Manufacturers are aiming to appeal to flexitarians and conscious meat-eaters with recent launches including organic, nitrate-free hams and a plant-based burger.
Dutch manufacturer Vivera announced it will launch a plant-based burger, the ‘Veggie Quarter Pounder’, in the UK.
Sold under the Vivera brand, the product will initially only be available in Sainsbury’s before being rolled out to other retailers.
Gert Jan Gombert, commercial director of Vivera, said the product’s “superior taste and structure” gave it a large market potential.
Vivera’s meat alternatives are made with wheat, soy, peas, corn, rice and vegetables.
“For a growing group of consumers the benefits of eating less meat is key,” said Jan Gombert. “British retailers and consumers are on the forefront of adapting high quality meat alternatives. Reason for us to have our worldwide introduction here. Innovative and high-quality plant-based products can make a significant contribution to a more balanced diet towards more plant-based proteins.”
Earlier this year, the company launched a plant-based steak. Sales have so far exceeded the one million mark.
Nestlé France has expanded its Herta range with an organic, nitrite-free cooked ham.
“This unprecedented process [of nitrate-free curing], which required five years of research and development, produces ham guaranteed without nitrite salts, nitrite, nitrate or nitrites of vegetable origin while guaranteeing complete food safety,” the company said.
The organic Herta range now includes five meat products, and two ready-to-roll pastries.
The recommended retail price for the nitrate-free ham is €4.99 for a pack with four slices.
Christmas-themed products continue with Coca-Cola UK launching a limited editon, cinnamon-flavoured zero sugar Coca-Cola.
The drink titan said the soda was launched “in response to the general public’s love of the flavour”.
Launched in UK stores today (8 October) in 500 ml and 1.25 l bottles, the limited edition beverage will be available until the end of the year.
Alec Mellor, marketing manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain said: “… we hope our current fans and those looking to try a new flavour will love [this product]. It’s a drink full of festive flavour and no sugar, perfect for the lead up to Christmas”.
UK dairy drink manufacturer Shaken Udder has launched a range of single-serve milkshakes packed in Dreamcaps.
Dreamcaps are cartons with a plastic cap that allow for ambient storage and increased shelf-life.
The range contains two flavours: a coffee-flavoured milkshake made with Arabica coffee called Ooh La Latte and a chocolate-flavoured milkshake called Chocolush.
The company is targeting retail, foodservice and the travel industry. This summer it began selling on its beverages on low-cost airline Easyjet.
Shaken Udder co-founder Andrew Howie said the Ooh La Latte has a "creamy and rich taste” and is aimed at “true coffee lovers looking for an extra energy hit”.
German manufacturer Schapfen Mühle has launched a range of instant spelt porridge mixes with four flavours: plain, cranberry coconut, orange ginger and aronia sour cherry.
“For those who do not have time to cook in the morning, break or work, whether at home or on the road, the handy portion packs make it very easy to prepare our porridge anywhere, quickly and easily,” the company said.
The base dry mix, which can be prepared simply by adding hot water, is made of spelt flakes, corn starch, fructose, palm oil, glucose syrup, milk protein, skimmed milk powder, wholemeal spelt flour, salt and vanillin.
One pack contains four 65 g sachets, with a 100 g portion providing 15.8 g sugar and 8.9 g fat.
The recommended retail price varies from €1.99 to €2.99 depending on the flavour.
Last month German brand Valess, owned by Dutch dairy company FrieslandCampina, launched breaded vegetarian sticks with cheese and a tortilla coating.
The sticks can be fried or oven-roasted.
A 160 g pack carries a recommended retail price of €2.99.