UK-based start-up Katie's Food Co. has released a range of Banana Crisps, aimed at consumers seeking healthier snack options. Free from gluten, the brand’s new vegan offering comes in four flavours: Thai Sweet Chilli, Mixed Herb, Salt & Vinegar and Himalayan Salt. According to Katie's Food Co., the crisps are designed to appeal to impulse snack buyers looking for ‘both flavour and function’, and each pack contains one of a consumer’s five-a-day. “I love bananas, and these crisps take the humble banana and turn it into something quite extraordinary,” said Katie's Food Co. founder, Katie Grennall. “I've seen where the snack market is heading. People are no longer looking for a quick fix to fill their hunger pangs, they are considering what they are putting in their body and want to make sure that every calorie has nutritional clout. “Our banana crisps tick all the boxes; they are really tasty, completely natural… and they offer a slow energy release that will keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer, while providing one of your five-a-day.” Katie's Food Co. Banana Crisps are available, for an RRP of £1.49 per 32g bag, from online retailers including Amazon, Yumbles, and The Vegan Kind.

Vegan food producer Squeaky Bean has launched a ready-to-eat plant-based tortilla, which it says is the first of its kind on the UK market. The plant-based brand’s alternative to the classic Spanish egg-based dish contains chunks of potato and onion in a ‘fluffy, golden’ chickpea base. The tortillas can be heated in a frying pan or microwave, or eaten straight from the pack. Squeaky bean suggests its latest offering be enjoyed as part of a picnic or tapas-style dinner, as a snack, or served with fries and salad. The brand’s parent company, Winterbotham Darby, has reportedly experienced a 69% increase in egg tortilla sales over the past three months. With the introduction of a plant-based substitute, the company aims to offer those following vegan or flexitarian diets a convenient and filling meal without the complexity that it says is often associated with vegan food. “We know some consumers struggle to find ready-to-eat and easy-to-create vegan food options, which can often mean those new to eating a plant-based diet, or who want to reduce their intake of animal products, perceive it as challenging,” said Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean’s co-creator. “We also see a huge gap for egg replacement products, an area for which many of our consumers are craving tasty solutions. “Squeaky Bean is meeting those needs with our new Potato and Onion Tortilla – in addition to our existing range of vegan food – which is super quick to prepare and packed with flavour.” Squeaky Bean Potato and Onion Tortilla is available, for an RRP of £2.00 per 250g pack, from select Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. #SqueakyBean #UK #WinterbothamDarby

Functional food brand Barebells has launched its first vegan range with two new protein-enriched bars, as it aims to meet increased demand for plant-based products. The bars can be purchased in the UK and are initially available in two flavours: Hazelnut & Nougat and Salty Peanut. Hazelnut & Nougat combines ‘creamy’ nougat with crispy chocolate-covered hazelnuts, while Salty Peanut claims to offer the ideal combination of sweet and salty flavours. Both vegan bars contain 15g of plant-based protein derived from soy, peas and rice. They contain no added sugars and are free-from palm oil. The new vegan products will join Barebells’ range of protein-enriched bars, bringing its total to 11 varieties. Each flavour and design is inspired by the American 1950’s era, such as the recently-launched Crunchy Fudge, Lemon Curd and Coconut-Choco. In addition to its protein-enriched alternatives to snacks and desserts, Barebells also offers protein milkshakes. “The rise in demand for vegan products over the past 12 months, and more recently during lockdown, goes to show that the nation is seeking tasty, healthy vegan protein products,” said Carlotta Cattelani, Barebells UK and Ireland marketing manager. She continued: “Making plant-based choices doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste and we’re here to prove that. With this range, we want to show that it’s possible to enjoy delicious vegan alternatives that still deliver a protein punch without the sugar. Whether you are vegan or just looking to introduce more plant-based products into your diet, these bars are perfect for you.” Both bars are available to purchase now in BP and Marks & Spencer petrol forecourts across the UK and online. #Barebells #proteinbars #UK #vegan

Vegan food producer Squeaky Bean has launched a ready-to-eat plant-based tortilla, which it says is the first of its kind on the UK market. The plant-based brand’s alternative to the classic Spanish egg-based dish contains chunks of potato and onion in a ‘fluffy, golden’ chickpea base. The tortillas can be heated in a frying pan or microwave, or eaten straight from the pack. Squeaky bean suggests its latest offering be enjoyed as part of a picnic or tapas-style dinner, as a snack, or served with fries and salad. The brand’s parent company, Winterbotham Darby, has reportedly experienced a 69% increase in egg tortilla sales over the past three months. With the introduction of a plant-based substitute, the company aims to offer those following vegan or flexitarian diets a convenient and filling meal without the complexity that it says is often associated with vegan food. “We know some consumers struggle to find ready-to-eat and easy-to-create vegan food options, which can often mean those new to eating a plant-based diet, or who want to reduce their intake of animal products, perceive it as challenging,” said Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean’s co-creator. “We also see a huge gap for egg replacement products, an area for which many of our consumers are craving tasty solutions. “Squeaky Bean is meeting those needs with our new Potato and Onion Tortilla – in addition to our existing range of vegan food – which is super quick to prepare and packed with flavour.” Squeaky Bean Potato and Onion Tortilla is available, for an RRP of £2.00 per 250g pack, from select Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

