It’s been a big week. And no, we’re not talking about Taylor Swift’s new album announcement, although that was some pretty major news. We are, of course, talking about the food industry.
Take Eleven Madison Park, for example, which sent the internet into a spiral with the news that it will no longer be fully plant-based, adding animal products back to the menu in October. Chef Daniel Humm cited financial struggles and concerns that the vegan focus felt exclusionary. “I’ve learned that for me to truly champion plant-based cooking, I need to create an environment where everyone feels welcome around the table,” he said in a statement. Read more about the news here.
Still, plenty of companies are doubling down on plant-based. Century Pacific has bailed out Loma Linda, and Revo Foods has raised funding to make more innovative plant-based seafood and meat products. Learn more about all of this, and more, below.
Elijah Wood shows support for vegan fast-food restaurant Face Plant
In Portland, vegan fast-food restaurant Face Plant was thrilled to welcome Elijah Wood as a customer recently, posting a video from the actor on Instagram. In the post, Wood encourages more people to visit the “incredible” vegan fast-food restaurant, which opened its doors in March.
Salt & Straw introduces new vegan flavors
Popular ice cream chain Salt & Straw has introduced several new vegan flavors. Choices include Peach Jam Miso Blondies, made with toasted coconut cream, two white miso-butternut blondies, and peach jam; Hazelnut Cookies & Cream, featuring bourbon vanilla coconut cream, crushed sandwich cookies, and hazelnut butter fudge; and the adventurous Pickled Cucumber Sorbet, crafted with brine from Grillo’s pickles.
Silk launches Maple Brown Sugar Cold Foam Creamer for fall
It might still be August, but new fall product launches are coming in fast. Dairy-free brand Silk, for example, has announced a new limited edition Maple Brown Sugar flavor in its Cold Foam Creamer range for fall. The new oat milk foam creamer will be available in stores soon.
Malk Organics brings back Pumpkin Spice Almond Malk
Of course, if we’re talking about fall flavors, pumpkin spice is a staple. That’s why, this month, Malk Organics is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Almond Malk, made with organic pumpkin, organic almonds, spices, and maple syrup, for a limited time. It’s not alone—you can find more of our go-to vegan pumpkin spice products here.
Tuno
Century Pacific North America has acquired Atlantic Natural Food’s Loma Linda and Tuno
Earlier this year, Atlantic Natural Foods, which produces the iconic, old-school vegan brands Loma Linda and Tuno, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. But now there may be some hope. The company was just acquired by Century Pacific North America (CPNA), which produces UnMeat products, for less than $10 million.
“This is a strategic and synergistic move for CPNA,” Greg Banzon, chief operating officer at Century Pacific Natural Foods, said in a statement. We are bringing together a trusted heritage brand and a disruptor brand under one roof—leveraging decades of consumer trust with bold innovation. This allows us to serve both loyal customers and new generations seeking accessible, nutritious, and sustainable food choices.”
Sweet Loren’s
Sweet Loren’s launches new vegan gluten-free Monster Cookie Dough
Allergen-free cookie dough brand Sweet Loren’s has launched a first-of-its-kind gluten-free cookie dough mix made with puffed amaranth. Called Monster Cookie Dough, the new product is also free from peanuts and tree nuts, and is packed with oats, rainbow chips, and chocolate chips.
Publix bakery launches new vegan cookies
Craving more cookie news? We’ve got you. Publix’s bakery department has just launched not one, but two new vegan cookies: key lime coconut and salted caramel. Per the Instagram account Big Box Vegan, if you want to stock up on the cookies, it’s worth calling ahead to see if they’re available at your local store, as they haven’t rolled out everywhere yet.
Plantible
New factory opens in Texas, producing duckweed protein for plant-based meat
Plantible, a biology company specializing in protein from duckweed, has opened its first commercial facility in Eldorado, Texas. Equipped with greenhouses and upgraded filtration systems, the site can produce thousands of metric tons of biomass and hundreds of metric tons of protein each year. The company’s flagship ingredient, Rubi Protein, is already being used in products ranging from dairy alternatives to plant-based meats.
“This marks a defining moment for Plantible, our partners, and the community of Eldorado,” said Tony Martens, co-founder and CEO of Plantible, in a statement. “We’re scaling a food system rooted in science, sustainability, and shared prosperity — proving that it’s possible to build resilient food solutions while creating real economic opportunity in rural America.”
Revo Foods raises $1.8 million in crowdfunding
Lately, Revo Foods has partnered with Juicy Marbles to bring new vegan cod and salmon fillets to the US market. But could more products be on the way? It’s looking promising. The Austrian brand has just secured around $1.8 million in a crowdfunding round from more than 200 investors. The new investment will help the company to scale production and further develop its 3D-printing technology. As well as its partnership with Juicy Marbles, the company is known for its own hyper-realistic vegan products, like The Kraken, an octopus alternative complete with tentacles.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
