Kardashian, who has a sizeable 313 million followers on Instagram alone, joined Beyond Meat as the company’s first Chief Taste Consultant.

The partnership will see the A-lister promoting “her favorite Beyond Meat products” with recipes and creative content, according to a press release.

She will also feature in the Beyond Meat newsletter.

“I’ve been focusing on going more plant-based and can tell you that Beyond Meat is my absolute favorite – I love how all their products not only taste amazing but are also good for me and my family,” Kardashian said in a statement. She added that her four children are “obsessed” with her Beyond Beef taco recipe, the Beyond Burger, and Beyond Chicken Tenders.

“As my fans know, my fridge and freezer are fully stocked with Beyond Meat’s products.”

Celebrity influence

Kardashian added that she’s “thrilled” by the collaboration, and “really inspired” by Beyond Meat’s mission.

“[I] love that they are not only making plant-based eating delicious and accessible, but are doing so in a way that benefits both people and the planet,” the media personality said.

“It’s empowering to know that the small changes I’m making for my family, like incorporating more Beyond Meat into our meals, can add up to make a big impact.”

Kardashian joins Shay Mitchell, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, and Liza Koshy as an ambassador of Beyond Meat. The brand, founded in 2009, is now available at roughly 135,000 retail and foodservice outlets in more than 90 countries.

Beyond Meat’s star-studded lineup of celebrity backers is no accident. Besides the additional attention the company undoubtedly receives, research indicates that celebrities and social media can influence what people eat.

A survey conducted earlier this year, commissioned by dairy conglomerate Arla, found that one in three adults make dietary choices based on what they see on social media.

Additionally, a Harvard review published in 2015 looked at the role celebrities play in spotlighting the climate crisis, especially its ties to animal agriculture.

It asserted that “celebrities can help draw attention to an issue and galvanize youth engagement.”

And, that “food is one such area where celebrities can help link the impacts of climate change to our consumption habits.”

The article concluded: “Celebrities can help by relating the causes and impacts of climate change to existing socio-cultural practices, facilitating not only a questioning of cultural values (such as meat and dairy consumption) but simultaneously making the necessary changes to our habits appear more positive, achievable and accessible.”

The post Here’s Why Kim Kardashian Is Now An Ambassador For Beyond Meat appeared first on Plant Based News.

In each decade, Hart serves up a Beyond Meat burger to comedian Will “Spank” Horton.

“Traditions keep us connected to our past, but we have to make decisions for our future,” he says in the commercial. “We’ve gotta go beyond tradition, make changes that are better for the planet.”

“Eating plant-based is actually fighting climate change,” he continues. “Sometimes we don’t look for the most obvious things we can change, and I don’t know why. Some things should be easy, like eating Beyond Meat. Changing the world one burger at a time.” 

Changing up traditions

Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat’s products hit the shelves for the first time in 2012. While the brand’s products are entirely plant-based, its target audience is not vegans. Instead, it wants to encourage more meat-eaters to swap out beef burgers for plants.

And it’s working. In 2018, the brand released data revealing that 70 percent of its customers were actually meat-eaters.

With the new Hart commercial, Beyond Meat is continuing to nurture that customer base. 

“Our consumer testing found that Kevin resonated with non-plant-based consumers,” Beth Moskowitz, Beyond Meat’s chief brand officer, told Adweek. “He makes plant-based eating very approachable.”

Hart’s decision to show a backyard barbecue in the commercial was intentional. For many, it’s a summer tradition where friends and family gather to eat a meat-heavy feast. But Hart, who has reduced his own meat intake, maintains it doesn’t have to be that way.

He said: “I love that my family and I can enjoy all the foods we love, like grilled burgers in the backyard, but do so in a way that’s better for us without feeling like we’re sacrificing anything.”

The video (and shorter variations of it) will appear on digital, social, and connected TV, as well as TikTok. Beyond Meat and Hart will also host pop-ups and sampling events together to promote the products.

The post Kevin Hart Teams Up With Beyond Meat For New TV Advert appeared first on Plant Based News.

Two new plant-based dishes are currently being tested in California, both featuring the immensely popular Beyond Beef products.

The first dish to be served in the “living laboratory”, aka Panda Express’ innovation kitchen, is the Mapo Tofu with Beyond Beef.

