Oreo’s New White Chocolate Vegan Launch, a Unicorn Frappuccino Comeback, and Other Food News

From vegnews.com

By Charlotte Pointing

From Oreo’s latest vegan collaboration to Starbucks’ returning Unicorn Frappuccino and a viral $2 vegan caviar, catch up on this week’s top food stories

It's official: Zohran Mamdani is the people’s mayor. Alongside pledges to protect the city’s carriage horses, tax billionaires, and make New York City more affordable for working people, he has appointed a lifelong vegan as executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy.

Curious to learn more about Siddhartha Sanchez? We’ve got the full story.

And that’s not all. Below, you’ll also find this week’s biggest food news, including new vegan restaurant openings, a nostalgic update from Starbucks, and a new vegan-friendly Oreo launch.

Oreo has teamed up with Clif on a new plant protein-packed bar. | Clif Builder’s

Oreo finally debuts vegan white fudge flavour … kind of

Oreo has a surprisingly long list of vegan-friendly flavours. Not only are classics like Double Stuf and Golden Oreo free from animal-derived ingredients, but several special edition varieties, including its collaboration with Reese’s, are vegan, too. Its latest vegan launch? White fudge.

There’s a twist, however. The new product isn’t actually an Oreo cookie, but a White Fudge Oreo Clif Builders Bar. Designed to support post-workout recovery, the bar delivers 20 grams of plant-based protein along with carbohydrates to help refuel after exercise. It marks the second collaboration between Clif and Oreo, following the launch of the original Oreo-flavoured Builders bar in 2025, which also contains 20 grams of protein.

“Following the strong success of our Builders Oreo-flavoured launch in 2025, we’re expanding the partnership platform in 2026 with a new White Fudge Oreo-flavoured protein bar,” said Saurabh Kaushik, Head of Clif & Builders Innovation at Mondelēz International. “This innovation continues to deliver what fans expect from Builders: high-quality ingredients, delicious taste, and high protein to help support post-workout recovery.”

Starbucks’ 2017 favourite is coming back again, for a limited time. | Starbucks

Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino is back again

Back in 2017, social media feeds were awash with heavily filtered photos of sparkly purple drinks from Starbucks. The beverage in question was, of course, the now-iconic (and vegan-friendly) Unicorn Frappuccino.

In a Reddit thread that same year, one Starbucks barista explained how to order the drink vegan: “I work at Starbucks. Order it with a non-dairy milk, no whip, and ask for some extra blue powder inside the cup instead of the sour blue drizzle. The blue powder is vegan and is what makes the blue drizzle sour-tasting.”

In April 2026, Starbucks tapped into nostalgia for the colourful beverage by bringing it back for Coachella. Now, the Unicorn Frappuccino is making another return—but there are two catches. First, it will only be available for three days. Second, Starbucks hasn’t revealed exactly when those three days will be. Watch this space.

Daily Harvest’s new lineup pays tribute to the host nations of the World Cup. | Daily Harvest

Celebrate the World Cup with Daily Harvest’s new smoothie range

The World Cup has officially kicked off, and Daily Harvest is celebrating the occasion with smoothies, of course.

The brand has launched three limited-edition blends inspired by the tournament’s host nations, and, as always, they’re all vegan. There’s Cherry Pie Protein for the US, Blueberry Maple for Canada, and Mango Chile for Mexico. Fans can try them individually or pick up the Hat-Trick Pack, which includes all three flavours.

“This summer, the world’s eyes will be on the three host nations of North America, and we wanted to celebrate the best way we know how: through delicious food powered by organic fruits and vegetables,” said Daily Harvest CEO Ricky Silver. “Each of these countries brings something extraordinary to the table, and that inspired us to capture those flavours in a cup.”

The smoothie brand is also running a sweepstakes tied to the launch, with vacation prizes to each of the three North American host countries up for grabs.

Mother Other is a tribute to the “women who taught us hospitality,” say founders Taylor Herbert and Alexi Mondolini. | Mother Other

Vegan Food Network food truck champions set to open new restaurant in Denver

Back in 2023, Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race crowned its second-ever vegan winner: The Easy Vegan. Now, founders Taylor Herbert and Alexi Mondolini are embarking on a new chapter. But this time, it’s one with a permanent home.

