Food tech start-up Hooray Foods has secured the backing of venture capital firm Stray Dog Capital in a seed funding round. Founded in 2019, Hooray Foods has created a plant-based bacon that aims to replicate the cooking experience, taste and texture of animal-based bacon. The San Francisco-headquartered company claims to have developed a novel approach to encapsulating fat into a plant-based meat substrate. Its vegan offering is reportedly minimally processed and uses only ‘simple, clean’ ingredients. It is also free from gluten and soy. Hooray Foods is led by Sri Artham, who previously worked as the VP of Consumer Packaged Goods at Fairtrade USA. In a funding pitch video posted on the company’s LinkedIn page, Arthram said they were seeking capital to “ramp up” production and invest in R&D. The company has already been market testing in two San Francisco restaurants and says that it has interest from two “leading grocers” in rolling out its bacon by the end of 2020. Stray Dog Capital also led the brand’s pre-seed round last October. It was among several members of the GlassWall Syndicate, a group of investors focused on products and services that ‘positively impact animals, people, and the planet’, to participate in this latest round. “Grubhub reported that vegan bacon spiked 113% last year - we know that consumers are hungry for options like this,” said Macy Marriott, GlassWall Syndicate manager at Stray Dog Capital. “We’re thrilled to have led the round for this SDC portfolio company - Sri is a true visionary when it comes to creating plant-based bacon’s new reputation as a crisp, savoury, and guilt-free addition to any breakfast lover’s plate.” Hooray Foods founder Artham added: “Stray Dog Capital is one of the most prolific investors in plant-based eating, and I’m beyond honoured that they believe in us so early on, and see that beyond bacon, we have a vision for plant-based meats that closely mimic their animal counterparts while using ingredients you can feel great about - Hooray!"

Plant-based brand Treeline Cheese has unveiled a new line of dairy-free cream cheeses, made with cashew nuts. Treeline’s ‘tangy’ new offering comes in three flavours: Plain, containing only five ingredients and delivering ‘a rich, creamy texture’; Chive & Onion, a savoury spread made with fresh chives and onions; and Strawberry, featuring real strawberries for ‘the perfect sweet spread’. As well as catering for vegan diets, the new Cashew Cream Cheeses are reportedly free from gluten, kosher parve, and low in saturated fat when compared to their dairy counterpart. The New York-based brand says that it ferments, or cultures, cashew nuts with a healthy probiotic known as L. Acidophilus to make its cheeses. Treeline also offers two varieties of Aged Nut Cheese wheels – Classic and Cracked Pepper – and four flavours of Soft French-Style Nut Cheese. These are all said to be made without artificial ingredients, stabilisers, and thickeners. Commenting on the brand’s latest product launch, CEO Justin Lambeth said: “As more consumers look to reduce their dairy intake, the introduction of delicious and creamy plant-based cheeses that match the rich flavours and consistency of dairy cheese is driving category growth. “Treeline appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers from flexitarians to vegans.” Treeline’s Cashew Cream Cheese is available via the company’s website and nationwide in the US from retailers such as Sprouts Farmers Market. #TreelineCheese #US

Plant-based brand Treeline Cheese has unveiled a new line of dairy-free cream cheeses, made with cashew nuts. Treeline’s ‘tangy’ new offering comes in three flavours: Plain, containing only five ingredients and delivering ‘a rich, creamy texture’; Chive & Onion, a savoury spread made with fresh chives and onions; and Strawberry, featuring real strawberries for ‘the perfect sweet spread’. As well as catering for vegan diets, the new Cashew Cream Cheeses are reportedly free from gluten, kosher parve, and low in saturated fat when compared to their dairy counterpart. The New York-based brand says that it ferments, or cultures, cashew nuts with a healthy probiotic known as L. Acidophilus to make its cheeses. Treeline also offers two varieties of Aged Nut Cheese wheels – Classic and Cracked Pepper – and four flavours of Soft French-Style Nut Cheese. These are all said to be made without artificial ingredients, stabilisers, and thickeners. Commenting on the brand’s latest product launch, CEO Justin Lambeth said: “As more consumers look to reduce their dairy intake, the introduction of delicious and creamy plant-based cheeses that match the rich flavours and consistency of dairy cheese is driving category growth. “Treeline appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers from flexitarians to vegans.” Treeline’s Cashew Cream Cheese is available via the company’s website and nationwide in the US from retailers such as Sprouts Farmers Market.

