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

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.

Functional ingredients distributor, Prinova, has released a range of dairy-free premixes aimed at helping manufacturers respond to the rapidly growing plant-based market. According to the company, the new premixes are made with 85% pea protein and offer a plant-based milk that is smooth and creamy with a full mouthfeel. It also offers a premix optimised for plant-based cheeses. Meanwhile, Prinova claims that its pea protein yogurt has a whiter hue than other plant-based alternatives on the market. A single serving of each recipe using 25mg of premix contains 5% of the recommended intake of vitamin B12 and 50% of the recommended intake of vitamin D. The premixes can all be adapted to include additional functional ingredients, such as probiotics, as well as flavourings. Tony Gay, head of technical sales & NPD for nutrition at Prinova, said: “The rise of plant-based diets is one of the most important trends in the food industry today. It has created a whole new consumer segment with particular nutritional needs, and new challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. Gay continued: “One of the best strategies they can adopt is the use of nutrient-rich premixes. Our new recipes demonstrate how easy it is to offer appealing dairy replacement products that meet the nutritional requirements of vegan consumers.” #dairyfree #plantbased #premixes #Prinova

Functional ingredients distributor, Prinova, has released a range of dairy-free premixes aimed at helping manufacturers respond to the rapidly growing plant-based market. According to the company, the new premixes are made with 85% pea protein and offer a plant-based milk that is smooth and creamy with a full mouthfeel. It also offers a premix optimised for plant-based cheeses. Meanwhile, Prinova claims that its pea protein yogurt has a whiter hue than other plant-based alternatives on the market. A single serving of each recipe using 25mg of premix contains 5% of the recommended intake of vitamin B12 and 50% of the recommended intake of vitamin D. The premixes can all be adapted to include additional functional ingredients, such as probiotics, as well as flavourings. Tony Gay, head of technical sales & NPD for nutrition at Prinova, said: “The rise of plant-based diets is one of the most important trends in the food industry today. It has created a whole new consumer segment with particular nutritional needs, and new challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. Gay continued: "One of the best strategies they can adopt is the use of nutrient-rich premixes. Our new recipes demonstrate how easy it is to offer appealing dairy replacement products that meet the nutritional requirements of vegan consumers.”

Hormel Foods has introduced a new line of plant-based protein puffs to the market, an on-the go snack under its Happy Little Plants brand. Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs come in three varieties: ranch, nacho cheese and cinnamon & sugar. The gluten-free snacks contain 16g of plant-based protein per serving and no preservatives. The launch comes after the meat company introduced the Happy Little Plants meat alternative line last year, with the debut of ground plant-based protein alternative. Hormel Foods has since added a pepperoni-style topping and Italian-style crumble topping to its plant-based brand. "Consumers today are looking for easy ways to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, and we are very excited to bring these new great-tasting, Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs snack option to everyone," said Robbie Koons, Happy Little Plants brand manager at Hormel Foods. He added: "The new Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs were developed to make plant-based protein portable and snackable." Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs are available to purchase on Amazon.

Hormel Foods has introduced a new line of plant-based protein puffs to the market, an on-the go snack under its Happy Little Plants brand. Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs come in three varieties: ranch, nacho cheese and cinnamon & sugar. The gluten-free snacks contain 16g of plant-based protein per serving and no preservatives. The launch comes after the meat company introduced the Happy Little Plants meat alternative line last year, with the debut of ground plant-based protein alternative. Hormel Foods has since added a pepperoni-style topping and Italian-style crumble topping to its plant-based brand. “Consumers today are looking for easy ways to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, and we are very excited to bring these new great-tasting, Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs snack option to everyone,” said Robbie Koons, Happy Little Plants brand manager at Hormel Foods. He added: “The new Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs were developed to make plant-based protein portable and snackable.” Happy Little Plants plant-based protein puffs are available to purchase on Amazon. #US #HappyLittlePlants #proteinsnacks #plantbased #HormelFoods

Plant-based meat company Moving Mountains is entering a new category with the launch of its plant-based fish fingers in the UK. Moving Mountains Fish Fingers join the brand’s line up of plant-based meat products including burgers, sausages, mince, meatballs and hot dogs. With its new product, Moving Mountains aims to tackle over-fishing with a sustainable alternative that is free from mercury and micro-plastics. Made with soy protein, the fish fingers are coated in golden breadcrumbs, offer 10g of protein per 100g and are described as having a “succulent, flaky texture”. With 70 calories per fish finger and zero cholesterol, the new product can be cooked in five minutes from frozen in a frying pan or 15 minutes in the oven. Simeon Van der Molen, founder of Moving Mountains, said: “To save the oceans, consumers need to reduce consumption of traditional fish. We have provided a solution by creating our first-ever plant-based fish to tackle this sustainability crisis and are really pleased to have partnered with Waitrose to launch this product.” The creator of the ‘UK’s first’ plant-based bleeding burger claims its plant-based fish fingers have the taste and texture of the real thing. Van der Molen added: “We use natural plant-based ingredients and scientific processes to recreate the taste and texture of the real thing so that they’re delicious as well as healthy, and provide a real alternative for meat-eaters, vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians.” Moving Mountains Fish Fingers will be available from 27th December in Waitrose for an RRP of £3.60 for a pack of ten.

Plant-based meat company Moving Mountains is entering a new category with the launch of its plant-based fish fingers in the UK. Moving Mountains Fish Fingers join the brand’s line up of plant-based meat products including burgers, sausages, mince, meatballs and hot dogs. With its new product, Moving Mountains aims to tackle over-fishing with a sustainable alternative that is free from mercury and micro-plastics. Made with soy protein, the fish fingers are coated in golden breadcrumbs, offer 10g of protein per 100g and are described as having a “succulent, flaky texture”. With 70 calories per fish finger and zero cholesterol, the new product can be cooked in five minutes from frozen in a frying pan or 15 minutes in the oven. Simeon Van der Molen, founder of Moving Mountains, said: “To save the oceans, consumers need to reduce consumption of traditional fish. We have provided a solution by creating our first-ever plant-based fish to tackle this sustainability crisis and are really pleased to have partnered with Waitrose to launch this product.” The creator of the ‘UK’s first’ plant-based bleeding burger claims its plant-based fish fingers have the taste and texture of the real thing. Van der Molen added: “We use natural plant-based ingredients and scientific processes to recreate the taste and texture of the real thing so that they’re delicious as well as healthy, and provide a real alternative for meat-eaters, vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians.” Moving Mountains Fish Fingers will be available from 27th December in Waitrose for an RRP of £3.60 for a pack of ten. #MovingMountains #Plantbasedseafood #UK