Their new restaurant, Mother Other, is set to open on South Broadway in Denver at the end of June. Like their award-winning food truck, the space will be entirely vegan, serving elevated plant-based dishes such as carrot and ginger bisque, potato and chive pierogi, and spring pea and leek dumplings.

“This place was built by community, inspired by the women who taught us hospitality & made possible by all of you,” the duo wrote in an Instagram post. “We can’t wait to share it with you.”

LesbiVeggies has a brand new spot in Camden, and it’s already a hit. | LesbiVeggies

Cult-favorite New Jersey vegan restaurant  returns just in time for Pride Month

LesbiVeggies is back. The vegan, gluten-free restaurant previously operated in Audubon, New Jersey, but that location closed in 2024 after founder Brennah Lambert decided the neighbourhood wasn’t the right fit. Now, the business has found a new home in Camden, NJ, where Lambert says it’s connecting with a more diverse customer base.

“I just feel like what I’m going for now matches my surroundings,” she told Philadelphia Gay News. “I feel like I’m in the right space.”

The new location is already proving popular, serving an array of plant-based dishes, including cauliflower wings, birria tacos, fried oyster mushrooms, and more.

“People think that communities like Camden don’t care about their health or don’t want to try something different—that they wouldn’t want a vegan spot,” said Lambert. “But no, they’ve been waiting for it.”

The new vegan caviar is made with seaweed.

Lidl has created vegan caviar, and it costs just over $2

Traditional caviar—the salt-cured, unfertilized eggs of sturgeon—is far from vegan, and it’s certainly not cheap. In fact, some of the world’s most expensive varieties can cost more than $34,000 per kilogram. But according to European grocery retailer Lidl, you can enjoy a similar experience without the fish eggs—or the eye-watering price tag.

Earlier this year, the retailer’s vegan seaweed pearls (aka plant-based caviar), which retail for £1.79—or just over $2 per tub, went viral in Ireland before making their way to the UK for Japan Week in May. Could the US be next? Keep a close eye on the shelves. Sold under Lidl’s Vitasia brand, the seaweed pearls come in two varieties: black and orange.

https://vegnews.com/white-chocolate-oreo-bar-frappuccino-smoothies-food-news

UK: Lidl Is Selling Two Different Kinds Of Vegan Caviar Right Now

From plantbasednews.org

Lidl's vegan caviar is officially back in UK stores 

You can find two different kinds of vegan caviar at Lidl.

The budget supermarket produces Japanese-style Seaweed Pearls, a “vegan alternative to caviar,” under its Vitasia brand.

                                                      Lidl's vegan caviar is available in orange and black - Media Credit: Lidl

Lidl’s vegan caviar first appeared on shelves last year, but the Seaweed Pearls were unavailable until now. One keen-eyed shopper posted about the line in the Vegan Ireland subreddit two months ago, while another posted in Vegan UK last week.

Seaweed Pearls are, as the name suggests, primarily made from seaweed, and contain roughly 13 calories per 100g. They are available in black (likely emulating caviar from sturgeon) and orange (inspired by salmon). According to Redditors who have tried the caviar, it has a pleasant, delicate flavour and works well in sushi.

Seaweed is typically the go-to ingredient for vegan caviar, and last year’s Bafta Awards served guests a similar version paired with sourdough bread. IKEA also makes and sells SJÖRAPPORT, its own seaweed pearl-based vegan caviar.

Lidl’s vegan caviar has an RRP of £2.29 per 100g.

Lidl’s 700 percent plant-based sales growth

                                                         Lidl reported a 700 percent increase in plant-based sales last year   Adobe Stock

In November last year, Lidl called on the UK government to introduce plant-based targets as part of mandatory healthy food sales reporting.

The supermarket has been voluntarily publishing data on its protein sales since 2023, including what percentage of those sales is made up of plant-based foods. Lidl said that introducing compulsory reporting would help to “level the playing field.”

