Monbiot is a journalist, author, and environmental activist, and writes a regular column for the Guardian. In an op-ed titled “New reports tell us cattle and sheep farming can be sustainable – don’t believe them, it’s all bull,” he debunks two recent pro-meat “studies.” Both have links to the industry and were published separately within a week of one another.

The first study focuses on so-called “regenerative grazing.” It was commissioned by Oxfordshire’s FAI Farms and funded by McDonald’s, and claims that the farm is “beyond net-zero.” However, Monbiot notes that the work is “without a single usable data point,” due to miscalculated carbon sequestration, inconsistent samples, and other “unquantifiable” variables not taken into account by the report or mentioned in its summary.

A second study, documenting what it calls “regenerative mixed farming,” was published by the Sustainable Food Trust (SFT). It suggests that cows and sheep be grazed on temporary meadows on which rotating crops are grown for two years out of every 10. Instead of pork and poultry – the two most widely consumed meats – it says that people should eat beef, lamb, and dairy.

According to Monbiot, an industry-wide rollout of SFT’s proposed “regenerative” methods would require either extensive food importation or a prescriptive national diet, along with permanently higher food prices and an immediate 50 percent reduction in food waste. Patrick Holden, the founder of SFT and farming advisor to King Charles, is notably a dairy farmer.

Read more: Factory Farms Cost UK Taxpayers Over 1.2 Billion Pounds Per Year, Says New Report

New reports amount to ‘industry lobbying’

Monbiot’s analysis comes shortly after DeSmog confirmed that a meat industry-backed PR firm was behind the extensive backlash received by 2019’s landmark EAT-Lancet Report.

In March, a report by The Animal Law Foundation found that British consumers are “systematically misled” about meat, dairy, eggs, and animal products in the food system. Changing Markets Foundation reported that 22 big meat and dairy companies are using tobacco industry-style “delay, distract, and derail” tactics to mislead shoppers.

Monbiot noted that beef and lamb are the most resource-intensive and “climate-damaging” foods of all, despite what the two new reports suggest. Farming cows and sheep causes pollution and prevents the return of carbon-storing, environmentally valuable ecosystems. 

“If such claims arose from any other sector, we would recognise them for what they are: industry lobbying,” wrote Monbiot. “But because their bucolic imagery chimes with deep cultural themes, enthusiasm for such non-solutions extends all the way from McDonald’s to King Charles. The phenomenally complex challenge of feeding the world without devouring the planet will not be met through wishful thinking and romantic simplicities.”

Read more: ‘It’s Pseudoscience’: George Monbiot Blasts Regenerative Grazing In Heated Debate

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

According to an Instagram post by Vegan Food UK, the long-awaited vegan version of Nutella’s chocolate-hazelnut spread was seen in an unspecified supermarket. The page added that Sainsbury’s “will soon be the place that stocks it” with an RRP of £4 per jar.

“It’s not officially launched yet,” wrote Vegan Food UK. “But it has already been spotted!”

One commenter noted that they have seen the vegan Nutella available from “in quite a few” UK service settings already, including Purezza. However, this is the first time Nutella Plant Based has been available to consumers directly in a supermarket or retail setting.

No further details about the UK launch of vegan Nutella are available yet. Plant Based News (PBN) contacted Ferrero, Nutella’s parent company, for more information.

Read more: When Does Vegan Nutella Come to the UK and USA?

Nutella Plant Based offers ‘delicious new choice’ for customers

Last year, Ferrero confirmed to PBN that its vegan-friendly Nutella would be released in autumn of 2024. The plant-based spread is now available in select European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, all locations with a high demand for Nutella and a growing number of people who are cutting back on animal products.

Classic Nutella combines sweetened cocoa and hazelnuts with skimmed milk powder and palm oil. Instead of dairy, Nutella Plant Based combines chickpeas and rice syrup with the cocoa, sugar, and hazelnuts. According to early reviews, it tastes almost identical.

“At Ferrero, we are always scouting and exploring new categories and emerging food trends,” said a brand spokesperson at the time. “This further addition to the Nutella family will deliver the same unmistakable experience [by] replacing milk with vegetal ingredients, offering a delicious new choice able to welcome even more people into the brand.”

