Vegan Stocks to Watch: 3 Players Leading the Plant-Based Revolution

From investorplace.com

• Plant-based stocks may have a place in your portfolio, but it’s okay to be selective.  
• Kroger (KR): Invest in the last three feet of the plant-based supply chain.  
• Ingredion (INGR): The company is a leader in developing plant-based proteins. 
• Oatly (OTLY): A penny stock that showcases the risk and reward in this sector.  

Investing in vegan stocks hasn’t been an easy decision. Much like cannabis stocks and, to a lesser extent, electric vehicle stocks, investing in a future that seems certain can be elusive.  

There are benefits of a plant-based diet that shouldn’t be ignored at a time when weight-loss drugs are all the rage. Those benefits are more likely to drive this sector’s growth than concerns over sustainability. But the latter is where most of the marketing effort focuses. 

However, regardless of the reason, acceptance of this kind of diet ultimately comes from the product itself. How does it taste? Is it affordable? For the most part, the industry has conquered the first question. It’s the second question that remains a challenge, particularly at a time when consumers are trying to make their food dollars stretch further.  

That brings to light another lesson about investing in vegan stocks, particularly pure-play stocks. That is, revenue is only a starting point. To their credit, many of these companies have revenue coming in. But positive, growing earnings are the fuel for stock price growth. And many of these companies are still years away from being profitable. Some have filed for bankruptcy or carry a significant risk of that fate.  

Then there’s the fact that many pure-play companies in this sector, like Impossible Foods, are private companies that therefore are not publicly traded. It’s a tricky sector, but one that may still have upside for patient investors. Here are three vegan stocks that may give you different ideas for investing in the sector. 

Kroger (KR)

Source: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com

Investing in Kroger (NYSE:KR) is likely the safest of the vegan stocks on this list. In addition to carrying plant-based foods from other companies, the company has its own private label, Simple Truth, which has a range of plant-based alternatives. There’s ample evidence that consumers are trading down to house brands to combat food inflation.  

Plus, the grocery giant has over 2,800 locations in 35 states. That’s a solid base if the goal is broad acceptance. And it will nearly double once the company’s planned merger with Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) which should be complete sometime in 2024.  

KR stock is up just 1.23% in 2023 with just a few days left to trade as of this writing. When you look at the company’s earnings report, you can see why the stock is a laggard. The results aren’t bad, they’re just not exciting.  

However, investors may be overlooking the company’s gross margin which increased by 300 basis points when the company reported earnings in November 2023. The company also strengthened its balance sheet by suspending share repurchases to build cash, pay dividends and keep its debt manageable. 

Ingredion (INGR) 

Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Ingredion (NYSE:INGR) gives investors another way to invest in vegan stocks. The company isn’t a pure play on the sector. In fact, it’s best known for starches and sweeteners. But Ingredion is increasing its selection of plant-based proteins that help provide plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Increasing the protein content of plant-based foods is considered to be one of the factors that will drive future revenue.  

To that end, in 2021, Ingredion opened a facility focused on producing pea protein isolate and pea starch. It was the first-of-its-kind in North America and positions the company as a future leader in the sector.  

INGR stock is up about 11.76% in 2023 with most of that gain coming in the market rally in November and December. That is discounting the company’s strong earnings growth in 2023 which is still expected to grow around 4% in the next 12 months. Plus, investors get a dividend with a 2.87% yield that has been growing for the last 13 consecutive years.  

Oatly (OTLY) 

Source: Vladislav Noseek / Shutterstock.com

If you have a speculative itch to scratch when it comes to plant-based stocks, Oatly (NASDAQ:OTLY) may be a good choice. Oatly is a Swedish company that uses oats to produce dairy alternatives. One of its more common products is oat milk. 

This is a small company with a $768 million market cap as of December 27, 2023. It’s also a company that just over a month ago was trading for under one dollar.  

However, OTLY stock is up about 45.88% in the last month of 2023. Any move of that type is worth exploring. In this case, it appears that analyst sentiment has improved. The consensus price target of $2.06 is 58% higher than the current price. And out of eight analysts offering ratings, three give it a Strong Buy rating.  