Lidl notably surpassed its own plant-based sales target in 2025 by achieving nearly 700 percent growth. At the time, the supermarket said that the milestone reinforces its commitment to the Planetary Health Diet and to making sure “healthy and sustainable choices” are widely affordable.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/lidl-two-kinds-of-vegan-caviar/

Future Food Quick Bites: Clean Protein Shakes, Fitgreenmind & MeatOut Day

From greenqueen.com.hk

By Anay Mridul

Our weekly column rounds up the latest sustainable food innovation news. This week, Future Food Quick Bites covers Elmhurst 1925’s new protein shakes, Fitgreenmind’s vegan documentary, and Japan’s new cell ag communication guide.

New products and launches

Plant-based milk pioneer Elmhurst 1925 has entered the protein wars with Clean Protein, a line of protein shakes with 27g of mung and pea protein per 11oz carton. They’re available in pistachio crème, strawberries and cream, vanilla, and sea salt chocolate flavours on its website for $9.98 for a pack of two, with a Sprouts Farmers Market rollout set for April-end.

Courtesy: Elmhurst 1925

US plant-based egg start-up Crafty Counter has expanded its Wundereggs line into the hot food space, launching a ready-to-heat vegan chorizo and egg scramble made with hemp hearts and fava beans. It’s available at Whole Foods Market for $7.99, and supplies 36g of protein and 14g of fibre per cup.

Vegan influencer Maya Leinenbach, who leads the Fitgreenmind blog and social channels, has featured in Better Than Beef, a new documentary film by ARD Mediathek, which entails the 21-year-old veganising the favourite tapas of former German footballer René Adler in Mallorca.

Courtesy: ARD Mediathek

And Denmark’s Matr Foods has rolled out its mycelium meat products at the stores of Coop subsidiaries Kvickly and SuperBrugse across the nation.

Company and finance news

Dutch startup Time-Travelling Milkman, which makes a sunflower-seed-based dairy fat, has appointed Matthijs Sillevis Smitt as its new CEO. He has previously held marketing roles at Johnson & Johnson and Reckitt.

Building on its sustainability goals, Lidl GB has set a new ambition to cut food waste by 70% by the end of the 2030 financial year, since it’s on track to achieve its 2025 goal of a 50% reduction. 

New York-based plant protein bar brand Aloha has kicked off a national Taste That Grows campaign to spotlight its ingredient-first approach and distance itself from the ultra-processed narrative.

Research, policy and awards

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed March 20 as MeatOut Day, encouraging state residents to eat plant-based food for the day, as part of an initiative with the Farm Animal Rights Movement. But the move has faced backlash from farmers and some Congress members.

Courtesy: Macel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli

Finally, Los Angeles vegan eatery Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli has been named the best sandwich shop in California by Only In Your State.

The Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture has established a communication policy for cell-cultivated foods in the country, outlining recommended terminologies for the industry to battle potentially misleading consumer language.

Finally, UK plant-based marketing initiative Meat Free Made Easy and Tesco Media have been shortlisted for a Campaign UK Media Award.

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/future-food-quick-bites-clean-protein-shakes-fitgreenmind-meatout-day/

Lidl’s plant-based sales surpass targets, shooting up by nearly 700%

From veganfoodandliving.com

Lidl’s plant-based sales have shot up by nearly 700%, exceeding its 2025 target and prompting the launch of new meat-free products

Lidl GB has announced that it has exceeded its 2025 sales goal for own-label plant-based products, achieving a staggering increase of almost 700%.

The discount store chain had originally set out to increase its sales of meat and dairy alternatives by 400% this year, but it has revealed it’s smashed that target already with a 694% increase. This significant milestone is part of the supermarket’s wider commitment to increasing its plant-based protein offerings, aiming for them to make up 25% of total protein sales by 2030.

The success of the supermarket’s Vemondo Plant! range has been a key driver, with sales of plant-based products outperforming meat alternatives by nearly 20%. This has prompted Lidl to expand its product range to cater to the growing number of vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians.

In response to this demand, the discounter has launched more than 20 new own-label products, including marinated tofu, falafel, and various plant-based mince and burgers, which will appear in stores from this week.

                            Lidl's Vemondo Plant! range offers a range of meat and dairy alternatives. Image © Lidl/Vegan Food & Living

Lidl’s plant-based sales target

Lidl’s impressive sales figures reflect a broader shift in consumer behaviour. The supermarket has recognised the growing demand for sustainable and affordable food options and has made a significant push to meet it.

