Plant-based news – February 2026 

February 2026 showed that the plant-based category continues to evolve across retail, foodservice, and regulation. From new product launches and brand consolidations to legal battles over naming conventions and expanding alternative protein portfolios, the month delivered several signals about where the industry is heading.

Here’s what shaped the plant-based landscape in February:

1. Just Plant (Tymbark): The brand expanded its oat drink portfolio with a new pistachio-flavoured variant. The UHT beverage is gluten-free, lactose-free, contains no added sugars, and is fortified with calcium and vitamins D and B12. The formula is based on water, gluten-free oats (13%), sunflower oil, and natural pistachio flavour, reinforcing the trend toward functional plant-based beverages positioned as everyday dairy alternatives.

2. Planton: The Vegup Bio line has officially transitioned under the Planton umbrella as part of a broader brand consolidation strategy by Magda plant-based. The range now appears as Planton Vegup Bio, available in three flavours: blueberry-blackcurrant, mango Alphonso, and natural. The move signals a clearer portfolio structure centred around the Planton master brand.

3. Vgarden: The company announced an upcoming launch of plant-based pastrami positioned around a clean-label concept. The product is expected to deliver 9-10% protein, high fibre content, added vitamin B12, and a formulation free from common allergens and nitrites. The development highlights the growing focus on deli-style plant-based meats with improved nutritional profiles.

4. Oatly – UK legal ruling: The UK Supreme Court ruled that Oatly cannot use the word “milk” in certain marketing contexts. The case, brought by Dairy UK, argued that phrases such as “Post Milk Generation” could mislead consumers because milk is legally defined as coming from animals. Oatly criticised the decision as anti-competitive and framed it as a victory for traditional dairy interests.

5. Beyond Meat: Beyond Meat expanded its collaboration with the restaurant chain Bareburger, introducing the “Everything Beyond” menu at select locations. The lineup includes the Great Beyond (Italian sausage hero), Beyond Smash Burger with oat milk American-style cheese, and Beyond Chicken Nuggets. The initiative reflects continued demand for plant-based proteins in foodservice.

6. Oatly – Barista range expansion: Alongside the legal debate, Oatly continued product innovation with three new flavours in its Barista range: coconut, vanilla, and caramel. The products are rolling out across UK supermarkets with a recommended retail price of £2.30 per litre.

7. Veganuary – participation results: Veganuary reported that approximately 30 million people worldwide took part in the 2026 edition. The estimate was based on 12 nationally representative surveys conducted with support from YouGov, covering a total sample of 13,520 adults. The UK saw particularly strong engagement through the Veganuary Workplace Challenge, including participation from several NHS Trusts.

8. Oshi: After introducing the world’s first whole-cut plant-based salmon filet, Oshi announced the next step in its seafood portfolio: a 100% plant-based white fish filet, previewed at Expo West 2026. The launch signals continued innovation in whole-cut seafood alternatives.

9. Just Egg: Eat Just expanded its European presence as Just Egg entered the German market via REWE. The plant-based egg alternative launched on January 14 and is currently available in selected regions across Germany, marking another step in the brand’s EU growth strategy.

February highlighted three key themes shaping plant-based in 2026: continued retail expansion, stronger positioning around nutrition and clean labels, and ongoing regulatory debates over dairy terminology. At the same time, innovation in seafood alternatives and foodservice partnerships shows the category pushing into new territories.

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