The holiday season is here, bringing exciting updates in vegan food news. From festive treats to major food tech developments, there’s plenty to celebrate.
Vegan bacon chocolate, free mochas from Peet’s Coffee, and Oatly’s legal battles are making headlines this week. The vegan food industry continues to grow, proving that plant-based options are not just a trend but a lasting shift in how we eat.
Let’s examine the latest developments in plant-based innovation, restaurant growth, and festive treats.
Holiday Treats You Should Try
The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and vegan brands are stepping up to the occasion. Cinnamon roll chain Cinnaholic has launched a festive menu perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Highlights include the Nutcracker Sweet Roll, topped with candied nuts and creme brulée frosting, and the Oh Fudge Roll, featuring chocolate frosting, cookie dough, and chocolate bark.
They’ve also added bite-sized cinnamon rolls called CinnaBites and a cinnamon roll Wreath Cake for sharing. Pair these with their plant-based hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday experience.
In the UK, this week’s vegan food news brings a treat for chocolate lovers. H!P Chocolate, known for its unique flavors, has released a festive bar called Figs in Blankets.
It combines vegan bacon seasoning with figs for a sweet and salty twist. While the flavor may seem unusual, founder James Cadbury promises it’s a hit. The bar is exclusively available on Amazon UK and benefits The King’s Trust charity.
Peet’s Coffee is also spreading holiday cheer. Customers can enjoy a free mocha on New Year’s Day by saying the codeword “Mocha Mousse.” To make it vegan, request dairy-free milk and skip the whipped cream. This offer is a perfect way to ring in the new year with a warm, delicious treat.
Innovations In Vegan Food Tech
This week’s vegan food news highlights exciting developments in plant-based food technology, showcasing the industry’s rapid growth.
One major highlight is the announcement that Mike Messersmith, former president of Oatly USA, has joined Tender Food as CEO.
Tender Food is known for its innovative approach to plant-based meat, creating products like beef short ribs and chicken breast using patented technology.
Messersmith shared his enthusiasm about the role: “Stepping into a leadership role for Tender is a thrilling transition for me. The team has created an extraordinary platform for continued technological development and is on the cusp of a really exciting new chapter.”
Under his leadership, Tender Food aims to further its mission of transforming the food industry with sustainable alternatives.
Israeli food tech company Gavan secured $8 million in funding to develop a plant-based butter alternative in the dairy-free sector.
This product replicates the texture and flavor of traditional butter without the need for animal fat. Gavan plans to use the funding to expand into the European market, offering consumers a sustainable, innovative alternative.
Meanwhile, Danish company KMC is working on a breakthrough for vegan cheese. Their potato-based starch, CheeseMaker CF66, is designed to create mozzarella that stretches and melts like dairy cheese.
With the global dairy-free cheese market valued at $1.9 billion in 2024, KMC’s innovation could redefine vegan cooking. While the product isn’t on the market yet, its potential has generated significant excitement.
These advancements demonstrate how technology drives the vegan food industry forward, making plant-based options more realistic and accessible.
Oatly Faces Legal Challenges In The UK
Oatly, one of the biggest names in plant-based milk, faced a setback this week. A UK court ruled that the company can no longer use the word “milk” in its marketing.
This decision stems from regulations stating that only products made from mammary secretion can legally be called milk. Oatly’s popular phrases, like “milk made for humans” and “post-milk generation,” are now off-limits.
While this ruling may seem like a step backward, Oatly remains optimistic. The brand’s leadership believes that consumer preferences will continue to shift toward plant-based options.
Alex Robinson, CEO of the environmental charity Hubbub, stated that while the law may take time to adapt, the growing demand for plant-based products is undeniable.
Vegan Options Expand In Restaurants
The restaurant industry is making waves in vegan food news by embracing more plant-based options. A new report from Good Food International (GFI) highlighted promising growth in India’s vegan market, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and dining trends.
In Mumbai, 37 percent of restaurants now offer plant-based meat on their menus. Bangalore and New Delhi are also growing, with 20 percent and 19 percent of restaurants offering vegan options.
The report highlighted that targeted education and creative menu ideas could further boost demand for plant-based meat.
In Australia, the vegan fast-food chain Mr. Charlie’s is making waves. Known for its playful take on McDonald’s, the brand opened a pop-up in Melbourne. The menu includes plant-based burgers and their signature Mr. Frowny meals. This pop-up follows the success of their Sydney location and will run through December and January.
Why This Matters
The growth in vegan food options reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences. More people are seeking sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives that align with their values.
This week’s updates highlight how vegan brands meet that demand through innovation, creativity, and accessibility.
From festive treats to food tech breakthroughs, the vegan industry is proving that plant-based options can be just as delicious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
Whether you’re trying Cinnaholic’s cinnamon rolls, H! P’s bacon chocolate, or Mr. Charlie’s fast food, there’s no shortage of options to explore this holiday season.
Conclusion
Vegan food news continues to deliver exciting updates as the year approaches. This week’s highlights include festive desserts, innovative food tech, and growing vegan options in restaurants worldwide.
The progress in plant-based food shows that the industry is still going strong. As 2024 wraps up, it’s clear that vegan innovation is here to stay.
Whether indulging in holiday treats or trying the latest plant-based products, now is the perfect time to enjoy everything the vegan food world offers.
