The menu is a collaboration between vegan restaurateur Matthew Kenney and KBW Ventures, a mission-driven investment firm founded by environmentalist Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia.

Focusing on ‘innovative’ culinary concepts

The multi-course menu is available at the hotel’s Après Spa Café and is said to focus on innovative creations inspired by a range of global culinary concepts – with an added Qatari touch. 

The menu boasts a selection of appetizers and entrées, including green papaya salad made with basil, cilantro, and spinach leaves, and topped with cashew dressing; and truffle pizza with Tuscan kale, wild mushrooms, cashew truffle cream, and lemon vinaigrette.

Chef Kenney has also crafted a selection of vegan desserts for the hotel, offering a combination of treats made from orange, chocolate, coconuts, banana, and cocoa.

“My mission has always been to empower, inspire and influence others to cultivate a healthy and conscious way of life through plant-based cuisine,” explained Kenney.

“Bringing vibrant food that is equal parts delicious, nutritious and sustainable to Four Seasons Doha is the latest milestone in our conquest to change the way the world thinks about food.”

Increased plant-based offerings in time for the World Cup

The menu has launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar later this year. As one of the five host cities, Doha is expected to attract a large number of tourists from across the world.

In a recent press release, Prince Khaled said, “It is fitting that Folia, crafted to appeal to palates that have eaten the finest in healthy cuisine, is being presented at Four Seasons Hotel Doha now that Qatar is preparing to welcome the world for one of the biggest sporting events in history.”

He continued, “I look forward to seeing the Qatari plant-based dining scene elevated with Chef Kenney’s inspired dishes.”

The post Chef Matthew Kenney And Prince Khaled Bring Vegan Dining To Four Seasons, Qatar appeared first on Plant Based News.

Yes, cow’s milk. In an era that has seen an absolute explosion of ice cream made from everything from almonds to oats to avocado, this company has made the bizarre and harmful decision to begin selling ice cream made of milk from cows.

This is after 17 years of exclusively producing vegan products.

Limited options

In 2009, I stopped eating animal products. At the time, there weren’t too many options when it came to dairy-free ice cream.

Coconut Bliss was one of the few and its existence gave me the confidence that moving forward, I’d always have an option to satisfy my late-night sweet tooth.

The $5 or $6 I’d throw down on a pint felt like more than just a purchase or transaction. It was also a handshake and high five with Coconut Bliss showing my appreciation that they had my back and that I had theirs.

Ethics

I’ve considered myself an animal lover all of my life. When I was young, my mom and I would team up to rescue and rehome cats, protest deer hunts, and more.

It wasn’t until I learned the horrors of what farm animals — including dairy cows — endured that I made the decision to become vegan. This felt like the right thing to do in order to align my behavior with my ethics.

Shortly after, I began my career as a vegan animal rights activist, telling everyone who was willing to listen about the lives that dairy cows had to face.

This includes everything from forced impregnation to extreme confinement. Dairy cows’ babies are taken away within hours or days, which traumatizes both mother and calf over and over and over.

When dairy cows are no longer producing enough milk to be economically profitable, they’re sent to slaughter. In animal agriculture, farm animals are looked at as nothing more than objects.

This is why I don’t drink cow’s milk and why I find it mind-bogglingly backward that a company would choose to begin selling it after 17 years of plant-based bliss.

Vegan movement

In my 12 years of veganism, the last quarter of that period has seen an absolute explosion in animal-free products. We’ve seen the emergence of plant-based meat, milk, cheese, yogurt, and even eggs that seriously blow people’s minds.

Don’t get me wrong — alternatives existed before the last few years, and some were really great. The recent progress in this field, however, has been astounding.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested into research and development to get the plant-based sector on a competitive playing field.

Huge leaps and strides have been made. This brings us to the strange, backward decision-making by the executives over at Coconut — I mean Cosmic — Bliss.

Cosmic Bliss

The CEO of HumanCo (Cosmic Bliss’ parent company), Jason Karp, even said — on the launch day — that this comes at a time when the brand’s decision appears “very counter-trend.”

