95% of Brits want more vegan fashion, new study reveals

From totallyveganbuzz.com

“In the past year, we have seen an increase in demand and awareness for plant-based materials. We need to work with more brands and encourage them to make more conscious and mindful choices.”

A majority of Brits want more vegan-verified clothes, bags, shoes and accessories on the high-street and online, according to a new report.

The Vegan Society commissioned a survey of 1000 adults on the consumer research platform Attest this May to understand consumer awareness of different materials along with supply chain issues within the fashion industry, and preferences when it comes to vegan fashion.

The Rise of Vegan Fashion report found that 95 % of shoppers want more vegan-verified fashion. Almost half (48%) stated they want more vegan-verified items across all fashion categories.

While 35% of respondents said they wanted more vegan alternatives for items such as jackets and boots that usually use animal leather, 32% wanted more vegan-friendly leather bags and backpacks.

Around 32% said they’d like to see the use of pleather (plant leather) extended to general footwear such as boots, heels and sandals with 28% stating they’d be interested in vegan trainers that use vegan leather.

Vegan leather options

The survey also found that customers’ attitude towards the use of animal leather for fashion is changing for the better. 61% said they found the use of fur cruel, while 37% said cow leather is cruel, with more than half (54 %) slamming the use of calf leather.

35% of the ones polled said they’d want more vegan leather options with almost three-quarters (74%) even willing to pay more for plant-based leather compared to animal leather.

Plant-based leathers include those created from pineapples, mushrooms, apples, cacti and succulents. They present an ethical, durable and sustainable alternative to animal-based leathers.

More than half (55%) said they were interested in purchasing, or already owned something made from plant-based leather with 42% of them stating it is more sustainable, 34% said it is ethical and 31% said it’s modern.

Em Mendoza, Head of Business Development at Vegan Trademark holder Ananas Anam, said: “In the past year, we have seen an increase in demand and awareness for plant-based materials…[and] to create change and impact, collaboration is key.

“We need to work with more brands and encourage them to make more conscious and mindful choices.”

Fashion labels ditch animal leather

A growing number of fashion houses, and high-end retailers have started moving away from animal-based products.

In the last three months alone, Nieman Marcus, Canada Goose, Oscar de la Renta, and Moose Knuckles have announced plans to ditch fur.  The move makes them join the likes of heavyweights such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, Gap, Burberry, Prada, Gucci, and Giorgio Armani among others.

Earlier this month, luxury fashion company Puig – the owner of Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Nina Ricci, and Dries Van Noten – announced it will no longer sell items made from the skins of snakes, crocodiles, and other exotic animals.

https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/news/brits-want-more-vegan-fashion-says-study/

From Chorizo To Eggs, Here Are The Latest Vegan Food Launches

From plantbasednews.org

Companies around the world are revving up their vegan options. Here's the latest in plant-based food launches...

Each week Plant Based News publishes a roundup of the latest vegan food launches. Here are this week’s new plant-based products. 

United States

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill is now testing vegan chorizo in Denver and Indianapolis. It’s the restaurant chain’s first plant-based protein option since it introduced Sofritas in 2014. 

Chipotle crafted the Plant-Based Chorizo with pea protein, Chipotle peppers, and Spanish smoked paprika, among other ingredients. The chorizo offers 20g of protein per serving. 

“Plant-based lifestyles have continued to accelerate in popularity, and as a long-time leader in the category, we are exploring ways to give more variety to our fans,” Chief Marketing Officer Chris Brandt said. “We used real ingredients to create a plant-based protein with a deep, rich Chorizo flavour that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

OmniFoods

Vegan pork created by OmniFoods has launched at Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market in 23 states. The range is now available at all of Sprouts Farmers Market’s 371 locations. 

The line features plant-based pork strips, vegan ground pork, and vegan SPAM. The latter was the first of its kind worldwide. 

David Yeung – Founder of OmniFoods and Green Monday Holdings – revealed that OmniFoods is now available at around 40,000 point of sale locations worldwide. 

“By providing our growing consumer base with a healthy and delicious plant-based pork alternative, we continue to fulfil our mission to construct a multi-faceted global ecosystem of future food that helps to combat climate change, food insecurity, public health crisis, planetary devastation, and animal suffering,” he said in a statement.

Canada

Nabati Foods’ vegan egg

Nabati Foods’ new vegan liquid egg product is now on the market.

Nabati Foods' vegan egg offers 6g of protein per serving. Credit: Nabati Foods

The chicken-free egg is made from lupin and pea protein. It offers 6g of protein and 2g of fiber per serving. Like all vegan food, it also has no cholesterol. 

“We are excited to be the first Canadian company to launch a plant-based liquid egg product that offers the same consistency, taste, and texture as a traditional chicken egg,” CEO Ahmad Yehya said. “I believe we are giving breakfast back to so many people who want to enjoy these traditional recipes, but without consuming animal-based products or products with allergens. It’s about time we all get to enjoy breakfast again!”

Nabati Plant Eggz are now available at Nabati.ca. The company will roll the product out at Sobeys in Quebec and at Whole Foods stores across British Columbia and Ontario shortly.

Oat Canada

          

Demand for Oat Canada’s dairy-free milk exceeded the company’s expectations.

Credit: Oat Canada

An oat milk brand has significantly increased its availability in Canada. 

Oat Canada has rolled out its sugar-free oat milk to 1,000 locations. The Oat Canada Zero Sugar Barista Oat Milk, thought to be the first of its kind, is available at supermarket chain Loblaws throughout Canada, including Loblaw’s brands Superstore, Valu-Mart, and Zehrs. 

It will also be available at select Costco warehouses in Ontario and Quebec.

“To be honest our goal was 100 stores in our first year and we’re proud to say we completely blew past this goal thanks to you. We couldn’t have done it without the number of people who’ve filled out our Store Request form on our ‘Store Locator’ page on our website,” Oat Canada wrote online. “Our inbox was flooded with so many recommendations!”

Europe

Freshkia

Health-focused Spanish food brand Freshkia has introduced a vegan ready-meal range. Freshkia teamed up with dairy-free cheese brand Violife and plant-based meat brand Heura to create the range.

Called Buddha Bowl, the plant-based line is available in four varieties: Karma, Nirvana, Namasté, and Mantra. The dishes include ingredients like tri-color pasta, apple, mango, nuts, Heura Mediterranean Bites and dairy-free cheese.

Freshkia commented that the vegan options can help consumers ‘feel good and achieve inner harmony’, per Fruitnet.

“Innovative and sustainable food has the power to change health, life and the environment. That is why the Buddha Bowls take care of the individual and society’s health, responding to the needs of a consumer who is increasingly aware of the environment and responsible consumption that demands healthy and high-quality products,” Freshkia added.

Asia

Nestlé

Rising demand for plant-based food has motivated the world’s biggest food company to increase its vegan options. Nestlé said it is expanding its Singaporean R&D facilities to build up its plant-based portfolio.

