The collaboration sees the UK’s largest hotel brand adding vegan bacon to its buffet menu at all of its 800+ hotels.

The plant-based bacon rashers – which boast 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, and contain iron and vitamin B12 – were crafted by THIS using pea and soy protein.

The bacon will be available as part of Premier Inn’s all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as its kids-eat-free deal.

Hungry for meat-free options

It comes as a seemingly ever-growing number of Brits are making a conscious effort to eat fewer animal products. In fact, research released by Quorn in September found that 41 percent of families in the UK are flexitarian or meat-free.

Yet many want to see more plant-based food when dining out.

A census-wide survey conducted by THIS in May found that 75 percent of Brits wished hotels, cafes, and restaurants offered more plant-based options.

The same survey discovered that nearly half (48 percent) of UK residents are interested in eating plant-based sausage or bacon for breakfast.

“Breakfast is a great occasion for people to get together, and our well-loved breakfast is a great value and hassle-free way to do that,” said Simon Jones, managing director for Premier Inn.

“With the recent introduction of our new vegan bacon in partnership with THIS, there’s now even more choice so no one has to miss out!”

THIS co-founder Andy Shovel echoed this sentiment, saying that the partnership is “really promising and timely,” given the UK public’s rising interest in meat-free food.

The post Premier Inn Adds Vegan Bacon To Its Buffet At All 800+ Hotels appeared first on Plant Based News.

It was prompted by research that found that people in the UK consider bacon one of the “sexiest smells.”

The plant-based start-up referenced data collected from 1,000 Brits. Around one in three (32 percent) of them said the smell of sizzling bacon is sexy.

That’s what motivated THIS to create an all-vegan bacon perfume, called THIS Eau Du.

The fragrance features smokey, woody, and savory scents, which are “guaranteed to seduce even the most carnivorous” people, a press release said.

“It’s the underdog of aphrodisiacs and one of the best things you can get your hands on this Valentine’s Day,” it stated.

Andy Shovel is the co-founder of THIS and a self-confessed former “meat fanatic.” He elaborated on the campaign in a statement: “We’ve had quite a few lewd and inappropriate proposals from customers who’ve tried our Isn’t Bacon; so it makes sense to us that users of our Eau Du Isn’t Bacon could instantly become more attractive.”

The company crafted 120 bottles of the fragrance, but it was nowhere near enough to meet demand. THIS revealed in an email to Plant Based News that the quirky product sold out in just 20 minutes.

All up, it received more than 25,000 requests for the perfume.

THIS vs the meat industry

THIS – which produces realistic meat alternatives like bacon, chicken, and lamb – launched a similarly coy campaign just yesterday.

It’s a response to one of the world’s largest farmer unions, Ulster Farmers Union. The organization is pushing for vegan and vegetarian companies to be banned from using terms like burger, sausage, and chicken.

Monikers like vegan leather have also come under fire; this week, Portugal banned the term over consumer clarity concerns.

Supporters of such bans maintain that these labels are misleading and could confuse consumers.

In a thinly veiled swipe at the concept, THIS created a fake manifesto from the union that calls for action against multiple other words too.

The spoof manifesto states that butterflies should pay an annual tax to the dairy lobby, and should be renamed “spread flies.”

All guinea pigs are also at fault, since they are not real pigs, the manifesto says. Similarly, catfish should be forced to change their name.

Finally, crisps should not be allowed to have meaty terms on their packaging. So flavors like Roast Beef would have to change to Roasted Bovine-Inspired, THIS joked.

“It’s mind-blowing that the Ulster Farmers Union reckons that UK consumers could pick up a pack of our ‘THIS ISN’T CHICKEN’, and think it was previously feathered and clucking,” Shovel said about the campaign. “The massive, massive clue is in the name. Other brands in our category have equally not-at-all-confusing product names, like meat-free sausages.”

The post THIS Vegan Bacon Perfume Sells Out In 20 Mins, With 25,000 People Trying To Buy It appeared first on Plant Based News.

It comes complete with stuffing, cranberry and port sauce, and fresh spinach. And now, customers can feast on the product more than 600 locations nationwide. 

Both THIS and Caffè Nero spent months designing The Vegan Festive Feast Panini and claim it’s a “cut above the rest.”