Alpha Foods has announced a new partnership with KFC that will see its plant-based Chik’n Nuggets available in KFC stores across Hong Kong. The launch forms part of KFC’s “New Era” plant-based series. The fast food chain has been leading trials for incorporating more plant-based and flexitarian items on its menu on a global scale. It has previously teamed up with Beyond Meat to explore its US audience and Cargill to explore the potential of plant-based options in China. Cole Orobetz, president of Alpha Foods, told FoodBev: “KFC Hong Kong turned to Alpha Foods to further grow and expand the plant-based movement in Asia and globally. The pandemic has given rise to a number of people looking to adopt more flexitarian lifestyles, and we’re happy to provide a convenient and better-for-you path to get there. “Our delicious plant-based products are made using a blend of high-quality ingredients that meet the needs of consumers looking for approachable and convenient meal options.” Each set of Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets contain 12g of non-GMO plant-based protein and is free-from cholesterol or synthetic hormones. Alpha Foods’ recent partnership with KFC forms part of its efforts towards its expansion overseas. Orobetz told FoodBev about its future plans: “We are working with the Green Monday team to enter a number of countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and China in both food service and retail. There is a lot of opportunity here for a large population base that is increasing their consumption of plant-based foods and we want to be part of the solution.” The partnership comes a few months after Alpha Foods secured $28 million in a Series A funding round led by venture capital fund AccelFoods. Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets are available to purchase at select locations across Hong Kong. #KFC #meatalternatives #AlphaFoods #HongKong #plantbased

Functional food brand Barebells has launched its first vegan range with two new protein-enriched bars, as it aims to meet increased demand for plant-based products. The bars can be purchased in the UK and are initially available in two flavours: Hazelnut & Nougat and Salty Peanut. Hazelnut & Nougat combines ‘creamy’ nougat with crispy chocolate-covered hazelnuts, while Salty Peanut claims to offer the ideal combination of sweet and salty flavours. Both vegan bars contain 15g of plant-based protein derived from soy, peas and rice. They contain no added sugars and are free-from palm oil. The new vegan products will join Barebells’ range of protein-enriched bars, bringing its total to 11 varieties. Each flavour and design is inspired by the American 1950’s era, such as the recently-launched Crunchy Fudge, Lemon Curd and Coconut-Choco. In addition to its protein-enriched alternatives to snacks and desserts, Barebells also offers protein milkshakes. “The rise in demand for vegan products over the past 12 months, and more recently during lockdown, goes to show that the nation is seeking tasty, healthy vegan protein products,” said Carlotta Cattelani, Barebells UK and Ireland marketing manager. She continued: “Making plant-based choices doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste and we’re here to prove that. With this range, we want to show that it’s possible to enjoy delicious vegan alternatives that still deliver a protein punch without the sugar. Whether you are vegan or just looking to introduce more plant-based products into your diet, these bars are perfect for you.” Both bars are available to purchase now in BP and Marks & Spencer petrol forecourts across the UK and online.

Alpha Foods has announced a new partnership with KFC that will see its plant-based Chik’n Nuggets available in KFC stores across Hong Kong. The launch forms part of KFC’s “New Era” plant-based series. The fast food chain has been leading trials for incorporating more plant-based and flexitarian items on its menu on a global scale. It has previously teamed up with Beyond Meat to explore its US audience and Cargill to explore the potential of plant-based options in China. Cole Orobetz, president of Alpha Foods, told FoodBev: “KFC Hong Kong turned to Alpha Foods to further grow and expand the plant-based movement in Asia and globally. The pandemic has given rise to a number of people looking to adopt more flexitarian lifestyles, and we’re happy to provide a convenient and better-for-you path to get there. “Our delicious plant-based products are made using a blend of high-quality ingredients that meet the needs of consumers looking for approachable and convenient meal options.” Each set of Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets contain 12g of non-GMO plant-based protein and is free-from cholesterol or synthetic hormones. Alpha Foods’ recent partnership with KFC forms part of its efforts towards its expansion overseas. Orobetz told FoodBev about its future plans: “We are working with the Green Monday team to enter a number of countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and China in both food service and retail. There is a lot of opportunity here for a large population base that is increasing their consumption of plant-based foods and we want to be part of the solution.” The partnership comes a few months after Alpha Foods secured $28 million in a Series A funding round led by venture capital fund AccelFoods. Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets are available to purchase at select locations across Hong Kong.