Panda Express X Beyond Meat

This is Panda Express’ second tofu dish using small bites of the firm soya product. They’re wok-fried with Beyond Beef strips and a spicy Sichuan garlic sauce.

Next in the line-up is the String Beans with Beyond Beef, which is a vegetable-packed entrée. This features fresh string beans, fried with Beyond Beef in a savory sauce. 

The chain told PBN that guests can expect “the bold American Chinese flavors that they know and love from Panda.”

Panda Express maintains that whilst both of these dishes are plant-based, they are prepared in a kitchen with “shared equipment” also used to cook animal products. Therefore, it “may not be acceptable for guests with strict vegetarian and vegan diets.”

The new dishes are available from February 23.

The post How You Can Try Panda Express And Beyond Meat’s Latest Creations appeared first on Plant Based News.

The pair will unify on the joint venture, with the first product in-store dubbed to be a vegan jerky snack – after a blogger leaked the news online.

PepsiCo x Beyond Meat

It’s named The PLANeT Partnership and will utilize Beyond Meat’s technology combined with PepsiCo’s marketing capabilities, the firms said in a statement.

News organization Bloomberg reported that the jerky would be its initial offering after YouTuber Amber Criste leaked the news in a video.

She told her more than 100,000 subscribers: “It is good. It’s one of those things where maybe it tastes a little too real…it’s nice and kind of spicy and really chewy.”

Visible on the packet shown in the video, the jerky is slow-roasted and kettle-cooked, as well as being GMO and soy-free.

In a second view, she said she had been sent free samples of the jerky. But, hadn’t realized that the launch could be a “secret” after being approached by journalists.

Here, she outlined how different the product was in comparison to other vegan competitors. “They [Beyond Meat] nailed that texture and that’s important,” she said.

According to CNBC, the jerky could be released early this year.

Vegan jerky

Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat’s founder, said the company is “thrilled” to join forces with PepsiCo.

“We look forward to together unlocking new categories and product lines that will inspire positive choices for both people and planet,” he added.

Traditionally, jerky is made from turkey or beef and can be traced back to indigenous cultures in North and South America, where it was dried in order to preserve the meat for longer.

Vegan jerky alternatives are usually made with mushroom, soy, jackfruit, or seitan. Top brands include Primal Strips, Noble Jerky, It’s Jerky Y’all, and Kings, among many more.

Back in 2018, the vegan jerky industry secured $2.5 billion, according to the Good Food Institute. And, between now and then, a host of new brands have edged into the market to take their slice.

The following year, that grew to a further $3.9 million with anticipation to hike even higher. 

The post PepsiCo And Beyond Meat Unify For Vegan Jerky Launch Amid Blogger’s Leak appeared first on Plant Based News.

He also becomes the first European ambassador for the brand.

Romelu Lukaku

The footballer shared a promotional video on his Instagram today.

“Diet is a big part of my daily life. And over time I’ve really understood how eating more plant-based food, like Beyond Meat, can seamlessly fit within my routine,” he said in a statement.

The video features Lukaku enjoying the British classic, bangers and mash, in a Chelsea pub. Only, the traditional dish is made with Beyond Meat’s Beyond Sausage instead.

Alongside the video, he adds: “I discovered that food can completely change my training performance and mindset… since changing my eating habits, I’ve noticed such a difference.”

Beyond Meat endorsement

Now, Lukaku is among a string of athletes championing the brand, such as Lewis Hamilton, Nick Kyrgios, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, and Lindsey Vonn.

According to Beyond Meat’s chief brand officer, Beth Moskowitz, he was chosen because he embodies its mission.

And, because he “exemplifies how athletes at the highest caliber are choosing to include plant-based protein in their diets for its nutritional benefits.”

Moskowitz adds: “At Beyond Meat, we are proud to partner with top athletes to inspire consumers to make small changes that can add up to create a positive impact for the planet.”

Is Romelu Lukaku vegan?

While Lukaku has publicly advocated a vegan brand, he doesn’t label himself as one.

However, he is “doing what he can” to incorporate more plant-based foods into his diet. 

This is according to Joe, who he also told: “I think a lot of players are incorporating more plant-based meals as they help us achieve a more balanced lifestyle.”

“I think this is an opportunity to help people see an alternative to meat and maybe change their diet. You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to go beyond meat,” he added.