Read more: Is Nutella Vegan? The Best Dairy-Free Alternatives

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Ombar’s Blonde Caramelised White Chocolate is inspired by “nostalgic” flavors, such as the now-discontinued Nestlé Caramac, but made with plant-based and sustainable ingredients. In addition to being vegan, Ombar’s Blonde is organic, palm oil-free, and Fair Trade.

The Cambridge-based brand combines dried cane sugar juice with chicory root fiber, a naturally sweet prebiotic, to promote beneficial gut bacteria and keep the bar’s sugar content approximately 50 percent lower than traditional white chocolate options.

Blonde became a fan-favorite when it was launched as a limited-edition item in 2024, prompting customers to beg Ombar to bring it back in the comments section on Instagram.

“After overwhelming demand, we’ve brought back this fan-favourite treat for good,” said the company. “With flecks of Madagascan vanilla, a rich caramelised sweetness and creaminess coming from organic desiccated coconut, our Blonde is back and tasting better than ever!”

Ombar Blonde is available now from Tesco stores nationwide at £2.75 per 70g bar.

Read more: Vegan Chocolate Brand LoveRaw Rescued From Administration

Customer demand for ethical, clean-label, and plant-based chocolate

Richard Turner co-founded Ombar in 2007 to prioritize plant-based, wholesome ingredients, including high-quality cocoa. The company’s full range now includes a huge variety of chocolates, including matcha and pistachio creams, M’lk Chocolate bars, 100 percent cocoa bars, and many more. Pistachio Centre, Peanut Butter, and Blonde are all available in Tesco.

According to new research from Future Market Insights published earlier this week, the vegan chocolate market is set to reach USD $1,545 million in 2025, and is projected to reach $4,798.6 million over the next decade. An increasing consumer shift towards ethical, clean-label, and plant-based products is the primary driver of this “robust” predicted growth.

Read more: NOMO Just Launched Two New Vegan Chocolate Bars In UK Supermarkets

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The Veg’chops come in four flavors, including Original, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Tikka Curry, making them a versatile way to eat more nutritious plant foods. Original and Mexican flavors are currently the only varieties available to purchase from Tesco.

Oh So Wholesome co-founder Jason Gibb created the product when he was unable to find a convenient plant-based protein that wasn’t tofu or tempeh, and that didn’t emulate meat. Co-founder Simon Day, on the other hand, was simply looking to eat more plants and fiber.

“Although it is a new concept, people will be familiar with ingredients like lentils, quinoa, sweet potato, and chia seeds,” Gibb told The Grocer. “I wanted something that tasted like the plants it was made from and that I was happy to eat daily with my family.”

Veg’chops feature vegetables, pulses, and seeds – including lentils, quinoa, sweet potato, and chia – formed into nugget-sized, nutty-tasting chunks. The original variety includes more than 10 plants per serving, including whole foods-based protein, fiber, and other nutrients.

Read more: What Are The Benefits Of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms And Where Can You Buy Them?

‘What began as a personal quest has coincided with a real movement’

A growing body of research indicates that the perceived backlash against processed and “ultra-processed” plant-based meat products is largely unwarranted. However, unprocessed, whole, plant-based foods are still thought to be some of the healthiest ingredients available.

Nutritious alternative proteins like tofu and tempeh are selling well, and customers are increasingly seeking out products that brands might market as “clean label” foods. Companies such as Meati, Plants, Beyond Meat, This, and many more have all launched new products that emphasize whole plant-based ingredients in place of realistic “meat” alternatives.

“We’re delighted to secure such a big listing for our first launch,” said Gibb. “I think that speaks to the growing appetite for minimally processed foods that are nutritious and satisfying as well as tasty. What began as a personal quest has coincided with a real movement.”

Original and Mexican Veg’chops are available now at 649 Tesco stores across the UK. They have an RRP of £3 per 250g pack, and can be found in the refrigerated section.

Read more: Beyond Meat Launches New Unbreaded Vegan Chicken Pieces

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, which is the UK’s largest indoor music venue, announced the “100 percent plant-based food menu” earlier this month. While this is a notable first for the arena, Co-op Live permanently features a large array of solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, intelligent energy controls, reusable cups, and a zero waste-to-landfill policy.