Caffè Nero x THIS

It comes following increasing demand for plant-based alternatives at the chain. Customers can purchase it for £4.60.

In a statement sent to PBN, marketing director Marcus Denison-Smith said: “Vegan food has become a core part of our menu. And, is now a key part of any new menu launch. 

“Our Christmas vegan food is always hugely popular. And I think we’ve developed with THIS something which will really excite our vegan and non-vegan customers alike. I can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

Moreover, THIS co-founder Andy Shovel says the traditionally meaty classic does not compromise on flavor or texture.

The panini joins the Vegan Meatball Panini already on offer at Caffè Nero, which features meat-free meatballs in a rich tomato ragu sauce.

You can find out more about Caffè Nero here

The post Caffè Nero Rolls Out Festive Plant-Based Turkey Panini With THIS appeared first on Plant Based News.

Here are the top seven recent food drops to look out for across the globe.

Beyond Meat’s much anticipated vegan chicken Tenders set for release

Customers can soon get their hands on Beyond Meat’s Beyond Chicken Tenders, following a successful launch across US restaurants earlier this year.

Launched this summer, the vegan meat giant will unveil the fava bean and pea-protein-based products in October.

They’ll be sold in ‘prominent’ retail chains, including Walmart. And, in 70 percent more stores than those offering the Beyond Breakfast Sausage Patties.

The chief growth officer at Beyond Meat is Deanna Jurgens. In a statement, they said: “Following the success of our plant-based chicken in restaurants, fans were eager to get their hands on a retail product that’s readily accessible and can be cooked at home anytime.

“We’re thrilled to be answering consumer demand by launching Beyond Chicken Tenders at prominent retailers nationwide, continuing our momentum in the plant-based poultry category.”

Impossible Foods takes vegan beef products to Middle East

Fellow global leader in vegan meat, Impossible Foods, made its debut in the Middle East this week.

Select restaurants across Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are set to serve the Impossible Burger from October 1.

The company’s president, Dennis Woodside, says the products are made for ‘every cuisine and culture’. Woodside added that they couldn’t be more excited to launch in the region.

Starbucks is reportedly testing a lentil-based whipped topping

International coffee giant Starbucks is testing a new whipped cream topping made from lentils, according to reports.

Until now, vegan alternatives to whipped cream have been unavailable from the chain – apart from in the UK.

However, expansion is coming soon, says Yahoo! Life – as the new product is being tested at two locations in Seattle. While the new whipped cream is currently available at the outlet on 1350 156th Ave. NE in Bellevue, Washington.

But the other location set to serve it is reportedly ‘undisclosed’.

Supermarket giant Aldi launches vegan bacon

The German discount supermarket chain, Aldi, has announced the launch of vegan bacon rashers.

Via its Facebook account, it posted a product image of the latest addition to its popular vegan Plant Menu.

Each pack contains 10 No Pork Streaky Bacon Rashers, at £2.19 for a 180g pack.

‘Who said vegan needed to be boring (and expensive)? Not us!’, the company said. Moreover, customers can find the products in-store now.

LEON unveils vegan steak wraps across UK

LEON Restaurants, a fast-food chain based in the UK, has unveiled a new addition to its Autumn menu.

The Ste*k Wrap features a vegan alternative to steak inside a Khobez flatbread, with onions, peppers, rocket, and a creamy pink peppercorn mayonnaise.

It comes as the chain has witnessed a boost in vegan sales across its more than 60 outlets. For example, vegan burgers outsold their meat counterparts at a high street store last week.

One Planet Pizza and THIS debut Thin and Crispy range

Plant-based pizza company, One Planet Pizza, is launching its brand new range of Thin and Crispy pizzas. Moreover, it includes the UK’s ‘first’ vegan Hawaiian pizza to be stocked on the retail market.

Upon joining forces with vegan meat brand THIS, the range will feature its iconic THIS Isn’t Bacon lardons.

Additionally, all the pizzas in the line feature vegan cheeze, and boast 25 percent than other leading brands.

One Planet Pizza’s co-founder Joe Hill said in a statement sent to PBN: “Using awesome pizzas to encourage planet- positivity, we’re here to tell you that the future of our food is, and has to be, plant-based. 

