If you’re finding it hard to prioritize your health right now, you’re not alone. According to new findings from Aflac’s Wellness Matters Survey, 90 percent of Americans delay vital health screenings and checkups—appointments like colonoscopies, blood tests, and pap smears that could help save lives by catching issues early.
The reasons vary: some people cite a distrust of doctors or fear of bad news, while others face logistical barriers or are discouraged by long wait times.
Still, prioritizing your health doesn’t have to start at the doctor’s office—what you put on your plate matters, too. Emerging research shows that foods high in potassium, such as sweet potatoes and bananas, may help lower blood pressure and support heart health. Another recent study suggests that good gut health might help reduce the risk of blood cancer.
Public efforts to promote healthier diets are also gaining ground. In New York, hospitals are helping patients make better food choices with a smart, plant-forward strategy—and it’s working. In Spain, a new law is bringing more vegetables and legumes to school menus. Meanwhile, brands are stepping up with accessible, nutrient-dense food options that align with evolving health and sustainability goals.
Read on for even more plant-based food news, including more on these initiatives.
Sunday Supper
Sunday Supper announces $2.5 million funding round
Sunday Supper, a plant-based frozen Italian meal brand, has just announced a $2.5 million seed funding round. The brand, known for its chef-crafted, handmade frozen meals, currently offers seven products, including Three Cheeses Lasagna, Italian Sausage Lasagna, Mozza Fritto, and Italian Baked Manicotti. It plans to bring them to more than 1,000 retailers by the end of the year.
Sunday Supper has also strengthened its executive team. Spencer Oberg joins as CEO, bringing experience from Good Planet Foods, alongside Matt Williams as Head of Sales and Chris Hays as CMO. Co-founder Richard Klein continues as Head of Brand and Product, while Florian Radke remains an advisor.
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“We’re leaning into our strong brand and existing traction to expand retail presence and explore innovative new products and revenue channels,” said Oberg in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to lead this company and incredible team into what’s next—redefining how delicious, indulgent staples we love can also be healthy, plant-forward, and center stage in our shopping carts.”
New York City hospitals develop strategy to help nudge patients towards plant-based meals
Per Canary Media, New York City’s 11 public hospitals have developed a smart strategy to encourage patients to choose healthier, more environmentally-friendly plant-based meals. Instead of simply offering people the choice of meat, fish, or veg, staff start by recommending three different plant-based dishes to patients. Dishes include offerings such as burritos and curries, for example. If the patient isn’t interested, they move on to offer them three more alternatives—all still plant-based. If they’re still not fussed, it is only then that a meat option is offered. More than half of the patients, however, don’t say no twice in a row.
The hospitals developed the strategy with the nonprofit Greener by Default. “The idea is to make the sustainable choice the path of least resistance, without getting into the big political and cultural fights,” said CEO Katie Cantrell.
Holland America cruise line adds more vegan options to onboard restaurant menu
Holland America has added new vegan options to the menu at one of its onboard restaurants. Now, diners sitting down to enjoy a meal at Tamarind (one of the five specialty restaurants on Holland America’s ships) can choose from options like Vegan Tom Kha Thai Coconut Soup, Vegan Singapore Mei Fun, and Vegan Pineapple Coconut Tapioca. The new menu will begin rolling out to ships this month.
“The new Tamarind menu continues to celebrate the vibrant flavors of Asia with a fresh vision, while staying true to the restaurant’s roots,” said Michael Stendebach, Vice President of food, beverage, and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Tamarind is a popular restaurant, and we’re continuing to build upon the innovation that has defined this venue since the beginning.”
Canva
Spanish schools to offer more healthy plant-based foods to children
Schools in Spain will soon prioritize fresh, healthy, plant-based foods, following the approval of the Royal Decree on Healthy and Sustainable School Cafeterias by the Council of Ministers. The new law mandates that all children, regardless of family income, have access to sufficient fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
While schools will also offer more fish, they are now required to provide plant-based meal options as well. Additionally, the law limits the availability of sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages. “Every day, all children and adolescents will have access to healthy and nutritious food, regardless of their family’s income,” said Consumer and Social Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy.