Thomas Hauser, Head of Global Product and Technology Development, spoke to ABS-CNB News about the ‘massive’ investment. He revealed that Nestlé is forking out 1.6 billion Swiss francs for the R&D efforts, as well as employing 300 researchers in Singapore. 

Hauser didn’t clarify how much of the investment will be used for plant-based options.

“It is an important field, yes, it is a massive investment. Also in Singapore, we have created a team to cater to the specific needs,” he said. “We have basically started to build up this competence in the past couple of years.”

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/chorizo-eggs-vegan-food-launches/

Dandies Marshmallows maker Chicago Vegan Foods marks 20th anniversary

From candyindustry.com

Company plans to introduce new items in new categories under Dandies brand in 2022

Chicago Vegan Foods, maker of Dandies vegan, gelatin-free marshmallows, is turning 20 years old this year.

Family owned and self-funded, the vegan food company continues to innovate in the plant-based category with its takes on classic comfort foods. With its beginnings traced back to the animal rights movement in the 1990s, founders Ryan Howard and Dan Ziegler founded Chicago Vegan Foods in 2001 to channel their activism into a business that could bring awareness to animal rights and create alternatives to products that were harmful to animals and the environment. 

"We started in my tiny basement and now manufacture out of our own 40,000 sq.ft., fully vegan facility,” Howard said. “We can manufacture over 18 tons of marshmallows a day, which is over 100 miles worth of marshmallows placed end to end."

The company started by making Temptation Vegan Frozen Dessert (which evolved to include Temptation Vegan Soft Serve) and Teese Vegan Cheese. In 2010, its flagship product, Dandies marshmallows, launched in stores.

Chicago Vegan Foods founders Ryan Howard, left, and Dan Ziegler pose with the company's flagship product, Dandies Marshmallows. The company is marking 20 years in operation in 2021. Photo from Chicago Vegan Foods

With a taste and texture indistinguishable from conventional marshmallows, Dandies have become a go-to ingredient for baked goods, campfire s’mores, and hot cocoa. Made with no artificial flavours or colours, no corn syrup, no gelatin, and free from gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, peanuts and tree nuts, these marshmallows are also an allergy-friendly version of the classic confection. 

Propelled by the success of Dandies and the explosion of the plant-based market, Chicago Vegan Foods has grown by 40 times over the past 10 years. An expansion into a 40,000-sq.-ft. SQF-certified facility in 2018 allowed the company to meet growing demand with increased capacity, automated production, and customized, state-of-the-art equipment.

The company plans to introduce a new line of plant-based products in new categories under the Dandies brand in 2022.

“We started this company to make plant-based foods that everyone could enjoy while using it as a springboard to educate. We never thought our mission would take us this far,” Ziegler said. “It's humbling to hear from customers about how we've changed their lives with something as simple as a marshmallow or ice cream, giving them an opportunity to re-experience family memories and to make new ones, with a friendlier upgrade.” 

https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/89927-dandies-marshmallows-maker-chicago-vegan-foods-marks-20th-anniversary

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for no-churn cherry and marzipan ice-cream

From theguardian.com

No churn, no machine and no nasties: just proper, creamy, dairy-free ice-cream

The food writer Alice Hart is a genius. She put together marzipan and coconut milk, froze it and an excellent vegan ice-cream – one good enough to rival any dairy and egg version – was born. In this recipe, I’ve used her idea as a springboard, replacing the denser coconut milk with a frothy, whippable, plant-based cream to ensure an airy texture and soft set that removes the need to churn with a machine. I’ve also used frozen cherries, which I prefer to fresh due to their intense flavour, and finished with a little sprinkle of dark chocolate just for joy.

 

Meera Sodha’s vegan cherry and marzipan ice-cream. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food styling assistant: Valeria Russo.

No-churn cherry and marzipan ice-cream

I tested a lot of plant creams, including coconut milk, against each other and found that, due to its whippability, Elmlea double plant cream works best here. You could use another plant cream or coconut milk, but it may result in a denser or icier ice-cream. Remember, not all marzipan is vegan, so be sure to check the packaging.

Prep 5 min
Cook 15 min
Freeze 4 hr+
Makes About 1½ litres

275g frozen dark cherries
250g white marzipan (suitable for vegans), roughly chopped
540ml double plant cream – I used Elmlea
50g icing sugar
⅛ tsp fine sea salt (or 1 big pinch)
A little grated 75% dark chocolate (suitable for vegans), to serve

Blitz the frozen cherries and marzipan in a blender with 140ml of the cream, until the marzipan has broken down and integrated with the fruit and cream to form a smooth mixture. Taste it for lumps and, if any tiny ones remain, blend again.

In a large bowl, whip the remaining cream, icing sugar and salt to soft peaks, then gently fold in the cherry marzipan mixture until well combined. Pour into a shallow baking dish and freeze uncovered for at least four hours, or overnight.

To serve, put two or three scoops into each bowl and top with the grated dark chocolate.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/aug/28/meera-sodhas-vegan-recipe-no-churn-cherry-and-marzipan-ice-cream

UK: Devon's vegan chocolate maker Moo Free targets adult market with new products

From business-live.co.uk

Firm which supplies leading supermarkets sees profit growth and rebrands after securing £900k loan

Devon-based vegan chocolate maker Moo Free is hoping to taste sweet success as it brings out new products for an adult market after securing a £900,000 loan.

The Holsworthy-headquartered business produces confectionery which is free from dairy, gluten and soya and is now expanding its product range as the “free-from dairy” food market grows throughout the UK.

Some of the new vegan chocolates being launched by Devon's Moo Free as it targets the adult market

The company has rebranded in a bid to extend its appeal to a growing adult demographic for vegan products. Up to now Moo Free has traditionally targeted the children’s market and focused its sales on the Easter and Christmas periods.

But the firm’s rebrand and product expansion are aimed at appealing to adults and to drive and sustain regular sales throughout the year. Santander UK has supported Moo Free with its growth strategy by providing the company with a £900,000 funding package.

Ginette Higgs, finance director at Moo Free, said: “Moo Free is a small, but fast-growing company and Santander UK has been instrumental in helping us achieve - and even exceed - our ambitious growth plans. The team at Santander UK has provided us with a combination of services that support our unique requirements and address our capital commitments, as well as achieving our business goals.”

Moo Free was established in 2010 by Andrea and Mike Jessop, both of whom have food intolerances, gluten and lactose respectively, after identifying a gap in the chocolate market for dairy-free alternatives. They re-mortgaged their house to get the business up and running.

Since then, they have gone on to supply major supermarkets and health food stores - including Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda, M&S, Ocado and Spar - with their products as well as selling online.

https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/devons-vegan-chocolate-maker-moo-21407048

Vegan Watch Guide: Leather-Free & Sustainable Watch Brands You’ll Love

From worldofvegan.com

Hello, dear reader. Can you tell me the time?