The 23.5 thousand capacity venue will utilize seven kitchens across three levels to prepare the dedicated plant-based menu, which includes Vegetarian Butcher NoBeef burgers and fries from Soundbites; NoChicken burgers from Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken; bao buns, hotdogs, and meatball marinara ciabattas from the Co-op Live kitchen; Koko’s Hot Dogs; Loaded Fries; Saucy Chips; and a selection of pizza and dough balls from the Co-op Kitchen.

Read more: New Film Merges Art, Disability, And Animal Rights – How To Support ‘Liberty’

Upcoming Massive Attack show will have the ‘lowest emissions’ possible

Last year, Massive Attack hosted the record-breaking Act 1.5 festival in their hometown of Bristol. It featured plant-based foods and renewable energy, banned high-impact glitter and disposable vapes, and encouraged concert-goers to use public transport and active travel.

“The Co-op Live gig allows another iteration of the show to materialise and for us to underpin that production with the lowest emissions measures possible,” said Massive Attack’s Robert “3D” Del Naja. “We’re pleased that this event will be the first ever 100 percent plant-based major show in Manchester with an extensive, curated menu, and that the arena is powered by renewables.”

The trip hop pioneers are well known for their politics and environmental messaging, and they also encouraged those attending the upcoming gig to join them in taking the train, where possible, to further cut pollution and help create “smarter, cleaner events.”

Massive Attack will headline the Co-op Live Arena on June 5, 2025. The band’s tour also includes a show at London’s Victoria Park in London, followed by dates in mainland Europe.

Read more: Massive Attack Serves Entirely Vegan Menu At Eco-Conscious Gig

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Plants offers a number of vegan products, including veggie burgers, dhals, and chilis. The rebrand comes from agencies Sonder & Tell and Belief Machines, with an aim to leave behind “clichéd plant-based visuals” and instead focus on emphasizing Plants’ natural and less-processed ingredients. Each new pack features these in large lettering on the front.

To create the designs, Belief Machines said it looked to evolving trends in the plant-based category, which increasingly favor natural proteins like beans and legumes. The new designs align with Plants’ move to distance itself from the “ultra-processed” plant-based label.

The Rise of Plants

Plants was established in 2022 to offer easy-to-make, nutritious meals for health-conscious consumers. It was previously connected to the Deliciously Ella brand, but it has been standalone since the latter was sold to The Hero Group last year.

It’s been a big year for Ella Mills, who acquired the AllPlants brand in February with a view to combine it with Plants. “We will bring together Plants and Allplants to create something truly special – a new, natural, plant-based powerhouse,” Mills said in a statement at the time. “We have long admired the Allplants brand, and the name has remarkable consumer awareness across the UK.”

The newly rebranded Plants products are available to buy from Waitrose and Ocado now.

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The plant-based steak product is now exclusively available at 650 Tesco stores nationwide. According to Beyond Meat, the vegan meat is designed to “look, cook, and taste” just like traditional beef, and contains 24g of protein per 100g with minimal saturated fat.

“We’re excited to be the first UK retailer to launch Beyond Steak from Beyond Meat,” said Tesco buying manager Cristina Valeanu in a statement. “Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply plant curious, this is a great addition to the plant-based selection at Tesco.”

The vegan steak has earned accolades such as Platinum at 2024’s Plant-Based Excellence Awards and Gold at 2023’s Casual Dining Awards. It also became the first-ever plant-based meat alternative to be certified by the American Heart Association as “heart-healthy.”

Read more: Beyond Meat And La Vie Team Up For New Marketing Campaign

UK customers demand vegan steak

The vegan steak market could surpass USD $1 billion by 2033, almost doubling in size over the next few years. The UK, in particular, is embracing plant-based steaks, and already spends around $52 million per year on products similar to Beyond Steak.

The Californian alternative protein company first launched Beyond Steak to food service in the UK late last year, and expanded its steak range in the US in February. Beyond Steak is coming to UK supermarkets ahead of British Sandwich Week, which runs from May 19 – 25.

“British Sandwich Week is the perfect time to launch Beyond Steak into retail and reimagine a classic with a modern, plant-based twist,” said Ellie Stevens, Head of Brand UK at Beyond Meat. “Whether you’re tucking into a quick lunch or entertaining friends, Beyond Steak delivers incredible taste, flavour and versatility. Not to mention the high protein, low saturated fat that people are looking for – with no sacrifice required.”