New project aims to make 60 percent of the protein consumed in Europe plant-based
Backed by €10.3 million (about $11.7 million) in funding , the Giant Leaps project is on a mission to shift Europe’s protein consumption from 60 percent animal-based to 60 percent plant-based by 2050, with a 50:50 split by 2030. Led by Paul Vos, PhD, at Wageningen University, the initiative supports the European Union’s Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy by evaluating alternative proteins, such as plant-based, fungal, microbial, and cultivated options, for health and environmental impact.
“The aim is to make the most impactful changes in diets by replacing traditional animal protein products like meat or dairy with alternatives that have an optimal balance of both health and environmental benefits,” said Vos.
Heura launches new vegan herby chicken burger
Spanish plant-based brand Heura has announced the launch of a new product: the Fine Herbs Burger. The new vegan chicken burger (which, according to the brand, offers “unprecedented juiciness”) is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It was designed specifically for the Spanish market, where white meat is popular.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs sorbets are rolling out to US stores now
Häagen-Dazs announced the launch of its new non-dairy sorbets in March, and now, they’ve officially started appearing in stores. Per Big Box Vegan, the new flavors (Summer Blueberry and Lemon, Passion Fruit and Sweet Pear, and Sweet Lemon Coconut) have been spotted in retailers. The brand confirmed this with an Instagram post, which read: “Scoop into something refreshingly new. Our three new non-dairy sorbet flavors … are here to brighten your day with bold, fruity flavor. Which one are you trying first?”
Lewis Hamilton’s Neat Burger closes UK locations
Neat, the vegan burger chain supported by Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, is closing all of its UK locations. Launched in 2019, the brand will shut its last two UK restaurants—located in Soho and Camden, London—by the end of April. Currently, its sole remaining location is in Milan, Italy. Formerly known as Neat Burger, the company has not provided additional details about the closures, stating only, “At this stage, we have no further comment.”
Happiee
Happiee launches easy-cook lion’s mane mushrooms
Happiee, which offers vegan shrimp and calamari in stores across the UK, is branching out. The British vegan brand has just announced the launch of its easy-cook Lion’s Mane Mushroom Chunks, the first product of its kind in the UK. Available in original and teriyaki flavors, the product is set to roll out to 240 Sainsbury’s locations across the country. According to the brand, it wants to offer consumers a less-processed, meaty vegan alternative.
“Our primary focus is on creating nutrient-rich, exciting foods made with mind-and-mood-boosting ingredients to drive consumer cut through at a time where we’re seeing the plant-based meat category declining due to the ultra-processed food link,” Justin Chou, co-founder and CEO of Happiee, said in a statement. “We want to be the fresh face of the plant-based whole food category, where we see a huge growth opportunity.”
Walmart launches new vegan candy under Bettergoods range
Last year, Walmart launched Bettergoods, an affordable range of free-from and plant-based products, including boxed vegan mac and cheese, cookie bites, and non-dairy oat milk. Not all of the products in the range are plant-based, but it does offer an extensive vegan offering. Recently, per the Instagram account Big Box Vegan, it expanded that offering with the launch of vegan candy sour belts, straws, sour gummy cockatoos, and new double-stuffed birthday cake cookies.
“Today’s customers expect more from the private brands they purchase—they want affordable, quality products to elevate their overall food experience,” Scott Morris, Senior Vice President, Private Brands, Food, and Consumables, Walmart, said in a statement at the time of the launch. “The launch of Bettergoods delivers on that customer need in a meaningful way.”
New survey reveals nearly half of Americans are interested in going vegan for the environment
A new survey from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggests that nearly half of Americans would consider adopting a plant-based diet for the planet. On top of this, the survey, which counted more than 2,200 participants, found that around 40 percent agreed with meat and dairy taxes. It also suggests that more than half of the population believes the government should incentivize farmers to move from animal farming to plant-based farming. Read more about the findings here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
