Alpro launches ‘Alpro Kids’ – healthier, low-sugar plant-based options kids will ‘actually love’

From veganfoodandliving.com

Tasty new Alpro Kids milk and yoghurts offer 30% less sugar than rivals. Find out where to buy these fortified plant-based treats

Parents often face a veritable minefield when it comes to finding nutritious and appealing food for their children. But, in a move set to delight both parents and their little ones, Alpro has recently unveiled its new ‘Alpro Kids’ line; a range of plant-based milk and yoghurt alternatives specifically designed with children’s health and taste buds in mind.

The Alpro Kids collection features oat- and soya-based drinks, as well as soya alternatives to yoghurt, available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavours.

While the line-up is unmistakably child-focused, Alpro’s motivation stems from grown-up concerns. The brand shared data from Quant, which revealed that 71% of parents rate reduced sugar as a top priority, and 77% say the taste is key when it comes to their children’s snacks.

With 30% less sugar than the market average for similar products, Alpro says its new range delivers both. Each product is fortified with calcium, vitamin D2, iodine, and B vitamins to support healthy growth, and has been taste-tested with kids to help win over even the fussiest eaters.

What’s in the Alpro Kids low-sugar range?

The new dairy-free range includes:

• Chocolate oat drink (200ml)
• Strawberry soya drink (200ml)
• Soya-based yoghurt alternatives in vanilla and strawberry (4x115g pots)

All products are naturally low in fat and saturated fat, lactose-free, and free from artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Alpro says the aim is to provide “a source of essential nutrients for healthy growth” in a format kids will enjoy.

Tom Kerr of Danone, Alpro’s parent company, commented: “Parents face the challenge of finding foods that are both nutritious and appealing… Our new Alpro Kids range addresses this dilemma by offering genuinely delicious plant-based options that kids love.”

Where to buy the new reduced-sugar drinks and yoghurts for kids

The Alpro Kids products are available in ASDA now, with a further launch planned in Tesco on 23rd July. Shoppers can expect to see wider availability in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose by September.

Prices start at £0.90 for the drinks (with a multibuy offer of 2 for £1.50) and £2.25 for the yoghurt-style four-packs. However, the new kid-friendly dairy alternatives will be sold with an introductory discount, so shoppers can give them a try for even less.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/alpro-kids-low-sugar-yoghurt-soya-oat-milk-plant-based-children/

 

Asda Launches Vegan Cake Pops

From plantbasednews.org

The vegan cake balls include a truffle centre and honeycomb pieces

Asda now sells Vegan Society-approved “Dark Choc & Honeycomb Cake Pop Bites” as part of its growing Free From range.

The cakes include balls of gluten-free chocolate sponge with a “rich truffle center” and crunchy honeycomb-style pieces, all wrapped in Belgian dark chocolate. They were spotted by Instagram page Vegan Food UK.

A similar vegan Dark Choc & Honeycomb Cake Pop Bites were initially launched under Asda’s in-house OMV! brand last year, which won silver at the Free From Christmas Awards 2023. (This year’s winners will be announced in the first week of November.)

Asda’s plant-based cake pops are labelled as free from milk, eggs, and gluten, as well as Vegan Society and Rainforest Alliance-approved. Each box is 180g and costs GBP £4.50.

                                               The cake pops are part of Asda's "Free From" range - Media Credit: Asda/Adobe Stock

Vegan Christmas food for 2024

Asda has already announced much of its 2024 Christmas range ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Products include several new and existing OMV! items, such as No Smoked Salmon, No Turkey, and No Pork Pies, as well as a selection of free-from desserts.

To celebrate Christmas 2023, the supermarket launched its first whole plant-based “turkey,” which included variable colouring and a carvable, lean texture. Asda created the large centrepiece dish in response to the continuing demand for alternative proteins.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/asda-vegan-chocolate-honeycomb-cake-pops/ 

UK: Asda adds vegan aisle to hundreds of supermarkets

From uk.news.yahoo.com

When vegan options are dotted around a supermarket, it can be difficult for shoppers who enjoy a plant-based diet to know what’s on offer.

To tackle this, Asda has become the first UK supermarket to create a vegan aisle, housing all of its vegan produce in one place to make sure shoppers don’t miss what’s on offer.

Shoppers are now able to shop for vegan food at 359 Asda stores around the country.

                                                 Asda has become the first UK supermarket to create a vegan aisle. (Getty Images)

The supermarket chain has also revealed plans to add more than a hundred new vegan products in its range of non-refrigerated products.

