Food & Beverage

Vegan food has come a long way over the last decade, with many vegan brands developing into industry leaders in terms of nutritional value, sustainability, and innovation of their products. While the animal-based food business is barely growing in many product categories, the vegan food sector is experiencing strong growth across the board.

Awareness of issues regarding planet and animal welfare is growing and results in an increasing number of adults and children following a vegan lifestyle. Today, the search for vegan alternatives is easier than ever before, whilst revolutionary vegan food news delivered by brands all over the world are reported by the international press.

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Revolutionary food transition is shaping the future

A vegan lifestyle creates a link between the need for a healthier diet and the urgent shift to a sustainable food economy. Therefore, all signs point to a meat-free future that no longer exploits animals for food products.

News on food products without animal-derived ingredients are providing encouraging developments and events for a global food transition. Whether it’s vegan food news on airlines that will offer larger selections of vegan dishes, the emergence of dedicated plant-based school kitchens, or the creation of the world’s first vegan sub chain, they all provide clear indications for the direction that human nutrition is going to take.

A growing number of consumers are following vegan diets. Supported by a global vegan movement, including the successful non-profit organization Veganuary and The Vegan Society, many new vegan products entered the shelves of supermarkets and the menus of restaurants.

However, not only the number of vegan products in the store is rising, as searches for homemade vegan recipes are at an all-time high, while many celebrities and influencers are cooking vegan dishes to inspire their followers to go vegan. For vegan companies, it is essential to recognize trends early on and adapt the product range accordingly.

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©Eat Just[/caption]

Trends in vegan news

The diversity and power of innovation in vegan food news from the nutrition sector is expanding every year. Trends to watch for in 2022 include cultured food produced using cellular agriculture, vegan egg alternatives, and innovative seafood products.

In 2022, the new category of cultivated pet food for cats and dogs will make its debut, while the development of nutritious egg alternatives continues to gain momentum. As predicted by the Vegan Society, 2022 will be the year that could finally boost veganism into mainstream.

Most relevant vegan food news

At vegconomist, the first vegan business magazine, you don’t have to search for relevant news, because we report on the latest innovations and developments in our category Food & Beverage several times per week. We receive emails from leading companies and market researchers in the vegan business world and guarantee for first-class vegan food news articles and interviews.

Through our newsletter, thousands of industry insiders and friends of the vegan business community are receiving the most relevant news from the vegan business environment directly into their inbox.

If you don’t want to miss out on the most relevant vegan news, sign up for the vegconomist newsletter here.

Planet A Foods Raises $30M to Scale Cocoa-Free Chocolate Alternative with 80% Less Carbon Footprint

December 6, 2024

Planet A Foods, a food technology company specializing in sustainable ingredients, has raised $30 million in a Series B funding round. The financing will support the industrial-scale production of ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative, as well as expand the company’s international presence. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Planet A Foods is no longer just a startup – we’re now on the way to becoming a leading foodtech player”[/perfectpullquote] The funding round, which was oversubscribed, drew participation from several investment firms, including Cherry Ventures, World Fund, and Bayern Kapital. Leveraging the funding, Planet A Foods aims to further its mission of providing sustainable alternatives for the food industry. CEO and co-founder Dr. Maximilian Marquart stated: “With 30 million dollars in fresh funding and an …

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Oobli Gains FDA Nod for Sweet Protein Monellin, Expands Portfolio of Zero Glycemic Impact Sweeteners

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024

US sweet protein developer Oobli (formerly Joywell Foods) announces that it has received the FDA’s first “no questions” letter for its monellin sweet protein, produced via precision fermentation. With the letter, the FDA confirmed that Oobli’s monellin is safe to use as a sweetener in food and beverages. The acknowledgment follows a previous FDA approval of brazzein, another sweet-tasting protein. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It’s like having more tools in the toolkit”[/perfectpullquote] Monellin is originally found in the serendipity berry of the Dioscoreophyllum cumminsii plant, and brazzein is in the fruit of the Oubli plant. Both scarce sweet proteins are said to be significantly sweeter than sugar. Founder and CTO Jason Ryder shared, “Having additional sweet proteins on the Oobli platform will …

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Canada Invests in Sustainable Faba Bean Protein Development to Expand Plant-Based Ingredient Options