Exactly! It’s counter-trend because consumers love dairy-free ice cream’s taste, texture, and flavor. Adding “plant-based” to a product’s logo used to potentially have a negative connotation.

Today, it’s the opposite. Companies and brands across the spectrum have embraced the plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free labels.

So to suddenly offer a product that seems to go against the values you’ve held for 17 years has left vegans and non-vegans alike a bit baffled.

Loyal supporters

How have they tried to sell this to the public? To the loyal supporters that they’ve had for almost two decades? By using a bunch of fairly meaningless corporate buzz words like “sustainable,” “progressing,” and “social fairness.”

To me, progress and social fairness include showing kindness to cows. The best way to show kindness to animals is by rejecting animal agriculture. Not embracing it after years of helping pave the plant-based path.

Do I think that the executives here suddenly developed a hatred for cows? No.

Do I think that the company has possibly been struggling because of the explosion in popularity from competing brands entering the plant-based market, like Oatly or Planet Oat, and mainstream companies which have expanded their vegan lines, such as Ben & Jerry’s and Van Leeuwen? Probably.

Executive decision

The problem is that a few executives in a boardroom heard this idea and actually greenlit it, thinking it would help them. Whether or not it helps their bottom line, it’s a careless solution and indicates a total lack of being able to read the room.

I’m not calling for an absolute boycott of Cosmic Bliss’ nondairy products. Every day, most of us eat vegan food produced by companies that sell non-vegan products. This is merely a massive sigh of disappointment in its decision.

For 17 years, Coconut Bliss was on the right side of history. Moving forward, Cosmic Bliss will have left a sour taste in the mouths of long-time supporters in its attempt to grasp at straws to remain relevant.

If its executives have one takeaway from this piece, let it be that the solution to your issues should not betray the values your supporters have appreciated for nearly 20 years.

The post This Ice Cream Brand Was Vegan For 17 Years, Then Started Using Cow’s Milk appeared first on Plant Based News.

The UK-founded vegan fried chick*n brand VFC has officially entered the US market and can be found across all 50 states via vegan grocer GTFO It’s Vegan.

Consumers can now purchase mouth-watering vegan chick*n available as Chick*n Fillets, Chick*n Bites, and Popcorn Chick*n – and best of all, it doesn’t cost a wing and a leg.

Why is this a big deal?

The retail debut in the States emphasizes the rapidly successful growth VFC has made within the vegan protein category both here in the UK and US, within just a short space of time.

The news couldn’t have come at a better time; the US plant-based market is rapidly growing with more and more consumers searching for ethical and sustainable meat-free chicken.

According to a recent report from market analysis provider SPINS, the plant-based chicken market is growing at nearly 18 percent, while the animal-based poultry industry has grown at 4 percent.

VFC continues to shake things up

Matthew Glover, Veganuary co-founder as well as serial vegan entrepreneur, and renowned restaurateur co-founded VFC to entirely shake up the meat industry, with the help of their delicious vegan chick*n.  

“Ours is an act of positive rebellion against a system that has brought us climate change, environmental destruction, and factory farming. Our way to dismantle this destructive system is with great food. This is our sit-down protest.”

With a vision to put an end to factory farming for good, they intend to outprice animal products and eventually offer a vegan chick*n product that looks tastes, and smells like chicken – but costs less.   

“The US gave the world KFC, and we’re keen to return the favor with VFC – an alternative which is kinder to animals and our planet,” Glover told The York Press.

According to their website, VFC has saved over 81,000 chickens since they launched in December 2020, and that number is predicted to significantly escalate now that they have landed on US soil.

To get your hands on VFC products, head on over to GTFO It’s Vegan where you can also claim 20 percent off VFC products for a limited time with code VFC@GTFO20.

The post Vegan Fried Chick*n Brand VFC Launches In The US appeared first on Plant Based News.

Foodies flocked to the new VeganMob platform, which gained 50,000 followers on Instagram within two days of launching. 

Founder of MOB and VeganMob, Ben Lebus said: “There was a massive appetite for vegan recipes and content on our existing platform. Whenever we put up a vegan recipe, the take-up and enthusiasm around it was patently clear.”