Every time you glance down and see a timepiece wrapped around your wrist, it reflects back to you not only the minutes and hours of the day, but also your choices and the power behind them.

When you look down and see a consciously crafted watch ticking along delicately and with great precision, made from sustainable and ethical materials by passionate craftsmen, you will likely feel something. If you really pay attention you can actually feel the alignment of the material possessions you own and the values you hold in your hart. Your hard earned dollars have gone toward a brand that’s good. And that feels good.

So today we’re taking vegan living a step beyond food and into the realm of vegan fashion and accessories. We’re talking all about vegan watches!

What Is A Vegan Watch?

A vegan watch is a timepiece that’s made without animal products—namely without:

• Leather
• Suede
• Snakeskin
• Alligator skin
• Any other animal’s skin
• Ivory (made from elephant tusks)
• Shell
• Pearl

…or any other animal products. Leather is the most common animal product used in watch straps, but these days it’s easy to avoid with tons of plant-based or synthetic alternatives.

Modern Vegan Watch Bands

Today you can easily get watch bands made from animal-free materials like:

• Cork
• Silicone
• Hemp
• Cotton
• Vegan Leather
• Pineapple Leather
• Vegan Suede
• Wood
• Rubber
• Stainless Steel

And if you can get a beautiful, functional, made-to-last watch made without causing harm, why wouldn’t you?

You can find luxury vegan watches, high-fashion watches, eco-friendly watches, and super-affordable vegan watches available at mainstream big box stores like Target and Walmart. There’s a vegan watch for everyone out there, and we hope we can help you find the perfect plant-powered watch for you!

100% Vegan Watch Brands

Here are several fully vegan watch brands that offer exquisite watches made with compassion in mind. Most of these are online shops that can ship internationally so your new watch will arrive on your doorstep. These also make a perfect vegan gift for a loved one celebrating a special occasion. Many of these brands are PETA-approved vegan as well

• Dan & Mez (Austria)
• Evig Gron (Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal)
• Fjordson
• Hurting Lane
• JORD (US)
• Ksana (UK)
• Solios (Canada, makes solar powered watches that are designed to be extremely eco-friendly.)
• TIVC (Australia)
• Votch (UK)

Note: these brands are located in various countries all around the world but they ship worldwide. 

How to Find An “Accidentally Vegan” Watch

Of course you can also find “accidentally vegan” watches made by both mainstream companies (like Apple watches) and other more obscure brands. Stores like Target and Walmart and other mass produced low-cost stores often carry accidentally vegan watches (which may be the most affordable option).

How Can I Tell if a Watch is Vegan?

Look on the watch strap or label, and if it says “all manmade made materials” or “100% synthetic materials” or something along those lines, that indicates that it’s vegan! If you see anything that says “genuine leather” or other skins, then it’s not. Some watches can be hard to identify as vegan-or-not due to obscure or absent labeling, and in some of those cases there is no way to know (unless you contact the brand .

Replace Your Old Leather Watch Straps

If you have an old watch that you love with leather watch straps that need to be replaced, consider finding a vegan watch strap from on of the vegan brands that will fit to your existing watch face! You should be able to easily find several options. You can bring them to a watch store if you’d like them to assemble the new watch straps for you.

Remember, the most sustainable watches out there are used watches. Rescue an old watch and give it a longer life with a little tender love and care. Simply adding new straps will make it feel brand new!

Sustainable Vegan Apple Watch Bands

There’s no denying that Apple watches are taking over. If you have one, you may be glad to you know you can find super ethical and sustainable Apple watch bands—like these compostable watch bands from Pela! They are made from “flaxstic,” which is a plastic-like material made from flaxseeds! Plants really are magic.

What Should I Do With My Old Leather Watch?

If you’re not sure what to do with your leather watch now that you’re vegan (or the other animal products you purchased before you went vegan), listen to our Vegan Clothing & Fashion episode of the Plant-Powered People Podcast. We hope this helps!

https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-watches/

These Vegan Cheese Wedges by Good Planet Foods Are What Snacks Dreams Are Made Of

From greenqueen.com.hk

American plant-based dairy startup Good Planet Foods has just expanded its range with snack-sized vegan cheese wedges. The new Plant-Based Cheese Wedges come in three flavours, and are designed to be a convenient cruelty-free alternative to classic dairy cheese snacks.

Good Planet Foods has just released its newest vegan cheese range, Plant-Based Cheese Wedges. The range, which comes in three flavours—Original, Pepper Jack and Smoked Gouda—come in 4-ounce packages containing six individually-wrapped portions that are perfect for snacking. It is the latest addition to the brand’s vegan cheese line-up, which includes shredded and sliced mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar and provolone alternatives. 

Plant-Based Cheese Wedges

Good Planet Foods’ Plant-Based Cheese Wedges

According to the Bellevue, Washington-based startup, its new vegan cheese wedges are designed to be just as “snackable” as its dairy-based counterparts. The Laughing Cow lookalikes, however, are made from 100% plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and plant-based proteins. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, certified non-GMO and keto-friendly. 

By virtue of being dairy-free, the brand’s vegan wedges are also far more sustainable. Globally, the 13 largest dairy producers together generate more emissions than Britain’s annual carbon footprint, according to data from the IATP. 

“We are committed to growing the segment by making it easy for consumers to make a sustainable choice and choose plant-based,” commented Good Planet co-CEO Bart Adlam. “With this innovation, we are delivering an [alternative with] all the creaminess, satisfaction, and taste of dairy cheese.”

Good Planet’s new Plant-Based Cheese Wedges are now retailed for $4.99 at supermarket chains like HyVee and Wakefern. 

Good Planet Foods’ vegan cheese range

Vegan cheese market matures

Adlam says the expansion of the brand’s product portfolio comes as long-time consumers begin to demand more variety in dairy-free offerings, while mainstream shoppers are also making the shift towards plant-based dairy more than ever before. 

“The plant-based cheese segment is growing extremely fast, but the potential is far greater than we are seeing,” shared the co-CEO. 

Currently, plant-based cheese is a S$2.7 billion global market, but is estimated to double to $4.5 billion by as soon as 2025. On viral social media platform TikTok, vegan cheese tops the charts as the most popular plant-based food trend. 

Good Planet Foods’ plant-based parmesan cheese alternative

Investors betting on the future of plant-based dairy backed Good Planet last year, in a $12 million Series A round that went towards expanding the startup’s range and distribution. Since the brand first launched via foodservice in 2018, it has launched in over 700 retail locations, including in Safeway and Wegmans. 

As the dairy-free trend continues to take off, established food players are also now on board to tap the market. Bel Brands, the maker of Laughing Cow, said it will be releasing vegan versions of all its iconic labels, among them Babybel and Boursin as well. The French dairy giant has also launched Nurishh, its own 100% plant-based cheese line. 

All images courtesy of Good Planet Foods.