Like any stock that is not profitable and generates only about $750 million in sales, there is a risk of bankruptcy with Oatly. The compelling news is that revenue is increasing, and the company is moving close to profitability. It’s still a risk, but with a strong upside, it may be a risk worth taking.  

On the date of publication, Chris Markoch did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.        

https://investorplace.com/2023/12/vegan-stocks-to-watch-3-players-leading-the-plant-based-revolution/

UK: Tesco announces big change to stores starting from New Year’s Day

From metro.co.uk 

Come the New Year, your local Tesco’s shelves could look very different.

That’s because the supermarket is rolling out a big extension to one range in stores on January 1, meaning you’ll see a lot more plant based options available on your food shop.

In time for Veganuary – and when many overhaul their diets for a healthy start to the year – Tesco is adding a number of extra products to its Plant Chef line of vegan-friendly products.

                                                             Shelves may look different come the New Year (Picture: Reuters)

Dishes inspired by food from the USA, India, Asia, and Mexico will make up the expanded offering, including Plant Chef Sweet Potato Katsu Style Curry and Plant Chef Mexican Inspired Bean Burgers. 

Everything is 100% plant based and designed to bring big flavour to dairy and meat-free mealtimes, not only designed for those already eating a vegan diet, but also for anyone looking to cut down on their intake of animal products.

Shoppers can look forward to a number of favourites such as Meat Free Spaghetti Bolognese, packed full of lentils, plant protein and mushrooms, and No-Beef Meatballs which are high in soya protein.

There’s also Meat Free Southern Fried Fillets coated with a flavourful seasoning, Hot & Spicy No-Chicken Strips for those who prefer a bit of extra zip, and Katsu Style Veggie Crispbakes for a hassle-free way to mix up your midweek dinners.

All products are currently available online, but will be introduced to stores from New Year’s Day, with party food like Meat Free Sausage Rolls, No-Prawn Tempuras and No-Duck Spring Rolls featured if you’re entertaining around the festive season.

Selected Plant Chef products (Tesco Meals 300G–400G) are available on Clubcard Prices too, where customers can mix and match three selected products for £7.50 until March 5, 2024.

                                                                   Some products will have Clubcard prices too (Picture: Tesco)

The move comes as a new record was set for Veganuary in 2023, seeing over 700,000 global sign-ups.

The 31-day challenge asks people to try eating only vegan food throughout January, with the aim of helping the environment, improving overall health, and showing that a plant based diet is viable and delicious.

In 2023 alone more than 820 new vegan products were introduced in the UK alone, with Billie Eilish showing her support for the campaign on social media.

The singer said: ‘The livestock sector contributes more than 60% of all food-system greenhouse gases. That’s a lot of pressure on our planet, but by replacing meat consumption with plant-based foods, together, we can give the earth a fighting chance.’

Of the millions of non-vegans who’ve taken part in the pledge in the last 10 years, 85% have reduced their consumption of animal products since, while 23% became vegan permanently.

And it’s certainly a lot easier with simple and quick meals lining our supermarket shelves.

https://metro.co.uk/2023/12/27/tesco-announces-big-change-uk-stores-starting-new-years-day-20028779/?ico=just-in_home_just-in

Plant-Based Diet: Unveiling Vegan Sources of Vitamin D

From bnnbreaking.com

In the ongoing quest for optimum health, those who adhere to plant-based diets often grapple with the challenge of meeting their daily Vitamin D requirements. Traditional sources of this essential nutrient are largely animal-based – think salmon, egg yolks, and shellfish. Yet, several plant-based alternatives can provide the required Vitamin D boost, vital for overall health.

Fortified Soy Milk: A Nutritious Alternative

Fortified soy milk is a promising option for vegans and followers of plant-based diets. It boasts approximately 2.9 mcg (116 IU) of Vitamin D per cup. Be sure to check the nutrition labels, as they indicate whether Vitamin D has been added.

Mushrooms: A Vegan Source of Vitamin D

Mushrooms, especially those grown under ultraviolet light, provide another vegan-friendly source. They offer around 450 IU of Vitamin D per 100 grams, making them a significant contributor to daily Vitamin D intake.

Fortified Cereals and Oatmeals: Morning Boosters

Many cereals and oatmeals on the market are fortified with Vitamin D. The content varies, but generally, they provide between 0.2 to 2.5 mcg (8-100 IU) per serving, adding a nutritious start to the day.

