16 Trailblazing Vegan and Plant-Based Food Companies to Watch

The plant-based food scene is growing like crazy, and it’s exciting to see so many companies stepping up with fresh ideas and delicious options. Whether you’re into plant-based living or just curious about what’s out there, these brands are changing the game. From meat alternatives to dairy-free treats, they’ve got something for everyone.

Beyond Meat

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in California, Beyond Meat is a renowned manufacturer of plant-based protein foods that mimic the taste and appearance of meat. Their products, including the popular Beyond Burger, are available in over 130,000 stores and food services across nearly 100 countries. Beyond Meat invests heavily in research and development to create new plant-based diet solutions, solidifying its position at the top of the market. The company has been a pioneer in the vegan food industry with its innovative and appetizing alternatives to conventional animal-based products.

Impossible Foods

Established in 2011, Impossible Foods focuses on creating plant-based substitutes for meat products, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of animal farming. Their flagship product, the Impossible Burger, uses a soy-based heme protein to replicate the taste and texture of beef. The company has attracted significant investment, raising over $1.3 billion to date, with notable investors including Bill Gates and Google Ventures. Impossible Foods continues to expand its product line and global presence, making its products available in various restaurants and retail outlets.

Eat Just

Eat Just, formerly known as Hampton Creek Foods, is best known for its plant-based egg substitute, JUST Egg, made from mung beans. Founded in 2011, the company has also ventured into cultivated meat products, receiving regulatory approval in Singapore for its lab-grown chicken in 2020. Eat Just has raised substantial funding and continues to innovate in the alternative protein space, aiming to make sustainable and healthy food more accessible.

Perfect Day

Perfect Day specializes in creating animal-free dairy products using precision fermentation to produce whey protein without the use of animals. Founded in 2014, the company has partnered with various brands to offer products like ice cream and cream cheese that deliver the taste and nutrition of dairy without environmental drawbacks. Perfect Day has attracted significant investment and continues to expand its product offerings and partnerships.

Prime Roots

Prime Roots focuses on creating plant-based meat alternatives using koji, a type of fungus, to replicate the texture and flavor of traditional meats. Their product line includes plant-based bacon and deli meats, offering consumers sustainable and delicious alternatives. Founded in 2017, Prime Roots has gained attention for its innovative approach to plant-based proteins and commitment to sustainability.

Vivera

Vivera is a European plant-based meat brand known for its wide range of meat alternatives, including burgers, sausages, and chicken pieces. The company emphasizes whole-food-based options and recently introduced Protein Bites, offering consumers nutritious and convenient plant-based snacks. Vivera continues to expand its product line and presence in the plant-based market, catering to the growing demand for vegan options.

Green Chef

Green Chef is a meal kit delivery service that offers organic ingredients and caters to various dietary preferences, including plant-based options. The company provides pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, making it convenient for consumers to prepare healthy and delicious meals at home. Green Chef’s commitment to sustainability and organic produce has made it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot is a 100% plant-based meal kit delivery service that offers a variety of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The company provides both ready-to-eat meals and meal kits, making it convenient for consumers to enjoy vegan meals at home. Purple Carrot’s diverse and flavorful recipes have made it a popular choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

Marley Spoon

Marley Spoon, in partnership with Martha Stewart, offers meal kits with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a variety of recipes, including plant-based options. The service provides pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, making home cooking accessible and enjoyable. Marley Spoon’s commitment to quality and variety has made it a popular choice among meal kit delivery services.

Hungryroot

Hungryroot is a grocery and meal delivery service that offers a variety of plant-based products and recipes. The service allows consumers to customize their deliveries based on dietary preferences, making it easy to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet. Hungryroot’s focus on convenience and variety has made it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

Gobble

Gobble is a meal kit delivery service that simplifies dinner preparation by providing pre-chopped and pre-measured ingredients. Their offerings include a variety of plant-based meal options, making it easier for consumers to enjoy vegan dishes. The company emphasizes quick meal preparation, with most recipes taking just 15 minutes to cook. Gobble’s dedication to convenience and flavorful recipes has earned it a loyal customer base. Their plant-based options continue to grow, appealing to those looking for healthy and delicious meals.

Miyoko’s Creamery

Miyoko’s Creamery is a leader in the vegan dairy industry, specializing in plant-based cheese and butter made from nuts. Founded by Miyoko Schinner, the company is renowned for its artisanal products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy. Miyoko’s focuses on using natural, high-quality ingredients and avoids artificial additives. Their products are widely available in retail stores and online, making them accessible to a broad audience. The company has been instrumental in popularizing plant-based dairy alternatives globally.

Oatly

Oatly, a Swedish company, revolutionized the plant-based milk industry with its signature oat milk. The company uses a patented enzyme process to transform oats into a creamy, dairy-free beverage. Oatly emphasizes sustainability, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint through environmentally friendly packaging and processes. Their product range includes flavored oat milk, coffee creamers, and frozen desserts. Oatly’s presence in major markets has made it a household name for those seeking plant-based milk alternatives.

Ripple Foods

Ripple Foods produces plant-based milk and protein products using peas as the primary ingredient. The company is known for its creamy, protein-rich milk alternatives that rival traditional dairy in both taste and nutrition. Ripple’s product line also includes protein shakes, frozen desserts, and kid-friendly options. They prioritize sustainability by using ingredients with a lower environmental impact compared to other plant-based milk sources. Ripple Foods continues to expand its offerings while maintaining a strong focus on health and eco-consciousness.

Gardein

Gardein is a leading producer of plant-based meat alternatives, offering a wide range of products such as burgers, chicken strips, and fishless fillets. Their items are crafted from soy, wheat, and pea proteins, providing a realistic meat texture and flavor. Gardein is widely available in grocery stores and is popular among vegans and non-vegans alike. The brand’s mission is to offer delicious, sustainable alternatives that make plant-based eating more accessible. With continued innovation, Gardein remains a staple in the vegan food industry.

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart is a pioneer in the vegan food industry, best known for its egg-free mayonnaise, Vegenaise. Founded in the 1970s, the company has since expanded its product line to include vegan cheeses, dressings, and creamers. Follow Your Heart focuses on sustainability, using solar power and environmentally friendly practices in its production processes. Their products cater to a diverse audience, making plant-based options more approachable and convenient. The brand remains a trusted name for quality vegan products worldwide.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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