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/vegan-cheese-wedges-good-planet-foods/

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Just Launched Its First Vegan Meat Option at 122 US Locations

From vegnews.com

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf joins the plant-based party with a new breakfast sandwich made with Beyond Meat’s vegan sausage

Today, Los Angeles-based chain The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is adding its first vegan meat option to its menu. Available at 122 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations in California, the new Beyond Breakfast Sausage Sandwich features a vegan breakfast sausage patty (made by fellow California-based company Beyond Meat) along with dairy-based cheese and a chicken egg on an English muffin. The Beyond Breakfast Sausage Sandwich—which was first tested at select San Diego locations—is not made to order and therefore cannot be ordered vegan. 

“As two SoCal-based companies, we’re excited to partner to bring our fans a delicious and convenient breakfast option made with plant-based sausage,” Tim Smith, Beyond Meat’s Vice President of Food Service North America, said. “Following the successful test in San Diego, we’re proud that Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is expanding the Beyond Breakfast Sausage Sandwich to stores across California so that it’s easier than ever for consumers on-the-go to enjoy the nutritional and environmental benefits of plant-based protein.”

The sandwich is part of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s fall menu which also features a variety of seasonal beverages, including the Cookie Butter Latte, Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Cold Brew Coffee, and Pumpkin Spiced Chai Latte. The signature powders used to create these drinks contain dairy. 

“Our mission is to continue to drive innovation and to provide our guests with flavors and food items that they crave, enjoy, and that spark joy,” Nurit Raich, Senior Director of Product Innovation at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand, said. “We are excited to provide our guests with the Beyond Breakfast Sausage Sandwich that is made with delicious plant-based sausage as a way for them to easily enjoy plant-based meat without sacrificing on taste, and to bring back the indulgent Cookie Butter beverages by popular demand and other fall nostalgic flavors.”

Dunkin’, Jamba, and Starbucks put vegan meat on the menu

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is the latest chain to add a vegan meat option to its menu. In 2019, Dunkin’ was one of the first coffee chains to add vegan meat to its national menu when it partnered with Beyond Meat to launch its first plant-based meat option at its more than 9,000 locations. There, the Beyond Sausage Sandwich was made on a vegan English muffin and featured Beyond Meat’s plant-based sausage patty served with an egg and dairy-based cheese.

To order that sandwich vegan, customers had to remove the egg and cheese, leaving behind only the Beyond Breakfast Sausage and English muffin—a sandwich that was easy to make at home as both items are widely available in grocery stores. As of July 2021, Dunkin’ reduced the availability of the sandwich to several hundred locations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Hawaii, Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming. Dunkin’ is currently exploring other opportunities with Beyond Meat. 

In April, smoothie chain Jamba got into plant-based meat with the addition of the Impossible Handwich to the permanent breakfast menu at its 725 locations nationwide. The sandwich features a plant-based Impossible Sausage patty and is served with dairy cheese on a toasted sprouted vegan grain bun. This sandwich can be ordered vegan by omitting cheese. 

Coffee giant Starbucks has also begun to adapt to modern appetites. In June 2020, Starbucks added the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich to the majority of its locations nationwide—representing the first time the chain has offered plant-based meat on its menu in the United States. This sandwich features a plant-based Impossible Sausage patty, dairy cheese, and chicken eggs, and cannot be ordered vegan as the sandwiches at Starbucks, like those at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, are not made to order. 

Vegan breakfast sandwiches

While its Impossible Breakfast Sandwich is not vegan, Starbucks has been dabbling with a fully vegan breakfast sandwich at select locations. The Plant-Powered Breakfast Sandwich was first spotted at one Starbucks location in Issaquah, WA last fall. This vegan sandwich is made with an Impossible Sausage patty, vegan cheese, mung bean-based eggs, and served on an English muffin. In January 2021, Starbucks expanded the test region of the Plant-Powered Breakfast Sandwich to Dallas, TX but has not announced a national rollout just yet. 

While the fate of the fully vegan breakfast sandwich at Starbucks is unknown, other chains have launched tantalizing options to meet demand for vegan sandwiches. Last spring, Peet’s Coffee added the fully vegan Everything Plant-Based Sandwich to its menu at participating locations nationwide. The new sandwich is made with a Beyond Meat Breakfast Sausage patty, folded JUST Egg, melted dairy-free cheddar cheese, and comes served on an everything bagel thin. 

San Francisco-based Philz launched a similar vegan sandwich in March across its California locations. The Philz Plant Powered Sandwich also features JUST Egg Folded, Beyond Breakfast Sausage, and Daiya cheese. Within two months of launch, the vegan sandwich was the second most-popular hot breakfast item at Philz.

https://vegnews.com/2021/8/coffee-bean-and-tea-leaf-vegan-meat

Vegan Fine Dating at Your Fingertips

From vegworldmag.com

Meet the Founders

Vegpal is brought to you by two plant-powered Bostonians who were disillusioned with the status quo of vegan dating. Sravan- hailing from a vegetarian family, learned of veganism at a vegan speed dating event. While the event didn’t yield a fruitful match, a vegan seed was planted. He began to resonate with the ethics of veganism and became committed to finding a compassionate, vegan partner. Dahlia, a beloved teacher, also evolved along her vegan journey. She realized that dating a non-vegan or non-vegetarian posed its challenges- endless anti-vegan commentary, unwillingness to engage in productive discussions, the mundane jokes…..y’all get the drill. 

Dating can be stressful enough without having to deal with trolls, inactive accounts, and the infrequent creeper lurking in dating apps. As a solution, Sravan with his computer-savvy background, and Dahlia with her innovative ideas and professional skills, embarked on a mission to step up the scenes of vegan dating. 

Dahlia and Sravan- ready for a gamechanger!

Created by vegans, and with inclusivity at its core, Vegpal seeks to help fabulous vegans and vegetarians across the globe form valuable relationships.

How does Vegpal stand out from other dating apps?

Vegpal is determined to provide the user a high-quality experience. The team performs a thorough review of the application before approving members to join the space. They are dedicated to delivering an app of elevated quality that is also accessible to the everyday folk. While the app is currently free, the duo plans on offering an all-features-inclusive paid subscription at an affordable price.

“I think a default paid membership ensures that the community we curate is serious about finding their veg pal(s)! We are here to enhance the landscape of veg dating for all! It’s always been quality over quantity for us.”-Dahlia and Sravan

Creating an inclusive, global community and forging lasting relationships

Dahlia and Sravan are excited to welcome the growing veg community, which includes all gender and sexual orientations. Contrary to the majority of apps, Vegpal affords the option to select more than one gender identification for yourself and prospective matches.

“While developing the app, we were sure to talk to people in the LGBTQIA+ community and gained crucial feedback from them. We want all our members to feel represented on our platform.” -Dahlia

Users may also opt for matches within their radius, anywhere in the country, and/or throughout the world! We can also expect regular updates with new and cool features to further boost one’s experience.

