KANSAS CITY — Plant protein is powering a range of innovation in the CPG space, including oatmeal, vegan cheese sticks, powdered milk and protein shakes.
Purely Elizabeth is rolling out 5 Grain + Seed Oatmeal Single Serve Packets, made with pea protein, chickpea protein, chia, flax, oats, quinoa and amaranth. Certified gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified, the oatmeal comes in cinnamon and banana nut flavors. Each packet provides 7 grams of protein.
Miyoko’s Creamery’s new Vegan Cheddar Sticks are made with a blend of oat and legume milks. Each stick contains 2 grams of protein and is lactose-free, soy-free and gluten-free.
“For a while now, parents have been craving more family-friendly cheese snacks, so we’re very excited to debut our one-of-a-kind Vegan Cheddar Sticks,” said Miyoko Schinner, founder and chief executive officer of Miyoko’s Creamery. “These vegan cheese sticks deliver all the goodness that plant milks have to offer in a convenient form, while supporting a more compassionate food system.”
Laird Superfood, Inc. is introducing powdered oat and macadamia nut milk, available in original and unsweetened varieties. The Aloha OatMac Plant-Based Powdered Milk is the brand’s first plant-based milk product and is made with aquamin, a multi-mineral complex derived from calcified sea algae delivering calcium, magnesium and 72 trace minerals, Laird said. Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
“The new Aloha OatMac Milk Powder is a major innovation from the Laird Superfood platform, which stands above other plant and oat milk competitors on the market because of its functionality, sustainability, and ingredients (or lack thereof),'' said Paul Hodge, co-founder and chief executive officer of Laird Superfood. “OatMac Milk will stand out amongst other non-dairy milk alternatives because of its transparency of responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients, shelf-stable formulas, and exceptional taste - but we’re even more excited about the ESG opportunity to reduce the overall carbon footprint of plant milks by removing the need to ship liquid in aseptic containers, as each single package replaces 4-quart containers.”
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. is offering two new plant-based protein shakes for children. Made with protein from whole organic almonds, buckwheat and tapioca, the shakes are available in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
“Getting kids to eat foods that benefit their growth is hard enough, let alone having to deal with food allergies, milk intolerance-and trying to lead a clean, natural lifestyle,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, chief executive officer and co-founder of Else Nutrition. “Our innovative processing method is a springboard for transforming plant-based eating, far beyond our current products. As part of executing on our overall strategy, we are thrilled to take this step with the introduction of our new complete nutrition drink for kids.”