Plant-based news - March 2026 

March 2026 showed that the plant-based category continues to accelerate across retail, foodservice, and innovation. From high-impact product launches and international expansions to functional food breakthroughs and convenience-driven formats, the month delivered clear signals of a more mature and competitive market. Here’s what shaped the plant-based landscape in March:

1. IKEA: IKEA launches plant-rich falafel balls with Tiny Chef collaboration 🎉 IKEA expands its plant-based lineup with new falafel balls made from chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and spices. Crispy on the outside, soft inside – served with vegan aioli and couscous. The launch is supported by a creative collaboration with The Tiny Chef Show, promoting joyful and accessible plant-based cooking.

2. The Vegetarian Butcher: “Tok of the Town” campaign goes live 📣🐔 A bold campaign for the Crispy Chicken Burger hits the Netherlands. “Buy one, get one” offers across supermarkets aim to boost trial and reinforce the message: plant-based chicken can be just as indulgent – without compromise.

3. Plantheads (Crackd): No-egg egg returns to Expo West 🇺🇸 The UK’s leading plant-based egg replacer brand expands into the U.S. market and teases a brand-new NPD. Targeting retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice, the brand continues to push innovation in egg alternatives.

4. VLY: Expansion into organic retail 🌱 VLY enters the organic channel with its Bio-Barista and Bio-High Protein drinks. Launching with BIO COMPANY in Berlin, the brand highlights fast and effective collaboration across the organic supply chain.

5. Harvest Moon: 5 new drinkable plant-based products 🥤 New launches include shakes (hazelnut, coconut & matcha), lemon yogurt, and iced coffees (macchiato, mocaccino). The brand continues to strengthen its ready-to-drink portfolio.

6. Subway: New plant-based sandwich with dölicious chicken 🥪 Subway introduces a new large-format sandwich featuring plant-based chicken, responding to growing demand for vegan fast-food options.

7. Dobra Kaloria: Easter innovations & classic spreads return 🇵🇱 Mini lemon cake-flavored bars (no added sugar) debut for Easter. Additionally, classic plant-based pâtés (plum, tomato, cranberry) are back on Polish shelves.

8. LEKKA: Ready-to-go vegan ham sandwich 🥪 A convenient plant-based sandwich hits the chilled to-go section. Featuring wholegrain bread, vegan ham, fried onions, pickles, and creamy sauces – targeting busy consumers.

9. Histafood: Functional vegan snack bar launch 💚 New oat bar “White Cream & Pistachio” designed for people with intolerances (low histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free). Launching online and in dm stores across Germany.

10. Billa: New vegan ready-to-go sandwiches 🥬 Large-format sandwiches with vegan cheese and arugula join the convenience category – ideal for breakfast and dinner.

11. Lidl (Vemondo): New grated vegan cheeses 🧀 Three variants launched: Classic, Cheddar, and Parmesan-style. Affordable pricing (6.99 PLN) positions them strongly in the private label segment.

12. Tante Fanny: Vegan baking essentials expand 🍕 New ready-to-use doughs: pizza, spelt quiche, puff pastry. A strong move into convenient plant-based cooking solutions.

13. Loopea’s + Rossmann: Green Curry protein crisps 🌶️ New flavor combines functionality (high protein, low fat, gluten-free) with bold taste. Positioned as a guilt-free snack alternative. 

14. Verrano: Premium fermented root vegetables 🥬 Beetroot, celery, and swede reimagined through fermentation and smoking. A gourmet approach to vegetables, targeting premium consumers.

15. Força Foods (Milkish): Expansion in the U.S. 🥛 A lesser-known plant milk brand gains traction, expanding distribution across independent retailers.

16. Mixit: 3 new plant-based drinks 🌱 Versatile drinks for cereals, baking, and coffee. Premium positioning supported by sourcing water from a natural reserve near Barcelona. 

17. BIOVEGAN: New vegan cake innovations 🍰 Cupcake mixes (Velvet Love, Matcha Raspberry) and cheesecake-style baking mix expand the brand’s dessert portfolio.

18. Magda Plant-Based / Planton: Gut health innovation project 🧬 Development of a next-gen functional plant-based product combining pre-, pro-, and postbiotics. Backed by €2.6M funding from NCBR under the NUTRITECH program.

19. Elmhurst 1925: Clean plant protein launch 💪 New protein drink delivers 27g protein, low sugar, and clean-label formulation. Available in four flavors including Pistachio Crème and Sea Salt Chocolate.

20. Kioene (Verde Amore): Entry into German market 🇩🇪 Italian plant-based producer expands into Germany via Edeka, Famila, and Combi. Initial portfolio includes protein-rich vegetable patties and new “Verde Amore” line.

March highlighted three key themes shaping plant-based in 2026: accelerating convenience and ready-to-eat formats, stronger focus on functional nutrition and clean-label performance, and continued expansion across new markets and retail channels. At the same time, innovation in protein formats, private label growth, and foodservice partnerships shows the category moving faster – and becoming more competitive than ever before.