As flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets continue to gain traction, Lightlife is recasting plant-based protein from the lesser role of understudy or “alternate” to animal protein, and making it – and the fruits, vegetables and legumes it comes from...
Packaged in the fashion of traditional deli meats—paper wrappers with a sticker label—No Evil Foods is stepping away from the tech-oriented positioning and branding that many non-animal ‘meat-like’ proteins are going for.
Jackfruit, a previously hard-to-find but popular meat substitute among vegans, is going mainstream in the US with two manufacturers launching ready-to-eat product lines featuring the fibrous plant as a main ingredient.
From grass-fed Buffalo jerky from Patagonia Provisions; and fruit, veggie and chia-packed squeezy pouches from Happy Valley; to bean chips from General Mills; check out FoodNavigator-USA's gallery of new snacks hitting US shelves this summer.
Meat-free brand Lightlife Foods is getting an image overhaul this spring with new packaging, a new logo, new products and a commitment to engaging with a growing number of consumers that are reducing their meat consumption, says CEO Roy Lubetkin.
While just 7% of Americans identify themselves as vegetarian, more than a third of shoppers (36%) buy meat alternatives, suggesting the category is appealing to a far broader demographic, according to a consumer survey conducted by Mintel.
Back in the early ‘80s when his tempeh business was getting off the ground, the meat alternatives category was not exactly brimming with mouth-watering options, says Tofurky creator Seth Tibbott.
Vegetarian protein options have come a long way from the once-ubiquitous lentils and tofu as food scientists have stepped up to the challenge of creating innovative meat substitutes.
The salt content of vegetarian sausages and burgers can often be
the same as, or even higher than, their meaty equivalents,
according to a recent survey.
Quinoa, dubbed the mother of all grains, is starting to put in an
appearance as a meat analogue in vegetarian foods, with Israeli
company Soglowek launching quinoa-based patties to the
international market.
