunity to create healthy and sure-fire products that perfectly meet the current consumer trend for meat-free convenience foods.”
Soreen reveals fruit and veg bake range
Malt loaf manufacturer Soreen revealed a new range of plant-based and vegan-friendly bakes high in fruit and vegetables aimed at children.
Fruit & Veg-Mmms are available in two flavours, Blackberry & Beetroot and Orange & Rainbow Carrot.
The snack bars contain 40% fruit and vegetables, come in at under 100 calories per bar and are low in saturated fat. They also contain 50% less sugar compared to an average cake bar, according to Soreen.
Liz Jacobs, head of marketing at Soreen said: “We really wanted to help equip parents of toddlers and pre-school aged children with a snack that fulfils all their required criteria. This includes health, nutrition, convenience and taste, so we’re delighted to now go to market with these bakes fulfilling all that and more.
“It was also important to us that our Fruit & Veg-Mmms were school compliant to ensure they were a suitable snack for nursery or school.”