Mars has expanded its range of vegan and gluten-free chocolate with the introduction of Bounty Vegan and Topic Vegan in the UK. The vegan Bounty alternative is a combination of rich cocoa and diced coconut, blended with almond paste. Meanwhile the vegan Topic bar combines hazelnut paste and rich cocoa with whole hazelnuts. The new products come after Mars launched a vegan Galaxy chocolate range in 2019, as the company continues to capitalise on growth in the free-from chocolate confectionery category. “We are so pleased to be offering more consumers the opportunity to try our brands. Galaxy Vegan has proved incredibly popular and we believe that Topic Vegan and Bounty Vegan will add something excitingly different to the free-from category,” said Michelle Frost, general manager at Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats. Registered with The Vegan Society, each 100g chocolate bar can be purchased at Morrisons stores now for an RRP of £3. Bounty Vegan will also roll out in Asda from the end of January. #Topic #Mars #Bounty #UK #veganchocolate

Plant-based food firm Livekindly Collective has announced the acquisition of British supermarket Iceland Foods’ vegan meat alternative company, No Meat. The frozen vegan brand marks Livekindly Collective’s latest deal and will join its portfolio of start-up plant-based brands such as Fry Family Food Co, LikeMeat and Oumph!, which it acquired last year. Developed by British supermarket chain Iceland Foods, the No Meat range first launched in 2018 with the No Bull burger. The line has since expanded to include products such as No Porkies sausages, No Chick fillets and strips, No Cheese pizzas and pasties, as well as No Moo dairy-free chocolate puddings. The range is currently available in Iceland, Asda and Ocado in the UK. As part of the agreement, Iceland Foods will also begin to sell Livekindly Collective’s existing brands in Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores across the UK and Ireland from April 2021. “This acquisition is very complementary to our current portfolio, further strengthening our position in the frozen sector of the fast-growing plant-based meat category,” said Domenico Speciale, general manager for Livekindly Collective in the UK. He added: “Iceland Foods has done an amazing job in building the No Meat brand over the last few years. The team has been brilliant in their approach by continually developing new products and rotating the range to bring excitement to the category.” The acquisition – which was made for an undisclosed sum – also comes on the heels of Livekindly Collective’s $135 million funding round led by Blue Horizon Corporation. Kees Kruythoff, CEO and chairman of Livekindly Collective, said: “Bringing No Meat into the Livekindly Collective family as a mission aligned partner was a natural next step for us. Its strategy to meet the demand of consumers for healthier and more environmentally friendly vegan products mirrors our own commitment to protect the planet.” Andrew Staniland, trading director of frozen at Iceland Foods, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Livekindly Collective both to bring the No Meat brand to new consumers globally and to significantly expand Iceland Foods’ plant-based product offering in the UK.” #LivekindlyCollective #NoMeat #meatalternatives #IcelandFoods #UK #plantbased

Meat alternatives producer Vivera has announced that it is introducing two new plant-based products in the UK to mark Veganuary. Launching exclusively into Sainsbury’s, the brand’s new meat-free Lincolnshire Style Sausages can be fried, grilled or oven baked. The meatless sausage alternatives feature Lincolnshire-style seasoning and a coating made from algae. Vivera’s new plant-based nuggets are seasoned with southern-style spices and feature a ‘meat-like’ centre encased in a crispy coating. The Southern Fried Nuggets are accompanied by a smoky BBQ sauce and are said to offer a realistic alternative to their chicken-based counterpart. Rosie Bambaji, buyer, fresh plant-based at Sainsbury’s, said: “The plant-based category is booming, and we’re delighted to exclusively launch Vivera’s new Lincolnshire Style Sausages and Southern Fried Nuggets with BBQ Sauce. “Consumers now have more choice than ever, and we’re sure Veganuary 2021 will be successful in encouraging more people to try the wide range of tasty plant-based foods on offer.” Vivera’s new Lincolnshire Style Sausages and Southern Fried Nuggets with BBQ Sauce are launching into Sainsbury’s stores at the beginning of this month. The brand recently announced a €30 million investment to double the size of its Dutch facility and the production of its plant-based food. #meatalternatives #plantbased #UK #Vivera

