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Vegan clean-label mushroom burger

©Shroomeats

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

Shroomeats: Disrupting the Status Quo with “Revolutionary” Upcycled Mushroom Meat

Mushrooms are quickly becoming a top ingredient of choice for many alt-protein brands and startups, thanks to their exploding popularity as a highly functional and sustainable food with a pleasing taste. However, mushrooms currently do not star as the top ingredient in most plant-based meats. Shroomeats, founded by Thai native Dissaya Theerakaosal, seeks to disrupt this status quo and launch a new trend for cleaner-label, mushroom-based meat alternatives.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We started a meat alternative brand with a mission to reduce the use of livestock and improve nutrition in packaged foods”[/perfectpullquote] First launched in 2019 as a frozen product, the US-based Shroomeats now sells a line of shelf-stable vegan meats made from upcycled shitake mushrooms. Containing just six ingredients, Shroomeats’ …

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Healthy Vegan Burgers

©NoBull Burgers

Food & Beverage

Meet NoBull Burger: A “True” Veggie Burger Leading the Movement for Whole Food Ingredients

In the past decade, countless plant-based burgers have debuted on the global retail market, seeking either to recreate the experience of eating beef or to offer classic garden-style patties made of veggies, grains and legumes. However, many such products have been accused of compromising on quality by containing excessively processed ingredients or lacking in taste and flavor.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It is our hope and mission to help people eat as close to the earth as possible without compromising on quality ingredients”[/perfectpullquote] NoBull Burger was launched to bring healthy change. Founded by mother and chef Chrissanne Raymond, NoBull burgers are made exclusively from 100% “close-to-the-earth” whole ingredients, such as organic lentils, grains and roasted veggies. Most importantly, the brand claims, its …

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Millow woman eating

© Millow

Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

Introducing Millow: “The Purest Meat Analog Ever” Made of Mycelium and Oats

Sweden’s Millow is an alt meat company leveraging the power of mycelium and the nutritional profile of oats to produce a clean-label and versatile meat analog that can be fried, baked, barbequed, or roasted. “The purest analog ever”, “Nothing artificial, non-MO, zero binders, pure wholefood, easily digestible, high protein, high fibre, low water usage, land responsible, cruelty-free,” says Millow on its website. Based in Gothenburg, the company uses a revolutionary in-house biotechnology called MUTE — Mycelium Utilized Texture Engineering — developed by Professor Mohammad Taherzadeh, who has been researching mycelium as a potentially sustainable and nutritious functional food for more than 25 years. A new category of meat alternatives? Millow’s proprietary process differs from solid-state, submerged, or biomass fermentation. Instead, the company’s tech is based on …

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Clean-Label Vegan Burger

©Great American Plant Co.

Company News

The Great American Plant Co: A Private Label Helping Retailers and Restaurants to Offer Lower Cost Plant-Based Products

As higher prices for plant-based proteins continue to challenge sales, one company is launching to help retailers and restaurants offer more affordable plant-based meats under their own brands. The Great American Plant Co. (GAPC) is a private-label manufacturer offering a line of plant-based foods, including burgers, meatballs and sausages, to retailers and food service operators.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We want our customers to be the hero in the story when they are doing business with GAPC”[/perfectpullquote] What sets GAPC apart, the company states, is its focus on clean-label ingredients and lower prices; compared to major competitors, GAPC’s products wholesale for 10-20% less than other leading brands. In addition, GAPC’s proteins are wholly sourced and manufactured in North America, creating what it …

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©PlantBaby

Food & Beverage

PlantBaby Launches Mac Nut Kiki Milk as First Organic, Clean-Label Macadamia Nut Milk

Innovative nutrition company PlantBaby announces the launch of Mac Nut Kiki Milk, the first all-organic, clean-label macadamia nut milk. Available in shelf-stable 32 oz. cartons, Mac Nut Kiki Milk is made exclusively with organic whole food and superfood ingredients, and contains more macadamia nuts per serving than leading competitors, the company states.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It’s creamy, a little nutty, a bit buttery, a tad sweet, and actually tastes like real macadamia nuts”[/perfectpullquote] As PlantBaby’s first nut-forward product offering, the new milk is said to boast a healthier nutritional profile and richer flavor than other macadamia-based milks, and is made with naturally nutrient-rich ingredients and dairy-free calcium. Shelf-stable for up to 12 months, the product’s ingredients include organic macadamia nuts, cashews, …