Orange Juice and Almond Milk: Fortified Beverages

While not all orange juices are fortified with Vitamin D, certain brands do add it, offering up to 100 IU per serving. In addition, many plant-based milk producers enrich their products with Vitamin D. Almond milk, for example, typically contains about 2.4 mcg (96 IU) per serving.

These fortified foods, along with regular exposure to sunlight, can help vegans and those on plant-based diets maintain the recommended dietary allowance of 600-800 IU daily for adults, thereby ensuring sufficient Vitamin D levels for a robust immune system and overall wellbeing. 

https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/health/plant-based-diet-unveiling-vegan-sources-of-vitamin-d/

Make Your Next Vegan Cheese Out Of Almonds. You Won't Regret It

From uk.sports.yahoo.com

Today, in most supermarkets across the country, you can find vegan alternatives to almost everything, from burgers and ice cream to chicken wings, roasts, and hot dogs. However, not all vegan food products are created equal -- especially cheese. While some vegan cheese brands are better than others, if you want a product that suits your tastes and needs, it might be time to try making it yourself.

Like traditional cheeses, vegan cheeses come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from any number of ingredients. Cashews, soy milk, tofu, tapioca flour, and nutritional yeast have risen to the top of the pile in terms of non-dairy cheese alternatives, but that doesn't mean you should overlook a more common ingredient that may be floating around your pantry right now — almonds.

Using almonds as the base of your vegan cheese results in a smooth yet firm texture and a mild flavour that's great for bagels, pasta dishes, and desserts. And, of course, a log of homemade almond cheese rolled in nuts or dried fruit can serve as a stunning centrepiece for your dairy-free cheese board.

                               Vegan cheese board with sliced bread, fruit, and vegetables - Pamelajoemcfarlane/Getty Images

Why Almonds Make Good Vegan Cheese

Almonds are a great option for your next back of homemade vegan cheese for a few reasons. The first — and arguably most important — is that almond cheese looks the part. We eat with our eyes, and you'll want your non-dairy cheese to be pale in color, smooth, and compact. After they've been blanched and had their skins removed, almonds are the perfect shade of creamy white, making them similar in appearance to mozzarella, cheddar, and goat cheese — to name a few.

Equally important to your vegan cheese is its texture. Unlike blanched cashews, which come out silky and smooth after blending, almonds emerge from the food processor a bit coarser, resulting in a non-dairy cheese with more structure and shape. That means you can easily mould it into faux-goat cheese logs or blocks of non-dairy feta.

Finally, there's the taste. Almonds are mild in flavour, making them the perfect vessel for different spices, seasonings, herbs, and marinades. If you want a tangier cheese, like feta, add some lemon juice; if you want a cheese with a bit more umami flavour, fold in some miso or nutritional yeast.

Ways To Use Your Vegan Almond Cheese

                                                 Wooden bowl of almonds and almond flour scoop - Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Although almond cheese may not have the same melting/stretching properties as traditional cheeses, there's still a ton you can do with it besides making it the focal point of your next vegan charcuterie board or an offering at your next vegan holiday celebration.

The soft-yet-crumbly texture of almond cheese makes it a terrific option for vegan ravioli or manicotti filling. Heighten its flavour by adding some fresh lemon zest or basil. Staying with the Italian theme, you can also use almond cheese instead of ricotta as a layer in vegan lasagne. If you love vegan comfort foods, try slathering a couple of tablespoons of almond cheese between two slices of bread for a vegan grilled cheese. The same technique works for quesadillas, too.

If you've made an almond cheese that doesn't include tons of savoury seasonings and is more neutral in flavour, try incorporating it into desserts. Use it as the base of a raw vegan cheesecake, or fold in some confectionary sugar and pipe your almond cheese into a pastry shell for a dairy-free cannoli. You can do a lot of experimenting with almond cheese, and that's the most exciting part! Who doesn't love to play around with their food?

