As natural ingredients and health benefits move higher among consumers’ purchasing priorities, the plant-based functional beverages market is poised to reap the benefits of shoppers’ evolving preferences.

Fermenta, a health and performance nutrition start-up, is set to introduce protein bars made with Solein in the US market, with consumer availability planned for Q1 2026.

Kääpä Biotech, a Finnish start-up specialising in functional mushroom ingredients, has successfully secured a €9 million strategic investment.

This month, our start-up spotlight is on Lasso, the newly launched broader food-tech company from the team behind plant-based meat brand Tender Food. Mike Messersmith, Lasso's CEO, tells us more about the company's journey so far.

British functional drinks brand The Turmeric Co has launched what it claims is a first-of-its-kind innovation: a raw turmeric shot containing VeCollal, a plant-based collagen alternative ingredient.

This month, our start-up spotlight is on Danish food-tech innovator Summ Ingredients, a producer of multifunctional fermented protein ingredients.

Gut-friendly food brand Bio&Me has launched Daily Boost Fibre + Protein bars, specially developed to appeal to female consumers.

Protein continues to dominate the active nutrition space, but will the craze continue to resonate with future plant-based consumers?

Oatly has launched its first-ever Future of Taste Report, identifying key beverage trends it expects to see in the coming years ahead.