Currently, Vegpal is designed as a dating app. Later this year, they plan to broaden the scope to include finding friendships, network, and meet like-minded people who share similar passions! 

A perfect date exists!

For Dahlia, a day packed with joyful laughter and vegan pizza is the way to go! Sravan on the other hand enjoys a deep conversation over a plant-based meal and a trip to a farmed animal sanctuary. Wherever you are on the scale of your perfect date, Vegpal is here to help seal the deal.

Dahlia envisions Vegpal’s success as a single testimonial of a couple finding love through the app. Sravan stepped it up a notch with a whopping ambition of 100,000 lasting matches through Vegpal! We hope to see them achieve this noble goal.

Are you a vegan/ vegetarian serious about meeting a prospective someone special? Sign up for Vegpal and let the plant-powered matchmaking begin!

Vegpal is currently available for free on Apple and Android.

https://vegworldmag.com/new-app-vegpal-brings-vegan-fine-dating-to-your-fingertips/

An Ethical Lifestyle: The 6 Benefits Of A Vegan Diet

From shoutoutuk.org

Veganism was once viewed as a diet for hippies and anarchist punks. However, over the past two decades, more people have adopted a vegan lifestyle for dietary reasons or due to personal views on climate change or animal cruelty.

Thanks to the rise of plant-based products, veganism is no longer a hard diet to maintain, with many options being available. If you are considering giving up meat and animal by-products, you should check out the six benefits of a vegan diet.

---

1. A Nutrient-Rich Lifestyle

If you want to absorb more nutrients each day, a balanced vegan diet might be an ideal option. By incorporating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses and grains into your meals, you will likely consume more vitamins, fibre, potassium, antioxidants, folate and magnesium.

2. A Happier Lifestyle

Many studies have found that vegans are often much happier than meat-eaters. According to a recent study by Tracking Happiness, vegans placed themselves at 7.27 on a scale from 1 to 10 for personal happiness, while meat-eaters gave themselves an average rating of 6.80.

Vegans’ compassionate lifestyles are likely the cause of their increased happiness, as they strive to spare animal suffering, protect the planet, and can enjoy a clean conscience.

3. Exceptional Choice

Many retailers and restaurants have started to realise the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and are catering to the diet’s growing popularity. Due to the extensive choice available in stores and restaurants, there has never been a better time to become a vegan.

Many restaurants are going above and beyond to provide vegans with exceptional choices. For example, Annies Burger Shack promises to provide all their burgers and recipes on the menu as either 100 per cent vegan, vegetarian, or meat. Book your Annies Burger Shack Derby table today.

4. A Healthier Weight

A vegan lifestyle will not only provide your body with more nutrients, but it can also help you achieve and maintain healthy body weight. Studies have found that vegans often have a much lower body mass index than meat-eaters, as vegan foods often include less saturated fat than meat or animal by-products. Plus, it will allow you to avoid foods that can cause cardiovascular disease, cancer or a stroke, thereby potentially adding years to your life.

5. A Smoother Complexion

If you struggle with a skin complaint, a vegan lifestyle could transform your complexion. Research has found that dairy products can exacerbate adult acne for men and women. Cutting dairy from your lifestyle could banish troublesome skin conditions.

Also, as most vegans eat more fruit and vegetables than meat-eaters, their bodies will be filled with antioxidants and vitamins to help them develop a smooth, glowing complexion.

6. A Lifesaving Diet

A vegan lifestyle isn’t fruitless. You might be shocked to learn that each vegan will save nearly 200 animals every year. It is, without a doubt, the best way to prevent animal suffering and unnecessary loss of life. Also, the diet can help reduce climate change and world hunger.

https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2021/08/25/an-ethical-lifestyle-the-6-benefits-of-a-vegan-diet/

Can Vegan Milk Get Any Better? Danone Thinks It Can.

From vegnews.com

Danone’s next-level vegan dairy products will launch as Silk NextMilk and So Delicious Wondermilk in the US, and as Alpro Not Milk in Europe

Multinational food company Danone plans to launch new technology later this year that improves upon vegan dairy products. The new “plant-based 2.0” platform will be introduced under the company’s current plant-based milk brands as Silk NextMilk and So Delicious Wondermilk in the United States, and Alpro Not Milk in Europe. 

Danone’s aim with its new technology is to make key improvements to the taste and texture of its products so that they appeal to the majority of consumers who don’t currently purchase plant-based milk beverages. “While we might consider the plant-based beverage to be very developed, there’s still 60 percent of users that are not in the category,” Shane Grant, Danone interim co-CEO and CEO of North America, said during a recent earnings call. “And so as the leader of the category, that’s really an opportunity we see to really step up the growth of the segment overall and then our opportunity to really lead it. We know the barrier is primarily product taste and product texture.” 

Danone acquires vegan dairy companies

While Danone has not yet shared further details about the new technology of its new dairy-like platform, the company did reveal its planned approach to claiming its share of the wider plant-based market. Danone’s “beverage acceleration strategy” includes keeping its Silk brand modern and relevant. In April, the company launched a “Milk of the Land” advertising campaign for its Silk line to demystify how almond milk is made. The company considers almond milk, which has the greatest share of the vegan dairy segment, as the entry point for new consumers. 

Prior to announcing the upcoming launch of its dairy-like products, the previously dairy-heavy company has been acquiring vegan brands and launching vegan versions of its existing dairy products. In 2016, Danone acquired WhiteWave Foods—the parent company of vegan brands Silk, So Delicious, Vega, and Alpro—in a $12.5 billion deal. In February, Danone also acquired iconic vegan brand Earth Island—the company behind Vegenaise maker Follow Your Heart—for an undisclosed amount.

Growth in vegan cheese and dairy-free ice cream

In addition to the innovation plans for its Silk, So Delicious, and Alpro brands, Danone plans to restage its entire Oat Yeah line. However, the company is aware of its stiff competition from Oatly, which went public in May with an initial public offering raise of $1.4 billion. Danone also aims to explore more opportunities in vegan yogurt, ice cream, cheese, and creamers, which currently make up about one-third of its plant-based revenues. “These segments are some of the fastest-growing. They have emerging scale and, in some segments, similar or larger addressable markets versus milk,” Grant said. “With Silk, Alpro, So Delicious, and now Follow Your Heart, we have the leadership positions for continued scale and acceleration here.”

With growing competition in the space from brands such as Oatly, Califia Farms, as well as food giants such as Nestlé vying for market share, Danone is aware that it needs to keep innovating to stay relevant. “So we continue to stay very assertive on providing points of differentiation in that segment,” Grant said. “And you should expect more of that to come certainly in the US later this year and into 2022.” 