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planetaria's plant ribs

© Planet Ribs

Investments & Finance

Planetarians Raises $6M to Upscale Vegan Meat From Upcycled Ingredients

B2B plant-based foods company Planetarians has raised $6 million in a Seed II investment round to produce at a commercial scale its vegan meat blocks and supply the food service industry.  The food technology company has invested seven years in R&D to develop a sustainable, low cost alternative to meat made only from two upcycled ingredients: oil cakes and brewer’s yeast.  The raised funds will be used to build a pilot facility capable of producing tons of vegan blocks per year and move to a commercial production phase. Mindrock led the investment round, joined by Traction Fund, Techstars, SOSV, and AB InBev, the company behind some of the world’s largest beer brands and Planetarians brewers’ yeast supplier, committed to recycling barley and yeast from its brewing …

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peanut-based pulled chicken

Peanut-based pulled chicken. Image courtesy of Haofood

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Haofood Launches Umami-Packed ‘Carefree Pulled Chickless’ Chicken Made of Peanuts

Chinese peanut-based chicken brand Haofood has announced the launch of its latest innovation — Carefree Pulled Chickless (轻享素素肌™) — a clean-label plant-based chicken “with a strong umami sensation” at various restaurants and DTC in China. The new peanut-based chicken comes in three flavours — Original, Xinjiang Spices, and Salt & Pepper — and the company claims it is free from artificial additives, preservatives, thickeners, water retention agents, colourings, flavourings, and MSG, offering a high-quality nutritional profile. Astrid Prajogo, Haofood’s founder and CEO, shared: “Clean-label products will be more favourable for consumers, as one of the main reasons to choose plant-based products is for health benefits. The consumer demands the assurance that they are eating the healthiest and safest food product and, at the same time, that it …

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Michroma Natural Food Colorings

©Michroma

Food & Beverage

Michroma Closes $6.4M in Seed to Commercialize ‘High Performance’ Natural Food Colorings From Mushrooms

Precision fermentation startup Michroma announces it has closed $6.4M in seed financing to fast-track commercialization of its sustainable, mushroom-derived natural food coloring. The round, led by General Mills-backed Supply Chain Capital, will also help the startup expand research and development capabilities and broaden its ingredient platform.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Michroma is producing better-performing natural colorants powered by fungi”[/perfectpullquote] Founded in 2019, Michroma is working to disrupt the global ingredients industry with high-performance colorants made from fungi through precision fermentation. To achieve this, Michroma focuses on creating ‘fungal biofactories’ to produce small molecules, like colors, more efficiently. “We see compelling market and consumer potential for Michroma’s fungal platform to create next-generation natural ingredients, from colorants to flavors, that are healthier and more …

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Veggie Grill Bacon Cup

©Veggie Grill

Fast Food

Hooray Foods’ Crispy Vegan Bacon Now Served at All Veggie Grill Locations

Alt-bacon brand Hooray Foods announces its innovative plant-based bacon is now available at Veggie Grill – the world’s leading fast-casual vegan restaurant chain. The bacon can now be ordered at all of Veggie Grill’s 35 US locations. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It truly elevates several of our favorite menu items”[/perfectpullquote] Veggie Grill is featuring the crispy bacon – made from rice flour, pea starch and coconut oil – in a signature vegan BLT Avocado Croissant, with romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, Dijonnaise, and mashed avocado on a croissant roll. The bacon is also available as an add-on to a variety of other menu items, such as salads, sandwiches, and sides. “It’s a huge win for us to be able to bring Hooray bacon …

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Dirty Vegan

© Dirty Vegan

Meat- and Fish Alternatives

Matt Pritchard’s Dirty Vegan Launches Alt Meats Made From Fermented Veg

In 2018, vegan athlete and former professional skateboarder Matt Pritchard hosted the UK’s first ever vegan cookery show, Dirty Vegan. Two series (and two cookbooks) later, Pritchard has announced the launch of a plant-based food brand of the same name. The range will feature meat alternatives made with fermented vegetables, designed to promote gut health so that “the more you eat, the better you will feel”. The first products to launch are burgers, sausages, and meatballs. They are free of additives and saturated fat, while also being very high in protein — the burger contains 20 grams. On social media, Pritchard said the brand aims to launch for both retail and food service. Dirty Vegan is also working alongside food service outlets to design plant-based …

