UK pastry brand Ginsters has launched a vegan empanada containing Pulled Oats, a plant-based meat alternative from Helsinki-based Gold&Green Foods. The new Ginsters Vegan Mexican Chilli Empanada joins Chicken Tikka and BBQ Pulled Pork varieties in the company’s range of empanadas. The product features piquanté pepper and ancho chillies in a smoky Mexican-style sauce combined with marinated Pulled Oats, made from a high-protein mix of oats, pea and faba bean. The filling is wrapped in light pastry and finished with a smoked paprika topping. “This exciting range extension will continue to broaden appeal within the pre-family market, demonstrating that savoury pastry is a category of innovation which we continue to lead,” said Ginsters managing director, Kieran Hemsworth. “The debut of Pulled Oats into UK savoury pastry, alongside contemporary flavours in this range, will expand our core snacking and vegan offering – two increasingly popular trends that will continue to boom.” Andrew Ely, launch manager at Gold&Green Foods, added: “Pulled Oats is rich in goodness and free from compromises – there’s nothing else quite like it. “We are incredibly excited to team up with another forward-thinking brand to bring Pulled Oats to the UK and showcase the versatility of savoury pastry. Our innovation and Ginsters baking expertise is a winning combination.” The new Ginsters vegan empanada is available in a two- or a three-pack format from Morrisons stores nationwide.

UK pastry brand Ginsters has launched a vegan empanada containing Pulled Oats, a plant-based meat alternative from Helsinki-based Gold&Green Foods. The new Ginsters Vegan Mexican Chilli Empanada joins Chicken Tikka and BBQ Pulled Pork varieties in the company’s range of empanadas. The product features piquanté pepper and ancho chillies in a smoky Mexican-style sauce combined with marinated Pulled Oats, made from a high-protein mix of oats, pea and faba bean. The filling is wrapped in light pastry and finished with a smoked paprika topping. “This exciting range extension will continue to broaden appeal within the pre-family market, demonstrating that savoury pastry is a category of innovation which we continue to lead,” said Ginsters managing director, Kieran Hemsworth. “The debut of Pulled Oats into UK savoury pastry, alongside contemporary flavours in this range, will expand our core snacking and vegan offering – two increasingly popular trends that will continue to boom.” Andrew Ely, launch manager at Gold&Green Foods, added: “Pulled Oats is rich in goodness and free from compromises – there’s nothing else quite like it. “We are incredibly excited to team up with another forward-thinking brand to bring Pulled Oats to the UK and showcase the versatility of savoury pastry. Our innovation and Ginsters baking expertise is a winning combination.” The new Ginsters vegan empanada is available in a two- or a three-pack format from Morrisons stores nationwide. #meatalternatives #GoldampGreenFoods #Ginsters #UK #plantbased

McDonald’s has announced that it is developing its own line of plant-based meat alternatives called McPlant, including a plant-based patty. The announcement was made by company executives on yesterday’s post-earnings conference call, after its comparable sales continued to improve globally in its third quarter. McDonald’s said its McPlant line could include burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches, which it expects to test in some markets in 2021. The fast-food chain is yet to announce which suppliers it will use in the crafting of its McPlant line. Meanwhile, a Beyond Meat spokesperson has claimed that it co-created the McPlant patty, as reported by Reuters. This would not be the first time the two companies have collaborated, as McDonald’s partnered with the meat alternative brand last year to conduct a trial of P.L.T – which was made with a Beyond Meat patty – in Canada last year. McDonald’s is one of the few fast-food chains yet to sell plant-based meat burgers on a permanent basis, following the likes of Burger King, White Castle and Dunkin’ Brands. According to Reuters, the move could be the biggest and would put the plant-based meat movement at the forefront in mainstream America. In its blog, McDonald’s said: “There are other plant-based burgers out there, but the McPlant delivers our iconic taste in a sink-your-teeth-in (and wipe-your-mouth) kind of sandwich. It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings.” Zak Weston, The Good Food Institute foodservice and supply chain manager, added: “When McDonald's does something, they do it deliberately and at a massive scale. For a chain of their size to launch a new plant-based item leveraging their iconic ‘Mc’ branding, it means they see real and sustained demand and they have an assured supply chain."

