Vegan Food News of the Week: Beyond Meat Bánh Mì, TJ’s Beet Poke, and More

From vegnews.com

From Beyond Steak Bánh Mì sandwiches at Veggie Grill to fish-free beet poke at Trader Joe’s, we’re serving up the best in vegan food news of the week

It seems that every week in the world of vegan food news is more exciting than the last and this week is no exception. Spring is off to a great start at Veggie Grill, where Beyond Steak-stuffed sandwiches just hit the menu. Trader Joe’s is making good on its promise to give use vegan seafood options with the launch of Vegan Poke (made with a root vegetable that’s blowing our minds as a tuna alternative). And if you’re craving a little more spice in your life, Heinz has three new ketchups just for you. Read on for more. 

1Beyond Bánh Mì at Veggie Grill

Beyond Meat launched its plant-based steak in retail last year, inspiring many to recreate the meatiest of dishes such as fajitas, steak salads, and more. Now, the whole-cut vegan steak is giving Veggie Grill customers something new to crave.

Veggie Grill

New Beyond Steak Bánh mì sandwiches just hit the menu at vegan fast-food chain Veggie Grill and we’re living for these hearty handhelds. The new sandwich comes stuffed with Beyond Meat’s juicy steak seared to perfection, alongside pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, spicy Fresno peppers, sweet and tangy bánh mì sauce, and dijonnaise, all sandwiched between a crispy French baguette.

“We are excited to partner with Beyond Meat on the launch of their amazing new steak product,” Veggie Grill co-founder T.K. Pillan tells VegNews. “Our new Beyond Steak Bánh Mì takes the old vegan tofu Bánh Mì to a whole new level.”

The new Beyond Steak-stuffed sandwiches are available at Veggie Grill locations nationwide, excluding outposts in New York City and at UCLA.

2Trader Joe’s fish-free poke 

Back in 2021, Trader Joe’s insiders promised us some interesting vegan options in the seafood category and, honestly, they have not disappointed. If you haven’t tried the Vegan Salmonesque spread yet, get to your local TJ’s stat. 

A brand new item in the plant-based seafood realm at Trader Joe’s is the Vegan Poke. For the fish substitute, the chain surprisingly went with marinated beets—which deliver the texture necessary to pull off tuna without much of that soil-forward flavour typical to the root veggie. 

Trader Joe’s

How did they do it? “As it turns out, roasted beets have a remarkably similar texture to sashimi-grade tuna, especially when marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil—firm, yet delicate,” Trader Joe’s states on its website. 

“So, that’s how Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke evokes the tender, toothsome texture and superbly saucy flavours of poke, while still maintaining an entirely plant-based ingredient deck,” the description states.

Okay, Trader Joe’s, we hear you and are left wondering what kind of fish you can make with turnips and radishes.

3Heinz turns up the heat

Heinz has been a go-to for classic ketchup for years—many, many years since it was first introduced in 1876. Now the company is stepping up its condiment game with three new spicy ketchups meant to turn the heat way up. 

“We know consumers are hungry for a wider variety of spicy sauces and flavours, and as a consumer-obsessed brand at the forefront of food culture, we saw an exciting opportunity to innovate around our fans’ evolving preferences,” Lindsay Davis, Brand Manager, HEINZ Innovation at the Kraft Heinz Company, said in a statement. 

Heinz

The new spicy ketchups are made from different pepper bases to give customers dynamic choices: Chipotle (medium), Jalapeño (hot), and Habanero (hotter). Heinz is also debuting a new hotsauce under its 57 Sauce line: HEINZ Hot 57 Sauce made with a twist of red jalapeño.

“Listening to insights gleaned from our audience showed us that a sauce’s heat source really matters to them, which served as a north star in creating new products with curated and flavourful, pepper-specific bases,” Davis said. 

4Peatos dairy-free cheesy puffs 

We became fans of vegan snack brand Peatos in 2022 when it decided to transition its entire line to be fully plant-based. After an investment from cereal brand Post, the brand is moving full force toward its mission competing with Frito-Lay in becoming a household name with vegan snacks that are full of flavour but devoid of junk. 

Peatos

This week, Peatos took another step in that direction with the launch of craveable puffs in two flavours: Crunchy Fiery Lime Puffs and Crunchy Cheese-less Puffs, which are rolling out to retailers this month and available online through the company website and Amazon. 

“Snackers love PeaTos because they offer the same great taste and crunch of the classic snacks that America grew up on, but without all the scary artificial ingredients,” Peatos founder Nick Desai said in a statement.  