December 5, 2024

Canada is expanding its plant-based protein offerings through a new initiative focused on faba beans. The project, backed by Protein Industries Canada (PIC), aims to develop high-protein, sustainable ingredients from faba beans, which will be used in a variety of food products. The initiative involves a partnership between several organizations: Griffith Foods, BFY Proteins, Botaniline, and Faba Canada. These companies are working together to create neutral-flavored faba protein ingredients for use in consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), such as meat alternatives and breadings. The project focuses on improving the processing of faba beans to create high-protein, allergen-free, and lower-sodium ingredients suitable for the food industry. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Working with extraordinary resources […] puts us on a fast track to demonstrate our ability …

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Dr Sun, Product Manager of Angel Yeast Europe

Dr Sun, Product Manager © Angel Yeast Europe

Angel Yeast: “Innovation in Formulation and Functional Ingredients is Pivotal for Plant-Based Foods”

December 4, 2024

Angel Yeast, headquartered in China’s Hubei province, is a leader in the production of yeast and yeast-related products, specializing in a wide range of applications across various industries. Founded in 1986, Angel Yeast has grown to become one of the largest yeast producers worldwide, with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The company is particularly known for its high-quality baker’s yeast, which is used in bread and other bakery products, as well as its fermentation products, such as yeast extract and other flavor-enhancing ingredients. In addition to its core products, Angel Yeast also offers solutions for the plant-based food industry, with yeast-based ingredients being utilized in the production of vegan and plant-based meat alternatives, providing key functional properties such as texture, flavor, …

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National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre

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

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024

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 …

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Veggy Kids: Turkey’s Innovative New Plant-Based Product Line for Children

December 4, 2024

Founded in 2012, Veggy is self-described as Turkey’s first plant-based meat alternatives producer, leading the market with innovative solutions in the plant-based sector. The company’s latest product line, Veggy Kids, introduces an exclusive range of vegetable-based products tailored specifically for children, including burgers, nuggets, and meatballs. A breakthrough in nutrition for kids Veggy claims that Veggy Kids is the world’s first comprehensive plant-based product portfolio designed exclusively for children. Launched in over 25,000 stores across Turkey, the brand has quickly gained attention both domestically and internationally. It is now confirmed that Veggy Kids will be available on the shelves of major retailers across the UK, China, the Balkans, and Europe in the first quarter of 2025. As part of its vision, Veggy Kids will focus …

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Kelly Newsome © ADM

ADM’s 2025 Flavor and Color Trends: “Plant-Based Foods Can Be Vehicles for Flavor and Culinary Innovation”

December 3, 2024

ADM‘s new 2025 Flavour and Colour Trends for Plant-based Applications report outlines the main themes and drivers shaping flavor and color trends for the upcoming year. In this new report, ADM states 2025 will be a year of embracing the “new human nature” and spotlights four key themes that will shape the F&B world and that reflect evolving needs for wellness, affordability and personalization. Kelly Newsome, Global Senior Marketing Manager, Colors & Savory Flavors, ADM, describes what we can expect next year, and explains that “consumers are on a quest for novelty and positive sensory experiences”. What are the flavor and color trends for 2025? How do they fit into plant-based product innovation? As technology continues to advance rapidly, consumers are gravitating toward flavors and …

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Researchers at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute IVV have developed a legume-based alternative to egg white foam to make plant-based food "light and airy."

German Researchers Unveil Legume-Based Alternative to Egg White Foam

December 2, 2024

Researchers from the LeguFoam project at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute IVV have developed a legume-based alternative to egg white foam to make plant-based food “light and airy.” Initial assessments measuring the longevity of the egg-free foam showed that the new ingredient matches the quality of egg whites, while sensory tests revealed that it is tasty enough. Only individuals with refined palates detected a slight difference, the Fraunhofer Institute explains in the announcement. “More and more people are consciously maintaining a healthy diet and also looking for ethically unproblematic vegan products. We are addressing this need with the LeguFoam project,” Dr. Maike Föste, senior research scientist in the Food Process Development department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, commented. Peas, lentils, and high-pressure …

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AI and Fungal Fermentation to Turn Agricultural Waste into Protein-Rich Biomass

