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This week’s roundup of notable new products saw brands launching heat-and-eat meals inspired by global flavors, creating better-for-you, vegan versions of classic candy bars and crafting a spicy sauce with “one of the most sustainable foods on the planet.”

In this week’s Checkout: NPD finds inflation pushes consumers to bargain grocery shop and visit restaurants less; Creatd Ventures completes acquisition of breakfast brand Brave; Justin’s continues to support the bees; and Luke Bryan makes popcorn to support the future of the agricultural industry.

In their ongoing efforts to win the hearts and minds of U.S. consumers, emerging plant-based meat giants are looking to make their case at the drive-through. But have these moves accomplished their purpose and contributed to ongoing success?

Pangea Natural Foods has launched a pilot partnership with H Mart stores in Texas as part of a larger goal of expanding its plant-based patty business internationally.

Two months after downgrading its full-year guidance due to “unprecedented volatility” and “numerous challenges,” Hain Celestial announced today that net sales for the full Fiscal Year 2022 dropped 4% year-over-year to $1.89 billion.

What started as a way to treat mental health for a father and son has evolved into a wellness-focused tea brand with the support of Gwyneth Paltrow that offers both RTD cans and loose leaf blends targeting marginalized communities.

California-based Goodles has landed its better-for-you mac and cheese in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide, marking its first placement in a natural channel retailer.

Consumer demand for BFY frozen pizza has begun to gain ground on conventional varieties. With this increased demand, brands have begun to view the segment as a mode to expand their better-for-you comfort food lines and reach new areas of the store.

Jen Liao, the co-founder of XCJ, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer frozen food brand inspired by Chinese street cuisine, spoke about how rapid planning and thoughtful execution have paid massive dividends in the company’s development, why self-manufacturing was the only path forward and how XCJ is managing multiple business divisions while continuing to grow and maintain quality standards.

UK-based wellness brand TRIP has closed a $12 million funding round as it expands from CBD-infused drinks and oils into gummies.