Plant-based news - August 2026

August brought another strong wave of plant-based launches and product updates – from new meatless menu items at McDonald’s Poland and Greek-style yogurt alternatives from Alpro to vegan sweets, Mexican-style plant chicken wings, upgraded bacon, cleaner-label sausages, mushroom snacks, protein-fortified cheese and high-protein plant milk.

🌱 McDonald’s Poland – expanded its offer with two new vegetarian menu items: McVeggie Deluxe and McWrap Veggie Deluxe. Both products are based on a completely new dairy-based meatless patty, served with cheddar cheese, vegetables and honey-mustard sauce. This launch shows how large foodservice chains continue to test and develop meatless options for mainstream consumers.

🌱 Alpro – announced the launch of new Greek-style yogurt alternatives. The new Alpro Greek Style range will be available from September in three varieties: Natural, Peach-Passion Fruit and Forest Fruits. All three products contain calcium, iodine, vitamin B12 and vitamin D2, while the two fruit variants also provide vitamin B2.

🌱 HARIBO – introduced Crazy Crunchies and Crazy Crunchies Stixx, two new vegan sweets focused on texture and sensory experience. Crazy Crunchies are fruity, sweet, colourful and round, while Crazy Crunchies Stixx are spicy, sour, soft and vegan. The launch shows how mainstream confectionery brands are expanding vegan-labelled options with new mouthfeel and flavour combinations.

🌱 Mushroom Crisps / GRZYBSY / DANEX Sp. z o.o. – introduced crunchy shiitake mushrooms in a completely new snack format. GRZYBSY, which can be translated as Mushroom Crisps, combine intense umami flavour, mega crunch and functional benefits. The product is gluten-free, vegan and a source of phosphorus. The line includes two flavours: Umami Truffle, with an aromatic truffle note, and Sea Crunch, a savoury shiitake snack made for repeat snacking.

🌱 THIS – brought THIS Isn’t Chicken Wings into a Mexican-inspired format in collaboration with Antojitos Truck, available at Langside Social in Glasgow. The offer includes 6-wing and 9-wing options with Birria and Chipotle flavours. Crispy, tender and 100% plant-based, the launch shows how plant chicken can move beyond classic retail formats into bold foodservice concepts.

🌱 Greenforce – upgraded its plant-based Weißwurst just in time for Oktoberfest. The new recipe offers a cleaner label, without methylcellulose, carrageenan and konjac, as well as more bite, a more authentic taste and a fresh lemon note. The protein content has also increased to 14 g per 100 g, which is three times more than before.

🌱 NUCAO – is expected to start the winter season with a new limited edition: Crunchy Raspberry. The flavour combines freeze-dried raspberries with a chocolate coating and winter spices. The limited edition is expected to be available online and in selected supermarkets and organic food stores.

🌱 BioCheese – the Australian dairy-free brand expanded its range with a protein-fortified shredded cheddar, described as a first for the country’s plant-based cheese category. The Cheddar Shred with Protein is available from this month in Coles supermarkets and independent grocers across Australia.

🌱 MALK Organics – launched Whole MALK, a high-protein plant milk offering 12 g of plant protein per serving. The product is made without gums, oils or fillers. Whole MALK combines organic coconut, cashew, soy and pea protein, enriched with vitamins and minerals. It is now available nationwide in Whole Foods Market, Target and Sprouts stores.

August 2026 shows that plant-based innovation is not only about new categories, but also about better execution. Brands are improving recipes, increasing protein content, creating cleaner labels, entering foodservice, expanding into major retail chains and building products around familiar consumer occasions.

Which launch caught your eye? Let us know in the comments! 💚 Congratulations to all pioneers driving plant-based innovation forward! 💪 Got exciting news or a project to share? Reach out: marketing@veganstock.eu