US snacking company Simply 7 has expanded its better-for-you snacking portfolio with Sea Salt Veggie Straws and Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips. Sea Salt Veggie Straws are made up of potato and dehydrated cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, spinach and beetroot, providing 1/3 cup of vegetable per 1oz serving. Available in a 6oz bag, each serving contains 140 calories. Meanwhile, Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips are made with wholesome lentils and a blend of cayenne and chilli peppers. The snack is available in a 4oz bag and contains 140 calories per serving. Both snacks are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, kosher, organic and vegetarian. The two new products join Simply 7’s better-for-you and allergen-friendly snacking portfolio including Quinoa Curls, Kale Chips, Hummus Chips and flavoured ‘skinny’ popcorn. Simply 7’s recent product launch coincides with a fresh new look and packaging for the brand. It has also reduced sodium by an average of 30% across its entire portfolio. “We are excited to transform our brand and bring our fans what they’ve been asking for – stronger flavours, lower sodium, and a packaging design that is contemporary, fun, and healthy,” said Rashim Oberoi, president of Simply 7 Snacks. Sea Salt Veggie Straws and Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips are available to purchase now for an RRP of $3.99 in natural and mainstream grocery stores across the US. #Simply7 #US

US snacking company Simply 7 has expanded its better-for-you snacking portfolio with Sea Salt Veggie Straws and Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips. Sea Salt Veggie Straws are made up of potato and dehydrated cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, spinach and beetroot, providing 1/3 cup of vegetable per 1oz serving. Available in a 6oz bag, each serving contains 140 calories. Meanwhile, Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips are made with wholesome lentils and a blend of cayenne and chilli peppers. The snack is available in a 4oz bag and contains 140 calories per serving. Both snacks are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, kosher, organic and vegetarian. The two new products join Simply 7’s better-for-you and allergen-friendly snacking portfolio including Quinoa Curls, Kale Chips, Hummus Chips and flavoured ‘skinny’ popcorn. Simply 7’s recent product launch coincides with a fresh new look and packaging for the brand. It has also reduced sodium by an average of 30% across its entire portfolio. "We are excited to transform our brand and bring our fans what they've been asking for – stronger flavours, lower sodium, and a packaging design that is contemporary, fun, and healthy," said Rashim Oberoi, president of Simply 7 Snacks. Sea Salt Veggie Straws and Fiery Pepper Lentil Chips are available to purchase now for an RRP of $3.99 in natural and mainstream grocery stores across the US.

UK-based start-up Katie’s Food Co. has released a range of Banana Crisps, aimed at consumers seeking healthier snack options. Free from gluten, the brand’s new vegan offering comes in four flavours: Thai Sweet Chilli, Mixed Herb, Salt & Vinegar and Himalayan Salt. According to Katie’s Food Co., the crisps are designed to appeal to impulse snack buyers looking for ‘both flavour and function’, and each pack contains one of a consumer’s five-a-day. “I love bananas, and these crisps take the humble banana and turn it into something quite extraordinary,” said Katie’s Food Co. founder, Katie Grennall. “I’ve seen where the snack market is heading. People are no longer looking for a quick fix to fill their hunger pangs, they are considering what they are putting in their body and want to make sure that every calorie has nutritional clout. “Our banana crisps tick all the boxes; they are really tasty, completely natural… and they offer a slow energy release that will keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer, while providing one of your five-a-day.” Katie’s Food Co. Banana Crisps are available, for an RRP of £1.49 per 32g bag, from online retailers including Amazon, Yumbles, and The Vegan Kind. #KatiesFoodCo #UK