Innovating the plant supply chain

In addition to key growth plans in the areas of almond and oat products, Danone also recently partnered with bioscience and artificial intelligence company Brightseed to evaluate the health benefits of Danone’s raw ingredient sources, beginning with soy. The partnership aims to change how consumers view soy, such as the myth about phytoestrogens and “man boobs,” and to help Danone innovate its supply chain to maximize nutrient density of its plant-based products.  

The launch of Danone’s new innovation comes as the company’s global plant-based portfolio experiences record growth in the category with its sixth straight quarter of double-digit growth. Its latest growth strategy supports its goal of increasing its global plant-based sales to $6 billion by 2025.

https://vegnews.com/2021/8/danone-vegan-dairy

Vegan diet provides most health benefits among plant-based eating patterns

From healio.com

Vegetarian and vegan diets provide greater reductions in body weight, fat mass and LDL cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity compared with other plant-based eating patterns, such as a Mediterranean diet, according to two speakers.

Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, MBA, director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said adopting a vegan diet could result in several health benefits and significantly lower risks for cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

Source: Adobe Stock

“Vegetarians have half of the risk of developing diabetes throughout their life compared with meat eaters,” Kahleova told Healio. “Vegetarians include lacto-vegetarians. A vegan diet is a bit stricter, so potentially the benefits may be even larger. The vegan diet has been shown to be one of the most efficient ways to treat diabetes.”

Hana Kahleova

People in the United States have been consuming more animal products and refined carbohydrates over the past 70 years. Compared with eating habits from 1950, people in the United States today are eating 25% more calories overall, including 68% more meat, 317% more cheese, and 67% more added fats and oils. The typical American diet today consists of about 57% refined carbohydrates, 32% animal products and 11% plant-based foods.

Meghan Jardine, MS, MBA, RND, LD, CDCES, associate director of diabetes nutrition education for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said plant-based foods have a low calorie density, meaning 500 calories of fruits and vegetables will more easily fill the stomach than 500 calories of meat, cheese or oil.

Meghan Jardine

“Fibre is the key to the metabolic benefits of plant-based eating,” Jardine said during a virtual presentation at the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Annual Conference. “Fibre not only tells your brain that it is full ... but fibre also reduces postprandial glucose levels, fibre binds with cholesterol and bile, reducing lipid levels, and fibre also plays a role in the microbiome.”

In data from 8,300 adults with diabetes from multiple countries, people with the highest fiber intake had 45% lower all-cause mortality and 39% lower CVD mortality rates.

Greater weight loss, fat reduction with vegan diet

Several healthy plant-based eating patterns options are available, including the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Nordic diet and a vegetarian or vegan diet, Kahleova said. Although studies have shown all four eating patterns have clear health benefits, a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet may provide additional health benefits when compared with the Mediterranean, DASH and Nordic diets.

In a randomized crossover trial, participants ate a Mediterranean or low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks. At the conclusion of the 16-week period, participants switched to the opposite diet.

After 16 weeks, participants on the vegan diet lost an average of 13 lb of body weight, 7.7 lb of fat mass and 315 cm³ of visceral fat, with no changes observed with the Mediterranean diet. Insulin sensitivity also improved, and LDL cholesterol was reduced by an average of 15 mg/dL on the vegan diet. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced on both diets.

Lower dietary acid load, greater energy expenditure

A vegan diet offers additional metabolic benefits. In a randomized clinical trial, 244 adults with overweight were randomly assigned to a low-fat vegan diet or control group. In a subset of 44 participants, those on a vegan diet had a 34% reduction in liver fat at 16 weeks.

In the same randomized clinical trial, researchers observed a significant drop in dietary acid load with a vegan diet. Those on a vegan diet had a potential renal acid load reduction of 24.3 mEq per day and a 14.1 lb reduction in body weight during the study.

Eating a vegan diet could also increase energy expenditure. Researchers randomly assigned trial participants to a vegan diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, or a standard American diet consisting of half vegetables, one-quarter protein and one-quarter starch. Those on the vegan diet experienced a 14% increase in energy expenditure, with no change observed in the standard diet group.

Kahleova said any plant-based diet offers more health benefits than the typical American diet, but a vegan diet can help take those health benefits a step forward. 

“You’re on the right track if you’re on the DASH diet, the Mediterranean diet or the Nordic diet, that’s definitely better than being on the standard American diet,” Kahleova told Healio. “But can you still improve your diet? Absolutely. If you’re on the Mediterranean diet and you need to lose some weight and you’re struggling with high blood lipids, you may consider going on a vegan diet to get the extra benefits and see what a vegan diet can do for you.”

https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20210818/vegan-diet-provides-most-health-benefits-among-plantbased-eating-patterns

UK: BOSH! Launches Vegan Brioche Buns in Collaboration With Finsbury Food Group

From vegconomist.com

Vegan recipe creators BOSH! have partnered with Finsbury Food Group, a speciality bakery manufacturer, to develop plant-based brioche buns. The product will be available in Waitrose and sold in a pack of four, retailing at £1.30.

© Finsbury Food Group

Finsbury and BOSH! have previously teamed up to produce a range of four cakes — Luscious Lemon Cake, Ultimate Chocolate Cake, and Happy Birthday cakes in chocolate and vanilla flavours. The cakes are available at several major UK supermarket chains. The two companies have also collaborated to produce a chocolate traybake which is sold at coffee chain Costa.

© Costa Coffee

Other Bosh! collaborations include the 2019 launch of “Sheese & Red Onion” flavour crisps for popular hand-cooked crisp brand KETTLE Chips. The same year, BOSH! founders Henry Firth and Ian Theasby hosted Living On The Veg, the first vegan cooking show on national TV. The show followed on from the pair’s online success — their recipe channel on YouTube has received billions of views, while their cookbooks have all become bestsellers.

“We’re so excited that our latest collaboration with Finsbury takes our vegan burgers to the next level,” Firth and Theasby told British Baker. “Together, we’ve created a product that showcases just how great plant-based alternatives can be.”

https://vegconomist.com/products-and-launches/uk-bosh-launches-vegan-brioche-buns-in-collaboration-with-finsbury-food-group/

South Africa Gets Its First Vegan Egg and Its Made from a Local Staple: Mung Beans

From vegnews.com

Folded JUST Egg just landed in South Africa as the country’s first commercially available vegan egg

South Africa is about to get a taste of its first vegan egg thanks to a partnership between California-based Eat Just and market platform Infinite Foods. The partnership will bring the folded format of vegan JUST Egg to South Africa by way of retailer Wellness Warehouse and Infinite Foods’ eCommerce site. In stores, the folded JUST Egg will be sold in a box of four in the frozen aisle. The mung bean-based vegan egg will also be available on restaurant menus in greater Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, including at Lexi’s, Jackson’s, and Great Cape Deli. 

“Eat Just is an innovative company on the forefront of food technology, making them an amazing partner to help Infinite Foods address the food security, health, and sustainability issues we face in Africa,” Infinite Foods Founder and CEO Michelle Adelman said. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates as it speaks to Infinite Foods’ ethos to create socio-economic sustainability, advance a plant-forward lifestyle, and leverage technology to bring great products to market.” 

