THIS banishes FOMO
Plant-based food company THIS is kicking off Veganuary with the launch of what it describes as two ‘hyper-realistic’ plant-based chicken products.
THIS Isn’t Chicken Kyiv (chilled) will make its way to shelves from 1 January 2025 in Sainsbury’s, while THIS Isn’t Chicken Wings (frozen) will be available from the 6 Jan in Asda and the 13 Jan in Morrisons (110g, £3.75 in latter).
The Kyiv (250g, £4.95) is made from soya and fava protein and stuffed with a wild garlic plant-based butter, and sourdough breadcrumbs.
The frozen skin on wings have a seaweed-based crispy skin that is designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional chicken wings. THIS describes them as packed with protein and fibre and lower in saturated fat than meat counterparts.
The wings have been developed with versatility and can be marinated and baked, deep-fried, or air-fried.
“We’re always pushing the boundaries when it comes to plant-based food innovation and our new Kyiv and frozen wings give consumers meat-free options that don’t compromise on flavour or texture. It’s delicious, it’s nutritious, and it’s a step closer to a world where animals aren’t food,” said Mark Cuddigan, CEO of THIS.
THIS claims it is continuing to lead on growth among fellow meat-alternative brands, adding over £5m retail sales value in the last 12 months – an increase of 32.7%.
Noble Foods enters new category
Noble Foods has expanded into the pre-prepared food market with the launch of frozen omelettes from the happy egg co.
This move follows significant investment from the UK egg producer in its innovation and manufacturing hub located in Leicestershire.
With more than 209m omelette occasions annually in the UK and 60% of consumers stating they find omelette making ‘inconvenient’, the happy egg co. is capitalising on the demand for convenient, pre-made omelettes.
“Our goal was to create an innovative solution that meets the needs of busy, health-conscious individuals looking for tasty, affordable meal options,” said Anita Nutchey, head of marketing & innovation at Noble Foods.
The frozen omelettes are available in two and four-packs and use free-range eggs from the happy egg co. brand, British extra mature cheddar and milk. They can be prepared using a microwave, oven, or air fryer.
“This launch represents a transformative moment for Noble Foods, with our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the debut of our first-ever frozen omelettes, we are answering consumer demand for convenient, high-protein, and nutritious meal solutions that fit modern lifestyles,” Nutchey continued.
“The state-of-the-art Leicester facility underscores our vision to redefine food innovation, blending the humble egg with a deep understanding of evolving consumer trends. This is more than a product launch; it’s a bold step toward shaping the future of innovative and accessible foods.”
The new launch will be available in Morrisons from 13 January 2025.
Quorn expands snacking range
Quorn is expanding its ready to eat snacking range, with new Quorn Smoky BBQ Bites.
Available from 30 December in Asda and Tesco, the bites (RRP £2.50, 180g) comprise of a smoky BBQ filled centre encased in Quorn’s mycoprotein and covered with breadcrumbs.
Gill Riley, Consumer Director at Quorn Foods, said snacking is one of the most appealing entry points into alternatives and the filled bites range has been proving popular, with convenience and high protein top priorities among shoppers.
“Our recent consumer research revealed that 56% now consider the protein intake in their diet and almost a third are actively trying to eat more of it,” said Riley.
“Our new Quorn Smoky BBQ Bites provide a delicious protein hit that shoppers can grab and eat on the go. Not only that, but they are a source of fibre, low in saturated fat and better for the planet.”
The full range will now include Quorn Sweet Chilli Bites, Quorn Smoky BBQ Bites and Quorn Garlic & Herb Bites, available in the chilled section.
Belvoir Farm marks 40th with two new products
Belvoir Farm, which celebrated its 40th birthday this year, has added two new products to its portfolio, with the addition of its No Added Sugar Apple & Blackcurrant Cordial and Non-Alcoholic Raspberry Margarita.
The cordial is a mix of apple and blackcurrant juices with water and plant-based sweeteners, boasting just 10 calories and 2.5g of sugar per 250ml serving (diluted 1:6) from naturally occurring sugars in fruit. It contains more than 66% pure fruit juice.
The product is targeting the growing number of sugar conscious consumers, with more than half (57%) of the UK population actively taking steps to limit/reduce their sugar intake, according to Mintel data.
The launch joins No Added Sugar Sicilian Lemon & Lime, and Exotic Mango & Passion Fruit Cordials launched earlier this year.
“We’re thrilled to bring this new cordial to the market,” said Belvoir Farm MD Pev Manners. “By removing added sugars and using plant-based sweeteners, we’ve created a cordial range that aligns with the growing demand for healthier, natural drinks containing nothing artificial.”
The drink is available from Waitrose in for £3.75, with an estimated 14 servings per 500ml bottle.
The sparkling Non-Alcoholic Raspberry Margarita meanwhile will be available in Tesco in 250ml cans for £1.39.
The drink is a blend of fresh raspberry and lime juice, sweetened with natural agave and enhanced with natural tequila flavour.
This latest addition joins the companies range of mocktails which includes Peach Bellini; Passionfruit Martini; Lime & Yuzu Mojito; and Rhubarb & Ginger G&T in share-size 750ml bottles (£3.25).
Moving Mountains shakes up strategy with new range
British plant-based company Moving Mountains has unveiled a new ‘superfoods range’.
‘Superfood’ refers to a category of nutrient rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. These foods are typically high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that promote good health.
Available to buy at wholesaler Brakes from January 2025, the Moving Mountains Superfood range includes 5 products from the brands speciality product, burgers, to sausages, crispy dippers, crispy burgers, and falafel. The products comprise a list of nutrient-rich ingredients and can be cooked from frozen in a matter of minutes.
The range is also free from soy and gluten and low in saturated fats and sugar, as well as being a source of fibre, high in protein and 100% plant based.
This marks a major change in strategy for the plant-based company, which alongside its classic ‘meaty’ range, is looking to focus on ‘health-hacking’ functional foods in its future. This is a response to changing market trends and consumer demands for nutrient-rich, high-protein, and functional plant-based foods.
“The superfoods range is just the start of a new and really exciting chapter for Moving Mountains,” commented Moving Mountains, marketing manager Eleanor Faragher-Siddall.
“We looked at the changing industry climate and shifting market trends and saw a clear demand for healthier, convenient and nutrient rich, plant-based alternatives. The products that you see today with our new superfoods range are the result of 2 years [of] hard work.”