“With the launch of Peatos Puffs, we’re giving snackers two more ways to enjoy the savory, finger-licking sensory experience of America’s favourite snacks, but reimagined with better nutrition, and none of the junk.” Desai said. 

Peatos also offers other snacks such as Classic Cheese Curls, Crunchy Onion Rings, and Crunchy Pizza Rings—a special edition of which will launch this August timed to the theatrical release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  

5Vegan ice cream bars at Walmart

For a sweet finish to this week’s vegan food news of the week, we’re excited for the Walmart debut of vegan ice cream brand GoodPop. In stores, expect to find seven new ice cream novelties from the brand. 

This includes popsicles in Cherry n’ Lemonade, Orange Cherry Grape, Orange n’ Cream flavours; Chocolate Vanilla Sandwiches; as well as GoodPop’s newest bars such as Fudge n’ Vanilla Crunch, Mint n’ Fudge Chip, and Double Chocolate Fudge.

GoodPop

“We are thrilled to bring our cleaned up classic frozen treats to Walmart, making it easier for families to find healthier and more delicious frozen treat options,” Daniel Goetz, CEO and founder of GoodPop, said in a statement. 

“Our team is committed to making the best tasting frozen treats without sacrificing quality, and our expansion into Walmart stores allows us to bring our mission to more communities across the country.”

The new GoodPop line is available at Walmart stores in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Is it summer yet?

https://vegnews.com/2023/4/vegan-food-news-april-7

10 Companies Awarded China’s First Vegan Food Standard Certification

From greenqueen.com.hk

China’s shift to a more sustainable food system took a significant step forward with the introduction of the country’s first domestic vegan food certification program and the first ten recipients

The China Vegan Society and the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation say the China Vegan Food Standard Certification seeks to standardize vegan claims within the Chinese market, increase transparency and consumer trust for vegan products, and aid in supporting consumers and food producers interested in animal-free options.

The certification is also the first vegan certification to include a subcategory for vegan foods that do not contain garlic, onions, leeks, chives, and asafetida, which up to half of Chinese vegans and vegetarians avoid for religious and health reasons.

China Vegan Food Standard Certified

During a recent online conference, nearly 20,000 viewers learned about the first recipients of the China Vegan Food Standard Certification.

Ten companies covering diverse food categories across the full food industry received the certification, including Veggie Ark, Green Monday, Ecobuyer, Deepure, Yeyo, Seleglu, GENBEN, Su Man Xiang, Liu Wei Zhi Ji, and Shu Jia Niang Food.

The certification program’s first recipients cover a range of plant-based food offerings, from organic farming and vegan restaurants to health foods, alternative protein products, and vegan OEM manufacturers.

Representatives from each organization introduced their brands and shared their perspectives on how the certification will advance veganism in China in the short term and establish vegan industry standards to lay a crucial foundation for future development.

                                            Haofood’s new pulled vegan chicken is made from peanuts | Courtesy

Cultivating a sustainable food future for China

The certification program’s aim is to provide better-served consumers, more sustainable vegan product offerings, increased food biodiversity, the transition toward healthier food consumption and production patterns, and a better-regulated and more transparent vegan food industry.

CBCGDF Deputy Secretary General Ma Yong emphasized the historic importance of plant-based diets in China’s traditional culture and their crucial role in supporting China’s sustainable future growth.

The certification development committee included VegRadar, a vegan information service platform offering a fully WeChat-enabled restaurant locator app and multi-channel media platform, and Dao Foods, an impact-oriented incubator and investment firm that invests in plant-based and alternative protein companies based in mainland China.

In January, China took first place in the 2022 ProVeg Innovation Challenge APAC event. The country has also seen a number of alternative milestones this year including CellX announcing the first cultivated meat factory in China and Jimi Biotech unveiling the country’s first cultivated chicken. Haofood also debuted chicken made from peanuts in another industry first.

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/chinas-vegan-food-standard-certification/

Cost of living may be causing low UK demand for vegan chocolate

From just-food.com

Online demand for vegan chocolate has plummeted by 25% year-on-year 

In the run-up to Easter, new research has revealed that online demand for vegan chocolate in the UK has plummeted by almost 25% year-on-year.

Market researchers Ashbury analysed UK Google Search data for more than 1,000 vegan-related items in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to determine the year-on-year changes in consumer demand for vegan chocolate alternatives.