UK-based start-up Katie's Food Co. has released a range of Banana Crisps, aimed at consumers seeking healthier snack options. Free from gluten, the brand’s new vegan offering comes in four flavours: Thai Sweet Chilli, Mixed Herb, Salt & Vinegar and Himalayan Salt. According to Katie's Food Co., the crisps are designed to appeal to impulse snack buyers looking for ‘both flavour and function’, and each pack contains one of a consumer’s five-a-day. “I love bananas, and these crisps take the humble banana and turn it into something quite extraordinary,” said Katie's Food Co. founder, Katie Grennall. “I've seen where the snack market is heading. People are no longer looking for a quick fix to fill their hunger pangs, they are considering what they are putting in their body and want to make sure that every calorie has nutritional clout. “Our banana crisps tick all the boxes; they are really tasty, completely natural… and they offer a slow energy release that will keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer, while providing one of your five-a-day.” Katie's Food Co. Banana Crisps are available, for an RRP of £1.49 per 32g bag, from online retailers including Amazon, Yumbles, and The Vegan Kind.

Vegan food producer Squeaky Bean has launched a ready-to-eat plant-based tortilla, which it says is the first of its kind on the UK market. The plant-based brand’s alternative to the classic Spanish egg-based dish contains chunks of potato and onion in a ‘fluffy, golden’ chickpea base. The tortillas can be heated in a frying pan or microwave, or eaten straight from the pack. Squeaky bean suggests its latest offering be enjoyed as part of a picnic or tapas-style dinner, as a snack, or served with fries and salad. The brand’s parent company, Winterbotham Darby, has reportedly experienced a 69% increase in egg tortilla sales over the past three months. With the introduction of a plant-based substitute, the company aims to offer those following vegan or flexitarian diets a convenient and filling meal without the complexity that it says is often associated with vegan food. “We know some consumers struggle to find ready-to-eat and easy-to-create vegan food options, which can often mean those new to eating a plant-based diet, or who want to reduce their intake of animal products, perceive it as challenging,” said Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean’s co-creator. “We also see a huge gap for egg replacement products, an area for which many of our consumers are craving tasty solutions. “Squeaky Bean is meeting those needs with our new Potato and Onion Tortilla – in addition to our existing range of vegan food – which is super quick to prepare and packed with flavour.” Squeaky Bean Potato and Onion Tortilla is available, for an RRP of £2.00 per 250g pack, from select Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. #SqueakyBean #UK #WinterbothamDarby

Functional food brand Barebells has launched its first vegan range with two new protein-enriched bars, as it aims to meet increased demand for plant-based products. The bars can be purchased in the UK and are initially available in two flavours: Hazelnut & Nougat and Salty Peanut. Hazelnut & Nougat combines ‘creamy’ nougat with crispy chocolate-covered hazelnuts, while Salty Peanut claims to offer the ideal combination of sweet and salty flavours. Both vegan bars contain 15g of plant-based protein derived from soy, peas and rice. They contain no added sugars and are free-from palm oil. The new vegan products will join Barebells’ range of protein-enriched bars, bringing its total to 11 varieties. Each flavour and design is inspired by the American 1950’s era, such as the recently-launched Crunchy Fudge, Lemon Curd and Coconut-Choco. In addition to its protein-enriched alternatives to snacks and desserts, Barebells also offers protein milkshakes. “The rise in demand for vegan products over the past 12 months, and more recently during lockdown, goes to show that the nation is seeking tasty, healthy vegan protein products,” said Carlotta Cattelani, Barebells UK and Ireland marketing manager. She continued: “Making plant-based choices doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste and we’re here to prove that. With this range, we want to show that it’s possible to enjoy delicious vegan alternatives that still deliver a protein punch without the sugar. Whether you are vegan or just looking to introduce more plant-based products into your diet, these bars are perfect for you.” Both bars are available to purchase now in BP and Marks & Spencer petrol forecourts across the UK and online. #Barebells #proteinbars #UK #vegan