Kerry Foods is expanding its Naked Glory meat-free range in the UK with two new products: No-Beef Strips and Chick’n Burgers. The new products will launch in early January 2021, in order to allow retailers to tap into the growing number of consumers looking to reduce their meat intake as part of Veganuary. Naked Glory’s No-Beef Strips are ready-to-eat and can be used in a range of meals such as sandwiches, salads, stir fries and curries. Meanwhile, the brand’s meat-free chicken burgers are described as juicy and tender, ideal for consumers looking for a convenient light meal. Both meat alternative products are said to be high in fibre and protein. Last year, Kerry Foods expanded its Naked Glory meat alternative brand with a new range of Tenderstrips and ready-to-eat Deli Readybites, joining its meat-free quarter pounders, mince and sausages. Alison Lees, marketing manager at Naked Glory, said: “The launch of No-Beef Strips is a new venture within beefy plant-based options, so we are excited to give consumers more options at mealtimes. “On top of this, our Quarter Pounders have proven hugely popular since launch so we’re confident our Chick’n Burgers will also be much-loved by consumers, giving them new options when it comes to evenings in with a burger.” David Hamilton, chief innovation officer at Kerry, added: “We’ve taken on the challenge to create the meatiest thing since meat and have taken the time to make sure our No-Beef Strips and Chick’n Burgers taste exactly like their meat counterparts and are bursting with flavour.” Both No-Beef Strips and Chick’n Burgers will be available to purchase in Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, while the strips will also be found in Morrisons, for an RRP of £2.75. #meatalternatives #KerryFoods #UK #plantbased #NakedGlory

New snack brand Mark’s Mindful Munchies has launched a range of air-popped chips, featuring ancient grains. Made from 100% whole grain sorghum, as well as brown rice, quinoa and chia, Pop Bitties are available in four flavours: pink Himalayan salt, maple & sea salt, hickory BBQ and vegan sour cream & onion. Containing only 120 calories per serving, the ‘light and crunchy’ snacks are vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. Pop Bitties are also said to be free from gluten, trans fats and artificial ingredients. Mark’s Mindful Munchies claims that the snacks are made using sorghum sourced exclusively from eco-responsible US farmers. In addition, the brand says that the grain is a source of nutrients including magnesium, potassium, iron and protein, while also being resource efficient and ‘gentle on the planet’. “We are proud to be launching a snack food that is made from the highest quality ingredients, tastes great, is good for the body and is responsibly made,” said Mark’s Mindful Munchies founder Mark Andrus, who also launched the Stacy’s Pita Chips brand. “I founded this company based on the belief that snacking should be fun, delicious and mindful. With its bright and bold packaging, our four versatile flavours and our commitment to sustainability, Pop Bitties truly embodies our snacking philosophy.” Pop Bitties are available in 4.5oz (RRP $3.69) and 1oz (RRP $1.49) bags, online and at grocery stores across the US. #US #StacysPitaChips #MarksMindfulMunchies #plantbased #glutenfree #sorghum