MOB Kitchen 

The original MOB platform, formerly known as MOB Kitchen, launched in 2016 after Lebus graduated from Edinburgh University. 

As someone who was raised around food, his dad owned an Italian restaurant, Lebus was always a foodie and wanted to help his friends cook good food on a budget.

He launched MOB with 20 simple recipe videos. The platform now has over 1.5 million followers across its website, TikTok and Instagram and employs 32 full-time staff.

With an audience in their 20s and 30s, who showed a growing appetite for eating less meat without sacrificing on flavor, the MOB team created VeganMob. 

Lebus told Plant Based News, he hopes VeganMob will become, “a home for great, affordable and accessible vegan recipe ideas.”

It’s not just popular with vegans

Not long after launching on Instagram, the VeganMob team set up a poll to find out how many of their then 10,000 followers were vegan. 

The poll showed that 23 percent of followers were vegan and 77 percent wanted to eat more vegan food.

This is supported by data from a 2019 survey that showed plant-based meal occasions were on the rise in the UK. And it’s not necessarily vegans who are consuming them. 

The survey by Kantar consulting showed that 92 percent of plant-based meals were eaten by non-vegan people. 

Easy and tasty vegan recipes

Recipes on the VeganMob platform include mouth-watering pasta, falafel burgers, and lentil meatballs, as well as more adventurous meals. 

For plant-based foodies, who’re out to impress friends and family, there are dishes like spicy roasted cauliflower with hummus and pickles and scotch bonnet coconut and crispy tofu noodles. 

Lebus told PBN the next stage for the platform is a rebranding, which will take place over the coming months. 

VeganMob is working with a creative agency to develop a new look and will be hiring vegan chefs to create many more simple, delicious, and affordable recipes to meet the demand led by its followers. 

The post UK Food Platform MOB Launch VeganMob With 50,000 Followers In Two Days appeared first on Plant Based News.

As of this week, the UK is leading with the likes of Subway, Papa John’s, Starbucks, and Lidl extending vegan-friendly options.

Here is everything you need to know so you won’t miss out on major companies debuting plant-based treats to make the Veganuary pledge ever more delicious.

Subway confirms new vegan menu items 

Two new vegan-friendly options are soon to adorn menus at British Subway outlets, as the company increases its meat and dairy-free offerings.

Just a week ago, rumors circled that global sandwich giant Subway was to release a new vegan chicken sub. Now, it’s been confirmed that customers in the UK will be able to order a tikka sub this Veganuary branded the T.L.C Tikka aka Tastes. Like. Chicken. sub.

Additionally, the chain will trial a plant-based steak sub the following month. The T.L.S Tastes. Like. Steak sub will launch in 350 stores across the south of England from February 15.

Speaking on the news, Subway’s head of marketing for the UK and Ireland, Mays Elansari, said: “Our new plant-based T.L.C. Tikka and T.L.S. taste so delicious that vegans, flexitarians, and non-vegans will love them!

“At Subway, we are proud to have one of the widest and tastiest ranges of plant-based choices on the high street, without any compromise on flavor or taste, to offer our guests even more choice.”

Toni Vernelli of Veganuary echoed the sentiments. She stressed the importance of having lots of plant-based choices to make being vegan “a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.”

The vegan offerings are available from December 29.

Papa John’s brings fried breakfast to pizza

American pizza chain, Papa John’s is combining the joy of the all-day-fry-up with vegan pizza. 

Announced over Christmas, the company revealed the popular item would be returning, and this time it’s available vegan too.

It’s here as a limited edition in the UK.

The Vegan All Day Breakfast pizza is topped with Heinz baked beans, chestnut mushrooms, and potato tots. It also features vegan cheese and vegan hot dog flavored sausages made from soy.

A large is available in-store and online for £19.99.

Starbucks extends vegan options

Ahead of the news that Starbucks is dropping its plant milk upcharge in the UK this week, the company made a further positive announcement for vegans.

