Expo West: New Plant Based Alternatives Seek Global Flavors, Span Seafood To Center Store
The plant-based food movement has seeped into every corner of the grocery store from the butcher counter to frozen and center store and this year’s Natural Products Expo West saw plenty of new entrants and the expansion of product lines from key players in the space. Check out the gallery below for a selection of new plant-based chicken, meat, seafood, cheese and meal innovations we saw at the show.
Future Farm
Alternative protein player Future Farm unveiled its “2.0 direction” with twelve new innovations at this year’s show. New products include plant-based honey, milk, chicken and tuna products as well as the next evolution of its Future Burger. The new “4.0” version intends to improve upon the burger’s flavor texture and texture while also incorporating a cleaner formula. Future Farm products are available via a range of e-commerce platforms, Amazon Fresh and a handful of independent and regional retailers.
Daring
Plant-based chicken maker Daring Foods expanded into the meal space with the introduction of four ready-to-heat bowls at this year’s show. Available in Teriyaki, Fajita, Penne Primavera Pasta and Autumn Harvest varieties, Daring’s new bowls can be prepared in under five minutes in a microwave. The brand also sampled its new Teriyaki bites and boneless Buffalo wings during the show.
New Breed
Alternative protein player New Breed introduced a new line of seasoned chicken products at the show. The line, which comes in Jamaican Jerk, BBQ Jerk, Smoky BBQ, Caribbean Curry and Lightly Seasoned varieties, aims to bring more global flavors into the plant-based protein category. The new line join’s New Breeds existing lineup including beef grounds, burgers and sausages.
Schicken
Restaurant-inspired, UK-based vegan food company Shicken is looking to expand its presence to the U.S., sampling its meat-free Tikka Kebab Skewers stateside for the first time ever at the show. The brand currently sells a range of curry and kebab products across the pond at retailers including Tesco and Costco with flavors ranging from Rogan Josh to Korma Curry.
Hilary’s
Hilary’s PrimePlants debuted three allergen-friendly plant-based products including Chickpea Curry Bites, Tomato & Spinach Fritters and Super Mushroom Burgers. The company also launched Beet Sunflower Poppers which do not contain gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, and artificial ingredients. The new innovations come nearly two years after PlantPlus Foods, a joint venture between Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Brazilian beef processor Marfrig, acquired Hilary’s alongside Sol Cuisine.
Deep Indian Kitchen
Indian food brand Deep launched two new entrees at the show including a plant-based Chik’n Curry. The new entree joins Deep’s growing plant-based portfolio which also includes two other products: Coconut Chicken Korma and Chicken Tikka Masala. The product’s feature Deep’s signature sauces, but reformulated to be dairy-free as well as a new alt-chicken technology that uses high moisture extrusion (HME) to improve the analog’s taste and texture.
Krave
Meat stick maker Krave expanded deeper into the plant-based space, introducing three alt-meat sticks made from pea and fava beans at the show. The snack comes in Korean Barbecue, Smoked Chipotle and Cracked Peppercorn and contains 6 grams of protein and no sugar. The new sticks are Krave’s second plant-based offering following its plant-based jerky launch in early 2020. Krave previously teased a legume-based stick, but the product never entered the market.
Actual Veggies
Veggie-forward plant-based brand Actual Veggies debuted its first extension beyond patties with the launch of Actual Veggie Balls. The new line comes in four varieties – Southwestern Black Bean, Eggplant Chickpea, Smokey Sweet Potato and Roasted Mushroom. Actual VeggieBalls contain 4 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving and come in a pack of 12. The product will launch in April exclusively on HungryRoot ahead of broader distribution later this year.
Climax
Food tech company Climax debuted at the show with four alt-cheese varieties, brie, blue cheese, feta, and chevre, made through an AI-informed, reverse engineering process that replicates animal-based foods to be created with plants. The California-based company recently opened its production facility in Petaluma and is planning for a pilot launch with a handful of restaurant partners prior to a larger, retail roll out.
Jinka
Alternative seafood maker Jinka expanded further into the set with two new pre-cooked, ready-to-heat products: Calamari and Crab Poppers. Both innovations are free from the top-nine allergens and contain less than 10 ingredients. The products join Jinka’s alt-tuna product which comes in three flavors – Original, Spicy and Lemon & Dill – and are sold at Whole Foods stores nationwide.
Sach
Indian food brand Sāch launched three new plant-based meal starter kits in Dal Delight, Pindi Chana and Saag Chana varieties. Each box contains a pre-cooked protein, either black lentils or chickpeas depending on the variety, in addition to a simmer sauce packet and dry, whole spices. The meal kits contain up to three servings and can be prepared in five minutes. Sach also launched two vegetarian, paneer-centric meal kits during the show in Smokey BBQ and Tandoori flavors.