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Vegan Pork Sandwich

©Final Foods

Food & Beverage

Final Foods Debuts ‘Gourmet’ Line of Whole-Cut Plant-Based Meats for Food Industry

Natural foods startup Final Foods announces the launch of its first line of plant-based, protein-rich meat alternatives. Made primarily for the food service industry, Final Foods says its clean-label products are created to offer chefs a wider range of formats with premium texture. Available online, the products are initially shipping to California and Nevada.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We are pioneering a concept that has great potential to change the food industry”[/perfectpullquote] Unlike many protein alternatives that are usually sold in ground or crumbled form, Final Foods’ plant-based offerings come in slices and large cuts, which the company says makes them ideal for grilling, as well as stewing, sautéing and stir-frying.  Made from pea protein, the brand states its vegan meats are …

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kinoko's fungi-based product served with vegetables

© Kinoko

Fermentation

Kinoko Turns Legumes into High-Quality Protein Foods Using Mycelium & SSF

Kinoko-Tech is an Israel-based B2B company developing high-quality protein plant-based foods by “harnessing fermentation to elevate healthy food to superfood”. The company was founded in 2019 by Jasmin Ravid and Hadar Shohat, to supply food manufacturers and the food service industry with fermented fungi-based ingredients and products to be used as a source of high-quality protein.  Solid state fermentation  Kinoko claims it has developed a solid-state fermentation technology (SSF) platform that supports various fungi strains and legumes, enabling the company to make multiple mycelium-based foods.  The company’s SSF process creates protein-packed nutritious foods containing all nine essential amino acids plus the legume’s fibres. Fermentation and the mycelium give the legumes an umami flavour which tastes like a “combination between lentils and mushrooms,” says Ravid. After …

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Organic Oatmilk

©Califia Farms

Food & Beverage

Califia Farms Debuts Line of 3-Ingredient Organic Oatmilk and Almondmilk

Plant-based beverage leader Califia Farms announces it is expanding its popular line of dairy-free products with USDA Certified Organic Oatmilk and Almondmilk.  Now available at Kroger, Whole Foods, Sprouts and other US national retailers, the new Oatmilk and Almondmilk expand the number of Certified Organic dairy-free milk products in US stores.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We’re making plant-based even more accessible to consumers looking for shorter-label options”[/perfectpullquote] Made with just three ingredients and no oils or gums, Califia says the products are designed to meet the needs of consumers seeking fewer ingredients at an affordable price point. Described as having a “true homemade taste”, the products can be used for cereal, smoothies, cooking and baking. Additional descriptions: Organic Almondmilk Made from purified …

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Plant-based Pepita Egg

©Spero Foods

Egg Alternatives

Spero Foods Launches Pourable Pepita Egg into US Sprouts Markets

Plant-based dairy brand Spero announces it is launching The Pepita Egg egg alternative into Sprouts Farmers Markets across the US. Made with just seven ingredients, The Pepita Egg is described as the “first and only” clean-label, pourable egg alternative.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We are proud of our limited, clean ingredient list”[/perfectpullquote] Sold as a bottled, liquid product, Pepita Egg’s star ingredient is pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, which offer a good source of plant-based zinc, iron, and magnesium, and contain a similar amount of protein per serving as chicken eggs. Pepita Egg can be used for scrambles, omelets or baking, and unlike traditional eggs, is allergy-friendly and free from cholesterol.  Fewer ingredients According to the brand, most plant-based eggs on the market contain …

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Issei Vegan Gummies

©Issei

Food & Beverage

Issei Brings Gelatin-Free, Japanese-Inspired Mochi Gummies to Whole Foods

While most gummy candies on the market utilize animal gelatin, corn syrup and artificial colors, one brand is reinventing chewy snacks using East Asian artisan techniques and better, cleaner ingredients.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Artisanally crafted with love”[/perfectpullquote] Issei is a female- and Asian-owned brand whose plant-based mochi gummies are merging Japanese culture traditions with modern innovation. Inspired by beloved Japanese mochi treats, the gummies are bite-sized snacks made with rice flour that come in several flavors, including Strawberry, Vanilla and Mango.  Naturally crafted without gelatin, Issei mochi gummies are also low in sugar, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO.    Fueled by heritage Founded by Miko Shino, Issei (which translates to “first Japanese immigrants to the US”) was born from Shino’s desire to …