This includes the launch of its first plant-based fish alternative, the Tu’NAH Sandwich. Made with The Vegetarian Butcher’s vegan fish, the offering features red onion, cucumber, rocket, and vegan mayonnaise. 

Moreover, in the new year, the chain will bring on board three new oat milk beverages.

From January 5, 2022, Strawberry & Vanilla, Dark Cocoa & Orange, and Honey & Hazlenut will launch in UK stores. However, the Honey and Hazlenut flavor is not vegan-friendly.

A new plant-based pecan and caramel brownie – featuring chocolate chunks, gooey caramel, and caramelized pecans – is also on its way.

They’re available for a limited time only.

Lidl announces Veganuary range

German discount supermarket giant, Lidl, has announced a stellar vegan range for UK customers as part of Veganuary next month.

The launch includes vegan salami, spinach and mushroom, and kale and basil puree pizzas as well as fried cauliflower and broccoli bites.

Each pizza is available for between £1.69 and £2.49.

There’s also Vegan Chicken Style Burgers, Mini Schnitzels, and Vegan Fish Fingers under the Vermondo brand.

Lidl will also add a Vegan Tortilla to its vegan offerings, and sausage slices: Vegan Cold Cuts, priced at £1.99 and 99p.

Additionally, new ready meals at the store include Bulgar Mix, Lentil Curry, and Chillie Sin Carne.

You can view the full range via Lidl’s website here

Aldi unveils vegan cake range for Veganuary

Following a major vegan Christmas launch, Aldi is stepping up its vegan offerings into the New Year as well.

Customers in the UK have already spotted Chocolate Orange Brownies and Banana Blondies under the store’s plant-based range, Plant Menu.

Vegan Food UK announced the news on social media today, garnering thousands of likes and comments.

Vegan Food UK is an online organization sharing vegan food news, reviews, vlogs, and more. It operates across multiple social media platforms, with a Facebook group, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and Instagram account.

The post Subway, Lidl, Papa John’s, And More Unveil Tantalizing Veganuary 2022 Launches appeared first on Plant Based News.

It was organized with the Yes Men, a team specializing in exposing corporate “wrongs.” Today, it mounted an elaborate culture jamming campaign, calling out the coffee giant for dietary racism.

Starbucks spoof

On Thursday morning, a spoof site aka StarbucksCares.com and video announced that Starbucks would drop its upcharge on plant-based milks, and instead raise prices of dairy-based drinks.

The initiative was launched with a magnificent new themed cup – the Justice Cup – a corporate social responsibility masterpiece that allows consumers to proudly, and vapidly, show their concern for racial equity.

The spoof immediately grabbed headlines from news outlets including Business Insider and the Daily Caller, among others. 

The “initiative” reflected the fact that 65 percent of the world’s population cannot digest dairy. This is a condition known as lactose intolerance, which disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, as a fake spokesperson with the title “Starbucks equality innovations director” explained. 

Media onslaught

However, Starbucks was quick to deny it was doing the right thing and said the company has “known about ethnicity-related lactose intolerance for many years.” 

“We assure our most valued customers that we would never place the burden of a dairy upcharge on them,” the company told Yahoo! News. “

It added: “We categorically deny the accusations of ‘dietary racism’ in this false announcement. Starbucks is and always has been a vigorous defender and promoter of people of all the colors.” 

Cue the record scratch…wait, what? “People of all the colors?” Did Starbucks really say that? 

As it turns out, it didn’t. That, too, was part of Switch4Good’s spoof.

The Starbucks denial was part of Switch4Good’s campaign to highlight the dietary racism of plant-based upcharges.

The facts are correct. Lactose intolerance disproportionately affects communities of color.

Ninety-five percent of Asians, up to 80 percent of Black and Latinx people, and more than 80 percent of Indigenous Americans cannot digest dairy, versus only 15 percent of white people. 

Dietary racism

“While sadly it isn’t true that Starbucks is changing its policy, what is true is that profiting off of people of color who are only trying to maintain their health is systemic racism,” said Dr. Milton Mills, MD, an urgent care physician in Washington DC.