December 2, 2024

A new research initiative led by the Danish Technological Institute (Teknologisk Institut) is exploring the potential of fungal fermentation as an alternative protein source to meet the growing global demand for sustainable food and bio-based products. The ZEST project aims to convert agricultural waste into valuable biomass, including protein-rich ingredients for food, animal feed, and other bioproducts. The project focuses on using edible mushrooms to ferment agricultural by-products such as sugar beet residues, surplus grains from brewing, and fruit peels. These materials are pre-treated and then fed to fungi in bioreactors, where they are converted into biomass. Xiaoru Hou, senior project manager at the Danish Technological Institute, explained to Food & Drink Technology, “The culture consists of fungal strains that convert agricultural residues into biomass, …

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Yeast Protein Emerges as the Sustainable Powerhouse Revolutionizing Active Lifestyle Nutrition

December 1, 2024

The health and nutrition landscape is witnessing a significant shift as yeast protein gains recognition for its comprehensive benefits. Recent research and market trends highlight this sustainable protein source’s growing impact in supporting active lifestyles and overall wellness. AngeoPro yeast protein from the leading yeast and biotech company Angel Yeast, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrates impressive nutritional credentials with its 80% protein content and complete amino acid profile. The protein stands out for its excellent biological value, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for optimal muscle protein synthesis and recovery. One of the most notable features of Angel yeast protein AngeoPro is its slow-digesting properties, providing sustained amino acid and energy release and prolonged satiety. This makes it an excellent choice not only for …

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KMC Presents Potato Starch Ingredient for Plant-Based Pizza Cheese With Stretching and Melting Properties

November 29, 2024

KMC, a Danish co-operative focused on the production of potato-based ingredients, announces the development of a new ingredient called Cheesemaker for the production of plant-based pizza cheese. The new development is KMC potato starch, which is designed to provide extensibility and texture in plant-based cheese alternatives. According to the cooperative, the new ingredient will improve the range of plant-based cheeses in three areas. Firstly, it will provide good stretchability when melted. Secondly, it would offer a practical advantage over its dairy counterpart. And finally, a plant-based cheese with the new ingredient should have a strong nutritional profile. “This opens the door for manufacturers to produce a best-selling plant-based pizza cheese that fulfils consumer expectations in many ways,” explains the cooperative, which has previously developed a …

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Canada Takes Steps to Secure Soybean Supply Chain with New Soy Powder Pilot Facility

November 29, 2024

Protein Industries Canada has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the domestic processing of Canadian-grown soybeans, in partnership with Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods, and YOSO (Flamaglo Foods). The project, which will establish a pilot-scale soy powder facility in Ontario, is expected to add value to Canada’s soybean crops, which are primarily exported for processing abroad. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Canada’s agriculture sector has a strong reputation for high-quality crops, and we can build on this by bringing the processing of those crops back home to Canadian soil”[/perfectpullquote] Alinova Canada Inc., a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc. (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co., will lead the project to develop and commercialize a new soy powder. This …

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AI biotech company Cradle has raised $73 million in a Series B funding round led by IVP and backed by Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, bringing its total funding to over $100 million.

Cradle Secures $73M to Revolutionize Planetary Health with AI-Driven Protein Engineering

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024

AI biotech company Cradle has raised $73 million in a Series B funding round led by IVP and backed by Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, bringing its total funding to over $100 million. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Zurich, Switzerland, Cradle was founded by ex-Googlers Stef van Grieken (CEO) and Daniel Danciu (CTO) in 2021 to make biology engineering more accessible and efficient with AI. Its team comprises machine learning and biotech research specialists from leading companies such as Zymergen, Novartis, Uber, Meta, DeepMind, and Perfect Day. AI-powered protein engineering platform The funds will help Cradle scale its operations to accelerate the adoption of its core product — an AI-powered protein engineering platform — designed to discover and develop animal-free foods, life-changing therapeutics, and sustainable …

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Puratos and Burcon Team Up to Develop Canola Protein Solutions for Bakery and Patisserie Markets

December 4, 2024November 28, 2024

Puratos, a global provider of ingredients and services for the bakery, patisserie, and chocolate sectors, has entered into a strategic partnership with Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a leader in plant-based protein technology. The collaboration will focus on leveraging Burcon’s Puratein® canola protein to develop new, functional ingredients that cater to the evolving demands of the food industry. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We are working to redefine the possibilities of canola protein in food production”[/perfectpullquote] Canola protein is emerging as a viable alternative to egg protein, along with other ingredients like brewer’s yeast, aquafaba and potatoes. With its neutral flavor profile, nutritional benefits, and versatility in applications, canola protein is gaining traction across a variety of food sectors. Bram Pareyt, R&D Director at Puratos, …