People following a plant-based diet will now be able to shop in two separate bays in Asda stores.

One bay includes savoury foods, including proteins and cooking sauces, while the other is for sweet food and snacks.

Asda made the decision to launch the dedicated aisles after its research showed that 17% of UK households are reducing their meat intake or following a plant-based diet.

Asda.com has seen searches of vegan lines soar since 2019, with searches increasing by 275%.

Shoppers will start to notice new vegan brands popping up in store, too.

Some 104 new products will be added, including Asda’s own-label meal pots as well as a number of products from well-loved brands such as Mrs Crimbles and Vego. There will also be two exclusive Galaxy flavours and an exclusive new falafel mix from Bosh.

The products also include Asda’s pasta lentil bowl and its rice bowl, both available as quick lunches for £1.50.

Speaking about the launch, Asda buying manager Sarah Thornewill said: “We understand that customers want a quick and simple shopping experience, and this shouldn’t be restricted by dietary requirements.

“By merchandising all our vegan items together, we hope to save customers time and offer inspiration, whether for those following a plant-based diet, or those looking to reduce their meat consumption.”

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/style/asda-vegan-aisle-supermarkets-142508616.html 

Beyond Meat pepperoni is now available on Pizza Hut pizzas across the UK

From timeout.com

It features on three brand-new vegan pizzas

Even if you’ve spent your whole life loving steak, sausages and bacon, it couldn’t be easier to go vegan these days. Name any meat or dairy product and there’s probably a plant-based alternative. 

Pizza Hut has been riding the vegan bandwagon for a while now. Its pizza topped with vegan ‘ch**se’ has been around since 2017 and herbivores have long been able to enjoy vegan chicken nuggets and dairy-free cheesecake. 

Now the chain has teamed up with Beyond Meat to bring even more vegan options to its restaurants. It’s called the new pizzas the ‘perfect option for those who want the juicy, meaty experience but with the added lifestyle and environmental benefits of plant-based protein’.

The new range includes the ‘Big New Yorker’ which is topped with Beyond Pepperoni and vegan cheese, the Beyond Pepperoni Feast complete with mixed peppers and vegan mozzarella, and the Beyond Pepperoni Melt. 

The pizzas are already available across Pizza Hut Delivery locations and will arrive in restaurants from January 2024, just in time for Veganuary.

                                                                     Photograph: David Fowler / Shutterstock.com

Pizza Hut isn’t the only brand treating vegans to some exciting new alternatives. Asda has just dropped a huge plant-based Christmas range featuring an entire no-meat turkey and the Laughing Cow launched its first ever vegan version of its soft cheese snacks. Will you be giving them a go? 

https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/beyond-meat-pepperoni-is-now-available-on-pizza-hut-pizzas-across-the-uk-112823

The Laughing Cow finally launches vegan cheese triangles in the UK and expects ‘sales to soar’ – here’s where to buy them

From veganfoodandliving.com

The Laughing Cow expects to see sales of the vegan versions of its iconic cheese triangles ‘soar’ after securing listings at two major supermarkets…

The Laughing Cow has finally launched a vegan version of its iconic vegan cheese triangles in the UK.

Owned by the Bel group, the dairy giant says it is the first in the country to offer a plant-based alternative to cheese ‘in portions’.

Made from almonds and approved by the Vegan Society – the vegan cheese ‘delivers the same spreadable texture of original Laughing Cow’.

It is also enriched with calcium and vitamin B12 – with each triangle containing just 34 calories.

The Laughing Cow vegan cheese – where to buy

The new product will debut in Asda and Sainsbury’s stores across the nation this month.

It is not yet confirmed whether more retailers will start stocking the plant-based cheese.

Priced at £2.50 for a wheel of eight triangles, the vegan variant is slightly more expensive than its dairy counterpart (which retails from £1.90).

                                                The Laughing Cow first launched vegan versions of its cheese wheels in the US 

                                                                          back in 2022. Photo © Bel Brands

‘Soaring’ sales

Oliver Richmond is the senior brand manager at The Laughing Cow. Speaking to The Grocer, he said the plant-based product helped ‘give consumers the opportunity to reduce carbon impact’.

“Enabling us to establish ourselves in a new category and allowing more consumers to enjoy the world of The Laughing Cow… The launch is designed to satisfy the growing consumer need for more plant-based products,” he added.

“As the first plant-based alternative to cheese in portions, the convenient format is set to see sales soaring.”

The Laughing Cow’s US debut

Over the pond, The Laughing Cow launched vegan versions of its cheese wheels back in 2022.