To celebrate the UK retail launch, No Meat Disco’s Sam Jones will create a sandwich recipe featuring Beyond Steak. At Tesco, Beyond Steak has an RRP of £4.50 per 160g pack.

Read more: Impossible Foods Just Launched Plant-Based ‘Steak Bites’

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

What is lion’s mane?

Lion’s mane mushroom, also known as “bearded hedgehog,” is an edible fungus colloquially named after its fine tendrils and mane-like appearance. It’s native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and feeds mostly on dead wood, but can sometimes be found growing on live trees.

Lion’s mane is also called Hou Tou Gu in China, where it has been used for tonics, teas, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. In Japan, Korea, and India, it can be found in ordinary mushroom-based dishes as well as in traditional medicines.

Lion’s mane is relatively simple to grow at home in small batches, but when produced commercially, it requires extensive quality control and careful harvesting by hand. Like other mushrooms, lion’s mane requires low light without direct sunshine to thrive and multiply.

Commercial production can be very resource efficient, particularly when growers incorporate hardwood sawdust – a lumber industry byproduct – and use agricultural waste for enrichment. The growing process requires little water and energy, and is compatible with vertical farming.

In a report, Fact.MR noted that mushroom production is “highly relevant” as the global food system adjusts to environmental changes and the increasing human population. While the reach of lion’s mane is currently “not very extensive,” the market will likely grow over the next decade in light of its sustainability, nutrient density, and purported health benefits.

What are the benefits of lion’s mane?

Lion’s mane mushroom has a tender and spongy texture, which makes it a versatile and allergen-friendly replacement for crab, lobster, and shellfish. It can also be used as a plant-based steak, or burger patty, and can be grilled, fried, and BBQ’d like any other mushroom.

The substantial texture and nutrient density make lion’s mane an ideal meat alternative, and lion’s mane “steaks” were popularized on social media by plant-based chef and Wicked Kitchen founder Derek Sarno in 2023, who released a how-to video on YouTube.

According to Australian company Sassy Organics, 100g of dried lion’s mane includes approximately 22g of protein. Lion’s mane contains iron, potassium, and amino acids, and WebMD notes that it is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, and zinc.

In addition to its raw, dried, and cooked forms, lion’s mane can also be processed into powders, liquids, and capsules to create a nutrient-dense dietary supplement. In all of its forms, studies have linked lion’s mane consumption with possible health benefits.

Lion’s mane, health benefits, and the need for further research

Research into lion’s mane is still in the very early stages, and no health benefits have been confirmed. That said, there are some studies that point to possible benefits of lion’s mane consumption. Medical News Today reports that lion’s mane mushroom may help with inflammation and oxidation, which contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. In particular, lion’s mane has become associated with improved cognitive function in the form of brain cell protection and generation. It may also aid memory and promote focus.

Lion’s mane may support immune function and help to mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression. It may aid diabetes management, support optimal digestive health, and facilitate wound healing. It may speed up nervous system recovery and even fight cancer.

Writing for the BBC’s Science Focus, Dr Emma Beckett – a Food & Nutrition Scientist, science communicator, and registered dietitian – noted that most existing studies on the benefits of lion’s mane focus on concentrated supplements rather than the plant itself.

Because these products vary in strength, and because much of the existing research is made up of animal studies rather than human trials, the body of existing lion’s mane research is promising, but not conclusive.

Lion’s mane is generally well-tolerated, but side effects are still possible. It’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements. So-called natural or “alternative” medicines should never be taken in place of evidence-based treatments.

Read more: Healthy Plant-Based Diets Lower Risk Of Death From Cardiometabolic Disorders, Finds Study

Where to buy lion’s mane in the UK

For UK shoppers, whole lion’s mane mushrooms produced by Kent’s Urban Farm-It are now available at large Sainsbury’s supermarkets nationwide. The 200g punnets of lion’s mane mushrooms have an RRP of £5, and the packaging itself is fully recyclable.

