FoodNavigator profiles some of the new product launches that caught our eye in the first few days of 2023. Innovation highlights include products targeting the vegan-curious during the 'Veganuary' promotional period and better-for-you beverages championing local ingredients.
FoodNavigator profiles some of the new product launches that caught our eye in the first few days of 2023. Innovation highlights include products targeting the vegan-curious during the 'Veganuary' promotional period and better-for-you beverages championing local ingredients.
Pic: GettyImages-BrianAJackson innovation
Spanish plant-based innovator Heura has unveiled its first alternative fish products that it describes as 'sustainable Mediterranean inspired foods that don’t disrupt the marine ecosystem'. According to the company, its new plant-based fish analogues have 70% less climate impact than conventional fish.
“Science and data have shown us the importance of keeping marine ecosystems intact, and the best way to do so is to reduce human activity to the minimum,” said CEO and Co-Founder of Heura Marc Coloma. “As a mission-driven food-tech startup steeped in rich Mediterranean heritage, we recognized the need to introduce fish successors, so people across Europe can continue to enjoy the foods we love, while minimising the negative impact on the planet and animals. The launch of our 100% plant-based fish is our latest step towards Heura’s ambition of creating a net positive food system by accelerating the transition to plant-based protein and offering sought-after foods with a significantly lower CO2 impact that enables a more just food system.”
After more than a year of research and development, Heura is launching two SKUs: F’sh Fillet and F’sh Fingers.
The company says they are low in saturated fat and rich in high-quality protein, providing 40mg of Omega 3.
Heura is the first company to conduct a comparative LCA for a plant-based fish, according to the ISO 14040 standard. Comparative LCAs include a critical review by an external review panel to guarantee accuracy. The study's preliminary results found that Heura’s F’sh Fillet and F’sh Fingers have more than 70% less climate impact than animal fish. This is just the start of Heura’s foray into plant-based fish, with new SKUs slated to add to the collection next year, the plant-based innovator said.
Carbon-negative energy drink brand TENZING has launched a new blend: Apple & Seaberry.
The new SKU has been used to 'source local and support local', championing British ingredients including Cornish seaberries, Cornish Sea Salt and British apples. TENZING has partnered with Cornish Seaberry Co to source its seaberries.
The beverage brand is also supporting Cornwall-based conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage, pledging to donate 1% of the SKU's sales. Huib van Bockel, TENZING founder, said: “We’re passionate about sourcing local and supporting local. We only source nature’s most powerful ingredients, and we don’t have to look very far when we’ve got ingredients like Cornish seaberries on our doorstep. And what’s better, every can sold will have a direct, positive impact on our Cornish partners with proceeds going to Surfers Against Sewage.”
But what is a seaberry? Bright orange in colour, these berries are full of flavour - 'think mango, passion fruit and lemon wrapped into one taste explosion', according to TENZING. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
The 330ml can (RRP £2.00) has launched into Co-op stores throughout the UK.
The Great British Porridge Co has unveiled its new Oatrageously Original mix.
The newest addition to its growing range of 100% natural, instant, plant-based porridge mixes, Oatrageously Original focuses on the 'true beauty and versatility of the humble oat', according to the company.
“We’re thrilled to finally be releasing our Oatrageously Original porridge to the world. Smoothie bowls, bircher and overnight oats are becoming increasingly popular so we wanted to offer porridge lovers across the country the chance to get creative with their breakfasts and design their own unique bowls of greatness using this delicious new launch,” explained Matt Hunt, Owner of The Great British Porridge Co.
The Great British Porridge Co said it uses 'only the most nutrient-rich ingredients'. “Our plant-based mixes are made using 100% natural ingredients, they are also high in fibre so they’ll keep the nation feeling fuller for longer,” Hunt added.
The Great British Porridge Co’s Oatrageously Original Porridge is RRP £3.20 for 1 x 385g pouch (8 servings). Available from January 2023, this mix will join existing flavours including: Classic Chocolate, Blueberry & Banana, Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed, Strawberry & Peanut and Caffe Latte.
Vegan brand Squeaky Bean is launching a Heat & Eat range, including seasoned chicken and tandoori chicken style pieces.
Launching in time for Veganuary, Squeaky Bean said the new range has been specifically designed for cooking at home. It launched into Sainsbury's yesterday (2nd January) with 175g pack retailing at £3.
The new range follows the launch of Squeaky Bean’s first ready to cook product, Cooking Chorizo Style Sausage, which launched in Waitrose last month. Both products have been developed after feedback from consumers, who are increasingly looking to cook with its ready to eat products, the company said.
Made with wheat and pea protein, the Chicken Style Pieces are 100% vegan, high in protein (Tandoori: 25g/100g, Seasoned Chicken: 26g/100g) and low in saturated fat (Tandoori: 1.4g/100g, Seasoned Chicken 1.0g/100g).
Rebecca Youseman, Brand Manager at Squeaky Bean, which is part of The Compleat Food Group, said: “At Squeaky Bean we’ve perfected tasty textures that hit the spot in those fridge to face moments with our ready to eat range. However, when our fans said they wanted to cook with Squeaky, not just snack on it, we knew we had to listen!
“The result is a range of great tasting ready to cook chicken style pieces that don’t compromise on that famous Squeaky flavour. With our Seasoned Chicken Style Pieces offering a lightly seasoned option and our Tandoori Chicken Style Pieces delivering a spicy kick, the Heat & Eat range will help bring more plant-based excitement to the kitchen, while holding that fantastic texture our products are known for.
“We believe that plant-based food should be an exciting choice rather than a chore, and we are certain these new products offer just that – a craveable, convenient, ready to cook choice that will convert even the biggest of meat eaters.”
Bio&Me, created by The Gut Health Doctor Dr Megan Rossi, has added two new 100% Gluten Free Gut-Loving Granolas to its range. Cashew & Almond and Berry Burst prebiotic granolas have launched in Holland & Barrett and will be available via Sainsbury’s from 1st January.
Dr Megan Rossi, Bio&Me co-founder, commented: “At Bio&Me, we’re on a mission to make looking after your gut health not only deliciously easy but more accessible. Everyone’s gut is different, and our new gluten free granolas will help give even greater choice to consumers who avoid gluten, whether that be because they have coeliac disease or gluten intolerance (more formally known as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity).”
Jon Walsh, Bio&Me co-founder, continued: “We know good gut health is the gateway to a variety of health benefits and overall well-being. We also know that consumers are engaging with gut health now more than ever before. As a case in point, since we launched our first gluten free granola at the beginning of this year, we’ve had numerous requests to add to our repertoire. We are delighted to be fulfilling that demand and offering everyone a gut healthy, nutritious gluten free granola option that doesn’t compromise on taste. 2022 has been an enormous year for the brand with seven new category retail launches, and 2023 promises more of the same… watch this space for our next big gut health category innovation!”