Dr. Mills has published several research journal articles addressing racial bias in federal nutrition policy.

“By the numbers, more people of color are forced to pay extra, which makes it not just an upcharge but an unfair and racially targeted overcharge.”

Switch4Good advocates dropping dairy not only for health but also for environmental reasons.

Starbucks—the real Starbucks—openly acknowledges that dairy products are the single biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions across its operations and supply chain and the second-highest contributor to water withdrawal. 

What does Switch4Good think?

“Starbucks has ignored our efforts to encourage them to right this injustice, so we had to resort to another way to communicate this important issue,” Switch4Good executive director Dotsie Bausch told PBN.

When people choose plant-based milk, they’re doing something for their health, for the responsibility, we all have to our planet and they are standing up for justice for all beings.

“These reasons should always be more important than a corporate bottom line.”

Switch4Good has a history of advocacy for food justice.

It has petitioned the USDA to remove dairy from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), and testified on Capitol Hill. It succeeded, alongside other NGOs, in getting soy milk recognized as nutritionally equivalent to dairy in the DGA, and is currently working to ensure schools have access to, and reimbursement for, soy milk.

Its multidisciplinary and multicultural coalition that includes BIPOC clinicians, dietitians, activists, athletes, and other thought leaders, works to pressure lawmakers into enacting fairer, healthier nutrition policy.

The post Leading Dairy-Free Advocacy Group Claims Credit for Starbucks Spoof appeared first on Plant Based News.

The chef who served up the deadly dish at the Crewe Arms in Northamptonshire, John Croucher, has been sentenced to four months in jail. 

Deadly shepherd’s pie

Moreover, pub landlord Neil Billingham has been fined £9,000 for contravening food regulations, The Independent reports. He is also ordered to pay an additional £1,000 in costs.

The tragic incident occurred at a harvest supper party for a group of church-goers at the village establishment in Hinton-in-the-Hedges.

It left Elizebeth Neuman vomiting before she was rushed to hospital. Doctors were unable to treat her as she had already died of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Mince food poisoning

Forty-year-old Croucher had not cooked the beef mince properly and left it in the fridge overnight because he needed to leave, Reading Crown Court heard.

“He cooked it again and added warm mashed potato. He did not take the temperature when it was served,” Judge Sarah Campbell revealed.

A chef for more than 20 years, Croucher said the disaster had made him a “better chef.”

“Remorse is an understatement. This is something I will never forget. Because of it, I am a better chef and it is just a shame the cost of it had to be what it was,” he said in court.

Hygiene inspectors had already ordered the site to make improvements after it ascertained that no food safety management systems were in place, The Independent adds.

The post Shepherd’s Pie Leaves 1 Dead And 31 Unwell, Vegetarians Left Unaffected appeared first on Plant Based News.

However you celebrate, Christmas for many of us is centralized around food. And for 2021, the festive vegan options are some of the best we’ve seen yet.

Feast your eyes (and bellies) on our top vegan food launches this season…

1. Aldi unveils ‘best ever’ vegan Christmas range

Top discounted supermarket Aldi has unveiled a mega Christmas range this year.

Among the belters on offer is a soy-based No Turkey Crown complete with a cranberry and chestnut stuffing, wrapped in vegan bacon. 

This is part of the Plant Menu range, including Vegan Gravy, No Pigs In Blankets, and a butternut squash and rosemary Vegan Festive Wreath.

There are goodies for the sweet tooths out there too, including a Vegan Cheezecake, and Specially Selected Chocolate Tort Slices.

Customers can shop the products from December 19.

2. M&S debuts ‘biggest’ plant-based festive range yet

Marks & Spencer has announced its largest vegan Christmas food range to date. It comes, the retailer says, as more consumers are looking for sustainable and flexitarian options.

Moreover, the range includes more than 25 brand new dishes. It includes Plant Kitchen’s Vegan Duck Croquettes, made with shredded soya and a cherry hoisin sauce. Additionally, there are Mini Battered No Fishcakes, Mini No Chicken Kievs, and No Pork BBQ Bon Bons.

