March is careering around the corner, which means spring is nearly here. This new season brings with it so many positives, including warmer days, lighter evenings, more singing birds, and lots more flowers. There is so much to be excited about, and on top of all of this, we have Natural Products Expo West (one of the world’s largest exhibitions of new products from thousands of brands), which is set to take place in Anaheim, CA in early March.
Keep a close eye on our social media for updates on new exciting products that are sure to debut at the event. We’ve also got some sneak previews below (Chris Paul’s new cheesy popcorn and Bitchin’ Sauce’s new products are both set to showcase at Expo West). We’ve also got news on a new velvety ice cream recipe at Magnum, Lindt’s investment in new food tech, Girl Scout cookie milkshakes, and so much more.
Vegan food news
This week in food news: GoodPop reveals its first licensing collaboration (and it’s a big one), vegan vodka shakes arrive in UK grocery stores, Actual Veggies is expanding, and more.
GoodPop
GoodPop launches dairy-free Mickey Mouse and Star Wars Pops
Allergen-free frozen treat brand GoodPop has launched new Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and Star Wars popsicles. Daniel Goetz, GoodPop’s founder described the collaboration—the brand’s first licensing deal—as a “true honor.” He said in a statement: “Through our better-for-you creations, we aim to spark nostalgia and inspire new traditions for fans. Our goal at GoodPop is always to create better versions of classic treats that make it easier for consumers to choose healthier options. These two new SKUs accomplish just that – this time, with an added touch of whimsy.” You can find both products at Sprouts right now, and they will be rolling out to more stores, including Whole Foods, in April.
Actual Veggies
Actual Veggies announces $7 million funding round
Actual Veggies, which specializes in burgers and fries made with “wholesome” ingredients like sweet potato, kale, and truffle, is on a mission to keep expanding and creating new innovative nutritious products. To help it do just that, it recently raised $7 million in funding. Relentless Consumer Partners led the round, which had participation from multiple other investors. John Burns, a founding partner at Relentless Consumer Partners said in a statement: “Healthy food should be enjoyed, not compromised, and we are confident that Actual Veggies is on track to become a household name.”
UK brand launches vegan vodka shakes
If the idea of a diner-style shake spiked with vodka sounds like your kind of beverage, Continental Wine & Food has great news for you. The British brand has just launched Lacey’s Vodkashakes in two flavors (banana and strawberry) and they are 100 percent dairy-free. The new shakes will be available in B&M stores across the UK.
Magnum is changing its vegan ice cream recipe
Magnum has offered its iconic ice cream bars in dairy-free flavors for some time now, but recently, the brand decided it was time for an upgrade. It has reformulated the recipe so the ice creams are no longer made with pea protein, but soy. According to Magnum, this has improved the taste and texture of its dairy-free line, which includes classic, almond, and blueberry cookie flavors. “We constantly test and evolve our products to bring shoppers the most indulgent ice cream experiences,” said Daniel Lythgo, Magnum UK’s brand manager. “This is no different for our vegan range, and testing with consumers found that they really enjoyed our new velvety vegan ice cream recipe and the flavours on offer.”
Lindt backs Swedish food tech brand in $11 million funding round
Swiss chocolate giant Lindt is investing in food tech. The company just participated in a $5.6 million seed extension round for Swedish startup Food Brewer, which is focused on making climate-resilient coffee and cocoa with plant cell cultures. The extension round brings Food Brewer’s total funding to $11 million.
“Lindt & Sprüngli is known for its excellence in chocolate,” Food Brewer stated on social media. “The profound knowledge of this global chocolate player will help us in accelerating our go-to-market strategy and further develop our delicious cocoa products.”
Chris Paul’s snack brand launches dairy-free cheesy popcorn
Good Eat’n, NBA star Chris Paul’s vegan snack brand, has added a new tasty product to its range: dairy-free white cheddar popcorn. The new popcorn will be available to buy directly from Good Eat’n. Paul has labeled the new cheesy flavor a “game-changer.” He said in a statement: “It’s packed with flavor and perfect for on-the-go for those who are looking to make an easy lifestyle change without compromising on taste.”
Bitchin’ Sauce launches three new vegan squeeze sauces
Almond dip brand Bitchin’ Sauce is launching multiple new exciting products at the upcoming Natural Products Expo West 2025, including three new vegan squeeze sauces in Habanero Lime, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Buffalo flavors. The brand will also be showcasing new dip flavors, including pickled Pepper and Smoke Show, and more.
Vegan restaurant and catering news
This week’s vegan restaurant and catering news sees tasty new limited edition milkshakes land at Plant Power Fast Food; Oak Lawn, CA gets its first vegan café, and a major Japanese airline adds more vegan choices.
Plant Power Fast Food
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Plant Power Fast Food launches Girl Scout cookie milkshakes
If you love Girl Scout cookies, we have great news: you can drink Thin Mint Girl Scouts Cookies in a shake or eat them in a Snow Day ice cream in one of Plant Power Fast Food’s California locations right now. Of course, they’re only there for the limited time that Girl Scout cookies are available, so move fast if you want a taste.
All Nippon Airways adds vegan ramen to in-flight menu
Japanese airline All Nippon Airways is about to add two new plant-based ramen options to its in-flight menu. Launching in March, Negi Miso Ramen will be available to all passengers departing on flights from Japan, while Tonkotsu Style Ramen will be offered to passengers on flights departing from international locations. “These options offer a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine while accommodating various dietary needs of our customers,” said All Nippon Airways’ executive vice president Tomoji Ishii.
New vegan Mexican café set to open in Oak Lawn, CA
Oak Lawn, CA is getting a vegan Mexican café. Abuelita Coco’s—the first plant-based eatery in the area—is set to open March 5. It will be serving up a range of delicious Mexican dishes, but it also aims to be a community space, too. Owner Cassandra Flores writes on Abuelita Coco’s new website: “We are a community. A space where you can truly be yourself, surrounded by love and empowerment. Our mission is to foster a sense of togetherness while bringing awareness, knowledge, and pure, intentional products to guide you in feeling your best.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