Available in Garlic & Herb and Original flavours, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based wedges debuted in select US retailers; priced at $5.49.

The dairy giant also launched three flavours of vegan NURISHH cream cheese. This follows the success of its vegan Babybel and vegan Boursin offerings.

Vegan cheese market

Bel Group’s ramped-up dairy-free offerings comes at a smart time.

Despite reports of plant-based food sales falling, the vegan cheese market is predicted to experience significant growth.

In the UK alone, many brands have released dairy-free alternatives to their established portfolio. This includes Cathedral City’s recent plant-based line, as well as Philadelphia’s iconic cream cheese.

New research says the industry will grow at an impressive CAGR of 12.8 percent over the next nine years – exceeding $9 billion by 2032.

Growing awareness of animal cruelty and environmental concerns are cited as the main drivers for growth.

“Because people are worried about the treatment of animals in the dairy industry, a lot of individuals are searching for cruelty-free alternatives,” the report states.

“For those who would rather not support the mistreatment of animals… Vegan cheese provides a morally sound alternative since it is made entirely of plant-based ingredients.”

Source: The Grocer

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/the-laughing-cow-launches-vegan-cheese-triangles-in-uk/

UK Vegans Can Buy An Entire Plant-Based Turkey This Christmas – Where To Get It

From plantbasednews.org

ASDA is releasing a big vegan Christmas range this year, including a whole vegan no turkey 

UK supermarket chain ASDA released its official vegan brand OMV! in January this year, hoping to cater to everyone from long standing vegans to those wanting to cut back on their meat and dairy intake. Ahead of Christmas 2023, the supermarket is adding 57 new products to the range, including an entire plant-based turkey. 

Last Christmas, ASDA broke its record by releasing its largest ever vegan and Free From offering, with 97 products. While a vegan breaded brie and vegan turkey crown were on the menu, this year is the first time the supermarket is introducing a plant-based entire turkey to its stores.

OMV! Vegan No Turkey

Made from a blend of wheat, soya, and pea proteins, the OMV! Vegan No Turkey is developed to have a lean texture and appear bright white on the inside of the ‘crown’. The ‘legs’ are produced to have a juicier texture, with a darker colour and more intense flavour profile. Much like a real turkey that would be served up traditionally on Christmas Day. 

ASDA is frequently titled as the lowest-priced traditional supermarket in the UK. And as the cost of living crisis continues, it aims to make sure vegans are catered for this Christmas. The Omv! Whole No Turkey will be available in its stores from Thursday, December 14, for £6. 

Frankie Neal, the product development manager, told PBN: “Although we are seeing a growing trend towards more vegetable-centric options in the meat-free category, we recognize that meat-analogue options still account for the biggest portion of our sales and are very popular with our customers. Building on the success of our no turkey crown from last year, we have developed a first to market concept which is our OMV! whole no turkey.”

               Asda is releasing an entire vegan turkey for Christmas - Media Credit: Asda

Other OMV! Christmas products

There’ll also be an oyster and porcini mushroom wellington as an alternative ‘main’. Leaning heavily on vegetables, the mushrooms are bound with pea protein and topped with a duxelle (mince of mushroom, onion, herbs, and black pepper). This is encased in a flaky puff pastry. Sides will include mushroom pigs in smoky aubergine bacon. While for dessert, there’s a strawberry trifle and crumble-topped vegan mince pies. 

While we have been provided with a snapshot of what will be on offer for Christmas, ASDA is yet to release the full details, availability, and pricing for the new range. 

The OMV! range

ASDA launched OMV! In January 2023 alongside its Plant Based range. The OMV! range was created to provide more ‘decadent’ treats. While Plant Based focuses on nutritionally-balanced meat-free meals.

Among the new products from the OMV! collection, there is a hot and spicy no chicken burger, brioche burger buns, macaroni cheese, and no pork caramelized red onion sausages. There are also sauces, which include a saag masala, red pepper pesto, and caesar style dressing. Meanwhile sweet treats include caramel blondies, flapjack bites, and a salted caramel fudge and honeycomb choc slab.

Additionally, the Plant Based range is broken up into three categories: meat alternatives, ready meals and snacking, and food cupboard. The range includes a selection of vegan sandwiches, a lentil cottage pie, a smoky tofu burrito, chick*n caesar wrap, and bacon-style rashers.  

The full range is available to buy in-store, with selected products also available online. 

