Plant-based news – December 2025

December 2025 closed the year with strong momentum across plant-based, fermentation, and alternative protein innovation. From AI-powered ingredients and precision fermentation to retail comebacks and global expansion, here’s what shaped the plant-based landscape at the end of the year:

1. MOA Foodtech (Spain): unveiled a new AI-enabled, fermentation-derived ingredient for bakery, pastry, and pasta applications. Designed to reduce dependence on eggs, the solution directly addresses Europe’s ongoing egg price volatility and supply shortages.

2. PILLAR Performance (Michael Cormack): introduced the next evolution of its protein system: Plant Protein – Professional Recovery. The clean-label formula delivers 20 g of premium plant protein (pea, fava bean, pumpkin seed), a complete amino acid profile, enzyme-supported digestion, no artificial additives, and Informed Sport Certification. Available now in Australia.

3. Juicy Marbles: expanded into the Italian market via an exclusive partnership with Cortilia. Four whole-cut plant-based meats launched for the holiday season and Veganuary, targeting flexitarians seeking premium, high-protein alternatives that cook like meat. The pilot is supported by Virtuous Alliance, Mr.Root, and Soul-K, with insights gathered to guide future retail expansion.

4. Ecobite Vegan Foods (Zambia): Ecobite shared updates on its mission to deliver affordable, nutritious plant-based foods across Zambia. The company expanded its range of vegan sausages, polony, tofu, patties, and soy milk using local ingredients, alongside introducing improved, eco-friendly packaging.

5. VEGDOG: launched VEGCAT Pure Bites – its first hypoallergenic cat treat featuring MicroHarvest’s microbial protein. With 60% protein content and high digestibility, it’s the first ready-to-buy cat snack to include this novel ingredient.

6. The Every Company raised an additional USD 55 million to scale production of its precision-fermented egg proteins ahead of a nationwide US rollout. The funding supports manufacturing expansion, profitability goals, and growth within the USD 270 billion egg market, especially bakery.

7. Eden Brew (Australia): announced that FSANZ officially accepted its application to assess BCPP1 – a non-animal beta-casein protein preparation. The ingredient is nutritionally equivalent to A2 beta-casein and marks the first precision-fermented milk protein to enter the Australia–New Zealand regulatory framework.

8. Richmond (UK): expanded its meat-free portfolio with Veggie Tasty. The first launch includes chilled sausages made with 42% vegetables, featuring broccoli, carrot, sweetcorn, and peas.

​​9. Rootberry: Paul Spinale revealed a fresh new packaging look for Rootberry Energy Bites. The snacks remain 100% plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, now with retail-ready packaging ideal for universities, grab-and-go formats, and catering.

10. Aldi (UK): Aldi brought back its popular plant-based croissants and pain au chocolat. Price highlight: £2.09 for a pack of eight – a strong value proposition for mainstream consumers.

December proved once again that plant-based innovation doesn’t slow down at year’s end – it accelerates. From global scale-ups to accessible retail wins, the category finished 2025 strong and well-positioned for what 2026 will bring 🌱