Earlier this month, Happiee launched the UK’s first ready-to-cook lion’s mane mushroom product, available in Original and Teriyaki flavors. The pre-marinated mushroom pieces offer a consistent flavor and texture, making them an ideal addition for quick meals like stir-fries. They cost £4 per 180g pack and are available at 240 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

Riverford Organic Farmers stocks lion’s mane, and the company sources its mushrooms from Dart Valley Fungi in Devon. Purchased through Riverford, a 200g punnet of lion’s mane costs £8.25 per pack. Riverford is one of the largest delivery box schemes in the UK.

Several other producers sell their mushrooms directly to customers, including Mushroom Culture in Wiltshire, which stocks mushrooms, mushroom grow kits, and concentrated supplements such as lion’s mane extract powder and capsules, in its online shop.

Lion’s mane supplements are widely available online, though as noted by Beckett, they can vary significantly in nutrient density, size, and quality. Larger companies such as Holland & Barrett and Nutravita sell products online, as do many smaller and independent traders.

Where to buy lion’s mane in the US

For US shoppers, lion’s mane mushroom products are often available from major retailers like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market, in addition to smaller international supermarkets, farmers’ markets, whole foods stores, and independent producers.

Several online retailers like iHerb and Vitacost offer lion’s mane powders, capsules, and liquids, as does Amazon. When buying online, in particular, it’s important to check dosages and expiry dates, and to avoid purchasing from completely unknown companies and sellers.

Smaller platforms like Box Nutra and Urbll also stock lion’s mane products, with Urbll items available to buy through Etsy. (Box Nutra is currently rated as “great” with four stars on TrustPilot, while Urbll is rated 4.9 on Etsy with nearly 81 thousand sales so far.)

For US-based folks looking for grow kits, companies such as North Spore, Far West Fungi, Cascadia Mushrooms, and Fat Moon Mushrooms all offer complete DIY packages. The latter can grow three pounds of organic lion’s mane mushrooms in just two weeks.

Read more: Using Mushrooms As Meat: The Ultimate Guide

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

NOMO’s Salted Popcorn is available in smaller-sized, 32g bars, while Birthday Cake flavor is available in full-sized 127g bars. Both are vegan and completely free from dairy.

Kimi Peri, the influencer behind “worldwideveganism,” shared pictures of the new NOMO chocolate bars on their Instagram earlier this week. Peri found the bars in Sainsbury’s. The announcement news was also shared on Vegan Food UK, and the post was met with huge excitement from vegans.

Further details and pricing have yet to be announced by the brand. At Sainsbury’s, the existing range of NOMO products currently retails at approximately £3.25 per 127g bar and £1.50 per 32g bar. Plant Based News reached out to NOMO for more information.

Read more: 4-Ingredient Vegan ‘Snickers’ Bars

Demand for vegan and dairy-free chocolate in the UK

According to NOMO, it is the UK’s number one vegan and free-from chocolate brand. Kinnerton Confectionery established the brand in 2019 to cater to chocolate-lovers with dietary restrictions, and accordingly named it “NOMO,” or No Missing Out.

Millions of people in the UK currently identify as vegan or plant-based, while a dairy allergy is the third most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis. The vegan and dairy-free chocolate market is growing rapidly, both in the UK and around the world, and according to experts, it could grow even faster than its dairy-based competitors and reach USD $4 billion by 2032.

The full NOMO range includes options like crispy and fudge-filled animal shapes, Easter Eggs, mini bars, selection boxes, buttons, and more. Bars are available in flavors like Caramel, Choc Fudge, Fruit & Crunch, Caramelised Biscuit, and Cookie Dough.

In September last year, the brand introduced a Bounty-style chocolate bar filled with creamed coconut. Like the rest of the lineup, it is also free from gluten and nuts.

Read more: Where To Find Vegan Dubai Chocolate Bars

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

The brand and business assets have now been sold to Smart Organic Group subsidiary Bettr Food Limited. As reported by The Business Desk, K3 Capital Group appointed KR8 Advisory’s Jimmy Saunders and Mike Lennon as Joint Administrators of LoveRaw on April 16.

“Whilst the vegan food space continues to be competitive, we expect the LoveRaw brand and products to be a great success with the investment and in-house manufacturing capabilities which the Smart Organic Group brings,” said Saunders.