At £25, the retailer is also selling a Vegan Selection Box. This includes “all the trimmings you need for your vegan Christmas dinner,” such as triple cooked potatoes, vegan pigs in blankets, a leek bake, and apple and cranberry stuffing balls.

From December 1, the new pea-based Plant Kitchen Vegan Turkey Rolled Roast will be in store, with other options reaching supermarket shelves on December 18.

3. Violife rolls out vegan cheese selection box

Leading vegan cheesemakers, Violife, are helping vegans unite around cheeseboards this Christmas.

The new Festive Selection box contains four cheeses, including a brand new Mozzarella Flavour With Cranberries.

Additionally, it comes complete with the renowned EPIC Mature Cheddar Flavour, Smoky Cheddar Flavour, and Crumbly Greek White.

The box is currently available in Sainsbury’s and Tesco at £5.00.

4. Sheese adorns Melting Sheesy Bake

Elsewhere in the lands of vegan cheese, Sheese is bringing its answer to dairy-free camembert with its new Sheese Melting Sheesey Bake with Spring Onion & Garlic.

New this year, the 150g dish can be put in the oven and served as a magic dip for whatever bread you like. They can also be used as a pasta sauce, with an added liquid.

The bakes are currently available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Ocaco’s, and specialist retailers.

5. Morrisons expands vegan offerings

With multiple release dates, Morrisons is drip-feeding us some tantalizing vegan treats this year.

In the party food realm, it’s offering Vegan Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese and Vegan Chilli No-Cheese Bites. 

For mains, the range includes a Vegan Roast Joint with Herb and Onion Stuffing, and a Vegan Vegetable Wellington.

Lots of the vegan canapes, such as a new recipe of its No Duck Spring Rolls, as well as Beetroot and Hazelnut Bites, are already available in-store and online. 

Other vegan Christmas food goods will be revealed in December, with some as late as December 21 – though Morrisons is yet to confirm an exact date on all products.

6. Greggs unveils vegan festive bake

Our favorite bakery chain (Greggs, obviously) has just launched its Vegan Festive Bake inspired by its famous non-vegan original. 

It features a Quorn filling, flakey vegan pastry, stuffing balls, and a vegan bacon crumb. And it’s all topped up with a sage and cranberry sauce!

The snack launched on November 22 nationwide, where it’s available at £1.60.

For the mighty Greggs fans out there, you can even get yourself a Christmas-themed jumper. The product is available from notjustclothing for £34.99.

7. Christmas dinner? I want mine on a pizza.

Vegan pizza company, One Planet Pizza has dared to go where few have gone before. It’s combined a nut roast with a pizza, in partnership with plant-based pioneer, THIS.

The base features potato chunks, brussel sprouts, THIS Isn’t Bacon lardons, THIS Isn’t Stuffing, THIS Isn’t Pork Cocktail Sausages and cranberry sauce. Additionally, it comes served with a side of gravy.

THIS co-founder Andy Shovel said: “THIS is the pizza you never knew you needed. Our hyper-realistic sausages, lardons, and stuffing combined with One Planet Pizza’s signature dough and family recipe sauce tastes lush.”

You can shop the creation online here for £3.99

8. Ombar debuts festive chocolate flavor

Sustainable vegan chocolate company, Ombar, has debuted a new Christmas-inspired flavor. The Spiced Orange and Hazelnut Truffle is limited edition, but also comes with an added festive element. 

And that’s because with every bar sold, the company donates 50p to charity partners in Ecuador.

Here, Fundación Jocotoco is part of reforesting works, right by the source of Ombar’s cacao.

You can buy it as part of a case of ten, or a bundle of six via Ombar’s website here

9. Green Chef to deliver Christmas recipes 

An arm of Hello Fresh, Green Fresh offers low-carb, keto, and plant-based recipe box services.

The company recently debuted its vegan Christmas food menu, featuring Spicy Glazed Tofu with Braised Cabbage and Roast Potatoes and Nutt Portobello Mushrooms and Rosemary Potatoes, Cavolo Nero, and Brussel Sprouts.