Searches for terms related to ‘vegan chocolate’ have seen a 23% fall year on year. Despite the efforts of supermarkets, it appears demand for ‘vegan easter eggs’ has also plummeted with a 30% decrease in searches from 2021-2022.

Terms like ‘vegan dark chocolate’ and ‘cocoa butter vegan’ both saw a decline of 23%. The specific search term ‘vegan chocolate’ was among the hardest hit by the decrease in searches with a 28% decline since last year. Searches for ‘vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream’ plummeted by 21% and ‘vegan hot chocolate’ also saw a decline of 20%.

Ashbury thinks one important factor could be the cost-of-living crisis with the price of vegan chocolate usually being higher than traditional confectionery.

Dietician Lydia Collins-Hussey said: “For the allergic consumer, it is important to have vegan and free-from options available and I’m surprised that data is showing a reduction in demand but this could be down to many things such as the cost of living crisis and the expensive nature of some vegan products.”

                                                                               Credit: Ri Butov from Pixabay

But Sal Hanvey, of food intolerance specialist YorkTest, put forward another reason for the apparent fall in demand.

“One theory as to why the percentage of people consuming this type of chocolate is on the decrease, is perhaps due to the taste, and us becoming used to something tasting a certain way, the way we have always enjoyed it,” he said.

“From looking at the data, it would certainly suggest that consumers are valuing taste above any health benefits that vegan chocolate alternatives might boast.”

‘Skimpflation’, or choosing lower-priced products over quality, is set to remain a key trend influencing food purchasing habits in 2023, analysts forecast. Categories most vulnerable to trading down are chocolate, confectionery and desserts and pet products, data suggests.

https://www.just-food.com/news/cost-of-living-causing-low-uk-demand-for-vegan-chocolate/

Georgina Hayden’s vegan recipe for sticky aubergine, peanut and herb tarte tatin

From theguardian.com

A sticky, soy-glazed, savoury upside-down tart for any day of the week

Savoury tarte tatin is one of my go-to meals when I’m entertaining: you can do a lot of the prep in advance, it isn’t too taxing and it delivers a decent level of wow factor when serving. This elegant, aubergine number is up there with the best of them, dressed with that much-loved combination of sticky sweet soy, peanuts and chilli. It is the perfect Easter centrepiece – an Easter egg(plant) showstopper, if you will.

Sticky aubergine, peanut and herb tarte tatin

The sugar in the base means the tart will set quite quickly once it’s out of the oven, so make sure to turn it out within a few minutes. In the worst-case scenario and it sets solid, just pop the pan on a low heat for a minute or two to soften the caramel again. 

Prep 10 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 4

2 aubergines
3+ tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp caster sugar
5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 green chillies, finely sliced
1 bunch spring onions, trimmed
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
500g puff pastry
30g toasted peanuts
½ small bunch each of coriander and mint
Juice of 1 lime

Heat the oven to 220C (200 fan)/425F/gas 7. Trim the aubergines, peel off some of the skin in strips, then cut the flesh into 2½cm-thick slices.

Put a large, ovenproof frying pan on a medium heat, add three tablespoons of oil and fry the slices, in batches if need be, for about three minutes on each side, until lightly browned; add more oil if needed.

While the aubergine is frying, whisk the rice vinegar, soy, sugar, ginger and half the chilli in a small bowl. Cut the spring onions into 2-3cm lengths, and set aside a few of the green ends for garnish.

When the aubergine is cooked, add the sliced spring onions and garlic to the pan, stir-fry for two minutes, then pour in all the soy and vinegar mixture. Bring to a bubble, simmer for a couple of minutes more, until reduced and sticky, then take off the heat.

Roll out the puff pastry so it’s a bit larger than the frying pan, drape this over the top of the aubergine mixture and tuck it in neatly around the sides. Prick all over with a fork, then bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the aubergine mix is bubbling up around the edges. Remove, leave to rest for two minutes, then carefully turn out on to a board.

Finely slice the reserved spring onion greens, and roughly chop the peanuts, coriander and mint. Toss these with the remaining chopped chilli and lime juice, sprinkle all over the top of the tart, then slice and serve.

 Photograph: Louise Hagger/Photography: Louise Hagger. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food styling assistant: Kristine Jakobsson

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/apr/01/vegan-sticky-aubergine-peanut-herb-tarte-tatin-recipe-georgina-hayden

Vegan Meat Trends: The Future Of Sustainable And Ethical Food

From slurrp.com

Vegan meat, also known as plant-based meat, is a rapidly growing industry that is changing the way we think about food. With the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food options, vegan meat is becoming a popular choice for people who are looking for meat alternatives that are healthy, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free. 