Smart Organic was founded in 2009 and operates in more than 60 countries with a portfolio of over 1300 products, including vegan bestsellers such as Kookie Kat and chocolate-coated Roo’ Bars. The vegan chocolate market is expected to continue growing rapidly over the next few years, potentially reaching USD $4 billion by 2032.

Read more: Ella Mills Buys Allplants After Brand Falls Into Administration

Previous investment in LoveRaw

LoveRaw was founded in 2013 by Rimi Thapar and her husband, Manav. LoveRaw’s award-winning range included favorites such as the Cre&m Wafer Bar. Rimi appeared on the TV show Dragons’ Den in 2018, but rejected a £50,000 offer in favor of private investment. In 2020, the brand received a multi-million-pound investment from Blue Horizon Ventures.

At its peak, LoveRaw was stocked by major supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose, and enjoyed popularity with shoppers. The brand showed particularly significant growth between 2019 and 2021, and was featured by the Financial Times in March last year.

However, LoveRaw has experienced several years of investment and supply challenges that have resulted in declining revenue. According to some customers, the brand paused some subscriptions in 2023 and failed to fulfill orders on time, while products became hard to find in stores.

Read more: AllPlants Recipes To Return To Market After Being Bought By GRUBBY

This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.

Joining the brand’s summer line-up, the Thai Burger combines spiced tofu with vegetables and is designed as a plant-based option for barbecues. The Southern Fried Pieces feature two tofu fillets coated in a crispy southern-style crumb. They follow the launch of Tofoo Katsu in 2024 and are intended to be used in wraps, burgers, or served with chips and slaw.

The Thai Burger will launch in Waitrose stores with a recommended retail price of £3, while the Southern Fried Pieces will be available in Tesco for £3.

Read more: THIS Launches High-Protein ‘Superfood’ Line

The rise of The Tofoo Co

The Tofoo Co is the UK’s number two meat-free brand, and it’s rapidly rising in popularity. Last year, the company told Plant Based News that it had experienced a “year of momentous growth.”

Growth investor Comitis Capital acquired The Tofoo Co in August 2024, and it subsequently launched new products including the Veggie Balls, Tofu Dippers, and Sweet Chilli Cubes. The Tofoo Co now holds a 55 percent share of the UK tofu category. Its popularity is partly attributed to rapidly growing demand for “natural” plant-based alternatives, with the British public increasingly seeking these out over ultra-processed vegan meat.

“The Tofoo Co is the only top 5 brand to grow in January (+9.9% value and 8.8% kg volume YoY2), and we continue to defy the slump seen elsewhere in the category by extending our range of Tofoo products, enticing new users to try tofu for the first time,” said The Tofoo Co managing director David Knibbs in a statement.

Read more: Happiee Launches Easy-Cook Lion’s Mane Mushroom In ‘UK first’

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The Hyper Oat includes four flavors – Berry, Matcha, Turmeric, and Mango – each with their own formula and nutrition profile.

Berry combines protein, calcium, and L-carnitine, aiming to support muscle function and maintenance. Matcha is enriched with pantothenic acid and zinc, nutrients known to contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and cognitive function. Turmeric incorporates baobab, vitamin D, and lactobacillus, targeting immune system support and gut health. Mango includes vitamin B12 and riboflavin, both of which play roles in reducing tiredness and supporting energy metabolism.​

According to Minor Figures, the Hyper Oat drinks can be poured over cereal, blended into smoothies, or drunk directly. The Berry and Mango flavors are currently available in Waitrose stores across the UK, with a recommended retail price of £3 per 750ml carton. A broader rollout, including availability on Amazon, Ocado, and through independent retailers, is planned for May.

Read more: THIS Launches High-Protein ‘Superfood’ Line

The rise of Minor Figures

Founded in East London in 2014, Minor Figures has established itself as a leading name in plant-based beverages. It’s particularly known for its barista-style oat milk, which is used in a number of independent coffee shops. The company also previously introduced the world’s first shelf-stable cold brew and powdered oat milk. Today, Minor Figures products are available in over 50 countries.

To support the launch of Hyper Oat, Minor Figures has partnered with London eyewear brand Cubitts to release a limited-edition range of sunglasses. Each pair corresponds to a flavor from the new drink collection, featuring liquid-filled arms and color-matched lenses.