According to Amali Bunter, Head of Responsible Sourcing and Ethical Trade at Lidl GB, the company is proud to be a leader in this area.

In a press release, she said, “surpassing our 2025 meat-free and milk-alternative sales target marks a significant milestone in our wider healthy and sustainable diets agenda,” which supports ” our long-term goal of aligning with the Planetary Health Diet by 2050, a vital lever in the net-zero transition.”

This goal is not just about Lidl’s plant-based sales; it’s also about offering more sustainable choices to customers. The discounter also states that the new additions to the Vemondo Plant! range, which are being certified by The Vegetarian Society, reinforce this commitment.

Lidl's impressive plant-based sales figures encompass all plant-based foods, including vegetables, grains, and legumes, but its own vegan range contributed significantly. Photo © Lidl

Driving demand for Lidl’s plant-based foods

The success of Lidl’s plant-based range is supported by a growing consumer interest in a wider variety of plant-based foods. Since the start of the year, Lidl has sold over 1,400 tonnes of pulses, seeds, and grains alone. This highlights a clear trend where consumers are seeking out healthier and more diverse sources of protein.

By expanding its Vemondo Plant! line, Lidl is not only responding to this market demand but also making plant-based food more accessible to a wider audience.

The new products, with prices starting from just £1.49, demonstrate a commitment to affordability, which is a key factor for many shoppers looking to make more sustainable choices. The continued success of these products cements Lidl’s position as an industry leader in making healthy, sustainable options more affordable and accessible.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/lidl-plant-based-sales-increase-surpass-targets/ 

Lidl Just Brought Back Its Ben & Jerry’s-Style Vegan Ice Cream

From plantbasednews.org

Vemondo vegan ice cream tubs from Lidl are available now in Cookie Dough, Choco Fudge Brownie, and Peanut Butter Cookie flavours 

Budget supermarket Lidl has relaunched its Ben & Jerry’s-style vegan ice cream tubs just in time for National Ice Cream Month.

The Vemondo “vegan ice dessert” currently comes in Cookie Dough, Choco Fudge Brownie, and Peanut Butter Cookie flavours. It has been spotted by shoppers in several stores.

                                               Vegan ice cream is available at Lidl seasonally - Media Credit: Shannon Stones

Lidl first introduced the vegan ice cream tubs to the UK in 2023, including the three returning flavours as well as “Banana Chunk.” Since then, the supermarket has stocked the range only seasonally, including the summer months, during Veganuary, or as part of a plant-based promotion. The vegan ice creams have been notably hard to find in 2025 so far, until now.

In addition to the tubs, Lidl previously sold a Vemondo waffle cone ice cream in boxes of four. The Cornetto-style ice cream cones came exclusively in vanilla and, much like the tubs, have only been available periodically. In March, the supermarket began stocking “Sorbet Ice Cream Balls” by Mini Melts in mango and kiwi flavours for £2.29 per 72g bag.

Vemondo Cookie Dough, Choco Fudge Brownie, and Peanut Butter Cookie ice creams are available now with an RRP of £1.99 per 500ml tub. Shannon Stones, a vegan baker and designer, spotted the vegan ice creams in her local Lidl.

Lidl’s latest vegan offerings

Adobe StockLidl offers a wide range of vegan products in its Vemondo line

Lidl has launched several new vegan products in recent months, including BN-style biscuits and high-protein pudding pots. In January, the supermarket became the first major retailer to use The Vegetarian Society’s new “gold standard” Plant-Based Trademark, adding it to the updated Vemondo Plant! range. Last October, Lidl said that it would be tripling its plant-based range after experiencing a 12 percent rise in sales over the preceding year.

“Our commitment to sustainable proteins will contribute to significantly reducing our scope 3 CO2 emissions and support a more balanced and sustainable food system for the future,” said Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, in a statement at the time.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/lidl-brought-back-vegan-ice-cream/

Lidl Introduces High-Protein Vegan Pudding Pots In Three Flavours

From plantbasednews.org

Lidl has added a new, protein-packed product to its Vemondo range

Lidl has launched a range of high-protein vegan pudding pots at UK stores.