The post Romelu Lukaku Backs Beyond Meat: ‘I’ve Noticed Such A Difference’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Following a booming launch in the UK, more customers across the pond can now get a taste of the co-created Beyond Meat patty.

So, why isn’t it vegan?

McDonald’s McPlant burger US launch

The fast-food giant “tested” the burger at eight restaurants as part of a ‘cautious march’ to adding more plant-based options to its menu.

Customers in customers in Irving, Texas; Carrollton, Texas; Cedar Falls, Iowa; Jennings, Louisiana; Lake Charles, Louisiana; El Segundo, California; and Manhattan Beach, California, were the first to try it.

The chain maintains the burger is only available for a “limited time.”

But now, it will be available at around 600 locations in San Francisco Bay and Dallas-Fort Worth.

However, unlike the meal in the UK, it is not vegan-friendly. And that’s because is it served with non-vegan mayonnaise and American cheese. The chain received criticism as a result.

Moreover, it is cooked on the same grill as beef patties and eggs.

“Guests can customize and request to hold the cheese and mayonnaise, or any other ingredients,” McDonald’s said in a statement.

Long-awaited vegan launch

Customers have waited a long time for McDonald’s to launch a vegan burger, with other giants such as Burger King and KFC leading the rush.

Earlier this month, the UK branch of McDonald’s confirmed the McPlant will arrive across all its 250 outlets.

It comes after the chain was pressed by protesters to commit to the environment and go entirely plant-based in the UK.

Despite this, McDonald’s has been praised for offering its McPlant at the same price as its famous Big Mac.

The post McDonald’s Extends US Availability Of Beyond Meat McPlant Burger appeared first on Plant Based News.

Ready for all your Veganuary needs, here are some sensational drops from the likes of Beyond Meat, Linda McCartney, and Good Catch. There are also some hot new plant-based ranges from Morrisons and Danish Crown.

Beyond Meat becomes staple at Pizza Hut

Global vegan meat titan Beyond Meat is teaming up with Pizza Hut to adorn Beyond Italian Sausage Crumbles on pizzas across Canada – only this time it’s permanent.

The addition will be a consistent fixture at all locations nationwide, as a vegan version of Pizza Hut’s traditional Italian pork sausage topping. And, were specifically designed to mimic the meaty texture and “mouthwatering” savory taste only in plant-based form.

In a press release, the companies confirmed they are “thrilled” to work together on their shared vision of making all guests happy.

Beyond Meat’s products will feature on Pizza Hut’s menus in the form of The Great Beyond pizza, Beyond Italian Sausage Alfredo Loaded Flatbread, and the Beyond Creamy Alfredo.

Whilst in the UK and Australia Pizza Hut offers vegan bases, this isn’t the case for Canada. According to the chain’s allergens menu, all dough bases contain milk.

Morrisons makes move into plant-based products

One of the UK’s biggest supermarkets, Morrisons has made its foray into veganism with the launch of its Plant Revolution brand.

The debut brand comes complete with 50 vegan-friendly products from Meat-Free Mince, sausages, Chicken Style Pieces, Tex Mex Burgers, Vegan Coleslaw, No Duck Pancakes, Mayonnaise, and more.

There are also ready meals such as Udon Cauliflower, Veg Paella, and Mushroom Spag Bol.

It’s been certified by The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark.

Vegan garlic butter now available at Pizza Express 

British pizza restaurant group Pizza Express has launched a vegan version of its iconic garlic butter in time for Veganuary this year.

It followed “thousands” of requests. And alongside, a mammoth fountain of the stuff has been launched at the chain’s all-vegan outlet in Aldwych, London. Here, 2kg of the garlic spread pours out, which is enough to dunk one hundred Dough Balls.

This will be later rolled out in Pizza Express’ 360 restaurants nationwide come March.

The new vegan butter is available with its classic Dough Balls or as a dip for “essential” crust dipping.

Food and beverage director Jane Treasure said: “With more and more people opting for vegan alternatives every year, we’re excited and proud to be able to announce the launch of our vegan garlic spread this Veganuary.”

Linda McCartney unveils ready-to-eat range

Leading meatless brand created by the late Linda McCartney of the same name has launched nine new products across multiple lines for Veganuary 2022.