Read more: Happiee Launches Easy-Cook Lion’s Mane Mushroom In ‘UK first’

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

Available in Original and Teriyaki flavors, each 180g pack contains pre-marinated mushroom pieces designed to offer a consistent flavor and texture. Lion’s mane mushrooms have rapidly grown in popularity on social media due to their versatility, possible health benefits, and use as a natural alternative to meat. They can be difficult to find and prepare, but this new product aims to make them more accessible to consumers.

The launch comes in response to growing demand for whole-food plant-based options. According to Happiee, 45 percent of UK consumers prefer more natural vegan alternatives over processed plant-based options like burgers and sausages.

The product is positioned as an alternative to chicken, beef, and plant-based meats. It contains 4.1g of protein, 2.8g of fiber, and 0.9g of sugar per 100g. It’s also free from major allergens such as soy. The new range is rolling out in 240 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide at an RRP of £4 per pack.

Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands

What is Happiee?

Happiee was founded in 2022 as part of Growthwell Foods, a Singapore-based food company. The company specializes in plant-based seafood, and it launched in the UK in August 2023 with the country’s first vegan shrimp alternative.

The brand’s current UK range includes Breaded and Plain Shrimpiee, Calamariee rings, and Squidiee rings. Its lion’s mane range is the latest addition, drawing on the mushroom’s popularity in Asian cuisine, where it is widely used in a variety of dishes for its savory flavor.

Happiee is supporting the launch with on-pack QR codes offering meal ideas and educational content, aiming to increase consumer confidence in cooking with mushrooms.

Read more: You Can Now Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms In UK Supermarkets

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The closures will affect the two remaining restaurants in the UK, which are located in Camden and Wembley in London. As reported by The Sun, 150 jobs will be affected. Neat Burger previously operated in over a dozen locations in various countries, but it now only has two branches remaining in Milan.

“We have no further comment at this time, other than to confirm that the business has taken the difficult decision to close its UK restaurants,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Neat Burger had been widely praised for its food since launching in 2019. The chain is known for specializing in plant-based alternatives to popular fast food items like nuggets and burgers. In early 2024, it announced it would be prioritizing “healthier” fast food options, like salads and sandwiches.

Read more: Vegan Restaurant Unity Diner To Return

Neat Burger’s financial issues

The chain has experienced some highly publicized financial difficulties in recent months, attributed to decreased footfall due to changing work patterns and rising operational costs. The new wave of closures comes 18 months after Neat Burger shut down four of its previous eight London locations, following a 140 percent rise in losses.

Neat Burger is one of a number of plant-based restaurant closures to attract media attention in recent months – but such closures are by no means limited to vegan eateries. The hospitality industry has been struggling across the board amid rising costs and shifting consumer habits.

This article was amended on April 23, 2025, to remove mention that Neat Burger is still operating in New York City. Neat Burger has shut down its New York City branch.

Read more: Lewis Hamilton’s Dog Is ‘Like A Puppy Again’ On Plant-Based Diet

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.

The protein content of each yogurt pot ranges from 16g to 23g per 350g. All are free from both dairy and soy, and are suitable for vegans. The yogurts come in six flavors: strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla fudge (a brand-new addition), and natural.

The natural flavor packs the highest protein content, while raspberry contains the lowest. All yogurt pots are now available to buy from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Marks & Spencer, Planet Organic, Whole Foods Market, and select independent health stores. They are priced at £3.25 for a 350g pot and £1.90 for a 120g pot.

Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands

The UK’s ‘first-ever’ high-protein, soy-free yogurt?

Nush Foods is a UK-based dairy-free brand founded in 2016 by former London police officers Bethany and Paul Eaton. Motivated by Bethany’s personal health journey and her background in nutrition, the couple set out to create a plant-based yogurt alternative that matched the taste and texture of traditional dairy products. They began by crafting almond milk yogurts in their kitchen, eventually launching Nush as the UK’s first producer of nut milk yogurts.

The new range is believed to be the first high-protein, soy-free vegan yogurt available in the UK. The products are said to be creamier, tastier, and more nutritious than previous versions.

Read more: You Can Now Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms In UK Supermarkets

This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.