New This Week In Vegan Food Across the U.S.
From snack-sized dairy-free cheddar sticks to plant-based shakes, here’s what’s new in plant-based food offerings.
As plant-based eating continues to take the world by storm, more and more tasty animal-free options are hitting supermarket shelves and restaurant menus.
Here’s a roundup of our favorite vegan food releases in the U.S. to whet your appetite:
Beyond Meatballs Coming to Walmart Stores in June
From June 2021, you’ll be able to pick up Beyond Meat’s pre-seasoned, plant-based meatballs at 2,100 Walmart stores across the U.S. Walmart is no stranger to Beyond Meat, with the supermarket already stocking products including Beyond Sausages and its Cookout Classic value pack of Beyond Burgers.
And, in celebration of the launch, Beyond Meat food trucks will be serving free samples of their vegan fare to customers outside Walmart stores in Dallas and Southern California.
“At Beyond Meat, we are proud to offer a growing portfolio of plant-based meat products that enables us to expand our retail presence,” Beyond Meat Chief Growth Officer Chuck Muth said. “The addition of Beyond Meatballs to Walmart shelves allows us to make available more of our delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based options.”
Miyoko’s Creamery’s New Dairy-Free Cheddar Sticks
Miyoko's Creamery, an artisan vegan cheese brand, has just launched its newest product: kid-friendly vegan cheddar sticks that are ideal for lunchboxes.
As well as being entirely plant-based, the Plant Milk Cheddar sticks are also free from gluten, soy, cashew and palm oil, with key ingredients including Miyoko’s Plant Milk (which contains coconut oil, oats, and chickpeas), faba bean protein, pineapple, and hemp seed butter.
The Plant Milk Cheddar Sticks have been released on Miyko’s website, retailing at $4.99 per pack containing six cheddar sticks each. From next month, they’re set to roll out across Whole Food Markets before arriving at other stores right before school starts up again - and thanks to their cute packaging and handy lunch box size, these dairy-free cheddar sticks are sure to be a hit with kids.
“For a while now, parents have asked us when we’ll introduce more family-friendly snackable options, and we’re very excited to launch Vegan Cheddar Sticks,” founder and CEO of Miyoko’s Creamy Miyoko Schinner told VegNews. “These vegan cheese sticks allow us to continue on our promise of delivering all the goodness of plant milk and with no added flavors; they also have two grams of plant protein. Earlier this week, we gave our social media followers a sneak peek at the new Vegan Cheddar Sticks and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Plant-Based Cheeseburgers And Vegan Milkshakes with Non-Dairy Whipped Cream Arriving at Johnny Rockets
The classic American restaurant, Johnny Rockets, has announced a new plant-based lineup featuring a diner-style burger made with Impossible Burger’s meat-free patty and topped with Daiya Foods’ dairy-free cheddar-style cheese. The diner chain has also released three vegan shakes available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, made with Craig’s Vegan ice-cream and topped with non-dairy whipped cream.
The plant-based menu items will be available for a limited time throughout the summer and may become permanent menu items. While Johnny Rockets does not currently offer a vegan burger bun, the franchise has stated they will “look to continue to innovate their menu, based on customer feedback.”
“The Johnny Rockets environment and menu delivers a piece of nostalgic Americana at locations around the globe,” Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of Johnny Rockets’ parent company FAT Brands, said. “While that will always be the most evident and fun part of the Johnny Rockets experience, we also acknowledge the future, which is plant-based.”
Trader Joe’s Launches Vegan Fudge Ice Cream Bars
Grocery store, Trader Joe’s, has expanded its vegan dessert offerings with the introduction of non-dairy Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars. The frozen dessert is similar to the classic fudgesicle, but it is made with oat milk and semisweet vegan chocolate. The sweet treat is also 100% gluten-free and can be bought in packs of 4 for $3.49.
“These fudgy bars are a delicious gluten-free and vegan version of a nostalgic treat that comes with memories, but not the dairy,” said Trader Joe’s. “Chocolate-y, silky, and satisfying, these are sure to be a hit for all ages.”
Keep an eye out for more veganized-versions of familiar favorites - the grocery chain plans to expand their line of frozen vegan treats to keep up with customer demand!
Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches Available at Costco
Alternative protein brand, Alpha Foods, is launching five new plant-based breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos at Costco that will hit the frozen aisle of grocery stores nationwide this June.
The new lineup includes a Meatless Sausage, Plant Egg & Cheeze Breakfast Sandwich, a Spicy Chorizo, Plant Egg & Cheeze Breakfast Sandwich, a protein Supreme Breakfast Burrito, a Bac'n Scramble Breakfast Burrito and a Rockin' Ranchero Breakfast Burrito.
“We are continuously reimagining convenient, plant-based options for everyone to enjoy during every meal of the day,” said Cole Orobetz, the co-founder and CEO of Alpha Foods.
Target Set to Launch an Entire New Line of Plant-Based Food
Get ready for chick’n tenders, buffalo-style cauliflower wings, and chocolate-flavored, vegan mousse dips! The eighth-largest U.S. retailer company, Target, has announced plans to launch a line of plant-based foods with all items priced under $8.
Good & Gather Plant Based line will expand its range of plant-based products to offer more than 30 plant-based items, including meat and chicken alternatives, dairy-free creamers, and plant-based dips, spreads, and salad dressings.
“Guest demand for plant-based offerings is incredibly high and continues to grow,” said Rick Gomez, Target’s executive vice president and chief food and beverage officer. “By adding Good & Gather Plant Based to our curated assortment of plant-based offerings, we’re giving guests more of what they want and making it easy for them to discover the joy of food every day”.
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