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/next-vegan-cheese-almonds-wont-121518546.html 

9 ways to avoid conflict this Christmas when you’re the only vegan at the dinner table

From veganfoodandliving.com

Katy Beskow looks at ways to avoid awkward moments this Christmas, for an open-minded approach to the sociable season

Christmas is the season of peace and joy, but it can also be a time of conflict for vegans and their extended families, who may be non-vegan. These handy survival tips for vegans at Christmas will help you get through the holidays unscathed.

1. Serve tradition

If you’re hosting non-vegan friends and family this Christmas, serve familiar flavours and traditional foods that won’t have them noticing it’s animal-free.

Think of roast potatoes, maple-roasted carrots, red cabbage, sage and onion stuffing, lashings of herby gravy, and serve equally familiar flavours for the main part of the meal like a mushroom Wellington, creamy winter pie, or chestnut cassoulet.

With overly critical non-vegan family members, it’s often best to avoid vegan meats that could lead to comparisons, so stick to classic and familiar flavours, the cruelty-free way.

2. Make new traditions

Some non-vegans believe that it isn’t Christmas without animal products, so celebrate veganism by making new traditions. After a long wintery walk, stop for a flask of oat milk hot chocolate; or host a Christmas Eve veggie chilli buffet with slow-cooked bean chilli, baked potatoes, rice and tortilla chips.

Have a vegan gingerbread decorating competition, or host a carmine-free candy cane hunt! Celebrate how easy and mainstream it is to be vegan, and encourage everyone to join in.

Use the opportunity to do some positive activism like bringing vegan dishes to parties and keeping an open mind when discussing veganism. Photo © urbazon via Getty Images

3. Where do you get your protein?

The standard question that vegans find themselves answering many times over the year, and it doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas! Embrace this question in a non-judgemental way, it may have been the first time that a family member or friend has ever considered how vegans thrive.

Of course, you can list all of the protein-rich food sources that are easy to buy and eat, or you can use a nutrition calculator website (before your guests arrive) to work out how much protein you’re serving on Christmas Day. Having clear information on hand is an objective approach, which leaves less room for arguments.

4. Teach by example

Be the vegan you wish you had met before you became a vegan. If you’re a guest at a non-vegan house, offer to bring dishes to share to demonstrate your openness and generosity, and who can say no to vegan desserts or cake?

Positive activism approaches veganism head on, and allows people a clear view into an inclusive lifestyle, instead of them thinking it might not be for them. Although you may feel uncomfortable with animal products being served at the table, Christmas Day is not the time to make your host or the other guests feel ashamed.

Focus on how delicious your vegan options are, tell everyone about it, and welcome them in trying some!

If you are asked about ethics or the reasoning for your vegan lifestyle, this invitation will open up a discussion, but you still need to keep an open mind towards those who may not have considered the vegan lifestyle before.

5. Gift them

A homemade, edible gift is special and thoughtful. It is also a great way to gift someone something completely vegan, which they can enjoy into the new year.

Make-ahead gifts, such as jam, marmalade or chutneys, will warm the hearts of friends and family, or try something sweet, such as chocolate bark, cinder toffee, or even a fully decorated vegan Christmas cake.

Present in pretty jars or packaging, with a handwritten label reading ‘suitable for vegans’, if you like.

              Edible gifts are a great way to introduce your loved ones to vegan food. Photo © GMVozd via Getty Images

6. Prepare for awkward questions

Us vegans face many a hypothetical question, especially around being stranded on a desert island. A great way to answer this question is to flip the question back and say “if you were stranded on a desert island with no meat, what would you eat?”.

You may find that after a while you both agree that you could happily live off delicious tropical fruits, nuts and seeds while stranded on said island.

Do remind the guest, though that vegan foods and products are very readily available, in the real world that you both live in, the vegan lifestyle is accessible to everyone.

7. Take a step back

If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of conflict at Christmas, it’s OK to say no. You may find yourself with lots of invitations to dinners, events, pot-lucks, and drinks, but you don’t have to attend everything.

Choose which will add value to your Christmas, and politely decline the others.

Book in time for yourself after the events, to decompress and relax, if needed. If you’re in need of a break when hosting, set boundaries for when people need to leave, or ask a family member to step in for a few minutes while you have a short walk or even have a few minutes alone in the spare room.