Veganism has been on the rise for years, and one of the most notable trends within the movement is the increasing popularity of vegan meat. As more people become aware of the negative impact of animal agriculture on the environment, human health, and animal welfare, they are seeking out plant-based alternatives to meat. 

What Is Vegan Meat?

Vegan meat is a plant-based alternative to traditional meat products. It is made from a variety of ingredients, such as soy, wheat, and pea protein, and is designed to mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of meat. The goal is to provide a meat-like experience without the use of animal products. 

Why Is Vegan Meat Gaining Popularity?  

There are several reasons why vegan meat is gaining popularity. Firstly, there is growing concern about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. Animal agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By choosing vegan meat, consumers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. 

Secondly, there is increasing awareness of the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Studies have shown that a vegan diet can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Vegan meat provides a way for people to enjoy the taste of meat without the negative health consequences. 

Finally, there is a growing concern for animal welfare. Many people are uncomfortable with the treatment of animals in the meat processing industry and are seeking out alternatives that don't involve animal suffering. Vegan meat provides a way for consumers to enjoy the taste of meat while avoiding animal cruelty. 

There are many different types of vegan meat available on the market. Some of the most popular include: 

Tofu  

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a versatile and nutritious plant-based protein that has been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries. Made from soya beans, tofu is an excellent vegan meat substitute that can be used in a variety of dishes. With a mild flavour and a texture that ranges from silky to firm, tofu can be sautéed, stir-fried, grilled, baked, and even blended into smoothies. High in protein, low in fat, and rich in essential amino acids, tofu is a great option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet. Some popular dishes made with tofu include curries, soups, salads, sandwiches, and even desserts. 

Tempeh  

Tempeh is a delicious and nutritious plant-based protein source that has been gaining popularity as a vegan meat alternative. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh has a nutty flavour and a firm, meaty texture that makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes. Packed with protein, fibre, and nutrients, tempeh is a great way to satisfy your hunger while maintaining a healthy vegan diet. Whether you're looking to switch up your meals or simply looking for a healthier protein source, tempeh is a must-try for any plant-based eater. Some popular tempeh dishes include tempeh stir-fry, tempeh tacos, tempeh burgers, tempeh and vegetable curry, a tempeh Reuben sandwich, and tempeh bacon. 

Seitan   

Seitan, also known as wheat meat or wheat protein, is a popular vegan meat substitute that has been enjoyed for centuries in Asian cultures. Made from wheat gluten, seitan has a chewy, meat-like texture and can be flavoured in a variety of ways to mimic the taste of traditional meats. With high protein content and low fat, seitan is a healthy alternative to animal-based proteins. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in stews, stir-fries, and even sandwiches. For those looking to follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, seitan is a delicious and satisfying meat substitute. Seitan stir-fries, seitan skewers, seitan fajitas, and tacos are some of its popular dishes. 

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

Textured vegetable protein is a plant-based meat alternative made from soya beans and is an excellent source of protein and fibre. It is a versatile ingredient that can be flavoured and seasoned to mimic various types of meat, making it a popular choice among vegans and vegetarians. TVP is low in fat and calories and also has the added benefits of being cholesterol-free and low in sodium. It is an eco-friendly option that reduces the carbon footprint of the food industry while providing a delicious and healthy alternative to meat. You can use TVP for many dishes, such as sloppy joes, tacos, and meatballs. 

Veggie Champ  

Veggie Champ offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes that are both delicious and healthy. From colourful salads to hearty sandwiches and wraps, Veggie Champ has something for everyone. Their signature dish includes the Champ Burger, made with a mushroom and lentil patty. With a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Veggie Champ is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition. 

The Vegetarian Butcher

The Vegetarian Butcher is a meat-free deli that offers plant-based versions of classic meat dishes. Their mission is to create products that are sustainable, ethical, and delicious. The Vegetarian Butcher offers a variety of dishes such as burgers, sausages, and deli slices, all made with plant-based proteins like soy and wheat. Their flagship dish is the no-chicken burger, a crispy and flavourful patty made with soy and peas. The Vegetarian Butcher's products are perfect for those who want to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing taste and texture. 

GoodDot  

Gooddot is a vegan food company that specialises in plant-based protein products. Their products are made from high-quality ingredients like soy, chickpeas, and peas and are perfect for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Gooddot offers a variety of dishes such as biryani, keema, and chilli, all made with their signature plant-based proteins. Gooddot is a great option for those looking to enjoy tasty and eco-friendly meals.  