“We know that leaving meat and dairy-free off your plate is probably the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact. And, we want to show how epic food made in this way can be – all through the power of our Thin and Crispy range.”

Alpro hints at new plant-based milk

Considered one of the biggest plant-milk producers across Europe and beyond, Alpro is hinting at adding a new alternative to its portfolio.

Writing on Instagram, the company revealed its Belgium team had been ‘spreading the word’ on the new drink, made from oats.

The brand’s Shhh… This Is Not M*lk has received mixed reviews online. Via Abillion, some say it mimics dairy milk, while others rate it lower than Alpro’s other plant-based offerings.

The post Top Food Launches: From Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, Starbucks, And 4 More appeared first on Plant Based News.

Featuring the brand’s beloved THIS Isn’t Bacon Lardons, the pizza is a nod to the classic with a vegan twist.

And, the THIS says that it’s not only ‘deliciously retro, but ‘incredibly authentic’.

Vegan bacon Hawaiian pizza

Moreover, the pizza – which is named the Fi(Ve) Oh – is now available at the independent South London restaurant, Mamma Dough.

The lardons will be served on a sourdough base with vegan cheese across Mamma Dough’s seven sites, such as Brixton, Tooting, and Peckham.

A spokesperson for THIS told PBN: “It’s wicked to be collab-ing on the UK’s first Hawaiian pizza with Mamma Dough. 

“Pineapple on pizza can be controversial but this tastes undeniably lush.

“It’s also the first time our THIS Isn’t Bacon Lardons will be on menus which is exciting.”

THIS Isn’t Bacon Lardons

Moreover, the lardons are ‘smoky, savory and crispy’, which the brand says makes them the perfect accompaniment to the sweetness of pineapple.

This is despite the ‘notoriously’ difficult task of creating a vegan bacon alternative with the right texture.

However, THIS Isn’t Bacon has already scooped awards since its launch less than two years ago.

Moreover, it boasted best-selling plant-based bacon status in Tesco. This was what led the brand to create the THIS Isn’t Bacon Lardons.

‘Exciting’ partnership at Mamma Dough

Mamma Dough’s Founder Jake Harrison said the outlet wanted to create a ‘one-of-a-kind plant-based pizza’ on its menus. So, the Fi(Ve) Oh Hawaiian pizza was born.

‘At Mamma Dough, we are all about great flavors and great taste. Whether you’re purely plant-based or a committed carnivore, there is something delicious for everyone on our menu’, he added.

You can visit THIS’ website here. Or, follow THIS on Instagram here

This is a paid-for advertorial

The post THIS Debuts UK’s ‘First’ Vegan Bacon Hawaiian Pizza appeared first on Plant Based News.

The brand propelled into the vegan meat scene back in 2019, debuting its flagship products that ‘look and taste just like meat’ in a host of UK retailers.

It says its ‘hyper-realistic vegan bacon has ‘exploded in popularity’ over the last year – with fans claiming it’s ‘just like the real thing’. 

Bacon Lardons & Cocktail Sausages

Now, THIS is adding Bacon Lardons to its meatless offerings – which launched in major UK supermarket Tesco earlier this, and is launching in Sainsbury’s.

The lardons retail at £2.95. They’re said to be ‘mini bites of smokey, crispy, sizzling plant-based bacon that look, taste, and cook like real meat-based lardons, and are perfect for a carbonara’.

Andy Shovel is the co-founder of THIS. In a statement sent to PBN, he said: “THIS ISN’T BACON has been a huge hit for our brand. We’ve had thousands of customers show us their carbonaras or salads, containing chopped-up rashers.

“It made perfect sense to create a lardon variety, with a fattier and more intense flavor – to make sure they really sing when scattered into or onto a dish.”

The company will also release its ‘succulent’ meat-free cocktail sausages in Sainsbury’s next week . The ready-to-eat product will retail at an RRP of £2.75. 

Chicken Skewers

Moreover, THIS will debut its vegan chicken skewers in Tesco this month.

The sticky product comes in two flavors: BBQ and Lemon & Herb, and will retail at £3.50. THIS says it is the first plant-based skewers to launch in the UK.

The Herb and Lemon flavor skewers take inspiration from ‘that Portuguese chicken restaurant’; while the Sticky BBQ flavour is ‘so much like real BBQ chicken it will have eaters fooled all summer’.