Vegan eggs enter South Africa

As is the case in many parts of the world, eggs are commonly used in South African cuisine and the average person consumes 7kg (15 pounds) of chicken eggs every year—meaning 160 million chicken eggs are consumed annually in South Africa. While chicken eggs are notoriously high in cholesterol, JUST Egg is made entirely from plants, meaning it does not contain any cholesterol and instead offers a heart-healthy, protein-packed breakfast, lunch, and dinner option. “The biggest individual impact you can make for the planet is the food you choose to eat, and the JUST Egg Folded product allows consumers to do just that,” Adelman said. “With the rapid growth of population in Africa, expected to be at 2.2 billion by 2050, incorporating delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food options into our diets at every meal is more critical than ever.”

In addition to being free from cholesterol, JUST Egg offers environmental benefits. The product’s ingredients use 98 percent less water, 86 percent less land, and produce 93 percent less carbon emissions than conventional eggs. “We are grateful to our team of innovators who bring novel ideas to life that positively impact society and the environment and Infinite Foods is the ideal partner for our expansion into this market,” Eat Just CEO and Co-founder Josh Tetrick said. “They bring invaluable expertise to reach the African consumer and have the value chain to support us in delivering this ground-breaking product to consumers at home and in restaurants.”

Vegan JUST Egg goes global 

Eat Just launched its innovative vegan JUST Egg in retail outlets in 2018 in a 12-ounce pourable format created for making scrambles, omelettes, quiches, stir-fries, and baking. In April 2020, the company debuted a pre-baked folded JUST Egg. Coffee chains such as Philz and Peet’s have since added to their menus as part of vegan breakfast sandwiches.  

A favourite of everyone from basketball star Cade Cunningham (this year’s first NBA draft pick) to musical artist Lizzo, JUST Egg is now available at more than 20,000 retail points of distribution and 1,000 foodservice locations. In addition to South Africa, the folded version of JUST Egg launched in Canada in April at more than 1,000 grocery stores. In South Korea, egg prices recently spiked by 57 percent amid a new avian flu outbreak. JUST Egg is making its way to the country to help it weather egg shortages—which are expected to last through 2022. There, the vegan eggs will be available on the menu at popular chains Paris Baguette and Paris Croissant before expanding to retail and e-commerce. 

In China, JUST Egg gained some major ground in January when the vegan egg landed on the menu at Dicos, one of the country’s top fast-food chains. Not only did Dicos feature the vegan egg on the menu in five items, but the chain replaced animal-derived chicken eggs with the mung bean-based vegan egg, marking the first time a major fast-food restaurant has swapped an animal-based product with a plant-based one across multiple regular menu offerings.

Over the course of three years since its launch, JUST Egg has sold the vegan equivalent of 100 million chicken eggs.

https://vegnews.com/2021/8/south-africa-vegan-just-egg

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for fennel and courgette pistou soup

From theguardian.com

The French version of pesto, packed with a basil and garlic punch, is wonderful as a spread or sauce, or for adding an extra taste of summer to this courgette and fennel soup

Pistou, a French olive oil, basil and garlic paste, and pesto are neighbours in flavour. This makes a lot of sense, especially if you see how close Genoa (where pesto originates) and Provence (home of pistou) are on a map. The pistou here gives life and magic to a classic summery soup packed full of the season’s best vegetables. Just a few weeks ago, mid-bowlful at Noble Rot in London, I remember thinking that there was nothing in the world I’d rather be eating.

 

Meera Sodha’s fennel and courgette pistou soup. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food styling assistant: Valeria Russo

Fennel and courgette pistou soup

Pine nuts don’t ordinarily feature in a classic pistou, but modern variations tend to contain cheese, which I have substituted here for the nuts. The sauce can stand up by itself, to use as a spread or in pasta, and will keep in the fridge for a week. You’ll need a blender for this dish.

Prep 5 min
Cook 1 hr
Serves 4

80g macaroni
Fine sea salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
40g basil leaves
1 garlic clove, peeled
3 tbsp pine nuts, plus extra to decorate
1 fennel bulb (about 300g)
1 brown onion, peeled
1 medium courgette (about 250g)
500ml vegetable stock, suitable for vegans
250g fresh peas or frozen petit pois

First cook the macaroni: bring a pan of salted water to a boil, drop in the pasta, stir to stop it sticking, then leave to cook for a minute less than the packet instructions suggest. Drain (keep the pan), then drizzle over a little oil, toss to coat and put to one side.

Make the pistou by blending the basil, garlic clove, pine nuts, 75ml of the oil and an eighth of a teaspoon of salt. Scrape into a little bowl and set aside.

Cut off and discard the base and the woody tops from the fennel, reserving the fronds for later, then finely dice the ret of the bulb. Finely dice the onion, too. Put the courgette on a chopping board, trim off the ends (save them for stock) and, 3cm from one end, slice at a sharp angle. Turn the courgette 90 degrees, make another cut in the same way (so you get small angled chunks), and repeat along the length of the courgette.

In a saucepan, heat up three and a half tablespoons of oil over a low heat, then add the fennel and onion, and cook for 20 minutes, until soft, glossy and sweet – stir regularly, especially towards the end of the cooking time, because it may catch otherwise.

Crank up the heat to medium, add the courgette and stock, and cook for about six minutes, until the courgette is tender. Add the peas and cooked macaroni, heat through for about three minutes, then stir in a half-teaspoon of salt and two tablespoons of the pistou.

Ladle the soup into bowls, and add a spoonful more pistou, a spoonful of pine nuts and any reserved fennel fronds to each serving. Drizzle some extra oil around the outer edge of the bowl and eat hot.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2021/aug/21/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-fennel-courgette-pistou-soup

Oatly Reveals Staggering Sales Predictions, Dutch Vegan Cheese Gets Boost, Plus More Business News

From plantbasednews.org

More and more investments are allowing companies to expand plant-based product lines

As ever, growing investments are ongoing into vegan businesses around the world. From mushroom meat to an undisclosed plant-based protein brand and Oatly’s sales report.

So, here’s the latest in the plant-based business news space.

Oatly reports record quarterly revenue of $146M

Swedish oat milk giant Oatly has released its financial figures for the second quarter of 2021 as well as staggering predictions for the future.

This includes a 53 percent increase in revenue, totalling $146 million. Moreover, Oatly has reported a gross profit of almost $40 billion.

However, the brand is eyeing further success with revenue forecasts expected to exceed $690 million. 

In a statement, CEO Toni Petersson said the year represents the company’s ‘most transformational’ yet, and that the boost in profits came as no surprise.

‘We’re continually expanding global production capacity to support our long-term growth. And, launching key partnerships and distribution agreements with prominent customers globally’, Petersson added.