In conclusion, the vegan meat trend is here to stay. As more people become aware of the environmental, health, and ethical benefits of a plant-based diet, the demand for vegan meat is only going to increase. With so many delicious and realistic options available, there has never been a better time to give vegan meat a try. 

https://www.slurrp.com/article/vegan-meat-trends-the-future-of-sustainable-and-ethical-food-1680708363277 

What’s Vegan At Five Guys? All The Plant-Based Menu Items

From plantbasednews.org

Five Guys is a hugely popular fast food restaurant - but does it have vegan options? 

In the last few years, a number of fast food chains have been increasingly catering to their growing number of vegan customers, but it looks like Five Guys hasn’t quite got the memo. 

While its competitors like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC have all launched multiple vegan burgers and sides, Five Guys has yet to introduce a single one. 

If you follow a plant-based diet and are eating at Five Guys, however, there are certain steps you can take to ensure you get a moderately well-rounded meal. 

Whether you’re in the US, UK, Australia, or Canada, here’s everything you need to know about vegan eating at Five Guys.

Adobe StockFive Guys can be found in a number of countries across the world

Vegan menu options at Five Guys

As mentioned, there are no menu items specifically listed for vegans on the menu. Five Guys was originally launched as a single burger joint in Virginia in 1986. A spokesperson confirmed to Plant Based News (PBN) that, due to a “commitment to quality,” it very rarely introduces new products to its menu. It even took 28 years for the company to introduce milkshakes, which it’s now famous for. 

While there are no specific vegan products, some of the items it sells contain no animal products, and are therefore suitable for those on a plant-based diet. 

If you are eating a Five Guys, you can order both the fries and cajun fries, which are cooked in peanut oil. If you’re after something more nutritious, you also have the option of ordering some of the vegetable toppings. These include grilled mushroom, green peppers, and tomatoes (there may be risk of cross-contamination, so some of these may not be suitable for milk allergy sufferers. Always ask your server if you’re unsure). 

Does Five Guys have a vegan burger?

Adobe StockFive Guys rarely introduces new products

Five Guys does not currently have a vegan burger on offer. While it does offer a “Classic Veggie Sandwich,” this comes served in a bun featuring dairy and egg products. 

“We will only release a new product if we feel it is literally the best we can offer in that category,” the spokesperson told PBN. “We’re currently exploring and trialling different options, however we are not quite there yet with a meat-free patty that represents Five Guys quality.”

This could indicate, therefore, that a vegan burger could be on the horizon in the future…

Does Five Guys have vegan drinks? Are there dairy-free milkshakes?

Five Guys does not currently offer dairy-free versions of its milkshakes. It does, however, feature a range of vegan soft and alcoholic drinks, including: 

• Coca Cola
• Diet Coke
• Fanta
• Sprite
• Dr Pepper
• Coke Zero
• Smart Water
• Corona Extra
• Budweiser
• Brooklyn Lager

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/five-guys-vegan-menu/

New Data Shows Gen Z Are Going Vegan For the Long Haul

From theveganreview.com

Today’s plant-based food market is worth over 10 billion USD and is expected to reach 34 billion within the next 5 years. A new survey conducted by Medical Inspiration Daily For Stronger Society (MIDDS) shows that Gen Z drives this growth.

Currently in their pre-teens and ranging up to 28 years old, they are the most racially and ethically diverse generation in U.S. history. They are recognised as one of the most proactive generations about their mental health and consider themselves to be ‘socially conscious’.

The Results

50% of vegan respondents selected health benefits as the main driver behind their food choices. While animal cruelty and the environment came in at 17% each, over 40% of vegans believe their dietary choices positively impact the environment.

Out of the vegans surveyed, 7 out of 10 said they expect to continue with their diets over the next 5 years despite wanting more variety.

                                                                      https://unsplash.com/@callumshaw

The results showed that not all Gen Zers want to be vegan themselves, with nearly 80% of non-vegans stating they will not go vegan within the next five years and identifying meat cravings as their biggest barrier.

Gen Zers heavily emphasise education around veganism, as 51% believe the biggest barrier to people starting a vegan diet is understanding its health benefits. This is reflected in the results as 60% of the same audience say they educate those around them on the benefits of veganism in the hope of converting them to the lifestyle.

https://theveganreview.com/new-data-shows-gen-z-are-going-vegan-for-the-long-haul/