New snack brand Mark’s Mindful Munchies has launched a range of air-popped chips, featuring ancient grains. Made from 100% whole grain sorghum, as well as brown rice, quinoa and chia, Pop Bitties are available in four flavours: pink Himalayan salt, maple & sea salt, hickory BBQ and vegan sour cream & onion. Containing only 120 calories per serving, the ‘light and crunchy’ snacks are vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. Pop Bitties are also said to be free from gluten, trans fats and artificial ingredients. Mark's Mindful Munchies claims that the snacks are made using sorghum sourced exclusively from eco-responsible US farmers. In addition, the brand says that the grain is a source of nutrients including magnesium, potassium, iron and protein, while also being resource efficient and ‘gentle on the planet’. “We are proud to be launching a snack food that is made from the highest quality ingredients, tastes great, is good for the body and is responsibly made,” said Mark's Mindful Munchies founder Mark Andrus, who also launched the Stacy's Pita Chips brand. “I founded this company based on the belief that snacking should be fun, delicious and mindful. With its bright and bold packaging, our four versatile flavours and our commitment to sustainability, Pop Bitties truly embodies our snacking philosophy.” Pop Bitties are available in 4.5oz (RRP $3.69) and 1oz (RRP $1.49) bags, online and at grocery stores across the US.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch a taco salad made using the meat alternative company’s plant-based beef crumbles. The new Simply Fresh Taco Salad made with Beyond Meat pairs Beyond Beef Crumbles with toppings including fire-roasted corn, black beans, roasted red bell peppers and cheese. Containing only 260 calories, the new vegetarian offering also features crunchy tortilla strips and a creamy salsa ranch dressing. “We are thrilled to be working with Beyond Meat, a company we appreciate and respect. This partnership allows us to be more versatile with our main product lines and enables us to feature plant-based protein as a key ingredient within all of our fresh, prepared categories, such as salads, breakfast and meal entrées,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods. “From a culinary perspective, the Beyond Beef Crumbles are delicious, innovative, versatile and are designed to look, cook and taste like beef — which our chefs really like.” Tim Smith, VP of foodservice sales, North America at Beyond Meat, added: “We're proud to partner with FiveStar to make delicious and nutritious plant-based meat more accessible for consumers on the go with the launch of the new Simply Fresh Taco Salad made with Beyond Meat.” The new salad recently debuted in Publix supermarkets and will be available to retailers nationwide in the US starting in January 2021. Garden Lites-owned brand, Veggies Made Great, recently released a new line of frittatas made with Beyond Meat.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch a taco salad made using the meat alternative company’s plant-based beef crumbles. The new Simply Fresh Taco Salad made with Beyond Meat pairs Beyond Beef Crumbles with toppings including fire-roasted corn, black beans, roasted red bell peppers and cheese. Containing only 260 calories, the new vegetarian offering also features crunchy tortilla strips and a creamy salsa ranch dressing. “We are thrilled to be working with Beyond Meat, a company we appreciate and respect. This partnership allows us to be more versatile with our main product lines and enables us to feature plant-based protein as a key ingredient within all of our fresh, prepared categories, such as salads, breakfast and meal entrées,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods. “From a culinary perspective, the Beyond Beef Crumbles are delicious, innovative, versatile and are designed to look, cook and taste like beef — which our chefs really like.” Tim Smith, VP of foodservice sales, North America at Beyond Meat, added: “We’re proud to partner with FiveStar to make delicious and nutritious plant-based meat more accessible for consumers on the go with the launch of the new Simply Fresh Taco Salad made with Beyond Meat.” The new salad recently debuted in Publix supermarkets and will be available to retailers nationwide in the US starting in January 2021. Garden Lites-owned brand, Veggies Made Great, recently released a new line of frittatas made with Beyond Meat. #BeyondMeat #FiveStarGourmetFoods #meatalternatives #US

Kerry Foods’ Fridge Raiders brand has introduced a range of veggie bites, marking its entry into the plant-based category. Made from seasoned vegetables, the snacks come in three flavours: Mexican heatwave, Indian masala and simply seasoned. A source of fibre, the new Fridge Raiders products are available in 70g and 50g formats and can be enjoyed on the go. “We are so excited to enter the plant-based category with the launch of our new veggie bites range,” said Lauren Innes, senior brand manager, Fridge Raiders. “Fridge Raiders is committed to creating real food that will sustain consumers for longer, through our investment in flavour innovation and delivering great-tasting, high-quality snacks. “With shoppers continuing to look for variety in healthy snacks, we are confident that our three flavours will be crowd pleasers and fly off the shelves.” The Mexican heatwave and simply seasoned bites are rolling out to retailers including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s starting this month, with an RSP of £1 for a 50g or 70g bag. The simply seasoned variety will also be stocked in Waitrose, while the Indian masala flavour will be launching in Tesco and Waitrose. Kerry Foods recently added two new limited-edition flavours to its Fridge Raiders chicken bites portfolio.