Vegan food producer Squeaky Bean has launched a ready-to-eat plant-based tortilla, which it says is the first of its kind on the UK market. The plant-based brand’s alternative to the classic Spanish egg-based dish contains chunks of potato and onion in a ‘fluffy, golden’ chickpea base. The tortillas can be heated in a frying pan or microwave, or eaten straight from the pack. Squeaky bean suggests its latest offering be enjoyed as part of a picnic or tapas-style dinner, as a snack, or served with fries and salad. The brand’s parent company, Winterbotham Darby, has reportedly experienced a 69% increase in egg tortilla sales over the past three months. With the introduction of a plant-based substitute, the company aims to offer those following vegan or flexitarian diets a convenient and filling meal without the complexity that it says is often associated with vegan food. “We know some consumers struggle to find ready-to-eat and easy-to-create vegan food options, which can often mean those new to eating a plant-based diet, or who want to reduce their intake of animal products, perceive it as challenging,” said Sarah Augustine, Squeaky Bean’s co-creator. “We also see a huge gap for egg replacement products, an area for which many of our consumers are craving tasty solutions. “Squeaky Bean is meeting those needs with our new Potato and Onion Tortilla – in addition to our existing range of vegan food – which is super quick to prepare and packed with flavour.” Squeaky Bean Potato and Onion Tortilla is available, for an RRP of £2.00 per 250g pack, from select Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

Alpha Foods has announced a new partnership with KFC that will see its plant-based Chik’n Nuggets available in KFC stores across Hong Kong. The launch forms part of KFC’s “New Era” plant-based series. The fast food chain has been leading trials for incorporating more plant-based and flexitarian items on its menu on a global scale. It has previously teamed up with Beyond Meat to explore its US audience and Cargill to explore the potential of plant-based options in China. Cole Orobetz, president of Alpha Foods, told FoodBev: “KFC Hong Kong turned to Alpha Foods to further grow and expand the plant-based movement in Asia and globally. The pandemic has given rise to a number of people looking to adopt more flexitarian lifestyles, and we’re happy to provide a convenient and better-for-you path to get there. “Our delicious plant-based products are made using a blend of high-quality ingredients that meet the needs of consumers looking for approachable and convenient meal options.” Each set of Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets contain 12g of non-GMO plant-based protein and is free-from cholesterol or synthetic hormones. Alpha Foods’ recent partnership with KFC forms part of its efforts towards its expansion overseas. Orobetz told FoodBev about its future plans: “We are working with the Green Monday team to enter a number of countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and China in both food service and retail. There is a lot of opportunity here for a large population base that is increasing their consumption of plant-based foods and we want to be part of the solution.” The partnership comes a few months after Alpha Foods secured $28 million in a Series A funding round led by venture capital fund AccelFoods. Alpha Foods’ Chick’n Nuggets are available to purchase at select locations across Hong Kong. #KFC #meatalternatives #AlphaFoods #HongKong #plantbased

Functional food brand Barebells has launched its first vegan range with two new protein-enriched bars, as it aims to meet increased demand for plant-based products. The bars can be purchased in the UK and are initially available in two flavours: Hazelnut & Nougat and Salty Peanut. Hazelnut & Nougat combines ‘creamy’ nougat with crispy chocolate-covered hazelnuts, while Salty Peanut claims to offer the ideal combination of sweet and salty flavours. Both vegan bars contain 15g of plant-based protein derived from soy, peas and rice. They contain no added sugars and are free-from palm oil. The new vegan products will join Barebells’ range of protein-enriched bars, bringing its total to 11 varieties. Each flavour and design is inspired by the American 1950’s era, such as the recently-launched Crunchy Fudge, Lemon Curd and Coconut-Choco. In addition to its protein-enriched alternatives to snacks and desserts, Barebells also offers protein milkshakes. “The rise in demand for vegan products over the past 12 months, and more recently during lockdown, goes to show that the nation is seeking tasty, healthy vegan protein products,” said Carlotta Cattelani, Barebells UK and Ireland marketing manager. She continued: “Making plant-based choices doesn’t mean you need to compromise on taste and we’re here to prove that. With this range, we want to show that it’s possible to enjoy delicious vegan alternatives that still deliver a protein punch without the sugar. Whether you are vegan or just looking to introduce more plant-based products into your diet, these bars are perfect for you.” Both bars are available to purchase now in BP and Marks & Spencer petrol forecourts across the UK and online.