Burton’s Biscuit Company has announced a change to its Jammie Dodgers recipe which means it is 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans. The updated recipe involves the removal of dairy yet the brand claims the biscuit “still tastes just as good”. With its new recipe, the UK biscuit has returned to its original vegan-friendly status as dairy was only added ‘some years ago’. In line with its vegan upgrade, which was made in response to customer feedback, the brand has unveiled a new packaging design. Kate Needham, marketing director at Burtons Biscuits, said: “We have listened to our biscuit fans and are pleased to announce that we’ve moved once again to a dairy-free recipe. “Family fun is at the Jammie heart of our brand, so it’s important to us that the whole family – and families of all lifestyles – can share a pack. Thanks to the new recipe, we’re happy that will now be more possible. “But that’s not all, with our household classic seeing a surge in popularity, you can expect to see lots more fun and mischief coming from the UK’s favourite Jammie biscuit brand going forwards.” The new vegan-friendly biscuit will be available to purchase in stores across the UK from 13 July. The recipe upgrade will be applied to both the standard sized and Jammie Dodgers minis. Earlier this year, Burton’s Biscuit Company teamed up with Mars to launch Maltesers Biscuits. #BurtonsBiscuitCompany #JammieDodgers #UK #vegan

Burton’s Biscuit Company has announced a change to its Jammie Dodgers recipe which means it is 100% plant-based and suitable for vegans. The updated recipe involves the removal of dairy yet the brand claims the biscuit “still tastes just as good”. With its new recipe, the UK biscuit has returned to its original vegan-friendly status as dairy was only added ‘some years ago’. In line with its vegan upgrade, which was made in response to customer feedback, the brand has unveiled a new packaging design. Kate Needham, marketing director at Burtons Biscuits, said: “We have listened to our biscuit fans and are pleased to announce that we’ve moved once again to a dairy-free recipe. “Family fun is at the Jammie heart of our brand, so it’s important to us that the whole family - and families of all lifestyles - can share a pack. Thanks to the new recipe, we’re happy that will now be more possible. “But that’s not all, with our household classic seeing a surge in popularity, you can expect to see lots more fun and mischief coming from the UK’s favourite Jammie biscuit brand going forwards." The new vegan-friendly biscuit will be available to purchase in stores across the UK from 13 July. The recipe upgrade will be applied to both the standard sized and Jammie Dodgers minis. Earlier this year, Burton’s Biscuit Company teamed up with Mars to launch Maltesers Biscuits.

Plant-based snack brand Outstanding Foods has raised $5 million in a financing round led by SternAegis Ventures. Los Angeles Laker JaVale McGee is also joining Outstanding Foods’ cohort of celebrity investors, which currently includes names such as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg). The LA-based company produces PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds, a ‘guilt-free’ vegan alternative product, which launched earlier this year. The brand says it is preparing to expand its portfolio following this latest funding round. The capital raised will be used to facilitate faster R&D and support retail expansion, team development, and nationwide marketing. “This funding provides us with the opportunity to reach more consumers and give them more ways to snack on great-tasting, healthy, plant-based snacks,” said Bill Glaser, CEO and co-founder of Outstanding Foods. “Consumers have been freaking out over our PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds that are addictively delicious and have the same protein content as beef. Soon they’ll be able to experience other Outstanding snacks that we feel will be game changers.” JaVale McGee added: “PigOut Rinds are one of the best snacks I’ve tried. You’d never know they’re plant-based and packed with clean protein to keep you fuelled. I’m excited to join their team.” #OutstandingFoods #US

Plant-based snack brand Outstanding Foods has raised $5 million in a financing round led by SternAegis Ventures. Los Angeles Laker JaVale McGee is also joining Outstanding Foods’ cohort of celebrity investors, which currently includes names such as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg). The LA-based company produces PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds, a ‘guilt-free’ vegan alternative product, which launched earlier this year. The brand says it is preparing to expand its portfolio following this latest funding round. The capital raised will be used to facilitate faster R&D and support retail expansion, team development, and nationwide marketing. “This funding provides us with the opportunity to reach more consumers and give them more ways to snack on great-tasting, healthy, plant-based snacks,” said Bill Glaser, CEO and co-founder of Outstanding Foods. “Consumers have been freaking out over our PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds that are addictively delicious and have the same protein content as beef. Soon they'll be able to experience other Outstanding snacks that we feel will be game changers.” JaVale McGee added: “PigOut Rinds are one of the best snacks I've tried. You'd never know they're plant-based and packed with clean protein to keep you fuelled. I'm excited to join their team.”