New in are vegan-friendly Pulled Pork Rolls, Mini Sausage Rolls, Cocktail Sausages, Chorizo Cocktail Sausages, and Katsu Chicken Bites. All are ready to eat, and range between £1.75 and £2.50 per pack.

The Ready To Eat Range can be found in Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Waitrose.

Moreover, the Family Value Range features four products in larger formats, all retailed at £3.00. This includes Vegetarian Chicken Nuggets, Sausages, Meatballs, and Burgers.

Wahaca drops Veganuary set menu

Mexican-inspired restaurant chain Wahaca has established an entire vegan set menu this Veganuary. It’s available across its 13 outlets and via Deliveroo.

Vegan-friendly dishes include Ancho Mushroom Tacos, Plantain Tacos, and Black Bean & Vegan Cheese Quesadillas.

There are also tostadas in Zesty Bean and Organic Squash. You can also order Wahacomle, a “sustainable” take on guacamole made with British fava beans.

“As well as making sure that our vegan offering is the most varied and most delicious it ever has been, we’re determined to continue pushing ourselves to tread as lightly on the planet as we can throughout 2022,” commented co-founder Thomasina Miers.

Good Catch debuts plant-based salmon

Plant-based seafood brand Good Catch is launching Plant-Based Salmon Burgers, which are produced in the US.

The company, Gathered Foods, says they deliver on the “best part” of salmon in texture and flavor while boasting 16 grams of protein per serving.

Chad Sarno is co-founder and chief culinary officer at Gathered Foods. In a statement, he said: “We are excited to see consumer response to our Plant-Based Salmon Burgers, which provides a convenient meal solution without the harm.”

The new burgers are available through a partnership with United Natural Foods, a North American grocery distributor.

Danish meat processor releases first plant-based line

One of Denmark’s top beef and pork processors, Danish Crown, is debuting its first plant-based products under its Den Grønne Slagter brand.

“When we diversify, it is important to us that we are able to offer products that taste good. And, are easy for consumers to prepare,” the company’s group CEO Jais Valeur said in a statement.

It consists of eight products: Veggie fars, Veggie Bites, BBQ burger, Nuggets, Schnitzel, and Veggie Deller as well as Indian-inspired Tandoori and Byriani dishes.

Customers can find the products in supermarkets across the country.

Costo brings on board vegan chicken brand

Retailer Costco has made a new vegan chicken product from Plant Alternative available across its UK stores. Shicken’s Tikka Kebab Skewers are now on offer up and down the country.

Made with textured soy fiber, the frozen skewers are marinated in a tikka spice mix. Shicken’s founder Satvinder Bain reportedly spent two years developing the product alongside a team of chefs.

Bain said: “Our products make choosing plant-based alternatives easier; because small changes can make a big 

difference.”

Sainsbury’s and THIS offer new Veganuary product

Elsewhere in all things tikka, Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has joined forces with plant-based pioneer THIS on a new product this Veganuary.

The new THIS Isn’t A Chicken Tikka Roll is available in the on-the-go food section. a

It comes complete with kachumber, a mango chutney, and black onion seeds – retailing at £3.50 across more than 900 stores.

Cold Stone Creamery launches vegan Silk

US ice-cream parlor Cold Stone Creamery has unveiled its first vegan ice-cream offering, made with almond milk from Silk.

The plant-based frozen dessert is called the Don’t Cry Over Spilled Silk Creation. And it comes in chocolate, banana, peanut butter, and roasted almond.

However, Cold Stone Creamery maintains that the new dessert is not made in a vegan environment. It warns that cross-contamination “could occur.”

The offering joins a range of vegan sorbets and mix-in toppings such as nuts, pretzels, and Oreo cookies.

The post Beyond Meat, Morrisons, Linda McCartney, And 7 More Top Veganuary Food Launches appeared first on Plant Based News.

The two companies have linked up a handful of times in the past, trialing meatless chicken in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2019 and in a handful of other cities the following year. 

Beyond Meat and KFC have made a “few tweaks” to the product since then, KFC US’ president Kevin Hochman told CNN Business.

And now, according to Hochman, “it’s time.”

Is KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken vegan?

The new Beyond Fried Chicken is “packed with delicious flavor and the juicy satisfaction that you’d expect from KFC’s iconic fried chicken,” the fast food titan said in a press release. 