Organic, dairy-free beverage maker, Mooala, has introduced a keto-friendly milk alternative in the US, containing less than 1g of net carbs per serving. Keto Mylk – which Mooala claims is the first dairy or dairy-free milk alternative to be specifically designed for keto consumers – is available in both refrigerated and shelf-stable varieties. Made with a base of organic coconut cream, the plant-based offering comes in cinnamon roll, chocolaty chip, original and vanilla crème flavours. According to Mooala, the new keto-certified beverages contain 5g of MCTs and 70 calories per serving, with no added sugar. All four flavours are reportedly free from soy and gluten, non-GMO and certified USDA organic. The launch follows the introduction by Mooala of a line of shelf-stable plant-based milks and creamers. “Each morning, Mooala lovers can now wake up, pour Keto Mylk in a glass and jump-start their day with dynamic, energy-driving MCTs in an almost zero-carb beverage made from delicious, organic ingredients,” said Mooala founder and CEO, Jeff Richards. “Since the product’s high-quality fats are derived from coconuts, our customers can feel really great about meeting their desired goals while also boosting their plant-based diets with a really satisfying beverage.” Keto Mylk is available to buy in shelf-stable 33.8oz cartons via the brand’s website and in refrigerated 48oz bottles at Sprouts stores nationwide. The new range will also be sold in around 1,000 major retail stores across the US in the first quarter of 2021, including Wegmans and Whole Foods. #milkalternatives #Mooala #plantbased #US

Organic, dairy-free beverage maker, Mooala, has introduced a keto-friendly milk alternative in the US, containing less than 1g of net carbs per serving. Keto Mylk – which Mooala claims is the first dairy or dairy-free milk alternative to be specifically designed for keto consumers – is available in both refrigerated and shelf-stable varieties. Made with a base of organic coconut cream, the plant-based offering comes in cinnamon roll, chocolaty chip, original and vanilla crème flavours. According to Mooala, the new keto-certified beverages contain 5g of MCTs and 70 calories per serving, with no added sugar. All four flavours are reportedly free from soy and gluten, non-GMO and certified USDA organic. The launch follows the introduction by Mooala of a line of shelf-stable plant-based milks and creamers. "Each morning, Mooala lovers can now wake up, pour Keto Mylk in a glass and jump-start their day with dynamic, energy-driving MCTs in an almost zero-carb beverage made from delicious, organic ingredients," said Mooala founder and CEO, Jeff Richards. "Since the product's high-quality fats are derived from coconuts, our customers can feel really great about meeting their desired goals while also boosting their plant-based diets with a really satisfying beverage." Keto Mylk is available to buy in shelf-stable 33.8oz cartons via the brand’s website and in refrigerated 48oz bottles at Sprouts stores nationwide. The new range will also be sold in around 1,000 major retail stores across the US in the first quarter of 2021, including Wegmans and Whole Foods.

Whole Earth Brands has entered an agreement to buy North American organic sweetener brand, Wholesome Sweeteners, marking its second acquisition since its merger in June. The company has made a deal to acquire WSO Investments, the holding company for Wholesome Sweeteners, for an initial price of $180 million. Founded in 2001, Wholesome produces organic, plant-based and fair-trade certified sweeteners including sugar, honey, agave nectar, allulose and other liquid sweetener products. The deal will further expand Whole Earth Brand’s existing portfolio of natural and alternative sweeteners, building its platform across the category in North America. According to Whole Earth Brands, Wholesome holds a 76% share in the organic granulated sugar segment of the organic and natural channel and has registered retail sales growth of approximately 52% over the 52-week period ending 1 November 2020. Wholesome marks the company’s second strategic acquisition since its business combination in June, following the purchase of Swerve, a manufacturer of zero-sugar, keto-friendly and plant-based sweeteners and baking mixes. Along with its pending acquisition of Wholesome, Whole Earth Brands says it has created a global platform that is expected to generate proforma revenue of approximate $500 million. Irwin Simon, executive chairman of Whole Earth Brands, says consumers are demanding more sweetener options that fit within individual health and dietary needs. “Whole Earth Brands is delivering on that expectation by becoming the leader in plant-based and alternative sweeteners around the world, and we are looking forward to integrating Wholesome and growing the world-class brands within our Whole Earth Brands platform,” he added. Albert Manzone, Whole Earth Brands CEO, said: “This transaction brings us additional scale that we believe will enhance our competitive position and help us expand consumers’ access to the delicious foods they love.” Nigel Willerton, CEO at Wholesome Sweeteners, added: “Our extendable brands create opportunities for significant growth through channel, product and category expansion. This combination with Whole Earth Brands brings together like-minded companies with complementary strengths to unlock powerful value in the organic and natural category.” Under the terms of the agreement, Wholesome will receive $180 million in cash and is eligible to receive up to $55 million of additional consideration under an earnout through the end of calendar year 2021. The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary approval. #WholesomeSweeteners #NorthAmerica #sweeteners #organic #WholeEarthBrands