With the deadline for the 2020 World Plant-Based Innovation Awards less than a month away, on Friday 24 July, FoodBev takes a look back at some of the top new innovations on the plant-based market. Here, we have gathered a handful of some of the most popular new plant-based products featured on our website in 2019 and 2020, to provide a breakdown of the current industry landscape. Country Crock dairy-free plant butter September 2019 saw the launch of US-based Country Crock’s dairy-free plant butter, offering an alternative to its original buttery spread. Country Crock claim this offering bring ‘the taste of butter, made from plants’. According to the American company, production of plant-based butter results in less than half the greenhouse gas emissions as the production of dairy butter and its packaging is recyclable. This alternative to a classic dairy product is made using plant-based oils, such as olive, avocado and almond oil. Burger King plant-based Impossible Whopper Burger King partnered with California-based Impossible Foods to launch a plant-based version of its Whopper burger in the US, named the ‘Impossible Whopper’. This meat alternative offering was only available for a limited time in August 2019 and featured a flame-grilled patty made from plants topped with sliced tomatoes and onions, lettuce, plant-based mayonnaise, ketchup and pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun. One Brands line of plant-based protein bars Protein bar maker One Brands released its first range of plant-based protein bars called One Plant, which were available in US retailers from October. These bars contain a range of plant-based proteins including pea protein, rice protein and almond protein, and each bar is non-GMO, gluten-free and dairy-free. The One Plant range consists of two flavours, chocolate peanut butter and banana nut bread, each containing 12g of protein and 1g of sugar. Asda own-label vegan range At the beginning of 2020, UK supermarket Asda launched a range of plant-based products from ready meals to sides, in a move to provide inexpensive meat alternative options. The 100% plant-based range was released under its ‘Asda Plant Based’ label and is approved by The Vegan Society. The products host the company’s new ‘live better’ logo to signpost the healthiest choices in its range. The launch was made following a recent research programme, which revealed that 52% of 18-34-year olds plan to reduce their meat intake in 2020. Incogmeato plant-based sausage alternatives Kellogg added to its Incogmeato range in February with plant-based alternatives to bratwurst and Italian sausages, made with non-GMO soy and feature 100% plant-based protein. Incogmeato, which is part of Kellogg’s MorningStar Farm brand, announced its plant-based line back in 2019. According to Kellogg, the “next-generation” Incogmeato plant-based protein line “looks, cooks and tastes just like meat”. Nestlé plant-based Nescafé Gold coffee mixes Nestlé has launched a new range of plant-based instant white coffees in summer 2019 under its Nescafé Gold brand, as it responded to a growing demand for non-dairy products. The blends are made with 100% arabica coffee and have been specially crafted to mix with the plant-based ingredients to create “smooth, creamy-tasting lattes”. The three flavours include oat, almond and coconut. Gato & Co vegan gluten-free cookie sandwiches UK dessert brand launched a vegan and gluten-free twist on classic cookie sandwiches earlier this year. Available in four different flavours: choc vanilla, choc peanut butter, choc hazelnut butter and salted caramel. The product is completely dairy, gluten and palm oil-free and is made using nut butters and coconut oil to replace butter. According to the plant-based bakers, the cookies are high in fibre and contain half the sugar of similar sweet snacks. Knorr vegan stock pot range Unilever-owned Knorr recently launched a range of vegan stock pots, to tap into the growing demand for flexitarian diets. The stock pots come in a variety of flavours including smoked chilli and tomato, paprika and sundried tomato, and kaffir lime and ginger variants to make it easier for shoppers to recreate these flavours at home. Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Burger In early 2020, Conagra Brands expanded its Gardein meat-free portfolio in the US with a new plant-based burger patty: the Ultimate Plant-Based Burger. According to Conagra, the burger is made with no soy ingredients and is said to look, cook and smell like real meat. Created from pea protein, the 4oz patties feature 19g of protein per serving. Earlybirds vegan-friendly ‘snacking drinks’ UK brand Earlybirds launched a range of vegan-friendly “snacking drinks” in summer 2019. The drinks are packaged in compostable bottles, have no added sugar, contain 20-30% of a consumer’s recommended intake of fibre and are available in two flavours: berry bircher, and mango and oats. Earlybirds claims they aim to make mornings easier by providing a healthy and convenient solution for breakfasts and snacking. Have you got a new plant-based innovation that you think is award-worthy? Enter our World Plant-Based Awards 2020 before Friday 24 July! #Food #plantbased #WorldPlantBasedAwards #WorldPlantBasedAwards2020