Hochman noted that “the taste is so good that [customers] might choose it over regular fried chicken.”

While the recipe itself is completely plant-based, KFC is not advertising the offering as vegan or vegetarian since it is prepared in the same area as animal meat.

Instead, the chain hopes the meatless option will draw in those who are looking to limit their animal product intake, for health or sustainability reasons. 

Not a fad

Hochman hinted at the launch in September, telling Bloomberg that “we don’t think that plant-based is a fad, we think that’s something that’s going to continue to grow over time.”

“I eat plant-based hamburgers at home now because I think they’re as good as the regular burger,” the entrepreneur revealed.

KFC is certainly not the first to explore the meat-free food space. Burger King introduced the Impossible Whopper in 2019, made alongside plant-based food brand Impossible Foods.

And last year, McDonald’s trialed a vegetarian McPlant burger in the US. Wall Street analysts predict it will be available nationwide by late spring 2022. 

Notably, as of today, McDonald’s launched the McPlant, complete with dairy-free cheese, at all of its locations in the UK.

Beyond Fried Chicken will be available at KFC stores nationwide from January 10, 2022, for a limited time. 

The post KFC Brings Beyond Fried Chicken To 4,000 Stores Across The US – But Is It Vegan? appeared first on Plant Based News.

Hoffman is among the financial backers of Hooray Foods, which is now celebrating a hefty $2.7 million investment.

Vegan bacon

The company creates plant-based bacon “that looks, cooks, and tastes like the real thing,” made from a blend of coconut oil, rice flour, and liquid smoke.

Its recent injection of funds means it can continue its development, following a successful launch in more than 1,000 stores up and down the US.

Now, the vegan bacon brand has sold over two million strips.

Hoffmann says he is looking forward to “guiding” Hooray Foods. And, he anticipates it becoming a national “must-have.”

Dunkin’

Hoffmann is credited for bringing on board the Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich during his stint at Dunkin‘. The businessman has also worked high up aboard McDonald’s.

Commenting on the launch of the Beyond sandwich at Dunkin’ in 2019, Hoffmann said: “We’re all headed into a ‘better-for-you’ platform. We’re going to look at plant-based proteins as well, going forward.”

Since then, Dunkin has added the Beyond Sausage Sandwich to its vegan offerings. The company’s vegan offerings also include bagels, hash browns, and muffins.

The post Ex-Dunkin’ Boss Makes Move Into Vegan Bacon World With Investment appeared first on Plant Based News.

Today, the company announced Doug Ramsey as its new chief operating officer (COO). Ramsey also oversaw McDonald’s operations, one of the company’s most prominent clients.

It comes as the company also appointed Bernie Adcock, who previously worked at Tyson Foods alongside Ramsey.

Beyond Meat hires former Tyson Foods employees

The duo will prove “instrumental” in scaling production at an “aggressive” level, Beyond Meat revealed.

This commercialization will take place in the US, Europe, and China amid long-term goals of achieving plant-based meat price parity.

Ethan Brown is the founder and CEO. He said: “After a long and careful search, I could not be more thrilled to announce the arrival of Doug Ramsey and Bernie Adcock. 

“…Doug and Bernie bring a proven track record of impressive operational excellence in the protein industry that our global partners, customers, and consumers expect and deserve.

“As we’ve made clear, we are investing today in tomorrow’s growth, whether by adding to our best-in-class management team or by building out operations around the world, to advance our vision of being the global protein company of the future.”

Tyson Foods moving into plant-based

Ramsey spent three decades at Tyson, where McDonald’s was one of its key customers.

Similarly, Adcock totaled a 31-year stint at the meat giant. Speaking on his new role, he said he is looking forward to supporting growth plans.

But their appointments aren’t the first plant-based move for Tyson Foods. Years ago, CEO Tom Hayes admitted the company had plans to invest into alternative protein in order to stay competitive.

“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right,” he exclaimed in an interview.

This prequeled a $2.2 million investment into Future Meat Technologies, an Israeli cell-cultured meat start-up, alongside injecting finances into  Memphis Meats.

The post Beyond Meat Hires Ex-Meat Industry Titans In Vegan Price Parity Hunt appeared first on Plant Based News.