Australia-based mushroom meat makers Fable Food raises $6.5M

A company making vegan meat alternatives out of mushrooms has announced seed investment funding of $6.5 million AUD.

As a result, Fable Food is hoping to launch in the US by the end of 2021.

It was led by Blackbird Ventures. Other backers include AgFunders, Better Bite Ventures, Ban Choon Marketing, and Warren Hogarth.

Offerings currently available include shiitake mushroom-based pulled pork, braised beef, and beef brisket.

Biotech giant funnels $316m into unnamed plant-based protein company

Novozymes A/S confirmed it is investing a staggering $316 million into the plant-based protein sector. It’s dubbed the world’s largest industrial biotechnology company.

However, the ‘key player’ is unidentified, Bloomberg reports.

Vegan investment firm backs Amsterdam-based dairy-free cheese brand

Capital V, a vegan investment firm specializing in private investments with a mission to ‘transform’ the planet – has added to its portfolio with vegan cheese brand Willicroft. 

Based in Amsterdam, Willicroft offers fondue-inspired This Is Not Cheese Sauce, as well as a feta alternative and Italian Style Grated.

The funding is the first alternative dairy investment for the firm, founded by renowned tech entrepreneur Michiel van Deursen.

Sausage brand HECK forecasts popularity boost for plant-based range

HECK is eyeing ‘crazy valuations’ in the plant-based space. The company makes a host of sausage products available at major UK supermarkets.

Further investment is expected overseas, founder Andrew Keeble told The Grocer. While the company is not plant-based, Keeble is expecting HECK’s plant-based offerings to increase in worth.

And, he indicated the company is keen to expand into the alternative milk industry.

https://plantbasednews.org/news/economics/vegan-business-news-oatly-heck/

Professional cyclist boosts iron levels by 77% by switching to a vegan diet

From veganfoodandliving.com

Professional British cyclist Cameron Jeffers has switched to a plant-based diet in a bid to improve his athletic performance

Jeffers found his iron levels soared and his cholesterol levels lowered while following a vegan diet.

Interestingly, the professional cyclist made the change to a vegan diet for one month to chart how it would affect his wellbeing and performance levels.

Cameron Jeffers’ vegan diet journey

Cameron Jeffers, a member of the Ribble-Weldtite cycling team, decided to embark on a one-month vegan journey to analyse and record the changes in his body.

He received expert health advice and support from Medichecks.

While working with Medichecks, Jeffers carried out an Endurance Fitness blood test to measure his personal biomarkers, before and after the 30-day vegan diet.

From the results, Cameron found his iron levels increased by 77% over the month.

This result is particularly promising as people often worry they will become iron deficient if they stop eating meat.

Additionally, the athlete found his cholesterol levels had also improved.

Professional British cyclist Cameron Jeffers iron levels soared by 77% by switching to a vegan diet

“I went into it with an open mind and found the transition quite easy”

In a statement made to Vegan Food & Living, Cameron Jeffers explained: “I was raised on a farm and have eaten meat since I was young, but I was interested to see if a plant-based diet could benefit me and my performance levels.

“I went into it with an open mind and found the transition quite easy.”

Cameron was inspired to take up the challenge by other vegan professional sports stars including Bristol City footballer Adrian Mariappa, former World Speedway Champion Tai Woofinden, and professional motorbike rider Davey Todd.

The athlete added: “Will the vegan approach help give me an extra edge? – yes massively.

“Fractions and percentages differentiate people so having that scientific knowledge from Medichecks about what my body needs at certain times of the year, can only improve my performance and I’m excited to be competing this season.”

Despite Jeffers re-introducing meat into his diet, his weekly meals are now 50% plant-based.

Not only does Jeffers’ vegan journey indicate athletes can thrive on a plant-based diet, but it also eliminates the idea that red meat and dairy is necessary for an athlete’s diet.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/professional-cyclist-vegan-diet-switch-boosts-iron/

Pamela Anderson and PETA to distribute 10,000 ‘Methane Offset’ climate crisis kits to cities

From totallyveganbuzz.com

“We have to take personal responsibility to try to save the Earth and future generations, and going vegan is a great step in that direction.”

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is supporting the donation of 10,000 Methane Offset Starter Kits to cities where climate change–fuelled wildfires are blazing.

The celeb has partnered with vegan charity PETA for the drive after the United Nations (UN) climate panel warned that widespread reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions are essential to avert a “code red for humanity.” 

The ‘lifesaving’ starter kits contain a block of tofu, seeds to grow soybeans (100 calories of which have 13 grams more protein than 100 calories of beef), non-dairy creamer, dark chocolate, vegan jerky, and recipes.

According to PETA, the kit will help anyone wanting to start out on ‘the road to environmentally positive living and healthy, humane eating’.

Climate change impact

Human-induced climate change has impacted nearly every global region. This summer alone, blistering heat waves have killed hundreds of people in the US and Canada, floods have ravaged Germany and China, and wildfires have raged out of control in Siberia, Turkey and Greece.

 In the US, Arizona is the third-fastest warming state in the country, and hotter weather is expected to shrink the city’s supply of groundwater even further.

‘Going vegan is a great step’

According to the UN, a global shift to vegan eating is required to combat the worst effects of climate change since animal-based agriculture is considered a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

PETA will send the kits to cities across British Columbia, where over 250 climate change–fuelled wildfires are currently blazing, and to cities in the US, where fires have razed entire townships, caused massive evacuations, and destroyed millions upon millions of wild animals’ homes.

“Farmers must move away from animal agriculture, and governments must act—but until they do, we have to take personal responsibility to try to save the Earth and future generations, and going vegan is a great step in that direction,” Anderson, who went vegan years ago, said in a statement.

 “PETA’s kit is a powerful lifesaver for humans, other animals, and this planet.”

https://www.totallyveganbuzz.com/news/pamela-anderson-peta-distribute-climate-crisis-kits/

Recipe: Vegan Lentil Stew

From eatingwell.com

This comforting vegan lentil stew is incredibly satisfying thanks to hearty lentils and sweet potato. The leeks provide a savoury allium note while the tomato paste, miso and cumin add bold flavour

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 large sweet potato (12 ounces), unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ¼ teaspoons white miso
• 6 cups water
• 1 ½ cups green or brown lentils
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups chopped hearty greens, such as kale or Swiss chard

Credit: Fred Hardy

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and beginning to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. Add leeks and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, cumin, miso and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.

  Advertisement
• Step 2

  Add water, lentils and salt; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until the lentils are almost tender, 25 minutes. Stir in greens; cover and cook until the greens are wilted, about 10 minutes.

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 cups

Per Serving:

451 calories; fat 8g; sodium 475mg; carbohydrates 77g; dietary fiber 13g; protein 22g; sugars 9g; niacin equivalents 3mg; saturated fat 1g; vitamin a iu 24966IU; potassium 964mg.

https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7912119/vegan-lentil-stew/