“The plant-based options for BBQ season are about as lame as your Dad wearing one of those naked aprons at the grill,” Shovel added.

“The BBQ market is crying out for better choice, and our THIS Isn’t Chicken Skewers are so like the real thing, we’re pretty sure you won’t notice the difference.”

You can visit THIS’ website here. Or, follow THIS on Instagram here

*This is a paid-for advertorial

*This article was updated on June 4 to include more information THIS’ Chicken Skewers

The post THIS Debuts ‘Groundbreaking’ Vegan Products: Bacon Lardons, Cocktail Sausages And Chicken Skewers appeared first on Plant Based News.

Announced today, the partnership will see the Italian pizza brand serve THIS Isn’t Chicken products on some of its most popular dishes.

This marks the first time Prezzo has used plant-based chicken across its restaurants nationwide.

THIS Isn’t Chicken

Prezzo will feature THIS Isn’t Chicken as a meat alternative on both its Chicken Penne Arrabbiata and Chicken & Roasted Peppers Pizza.

As both companies believe no one should have to compromise on taste or texture, the collaboration is designed to appeal to meat-eaters. Moreover, THIS caught Prezzo’s attention for its ability to mimic the real thing.

Customers will be able to taste the new additions across all of Prezzo’s 150 outlets up and down the country from today, Monday 24 May.

To add THIS Isn’t Chicken to dishes, customers will pay an extra £2.00.

Moreover, prices of the dishes varies, due a tiering system across the UK. However, the pizza starts at £11 and the Penne Arrabbiata starts at £8.75 – meaning it’ll be available with vegan chicken for £10.75.

Staggering demand

The launch comes after Prezzo witnessed a staggering surge in demand for plant-based meals – of more than 100 percent over the past two years.

Additionally, plant-based dishes now make up seven percent of orders at Prezzo. This indicates a shift in consumer habits towards meatless meals.

The partnership is a ‘giant step’ into the mainstream restaurant market, according to THIS. And, it comes after the pioneer secured spots on the shelves of four of the UK’s best-known supermarkets.

Over the past 18 months, the brand has built a devoted fan base through its mission to create plant-based foods for meat-lovers.

Making meat alternatives accessible

Andy Shovel is Co-Founder of THIS. In a statement sent to PBN, he said: “Pete (Co-Founder) and I started THIS with the dream to make meat alternatives accessible to everyone. 

“Pizza is a mainstay of a Brit’s diet. And, collaborating with one of the UK’s leading Italian eateries is a pretty massive moment for us.

“The dishes taste lush. And, I’m fairly sure meat-eaters will struggle to taste the difference between THIS Isn’t Chicken and the real thing.”

‘Even more choice’

Moreover, Prezzo’s Marketing and Communication Director, Jay James, said the company is ‘really happy and proud’ to be serving THIS lsn’t Chicken.

James added: “We are excited to partner with THIS and to welcome back the customers we have missed so much. 

“We now have even more choice for our vegan and veggies customers as well as those choosing to eat less meat…

“Our teams are ready with the biggest smiles and the warmest of welcomes. At last, it’s time for pasta, pizza, vino.”

You can visit THIS’s website here, and find THIS on Instagram here.

You can also find out the menu options at a respective Prezzo restaurant near you here

*This is a paid-for advertorial

The post THIS Partners Prezzo To Bring Plant-Based Meat Toppings To The Masses appeared first on Plant Based News.

Mexican eatery Barburrito has 14 sites across the UK and is also sold on Deliveroo, UberEATS, and JustEAT.

Vegan chicken sales

It serves both meat and ‘hyper-realistic’ vegan chicken from plant-based pioneer THIS.

According to the chain, THIS Isn’t Chicken has soared above Barburitto’s other meaty fillings such as chicken and chorizo, spicy shredded beef, and pulled pork. 

It is now on track to become this month’s most popular order.

Lynsey Hutchinson is the Marketing Manager at Barburrito. In a statement sent to PBN, she said: “We want to give our customers as many menu choices as possible.

“It’s been fantastic to see THIS Isn’t Chicken become so popular. Whilst we know the plant-based filling has helped draw in a vegan fanbase, we’ve been surprised by how many meat-lovers have started mixing it up and giving plant-based a go.”