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Milk Depot Launches At-Home Plant Milk Maker, Joining Growing Market for DIY Options

November 28, 2024November 27, 2024

Milk Depot Inc. has launched its new Milk Maker, an appliance designed to help consumers create their own plant-based milks at home. The product promises to offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to store-bought plant milks, by allowing users to transform nuts, grains, and seeds into fresh, filtered milk in under a minute. The company has positioned the Milk Maker as a more eco-friendly option, eliminating the need for additives, preservatives, and packaging waste often associated with commercial milk products. By making milk at home, users also avoid the environmental impact of single-use cartons. The DIY appliance aims to reduce both the cost of milk as well as consumers’ environmental footprint. “The launch of our Milk Maker represents a significant step forward in our …

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Brooklyn Dairy-Free Cheese Eatery Wins Over 70% Non-Vegan Customers, Signaling the Ongoing Flexitarian Shift

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Armored Fresh, a food tech company specializing in dairy-free cheese products, has reported considerable success for its first foodservice venture, Armored Grilled Cheese, located in Brooklyn’s Dekalb Market Hall. Opened on October 14, 2024, the establishment has attracted a customer base that is 70% non-vegan and achieved a 24% repeat customer rate within its first month. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It’s about more than just selling grilled cheese—it’s about redefining what’s possible”[/perfectpullquote] Rudy Yoo, CEO and founder of Armored Fresh, stated, “These numbers are more than just data points; they’re a testament to Armored Fresh’s dedication and quality. We take immense pride in offering sandwiches that are not only reasonably priced but also so delicious that most people don’t even realize they’re …

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Imagindairy secures self-affirmed GRAS status for animal-free dairy proteins

Imagindairy Receives Regulatory Approval From Israeli Ministry of Health for Animal-Free Milk Proteins

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

Imagindairy, a producer of animal-free milk proteins made using precision fermentation, has received regulatory approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health. The approval confirms that Imagindairy’s products are safe for consumer use and allows the company to market them within Israel. Imagindairy’s products are identical to cow’s milk proteins in taste and nutritional value, but are made without the use of animals. They can be used to produce a variety of animal-free dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream; these have a much lower environmental impact than conventional dairy products, and are also free of cholesterol, lactose, and hormones. The regulatory approval in Israel comes after Imagindairy’s animal-free whey protein achieved self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the US last year. …

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Image courtesy of ProVeg International

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 …

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EXBERRY colors in bao buns filled with plant-based meat

GNT Launches New Investment Arm to Fast-Track Innovations in Plant-Based Colors

November 25, 2024

Dutch plant-based ingredients company GNT has officially launched GNT Ventures, an independent investment firm, to promote innovation and sustainability in plant-based colors. GNT Ventures will invest in startups developing new and improved plant-based coloring solutions in four key areas: raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling. The VC aims to partner with startups worldwide by providing financial support as a sole investor or co-lead in pre-seed to series A funding. The maximum investment size will be €1 million. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We’re looking to build mutually beneficial relationships with startups that dare to dream big and have the drive to shape tomorrow’s planet”[/perfectpullquote] The news follows a recent collaboration with Plume Biotechnology, a UK-based startup specializing in fermentation science and bioprocessing …

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PAN Sweden Works to Accelerate Protein Transition by Studying Health & Sensory Properties of Plant Protein

November 25, 2024

PAN Sweden Research Centre, an initiative coordinated by Örebro University, is studying the health impacts and sensory properties of plant-based proteins with the aim of aiding the transition to a more sustainable food system. Currently, the centre is investigating the impact of the processing, structure, and digestion of plant proteins and fibre on gut, metabolic, and mental health. It is also working to improve the sensory properties of plant-based products and develop methods of influencing consumer behaviour. This could include policies and regulations to accelerate the protein transition. PAN Sweden hopes to help meet Agenda 2030, an agreement that was adopted by all United Nations members in 2015 and outlines 17 world Sustainable Development Goals. These include improving health, ending hunger, and taking action on …

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