The Plant Invasion - Part One

A hidden gem in Danone’s portfolio that not only removes the cow, but also any feeling of compromise. ‘Get lost [charming] in a delicious combination of coconut milk and fine vegan chocolate shavings.’ The subtle coconut taste is immersive. A slightly thicker texture could push this creamy contender into even higher levels of indulgence – but this is being picky of a product that has an impressively clean ingredients declaration.

This U.S start-up has its finger squarely on the pulse. They’ve created a range of plant-based snacks for those who are ready to get ‘back on track’ [their words] and willing to try a new plant-based diet. None of us need a report to tell us that our snacking habits have been thrown off course by this pandemic.

As we enter the next normal, I’m expecting our snacking habits to become much more polarized. On the one hand, expect the introduction of more ‘super hedonic’ products – providing much needed comfort and joy. On the other, more ‘super healthy’ ranges offering much greater functionality.

As people take a more competitive stance in tough economic times, plant-based products like SNACKS ‘Energize and Focus’ will increasingly find favor.

What makes this plant-based power snack so special is that it has removed all the negative sensory fall out normally associated with polarizing ingredients such as spirulina. No swampy flavor notes here!

For a brand that’s relatively late to the plant party, ‘Vegilantes’ have totally nailed it with this name! It’s fun and evokes some of that rebel spirit that gave rise to the vegan movement. The brand’s frozen fare includes Ch*cken Pakora, Ste*k Spice Crust and my favorite Masala Jackfruit Burgers. This product goes its own way on texture.

It’s less hung up on emulating meat and more focused on giving people something new and interesting to experience.

Speaking of hang ups, it's been suggested that as a result of this pandemic, brands may have to review the appeal of claims such as ‘Hand Made’ or 'Hand Finished'.

The quirky dairy alternative from Sweden has done it again. The company was recently valued at $2bn, and U.K sales reached £70m last year, up a staggering 106%. In the U.S, the company has opened a new manufacturing base in New Jersey to keep up with demand - and has seen off competition from PepsiCo. With this new range of creamy spreads, Oatly is definitely part of my ‘Class of 2021’. There is no longer any reason why this dairy free miracle product can’t appeal to the masses.

Here, the plant kingdom has been deployed to finally solve a pack problem – and it’s taken a small family business to do it. Two Farmers hand-cooked crisps [more hands!] have used plant-based cellulose and sustainably sourced eucalyptus to create a substrate that will decompose within 6 months.

And to those who think that anything sustainable means second rate, this plant-based pack innovation significantly extends the shelf life of the product.

Now we can all crunch with a clearer conscience! Well done boys!