For some, May is all about Star Wars (May the Fourth be with you). For others, it’s about soaking in the beauty of spring flowers in full bloom. And for a select few, it’s all about cherries. That’s right—cherry season has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to whip up delicious recipes like cherry pie or even cherry margaritas. Learn more about the benefits of eating more cherries during this season, and get some delicious recipe inspiration here.
May also marks the approach of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This year, American attendees will receive a delicious dairy-free chocolate gift. But these aren’t the only chocolate treats in the spotlight.
Vegan chocolate churros are making their way to the US, while the UK is set to welcome new Galaxy vegan chocolate bars. Meanwhile, a Bulgarian company has come to the rescue of a beloved dairy-free chocolate bar brand, saving it from administration. Read on to discover all the details and much more below.
Eat Just
Eat Just launches eggless protein
Eat Just, the plant-based egg brand, has launched a new product: Just One protein powder. Like its signature liquid egg, the powder is made entirely from mung beans—hence the name Just One. According to the brand’s Instagram post, each serving delivers 30 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids. “It’s the same highly sustainable and endlessly versatile protein that powers Just Egg, now available in its purest form,” the post reads. Just One is now available at Whole Foods Market.
Country Crock launches home-style dairy-free, soy-free butters at Walmart
Butter brand Country Crock has announced a brand new product: Country Crock Homestyle Dairy Free Butter. According to the brand, the new plant-based spread is “perfect for cooking and baking” and is now available at Walmart stores across the US. This is not the first vegan product from the brand. In 2023, it teamed up with the Kardashians to launch its Plant Butter. “I feel so excited because I’ve been trying to do less dairy, and I’ve been trying to find swaps where you don’t taste the difference,” Khloé Kardashian said at the time. “They’re exactly the same,” Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, continued, further highlighting the similar taste of Country Crock and dairy butter.
Loma Linda’s parent company has filed for bankruptcy
Atlantic Foods, which owns popular vegan brands like Loma Linda and Tuno, has filed for bankruptcy. The New Orleans-based company started proceedings in early April. It confirmed to Just Food: “[The company will] continue to service customers and consumers as we build up to our new restructured planned outcome.” The move comes after Atlantic Natural Foods terminated a partnership with Canadian regenerative ingredients company Above Food at the end of last year.
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Smart Organic just acquired vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw
Fans of UK vegan chocolate brand LoveRaw will be relieved to learn that it has been bought out of administration. Smart Organic, a Bulgarian food group, just acquired the brand (which is known for vegan cream wafer bars and peanut butter cups) for an undisclosed sum. “LoveRaw’s innovative approach and strong brand identity complement our existing portfolio,” said Smart Organic CEO Yani Dragov in a statement. “We are excited to support its growth and expansion in the UK and beyond.”
Chicago Balkan restaurant launches plant-based tasting experiences
Ambar, a popular Balkan restaurant in Chicago, has announced the launch of a new unlimited plant-based tasting experience. For $54.99, diners can feast on vegan dishes like Crispy Corn Ribs, Balkan Donuts, Balkan Salad, Roasted Piquillo Peppers, and much more.
New report suggests plant-based sales are on the up
A new report from the Good Food Institute has examined the state of the plant-based industry in 2024. While recognizing that meat production continues to grow, the report highlighted advancements in the cultivated meat and plant-based protein sectors. It noted that plant-based companies successfully raised approximately $309 million in funding. Additionally, global retail sales of plant-based meat, seafood, milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese saw a 5 percent increase, reaching a total of $28.6 billion.
Eclipse Foods
Eclipse Foods has created vegan whole milk that tastes just like dairy
California-based dairy-free brand Eclipse Foods says its new Non-Dairy Whole Milk doesn’t just mimic its dairy counterpart, but replicates it entirely. According to the brand, the flavor, color, and consistency are all identical to dairy whole milk options. “We are so proud to debut the first-ever non-dairy milk that looks, tastes, and acts like conventional dairy,” Thomas Bowman, co-founder and CEO of Eclipse, said in a statement. “It is a saturated market, but we knew we could develop an outstanding product that wasn’t just an imitation of dairy, but a true replacement.”
Aldi launches vegan frozen chocolate churros
Traditionally, churros aren’t vegan, as they’re often made with eggs and dairy. But if you’re craving a plant-based version of this delicious treat, Aldi has you covered. According to Big Box Vegan, after a successful launch in the UK, US locations of the budget supermarket chain will soon offer vegan Churro Bites filled with rich chocolate hazelnut cream.
Galaxy launches dairy-free honeycomb chocolate bars
Mars-owned chocolate brand Galaxy has launched a new dairy-free chocolate bar option in the UK. Dairy Free Honeycomb is currently exclusively available from Sainsbury’s supermarkets. “It’s the indulgence you expect from Galaxy, without the dairy,” notes the brand. “Crafted for those living a dairy-free lifestyle, the new 40g bar is ideal for popping in your bag and enjoying as a moment of pleasure on the move.”
Planted lands in major UK supermarket
Chocolate isn’t the only new vegan offering hitting UK supermarket shelves. Swiss brand Planted is launching its fermented, umami-rich plant-based steak in Tesco stores. The vegan steaks are made with natural ingredients like soy protein and beans. The brand stated last year: “Our steak is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning palate, no matter if cooked at home or in a restaurant. This is a real game changer—not just for us, but for the entire industry.”
Cannes Film Festival to give out vegan chocolates in VIP gift bags
The Cannes International Film Festival is set to kick off on May 13, and attendees won’t be short on delicious treats. This year, the American Pavilion (the hub for American attendees of the festival) will be handing out VIP gift bags with vegan chocolates from Scottish brand Fetcha Chocolates inside. In fact, the chocolatier has even created its own limited edition collection for the occasion. Called The Cannes Collection, it features flavors like Cappucino, Matcha and Lime, and even Haggis Spice. “With so many people from around the world at Cannes and visiting The American Pavilion, we wanted the flavors to reflect that diversity and creativity. We’ve poured our hearts into The Cannes Collection to make it something truly special,” owner Fiona McArthur told The Scotsman.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