McDonald’s has announced that it is developing its own line of plant-based meat alternatives called McPlant, including a plant-based patty. The announcement was made by company executives on yesterday’s post-earnings conference call, after its comparable sales continued to improve globally in its third quarter. McDonald’s said its McPlant line could include burgers, chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches, which it expects to test in some markets in 2021. The fast-food chain is yet to announce which suppliers it will use in the crafting of its McPlant line. Meanwhile, a Beyond Meat spokesperson has claimed that it co-created the McPlant patty, as reported by Reuters. This would not be the first time the two companies have collaborated, as McDonald’s partnered with the meat alternative brand last year to conduct a trial of P.L.T – which was made with a Beyond Meat patty – in Canada last year. McDonald’s is one of the few fast-food chains yet to sell plant-based meat burgers on a permanent basis, following the likes of Burger King, White Castle and Dunkin’ Brands. According to Reuters, the move could be the biggest and would put the plant-based meat movement at the forefront in mainstream America. In its blog, McDonald’s said: “There are other plant-based burgers out there, but the McPlant delivers our iconic taste in a sink-your-teeth-in (and wipe-your-mouth) kind of sandwich. It’s made with a juicy, plant-based patty and served on a warm, sesame seed bun with all the classic toppings.” Zak Weston, The Good Food Institute foodservice and supply chain manager, added: “When McDonald’s does something, they do it deliberately and at a massive scale. For a chain of their size to launch a new plant-based item leveraging their iconic ‘Mc’ branding, it means they see real and sustained demand and they have an assured supply chain.” #fastfood #US #meatalternatives #BeyondMeat #McDonalds #plantbasedburger

US beverage brand Koia is launching a new ready-to-drink smoothie line that it claims has the lowest sugar and net carbs on the market. According to Koia, its range of plant-based smoothies contain 80% less sugar than the leading fruit smoothie brands. The new line comes in four flavours: magic mango, rise & shine, straw-nana dream, and tropical passion. With no added sugar, the dairy-free smoothies also contain prebiotic fibre to help aid digestion, and a whole coconut, a source of potassium. Each flavour also features a blend of pea protein, ranging between 4-5g of protein per bottle. The new range will be available in Whole Foods across the US.

US beverage brand Koia is launching a new ready-to-drink smoothie line that it claims has the lowest sugar and net carbs on the market. According to Koia, its range of plant-based smoothies contain 80% less sugar than the leading fruit smoothie brands. The new line comes in four flavours: magic mango, rise & shine, straw-nana dream, and tropical passion. With no added sugar, the dairy-free smoothies also contain prebiotic fibre to help aid digestion, and a whole coconut, a source of potassium. Each flavour also features a blend of pea protein, ranging between 4-5g of protein per bottle. The new range will be available in Whole Foods across the US. #Koia #lowsugar #smoothies #US

Whitworths has entered the ready meal category with the launch of a range of ambient pouches, Protein By Nature. Suitable for vegans, each 250g pack contains 20g of plant protein from pulses and grains such as pinto beans, quinoa, lentils and wheatberries. The range is available in four variants: Brazilian smoky beans, Moroccan grains, Indian lentil dhal and Mexican spicy grains. The pouches can be prepared in two minutes in the microwave or on the hob, and consumed as a main for one or side for two. Whitworths says that the range is low in sugar and saturated fat, offers all nine essential amino acids and is free from additives and flavourings. “With huge consumer trends around natural protein and meat reduction we have seen a real opportunity to better utilise beans, pulses and grains to meet consumers' needs,” said Whitworths commercial director, Phil Gowland. “The Protein By Nature product is a nutrient powerhouse, being 100% natural, high in protein and fibre, low in salt and sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals. “It was clear from speaking to consumers that we needed to overcome three clear barriers: offer genuine ‘good for you’ products rather than a product masquerading as healthy, don’t compromise on taste - the biggest barrier to healthy eating, and keep it simple and convenient. “Delivering products that do this is exactly what the Whitworths brand has been doing in snacking for the past few years; our wide recognition and unrivalled brand trust made this move an obvious one for us.” With an RRP of £2.00 per pouch, the range is available in select Morrisons stores and three of the variants will be rolling out to select Tesco stores from 9 November.

Whitworths has entered the ready meal category with the launch of a range of ambient pouches, Protein By Nature. Suitable for vegans, each 250g pack contains 20g of plant protein from pulses and grains such as pinto beans, quinoa, lentils and wheatberries. The range is available in four variants: Brazilian smoky beans, Moroccan grains, Indian lentil dhal and Mexican spicy grains. The pouches can be prepared in two minutes in the microwave or on the hob, and consumed as a main for one or side for two. Whitworths says that the range is low in sugar and saturated fat, offers all nine essential amino acids and is free from additives and flavourings. “With huge consumer trends around natural protein and meat reduction we have seen a real opportunity to better utilise beans, pulses and grains to meet consumers’ needs,” said Whitworths commercial director, Phil Gowland. “The Protein By Nature product is a nutrient powerhouse, being 100% natural, high in protein and fibre, low in salt and sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals. “It was clear from speaking to consumers that we needed to overcome three clear barriers: offer genuine ‘good for you’ products rather than a product masquerading as healthy, don’t compromise on taste – the biggest barrier to healthy eating, and keep it simple and convenient. “Delivering products that do this is exactly what the Whitworths brand has been doing in snacking for the past few years; our wide recognition and unrivalled brand trust made this move an obvious one for us.” With an RRP of £2.00 per pouch, the range is available in select Morrisons stores and three of the variants will be rolling out to select Tesco stores from 9 November. #plantprotein #UK #Whitworths