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/entire-vegan-christmas-turkey/

Asda Reveals Two New Vegan Ranges for 2023

From corporate.asda.com

With over 112 new vegan and free-from products set to launch in 2023, Asda’s making it easier than ever to enjoy a meat-free month 

• Asda launches two brand new vegan ranges containing over 112 products
• The OMV! range will offer indulgent meat-free meals and delicious snacks, whilst the Plant Based range provides healthy, nutritionist-approved meat alternatives
• 86 products available both in-store and online from January, with the full range becoming available throughout the year.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to cut down meat consumption this January, Asda’s new OMV! and Plant Based ranges have you covered, with over 112 high-quality, unapologetically indulgent, and flavoursome products.

The OMV! range contains decadent, tasty treats sure to tantalise your taste buds, whilst the Plant Based range offers nutritionally balanced meat-free meals that don’t compromise on flavour.

New for January 2023, Asda’s OMV! Hot & Spicy No Chicken Burgers (£2.25) are a must-try. Prepared with a succulent pea and wheat protein blend and encased in a zingy hot and spicy crumb, they’re perfect for pairing with the delightfully soft OMV! Brioche Burger Buns (£1.15), for an easy Friday night dinner with family or friends.

For those missing a hearty fry-up on those cold, January mornings, the Plant Based by Asda Bacon style rashers (£2) are a brilliant choice. Made with wheat protein, and nutritionist-approved, the 100% vegan rashers can be indulged on in between slices of soft farmhouse bread, or as an accompaniment to the juicy and flavour filled OMV! No Pork Caramelised Red Onion Sausages (£2).

A vegan take on a classic dish, the OMV! Macaroni Cheese (£2.85), is perfect for a quick and comforting weekday meal. Combining traditional macaroni pasta with an oozing coconut oil-based cheese alternative, the cheesy favourite is topped off with a flavour filled paprika and parsley crumb.

For those eating lunch on the move, Asda’s new ranges also include on the go options, such as the Plant Based by Asda Chick*n Caesar Wrap (£2.75) – a bar-marked tortilla wrap complete with flame-grilled soya protein pieces, vegan Caesar style mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, gherkins and alternative to Italian style hard cheese, and the OMV! No Prawn Sandwich (£2.75), an Oatmeal bread sandwich with a vegan prawn alternative marinated in a vegan Marie Rose sauce.

Perfect with a coffee or after a meal, the OMV! range includes a number of decedent sweet treats such as the indulgent OMV! Choc Brownies (£2), complete with a sprinkling of chocolate chips, and the OMV! Salted Fudge Chocolate Bar (£2.50), a rice-based caramel milk chocolate, topped with vegan salted caramel fudge and crunchy honeycomb pieces.

Additionally, Meat-loving Married at First Sight star Zoe Clifton has been announced as the unlikely ambassador for the brand’s new OMV! And Plant Based by Asda ranges. Renowned vegan-sceptic Zoe is vowing to go vegan for the month of January, eating products from the ranges and sharing her verdict on vegan cuisine, supported by her plant-based partner Jenna.

The full range will be available to buy in-store throughout 2023, with select products also available to buy online from the 4th of January. Throughout January, customers who spend £5 on vegan own-brand products (OMV! and Plant Based by Asda) can also earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app.

https://corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2023/01/04/asda-reveals-two-new-vegan-ranges-for-2023

Vegan cheese brand Sheese launches two exciting new products – here’s where you can buy them

From veganfoodandliving.com

Vegan cheese brand Sheese is launching two new products into a major UK retailer.

The plant-based brand has also made its debut in South Africa – and now exports to 24 countries.

Starting off on a ‘kitchen table’ on the Isle of Bute in 1988, Sheese is now available throughout Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East too.

New Sheese products – how to find them

From November 21, supermarket giant Asda will start stocking Sheese’s Mighty Melter slices – a Red Leicester-style plant-based cheese – as well as The Italiano, a mix of plant-based mozzarella and Cheddar-style dairy alternatives.

The new products are priced at £2.25 and £2.50 respectively.

Continued growth

In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Nigel White of Bute Island Foods said: “With nearly 40 different varieties, including the new Mighty Melter and Italiano… We offer consumers a vast amount of choice when it comes to vegan cheese.

“Sheese’s growth continues to gather momentum and while some plant-based brands have struggled to stay alive, our products can now be found in ASDA, Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Ocado and good health stores in the UK.”

White added: “We put this sustained growth down to the heritage of the brand, its reputation, quality and our dedication to developing new products for both vegans and non-vegans, as they seek non-dairy alternatives for their plates.”

In the mood for more cheese? Here are 10 vegan cheese alternatives you can find in supermarkets

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/vegan-cheese-brand-sheese-launches-two-new-products/