8. Don’t forget the wine!

Treat your guests to a little festive cheer, with a glass of vegan wine with dinner, bucks fizz with brunch, or a mulled wine while watching the King’s Speech on TV.

Mentioning that the drinks are vegan will inevitably raise questions, as many people believe that all drinks are vegan, and this is a great way to introduce people to hidden ingredients, such as isinglass and gelatine, in drinks and foods.

Show people how clear labelling makes for easy purchasing decisions, it might inspire them to make their first move into intentionally buying vegan products.

9. Invite them later

Some of your guests may decline the invitation of coming over for a vegan Christmas dinner, and that’s OK.

In the spirit of Christmas, invite them round later for supper, and serve plenty of accidentally vegan snacks like crisps, crackers, nuts, veggie spring rolls and dipping sauces, or for your Boxing Day curry (loaded with leftover roasted vegetables).

They will be having fun and enjoying a vegan supper without even knowing it!

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/vegan-christmas-ideas/vegan-christmas-survival-tips/

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for burnt lime and black pepper tofu

From theguardian.com

A salty-sweet and sour stir-fry nestled in a crunchy salad 

The great thing about this column is that it gives me the ability not only to write for you, but also to prod myself on a regular basis and ask: what do I want to eat? When I write for you, I consider what might be in season, whether you might fancy a soup or stew, and when the weather might change. But this recipe, well, this one is personal. This is what I will put on my table. It’s big and brave in flavour, but cosy to eat. Equal parts warming and comforting to fresh and crunchy. Crucially, it’s quick, too, which, in keeping with the season, is very merry-making.

Burnt lime and black pepper tofu

Meera Sodha’s burnt lime and black pepper tofu. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food Styling Assistant: Eden Owen-Jones. Photo Assistant & Retouching: Sophie Bronze

You’ll need a 28cm non-stick frying pan to make this. Serve with jasmine rice (cook the rice first, because it will stay warm for an hour after cooking). Mushroom stir-fry sauce is available in most large supermarkets.

Prep 15 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 4

For the tofu
840g extra-firm tofu, drained
5 tbsp cornflour
Rapeseed oil
2 limes, halved
1 large brown onion, peeled and finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
8 spring onions, trimmed, halved and shredded lengthways
3 tbsp mushroom stir-fry sauce – I like Lee Kum Kee’s
3 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp soft light brown sugar
2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

For the salad
½ red onion, finely sliced
200g little gem lettuce, bases cut off and leaves separated
350g cherry tomatoes, quartered
½ tsp fine sea salt

Press the tofu with kitchen paper to remove any excess water, then cut it into 2½cm cubes and put in a large bowl. Add the cornflour, mix with a wooden spoon to coat, then put to one side.

Put half a tablespoon of oil in a wide, non-stick frying pan on a medium heat and, once hot, lay in the lime halves cut-side down and leave to fry for three minutes, until blackened. Keeping the pan on the heat, transfer the lime halves to a large plate, add three more tablespoons of oil to the pan and add enough of the tofu cubes to cover the base in a single layer. Fry for a few minutes on each side, moving them around with tongs, until golden brown – this should take about six minutes in all – then transfer to the lime plate and repeat with the remaining tofu; you might need to add another half-tablespoon of oil to fry the second batch.

Once all the tofu is browned and on the plate, add three more tablespoons of oil to the hot pan and fry the onion, stirring, for about 10 minutes, until soft and browning. Add the garlic and shredded spring onions, cook, stirring, for two minutes, until the spring onions are soft, then stir in the mushroom stir-fry sauce, soy sauce, sugar and pepper.

Return the tofu cubes to the pan, squeeze over the juice from one of the burnt lime halves (about a tablespoon), stir to combine, then leave to bubble for a few minutes, until the sauce forms a thick glaze over the tofu. Take the pan off the heat.

Put all the salad ingredients in a bowl, add two tablespoons of oil and a tablespoon of burnt lime juice (ie using up another burnt lime half), then toss with (clean) hands. Tip out on to a large platter, then nestle the tofu cubes among the salad leaves. Cut the remaining two burnt lime halves into smaller wedges, to squeeze over at the table, and serve with a bowl of jasmine rice on the side.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/dec/23/burnt-lime-black-pepper-tofu-vegan-recipe-meera-sodha