Australian plant-based brand Fable Food Co has launched a range of ready meals made with its plant-based braised beef product. Fable’s plant-based braised beef is made with minimally processed shiitake mushrooms and all-natural plant-based ingredients. It is described as having a slow-braised meat texture that “looks, cooks and tastes like slow cooked pulled meats”. The vegan braised beef has been used to create three microwavable ready meals: stroganoff, rogan josh, and chilli con carne. Each ready meal serves one and are available to purchase at Woolworths stores across Australia. The roll out of the brand's ready meals comes at the same time as Fable secured a deal with Coles to see its plant-based braised beef launch into the store, four months after it hit over 600 Woolworths shelves. The meat alternative brand – which is backed by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal – aims to meet demand as more Australians adopt plant-based or flexitarian diets. “We want to show Aussies that plant-based proteins can be as delicious as meat and help make it easier for people to make more sustainable food choices without compromising on taste or quality,” said Michael Fox, co-founder and CEO of Fable.

Australian plant-based brand Fable Food Co has launched a range of ready meals made with its plant-based braised beef product. Fable’s plant-based braised beef is made with minimally processed shiitake mushrooms and all-natural plant-based ingredients. It is described as having a slow-braised meat texture that “looks, cooks and tastes like slow cooked pulled meats”. The vegan braised beef has been used to create three microwavable ready meals: stroganoff, rogan josh, and chilli con carne. Each ready meal serves one and are available to purchase at Woolworths stores across Australia. The roll out of the brand’s ready meals comes at the same time as Fable secured a deal with Coles to see its plant-based braised beef launch into the store, four months after it hit over 600 Woolworths shelves. The meat alternative brand – which is backed by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal – aims to meet demand as more Australians adopt plant-based or flexitarian diets. “We want to show Aussies that plant-based proteins can be as delicious as meat and help make it easier for people to make more sustainable food choices without compromising on taste or quality,” said Michael Fox, co-founder and CEO of Fable. #Australia #Fable #meatalternatives #plantbasedmeat

Organic food and drink producer, Wessanen UK, has expanded its Kallø range with the introduction of two new flavours of plant-based stock cubes. The new umami and sriracha flavours join the existing mushroom and garlic & herb variants in the brand’s portfolio of organic vegan stock cubes. Sold in packs of six stock cube portions, Kallø’s latest offerings are free from added artificial preservatives, colourings or flavourings. Wessanen says that Kallø’s stock cube sales were boosted by the ‘surge’ in scratch cooking during the first phase of lockdown. According to data from Kantar Worldpanel for the 52 weeks ending September 2020, supplied by Wessanen, sales were up 22% year-over-year. “We are seeing significant growth in the flexitarian market, with 86% of plant-based meals eaten by non-vegans,” said Wessanen UK marketing and category director, Bryan Martins. “There is nothing quite like our umami and sriracha stocks on shelves at the moment, and the natural ingredients list will appeal to the ever-growing number of health-conscious customers.” Both the new flavours are available, with an RRP of £1.20 per 66g pack, from Tesco, with further listings in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for organic umami. Earlier this year, Wessanen UK introduced protein-packed veggie cakes in two flavours to the Kallø portfolio. #Kallø #UK #WessanenUK

Organic food and drink producer, Wessanen UK, has expanded its Kallø range with the introduction of two new flavours of plant-based stock cubes. The new umami and sriracha flavours join the existing mushroom and garlic & herb variants in the brand’s portfolio of organic vegan stock cubes. Sold in packs of six stock cube portions, Kallø’s latest offerings are free from added artificial preservatives, colourings or flavourings. Wessanen says that Kallø’s stock cube sales were boosted by the ‘surge’ in scratch cooking during the first phase of lockdown. According to data from Kantar Worldpanel for the 52 weeks ending September 2020, supplied by Wessanen, sales were up 22% year-over-year. “We are seeing significant growth in the flexitarian market, with 86% of plant-based meals eaten by non-vegans,” said Wessanen UK marketing and category director, Bryan Martins. “There is nothing quite like our umami and sriracha stocks on shelves at the moment, and the natural ingredients list will appeal to the ever-growing number of health-conscious customers.” Both the new flavours are available, with an RRP of £1.20 per 66g pack, from Tesco, with further listings in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for organic umami. Earlier this year, Wessanen UK introduced protein-packed veggie cakes in two flavours to the Kallø portfolio.