FoodNavigator's NPD trend tracker brings you the hottest new products hitting the shelves in Europe. This week features a host of launches timed to coincide with the Veganuary concept, when consumers, full of food and New Year resolutions, promise to consume no animal products for a month.
UK plant-based brand Squeaky Bean has launched two ready-to-eat chicken-style lines in Sainsbury’s supermarket (RSP: £2.75, 160g / unit). The two new vegan lines – BBQ and Tikka Chicken-Style Pieces – mimic some of the biggest selling marinated chicken flavours, using pea and wheat proteins to achieve the same texture. They come in recyclable card trays with a separable film, meaning there is 80% less plastic used versus equivalent plastic trays.
Squeaky Bean says its mission is to make plant-based eating truly mainstream. Co-creator Sarah Augustine said: “Every shopper we spoke to said it was when eating lunch or on-the-move that they found it hardest to find a plant-based option they genuinely craved. We tried all the existing products we could get our hands on and agreed! So, we developed these products ourselves, built a plant-based factory in the UK and the result is Squeaky Bean Chicken-Style Pieces. They are ready-to-eat so you can use them just like the cooked chicken you used to buy.”
The two new vegan lines were launched to coincide with the increasingly popular Veganuary concept.
Zoe West, Corporate Outreach Manager at Veganuary agreed that the ready-to-eat market has been holding back plant-based adoption for many. “Our community tell us that tasty and satisfying wrap, sandwich and cold cut options will help them to go vegan and stay vegan. It is great to see brands like Squeaky Bean helping to address these gaps and thinking about sustainability of packaging at the same time.”
Squeaky Bean has also introduced two vegan pancakes in UK supermarket Waitrose. The flavours consist of Squeaky Bean Sweet Original Pancakes (360g) and Squeaky Bean Fluffy American-style Pancakes (200g). Both cost £2.50 and are ready-to-eat.
Aldi has revamped its vegan offerings to coincide with the increasingly popular Veganuary concept in the UK.
Its Loma Linda Fishless Tuno is made using soy protein and seaweed powder and available in classic Tuno Mayonnaise or Tuno Spring Water. (On sale from for £1.09 per 100g tin.)
Its new Plant Menu Vegan Sausage Roll (99p each) is available in two flavours – No Pork or BBQ Jackfruit.
Its Limited Edition Eat & Go Korean BBQ Style Chick’n Sandwich is a sandwich filled with chicken style pieces in a Korean style BBQ sauce and topped with pink pickled onions, vegan mayonnaise and spinach.
The supermarket is also offering a Eat & Go Vegan Onion Bhaji with Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Wrap (£1.79) and Vegan Ready Meals (£2.49, 380g) available in Mushroom Bolognese and Three Bean Chilli.
Returning to Aldi’s frozen range this year are the Plant Menu Vegan Ready Meals (1.99, 400g). These are available in Smoky BBQ Jackfruit, Red Pepper & Mango Curry and Yellow Thai Curry.
The Plant Menu Vegan Pizza (£1.75) has various toppings, including BBQ Jackfruit, Spicy Cauliflower or ‘Bacon’ & Mushroom. The Plant Menu Vegan Rosemary & Onion Sausages (£0.99, 300g) are meat-free sausages that resemble the real-deal in both shape, size and taste.
Finally, the Leone Vegan Choc Stick (£1.49, pack of 3) is available in classic and almond flavour.
French firm Il Etait Un Fruit has brought out a new snacking range for children called ‘My Organic Taste’, which are crisps made from 100% fruit. Available in national supermarkets, they come in two flavours: plain crunchy apples or crunchy strawberry apple (infused in strawberry juice) and cost 0,89€ and 0,99€ per 15 g pack respectively.
Made without added sugars, additives or preservatives, one bag is the equivalent of a portion of fruit among the five recommended by the National Nutrition Health Program (PNNS).
Subway has launched a vegan version of its signature product in the UK: the Meatball Marinara.
The sandwich is made from plant-based non-meatballs, covered in the original marinara sauce and topped with melted vegan cheese.
Colin Hughes, country director Subway UK and Ireland said: “We’re always shaking up our menu at Subway as we are constantly innovating. Our guests wanted a meatless version of our iconic Sub, so we made it for them. The Meatless Meatball Marinara is equally as delicious as the original, and a tempting choice for all our guests, whether they are looking for a plant-based alternative, or simply want to enjoy something a little different.”
The product joins the company’s other vegan offerings including the Vegan Sub and the Vegan Salad, plus its vegan sauces, including Garlic Aioli, Sriracha Hot Chilli and Sweet Onion.
UK speciality cheese company Norseland has launched a new cheese-bar snack called Amazin Grazin. According to Norseland, the product contains 100% natural ingredients, is made from mild cheddar cheese, and contains no artificial ingredients.
The bars are available in three flavours, with bold and colourful branding:
* Smokey chipotle (spicy): mild cheddar cheese blended with smoky chipotle flakes, sweet chilli jam, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds;
* Sticky date and honey (sweet): mild cheddar cheese blended with orange blossom honey, sticky chopped dates, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds;
* Berry and cherry (fruit): mild cheddar cheese blended with blueberries, cranberries, cherries, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds
Amazin Grazin will be available exclusively in 290 Sainsbury's stores from 1 January to the end of April in packs of four (RRP £2.70 a pack). Each bar weighs 35g. The bars will be stocked alongside other cheeses in the fridge section or in the ‘on the go' section to buy as a single bar.
Norseland said the product was launched in response to an increasing trend to snack from the ‘on-the-go generation'. “Young consumers want easy snacking options, but they are really demanding a high taste factor" said Dominique Delacour, head of marketing and new product development at Norseland. "We think the launch of this new tasty, snack, which is made from 100% natural ingredients, will be popular with millennials, and generation Z, whose mantra for life is to be adventurous and try new things, while keeping a check on their health. Amazin Grazin is also a snack made completely in Britain, meaning fewer air miles, and we have kept the packaging to a minimum, as we are environmentally conscious.”
Swedish plant-based brand Oumph has launched its vegan ribs into select Tesco stores in the UK and Ireland.
Sticky Smokehouse Oumph are rib style fillets, covered in a richly flavoured sticky, smoky barbecue sauce. Oumph is made from soya beans, herbs and spices. It's plant-based and free from gluten and dairy.
Sarah Bird, Buying Manager – Prepared Foods at Tesco said: "As we expand our plant-based offering, we’re pleased to be introducing Oumph Sticky Smokehouse to a number of our stores. It’s a fun, tasty option for anyone considering going vegan or trying a flexitarian diet and perfect to support our Veganuary campaign."
Like the other Oumph products at Tesco, such as Pulled Oumph, Oumph The Chunk and Oumph Kebab Spiced, the Sticky Smokehouse Oumph is sold in the frozen section.
Laura Weadock, Account Manager at Oumph, said: “We know this will be a great hit with all customers and Veganuary is a perfect time to try it, whether your new to Oumph or trying for the first time, our feedback suggests you’ll be amazed with the great taste and it’s perfect for those Big Nights In.”