A ‘massive milsestone’

Andy Shovel, Co-Founder at THIS, described the news as an ‘absolutely massive milestone for THIS’.

He added: “The dream has always been to make products as good as (if not better than) the real deal. Overtaking real, clucking chicken as the main protein in one of the UK’s favorite Mexican eateries is major.”

You can visit THIS’ website here. Or, follow THIS on Instagram here

*This is a paid-for advertorial

The post Vegan Chicken Sales ‘To Overtake’ Real Chicken At Popular UK Food Chain appeared first on Plant Based News.

The company has up until now claimed to be entirely plant-based, using patented processes to create the award-winning meat-like taste and texture.

THIS scandal

THIS exploded into the vegan meat scene back in 2019, debuting its flagship products that ‘look and taste just like meat’ in a host of UK retailers.

However, Katie Shields, who appears to be THIS’ Social Media Executive, released unverified footage from the company’s laboratory. 

The grainy footage, which has not yet been verified by officials, appears to show THIS staff using real chicken DNA to create its ‘hyper-realistic‘ products. 

The video shows lab utensils, petri dishes with blood on them labeled ‘chicken’ – and feathers on the laboratory floor. 

Individual chunks of real-looking meat can be seen in the footage. However, it is not yet confirmed whether they are plant-based or lab-grown samples.

‘It’s a bit of misdirection’

In a recorded Zoom call with Shields, co-founder Andy Shovel states: “I don’t see that we’re doing any harm. 

“You know, industrial farming is the real problem. We’re just kind of saving the day… It’s a bit of misdirection – harmless misdirection.”

The video also appears to show livestock signs, staff wearing lab coats, and chickens having pipettes inserted into their mouths.

Boycott

Shields reached out to Plant Based News to expose the scandal, making sure THIS ‘doesn’t get away with what they’re doing’. 

She also exposed the company on social media, taking to the THIS Instagram account to share the shocking footage with its 88,000 followers. 

THIS has since faced a flurry of backlash from fans – with some pledging to boycott the company altogether. It has since shut down its website. 

PBN contacted THIS for comment but was met with an Out Of Office alert saying staff members are refusing to comment on the situation

*No animals were harmed in the making of this video! We can confirm this video was an April fool’s prank in collaboration with THIS. The company is in fact entirely plant-based.

The post BREAKING: Whistle-Blower Finds Plant-Based Brand THIS Secretly Using Lab-Grown Meat To Create ‘Hyper-Realistic’ Chicken appeared first on Plant Based News.

The company has partnered with plant-based meal delivery service Planty to release the new offering.

‘Marinated chicken tikka pieces’ 

The dish consists of ‘succulent strips of marinated ‘chicken’ tikka pieces, served with an aromatic blend of spices to make a creamy masala sauce’. 

It also features fluffy pilau rice, Bombay aloo, steamed spinach, and toasted almonds. 

‘Delicious plant-based creation’

In a statement sent to PBN, Planty said: “We’re super excited to be partnering with THIS for our new delicious plant-based creation. It is crafted by our chefs, as part of our shared mission to help people eat more plants. 

“Making the swap, even if it’s just once a week, can make a huge difference to our planet… We hope this encourages even more people to start that journey. We dare you to give this to a meat-eater to see if they notice!”

Hyper-realistic vegan meat

Back in 2019, THIS debuted its ‘unparalleled’ vegan bacon and chicken in the UK.

According to founders Andy Shovel and Pete Sharman, they’re ‘on a mission to shatter meat-eaters’ preconceptions of plant-based food, one rasher or nugget at a time’. 

Moreover, they spent two years working with texture scientists and flavorists researching and developing their chicken and bacon products. The duo says their offerings are ‘arguably the most realistic chicken and bacon meat-alternatives in the world’.

Since then, it has raised £3.5 million following the launch of a Seedrs crowdfunding campaign – attracting investment from vegan footballer Chris Smalling.

The Not-A-Chicken Tikka Masala will be available to order on Planty’s website as part of the six, eight, or 10 meal selection

You can order the Not-A-Chicken Tikka Masala here

The post ‘Hyper-Realistic’ Vegan Meat Brand Launches Chicken Tikka Ready Meal appeared first on Plant Based News.