Available from December 17, you can order a two-person box containing three meals for £36.69. Alternatively, there are larger boxes available ranging in price from £48.69 to £79.19.

You can find out more about Green Chef here

10.You can even make your porridge Christmassy this year

It’s not all about the Christmas dinner or chocolate boxes. The Great British Porridge Co. understands this, and thus, has brought out a new festive flavor.

The company’s Apple & Cinnamon is limited edition, dubbed to “get you in the mood for Christmas.”

Moreover, it is made from natural ingredients, with a good source of fiber, and contains no added sugar. 

You can shop the flavor online here

The post The Best UK Vegan Christmas Food Launches And When You Can Get Them appeared first on Plant Based News.

As well as bagging the Vegan Retailer of the Year title, the store also scooped Free From Retailer of the Year. And, both Retailer of the Year and Bakery Retailer of the Year.

Asda wins vegan award

The news was announced this week and follows a strict judging process from a panel of food experts.

Moreover, one of the championing products was Asda‘s festive Plant-Based Vegan Cranberry & Chestnut Wreath.

In a statement sent to PBN, Asda’s vice president of own brand, Sam Dickson, said the company is “over the moon.”

“At Asda, we strive to give all of our customers the very best, no matter their dietary requirement or preference. So, winning Vegan and Free From Retailer of the Year is a real seal of approval for us.

“I want to say a huge thank you to all our colleagues and suppliers who make it their priority every day to bring our customers great quality products.

“As we head into December, these awards really are the icing on our Christmas cake,” they added.

Among the winning products are the store’s Plant-Based Fishless Fillets, Vegan Katsu Kiev, Vegan Chicken Pie, and Plant-Based Moroccan Butternut Salad.

The post Asda Scores Big At Prestigious Food Awards With Vegan Retailer Of The Year appeared first on Plant Based News.

California-based Impossible Foods has been developing plant-based substitutes for meat products since 2011. And in 2016, launched its signature product,  Impossible Beef Made From Plants—also known as the Impossible Burger.

Now, the product is available on the menus of top chefs in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Greater Sydney area. It is also available nationwide across Australia at Grill’d, the country’s leading national burger brand.

The launch comes as Australia and New Zealand are two of the highest meat-consuming countries in the world per capita. Both countries are known for their meat-centric culinary scenes and cultural pastimes centered around meat-based dishes. 

For clarity, in 2018, New Zealand’s acting prime minister Winston Peters heavily criticized Impossible, saying he is “utterly opposed to fake beef”.

Now on sale in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand’s regulatory food body has now approved Impossible Foods’ key ingredient, soy leghemoglobin, for use in plant-based meat products.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand noted that the decision “supports greater consumer choice for meat analog products with a source of iron which may benefit consumers wanting to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diet.”

Dennis Woodside, president of Impossible Foods, said: “Our launches in Australia and New Zealand are another huge step towards bringing delicious, sustainable options to every market in the world.

“Both countries are home to some of the most devoted meat-eaters on earth, and we know consumers there are going to love Impossible Beef.”

Australians can now try Impossible Beef at iconic burger brand Grill’d and chef Julian Cincotta’s famous restaurant Butter.

In New Zealand, Impossible Beef will debut at Burger Burger and Middle Eastern restaurant Fatima’s. It will also launch at Ashby, Cantine, and Waiheke Island’s iconic restaurant Vino Vino.

Impossible Foods’ mission is to be sold in every major market globally where conventional meat from animals is sold. 

Helping achieve net-zero

The company’s approach to transforming the global food system has the potential to be part of Australia’s ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

And that’s because Impossible Beef has a far lower environmental footprint than conventional meat.

For example, the product uses 96 percent less land and 87 percent less water. It also uses 89 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than beef from cows produced in the US.

And, Impossible Beef contains no animal hormones or antibiotics while being packed with nutrients.

Each 113-gram serving of Impossible Beef delivers 18.8 grams of protein and is a good source of iron, fiber, and B vitamins. 

The post Impossible Foods Launches Across Australia and New Zealand appeared first on Plant Based News.