The budget supermarket’s latest vegan product is a Vemondo High Protein Pudding, available in Caramel, Chocolate, and Hazelnut flavours. Each 200g pot contains 20g of protein, approximately one-third of the RDA of protein for adults per UK guidelines.

The pudding pots have an RRP of £1.29 per item, and are available from Lidl stores now.

                                                  The chocolate pots are available to buy now - Media Credit: Lidl

Lidl, vegan desserts, and customer demand

Lidl stores regularly stock Vemondo ice cream products, cheesecake-style single-serve desserts, and more, in addition to the new protein pots. In October, the supermarket announced plans to triple its plant-based range following a 12 percent increase in plant-based and vegetarian food from 2023. In January, Lidl became the first major retailer to use The Vegetarian Society’s “Gold Standard” Plant-Based Trademark on Vemondo items.

“We’re making high-quality plant-based foods accessible to everyone, ensuring that more customers can afford to make healthy and sustainable choices,” said Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, in a statement at the time. “Our commitment to sustainable proteins will contribute to significantly reducing our scope 3 CO2 emissions and support a more balanced and sustainable food system for the future.”

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/lidl-high-protein-vegan-pudding-pots/

Lidl and WWF join forces to boost plant-based sales growth by 20% and set new sustainability standards

From veganfoodandliving.com

Lidl, in partnership with WWF, has committed to affordable plant-based options and carbon footprint labelling to boost sales and promote global sustainability

German discount retailer Lidl has set a bold goal to increase its plant-based product sales by 20% by 2030, compared to its 2023 results.

This initiative is part of its broader sustainability strategy, launched in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The retailer aims to align its offerings with WWF’s Planetary Health Diet (PHD) guidelines by 2050, a framework promoting environmentally conscious food choices.

As part of its “Conscious Nutrition” strategy, Lidl is leveraging WWF’s Planet-Based Diets Retailer Methodology to evaluate and expand its plant-based range.

This framework for developing more sustainable, health-promoting products focuses on “planet-based diets”, encompassing protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Senior Vice President of Quality & Sustainability at Lidl International Stefan Haensel noted, “The Planetary Health Diet offers a solid model that provides actionable recommendations without categorically prohibiting anything.”

Lidl’s vegan brand, Vemondo, already features over 500 products which play a key role in the retailer’s sustainability efforts.

To encourage consumers to embrace plant-based diets, Lidl is introducing affordability measures to make these products cost-competitive with animal-based options.

The retailer has also implemented carbon footprint labels on select items and developed hybrid products to encourage reduced meat consumption in those resistant to fully transitioning to plant-based alternatives. 

Collaboration with WWF to drive change

This new commitment builds on Lidl’s five-year partnership with WWF which began in 2022 and spans 31 countries.

The partnership focuses on tackling global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable consumption.

Lidl's work under WWF's guidelines emphasises natural, healthy whole foods as well as the retailer's plant-based brand. Photo © Solarisys/Adobe Stock

Mariella Meyer of WWF Switzerland commended Lidl’s work towards “meaningful change”, stating: “By prioritising plant-based options, Lidl demonstrates how retailers can drive food system transformation – key to tackling biodiversity and nature loss.”

The partnership is designed to help households make sustainable choices through accessible, environmentally friendly options.

Lidl has also achieved significant milestones, such as becoming the first UK retailer to receive the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark.

The role of global partnerships in sustainability

Lidl and WWF’s collaboration extends beyond product development. The partnership includes efforts to manage resources responsibly, reduce food waste, and safeguard critical ecosystems.

Christoph Pohl, Lidl International’s Chief Purchasing Officer, highlighted the importance of collective action, stating, “We can only overcome major global challenges such as climate change and nature loss by working together. That’s why we believe in strong partnerships to provide more sustainable choices.”

Lidl’s work with WWF also includes initiatives such as traceable supply chains, deforestation-free sourcing, and advocacy for conscious consumption as it aims to set a new standard for sustainability within the retail sector.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/lidl-wwf-sustainability-collaboration-boost-plant-based-sales/