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Strong Roots Entrees

© Strong Roots

Food & Beverage

Strong Roots Debuts ‘Good Made Easy’ Frozen Line with 14 Plant-Based Entrees

Plant-based frozen foods brand Strong Roots announces it is launching ‘Good Made Easy’ – its first line of single serve frozen entrees. Coming to US Whole Foods in 2023, the new range boasts 14 innovative meal options.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”There’s a huge gap in the market for nutrient-focused frozen meals”[/perfectpullquote] According to Strong Roots, the ‘Good Made Easy’ range is only made from whole plant, clean label ingredients. Each meal is portioned for individual eating and the entrées can be conveniently prepared in under 5 minutes. Nutritionally, the meals, which contain less than 450 calories each, are low in saturated fat, sugar and sodium and provide up to 24 grams of protein. Most also provide a good source of fiber. …

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Vegan Smoked Salmon

©Save Da Sea

Company News

Canada’s Save Da Sea Plans US Launch in 2023, Reports Tripled YOY Revenues

Canadian alt-seafood brand Save Da Sea is working towards a US launch in spring 2023, reveals founder and CEO Aki Kaltenbach, and says its revenues in the Canadian market are tripling year-over-year, reports The Globe and Mail.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We want to take advantage of our first-mover advantage there”[/perfectpullquote] Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Save Da Sea produces plant-based seafood alternatives to salmon and tuna from whole-food, minimally processed ingredients. Its current range includes carrot-based smoked salmon and jackfruit tuna salad, made without soy, gluten or artificial additives. In September, the brand launched into 180 Sobeys and Safeway stores across Canada.  Since its debut in 2020, the company has experienced strong growth and Kaltenbach says she is now exploring a …

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Mamu Kebabs

©Kelly Pullieo

Food & Beverage

Sempera Organics Launches Mamu – A ‘First of Its Kind’ Protein Made From 3 Species of Mushroom

Sempera Organics announces the launch of Mamu, a new center-of-the-plate protein intended to provide a highly versatile, nutritious and sustainable protein source. Described as a “first-of-its-kind” ingredient, Mamu is crafted from three species of mushrooms and chickpeas, using both the whole mushroom and mycelium roots.  [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Mamu has the potential to create a new category of food that can fundamentally shift consumer perception and adoption of alternatives to animal proteins.”[/perfectpullquote] Created with proprietary technology, Mamu features just six ingredients: three species of mushroom (shiitake, king oyster, white button) chickpeas, oil and water. Unlike many mushroom-meat producers, Mamu uses both the mycelium (root structure) and visible fruiting body of the mushroom.  The non-GMO, high-fiber protein is designed to be endlessly …

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ISH Plant-Based Shrimp

© ISH Foods

Food & Beverage

Meet ISH Foods: A ‘Deliciously Disruptive’ Startup Launching Plant-Based Shrimp, Lobster and More

In light of hard-hitting documentaries like A Plastic Ocean and Seaspiracy, more consumers than ever are seeking environmentally conscious alternatives to conventional fish and seafood. While the plant-based seafood market continues to grow, ISH Foods promises to boldly disrupt the category with an innovative line of realistic shrimp, salmon, cod, lobster and more.  Inspired by the ocean Founded by Bernard David, ISH Foods carries impressive credentials – David is a former advisor to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who now serves as Chair of the Global CO2 Initiative, and is a member of the Director’s Council of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. David converted to a healthier lifestyle following a life-changing heart attack, and created ISH (which stands for Innovative, Sustainable and Healthy) to provide …

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Meet-Future-chicken

© Meet Future

Fairs & Events

Meet Future Wins Plant-Based Start-Up Competition With Fermented Mycoprotein Whole Cuts

Out of the 50+ startups that applied, Meet Future, an Estonian-based food tech that produces whole cut meat and seafood alternatives made from mycoprotein, was announced winner of the Plant-Based Start-Up Competition. Vevolution, a leading vegan marketplace and Plant-Based World Expo Europe, a B2B 100% plant-based food & beverage expo, selected Meet Future for its mycoprotein whole cuts, both of which are considered the second wave of plant-based alternatives. Next-gen whole cuts Triin Remmelgas and Andrean Razumovski founded Meet Future in 2021 to create the next generation of whole cut meat substitutes using fermented mycoprotein and clean-label recipes. Since then, the startup has developed a proprietary mycoprotein texturization technology to replicate animal tissue’s muscle and fibrous structure in its meat and seafood analogs. Meet Future’s first product …

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