The plant-based sector is ever-evolving, reflected in a near constant stream of NPD. Whether a dairy-free beverage, meat alternative or ready meal, there seems to be something out there for every consumer taste.
The Plant Base rounds up some of the latest products to hit the market.
Sheese debuts plant-based arancini balls
Bute Island Food’s dairy-free cheese brand, Sheese, is launching plant-based arancini balls in the UK.
The tomato and mozzarella flavour rice balls are soy-free and suitable for vegans.
Sheese’s Sheesy Aranacini Balls will be available in 200g packs in Tesco from early September.
Miso Tasty sister brand launches dried tofu knots
Tofu Tasty, a sister brand of food company Miso Tasty, has introduced dried tofu knots.
The launch is said to mark the first time dried tofu has been available from UK supermarkets. The knots are made from soybeans and water, are nutrient-rich – boasting 45% protein – as well as gluten-free and plant-based.
The company says that its dried tofu has a creamier and more savoury flavour than fresh tofu and is both “chewy and flaky”. The knots can serve as a replacement for meat or fish in dishes like stir-fry or as a base instead of pasta.
Nestlé announces launch of plant-based toddler drink Nestlé has introduced a new plant-based drink for toddlers – Little Steps Plantygrow Plant-based Growing Up Drink – under its SMA Nutrition range.
The ready-to-drink milk alternative can be enjoyed on its own, or added to smoothies and shakes. The company emphasises that the drink is not a breast milk substitute, but rather a nutritional product designed to be enjoyed by toddlers from one to three years of age as part of a varied and balanced diet.
According to Nestlé, its new Growing Up Drink is a good source of vitamins A, C, B2 and B12, as well as iron, and has been enriched with iodine, omega-3 and omega-6. The drink also contains calcium and vitamin D.
Country Crock unveils dairy-free whipping cream
Country Crock has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a plant-based alternative to dairy heavy whipping cream.
Plant Cream is soy-free, contains 29% less saturated fat than its dairy counterpart, and can be used in both sweet baking and savoury recipes.
Providing a 1:1 swap with dairy cream, the new offering is said to be “perfect for vegetarians, dairy intolerant or plant-curious consumers”.
Meatless Farm moves into ready meal category
Meatless Farm has moved into a new category with the launch of a range of frozen and chilled ready meals.
Meatless Marinara combines spaghetti and pea protein meatballs with a rich tomato and herb sauce, and can be found in the frozen aisle.
Meanwhile, the new Meatless Korean BBQ Style Chicken & Rice and Meatless Chilli Non Carne dishes come chilled or frozen.
The Korean-inspired dish features plant-based chicken, a red chilli and herb sauce, and coriander-infused rice, while Meatless Farm’s Mexican-style chilli meal consists of kidney beans, red onion, a tomato-based sauce and white rice.
LoveRaw releases Nutty Choc Balls
Plant-based chocolate brand LoveRaw has launched Ferrero Rocher-style Nutty Choc Balls in the UK.
The new offering features whole hazelnuts dipped in a vegan hazelnut cream, with a plant-based milk chocolate and crunchy hazelnut coating.
The balls – which LoveRaw co-founder Manav Thapar says are “unlike anything else on the market” – are sold in pairs, and are free from palm oil and artificial ingredients.
The Collective debuts plant-based children’s yogurt pouches
The Collective is expanding its range of Suckies children’s yogurt pouches with the introduction of new dairy-free options.
The plant-based pouches are made from the brand’s oat and coconut yogurt alternative, blended with fruit. Set to launch in September, two dairy-free flavours will be available: peach & apricot and strawberry.
The new offerings contain live cultures, calcium for strong bones, and vitamins D and B12 for immune support. They are also free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, as well as soy and nuts.
This launches branded food-to-go range
Plant-based meat firm This has unveiled its first branded food-to-go range, comprising three sandwiches and two snacking pots.
The sandwiches feature the brand’s plant-based chicken, and come in three variants: This Isn’t Chicken & Sweetcorn, This Isn’t Chicken & Stuffing and This Isn’t Coronation Chicken.
Meanwhile, the snack pots include: This Isn’t Chicken Tikka Pieces, which comes with a mango chutney dip, and This Isn’t Pork Cocktail Sausages with tomato ketchup.
Upfield adds plant-based dips to Violife offering in US
Upfield-owned Violife has entered a new category with the launch of a range of dairy-free dips in the US.
The new offerings are free from nuts, soy, gluten and preservatives, and offer a plant-based take on three top-selling dairy dip flavours.
The line consists of French Onion, Spinach & Artichoke and Ranch variants, which are made with coconut oil and simple ingredients, such as onions, spinach, artichokes and herbs.
Daiya Foods introduces Mediterranean-inspired plant-based cheeses
Daiya Foods has added Mediterranean-inspired cheese blocks to its portfolio of plant-based cheeses.
The new Feta Style Block is made with gluten-free oats and olive oil and is said to be “salty, tangy and bright with a semi-smooth bite”. The dairy-free cheese can be enjoyed in both hot and cold recipes.
Meanwhile, Daiya’s Grilling Cheeze Block is made with oats and chickpeas, and features notes of garlic and herbs.
Inspired by traditional halloumi cheese, the new offering is designed to be grilled, pan-fried or deep-fried, maintaining its shape without melting.
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