The previous few months have seen a contemporary wave of espresso chains cease charging additional for dairy-free milk. In October, Starbucks introduced it was making the change in a bid to “embrace all of the methods clients get pleasure from their Starbucks.” In early 2025, Dunkin’ adopted its lead, which led Taylor Warren, president of the Middle for Accountable Meals Enterprise, to declare that “the period of the ‘milk tax’ is ending.” That feels more true than ever proper now as a result of Peet’s Espresso has additionally simply joined the free non-dairy milk membership—after slightly stress from a sure member of The Beatles.
Yow will discover extra particulars on the information from Peet’s Espresso beneath. We’ve additionally obtained an thrilling replace from McDonald’s, a brand new improvement from US Meals, the lowdown on a brand new vegan cheese competitors at Lidl, Lollapalooza’s new dairy-free associate, and far more. Let’s dive in.
Peet’s Espresso has dropped its plant-based milk cost
Peet’s Espresso will remove the additional cost for dairy-free milk beginning June 4. The espresso chain, which has over 200 places throughout the US, made the choice following a marketing campaign by Folks for the Moral Remedy of Animals (PETA) advocating for the change. Musician and activist Paul McCartney supported the marketing campaign, writing to Peet’s Espresso CEO Eric Lauterbach to focus on the environmental advantages of dairy-free milk. Peet’s Espresso introduced the coverage replace on social media, confirming that clients will not pay additional for non-dairy options, beginning this summer season. The publish additionally confirmed that ranging from April 1, there will probably be an unique in-app preview of the change for Peetnik Rewards members.
McDonald’s Canada launches McVeggie Burger
McDonald’s is testing a brand new meat-free burger, the McVeggie, in choose Canadian eating places till April 14. In contrast to Europe’s McPlant, which encompasses a plant-based meat patty, the McVeggie is made out of a vegetable-based patty. A Spicy Habanero model can even be out there at take a look at places. “Whereas our visitors could have tried comparable sandwiches at McDonald’s globally, our McVeggie is uniquely Canadian,” mentioned Jeff Anderson, McDonald’s senior supervisor of culinary innovation. “We’re all the time on the lookout for new alternatives to innovate and construct on our menu, and the McVeggie will give much more visitors the chance to get pleasure from that scrumptious McDonald’s taste Canadians know and love.”
So Scrumptious introduced as an official Lollapalooza associate
Dairy-free frozen dessert model So Scrumptious has turn into an official associate of Lollapalooza, the enduring music pageant in Chicago’s Grant Park. Saying the partnership on social media, the model teased, “Chicago, get able to dairy-free your thoughts.” Whereas particular particulars are nonetheless underneath wraps, festival-goers can look ahead to a wide range of vegan ice cream to get pleasure from whereas experiencing 4 days of performances by artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Korn, and lots of extra, from July 31 to August 3.
Unreal launches vegan Easter bins
Sweet model Unreal is welcoming spring with its new limited-edition, Easter-themed bins. With as much as 51-percent much less sugar than conventional sweet, the vegan, non-GMO treats are excellent for Easter baskets and egg hunts. The festive bins, adorned with tulips and bunnies in pastel colours, characteristic fan-favorite merchandise together with Darkish Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (a Reese’s dupe) and Darkish Chocolate Coconut Bars (an Almond Pleasure dupe). Discover them in a number of retailers now, together with Amazon, Entire Meals, Sprouts, New Seasons, Thrive, and Misfits.
Vita Coco
Vita Coco companions with Peet’s Espresso and Joe Espresso on new coconut water choices
Vita Coco has teamed up with Peet’s Espresso and New York Metropolis’s Joe Espresso to launch new coconut water-infused drinks. Beginning in April, Peet’s will supply Coconut Water Matcha and Coconut Water Chilly Brew as a part of its expanded Vitality Menu. In the meantime, Joe Espresso clients can attempt the brand new Orange & Crème Coconut Latte, made with Waverly Espresso and Vita Coco water. Dietitian Sammi Brondo, MS, RD, CDN, who collaborated with Peet’s on its new menu, praised the choices, stating, “These drinks supply the proper steadiness of nourishment and style.”
US Meals has developed unsalted non-dairy butter
US Meals, one of many largest meals service distributors within the US, has launched Glenview Farms Unsalted Non-Dairy Butter as a part of its spring product lineup. Developed via rigorous testing by culinary specialists, this vegan butter presents the identical style and texture as conventional butter, making it superb for baking, frying, and cooking. “At US Meals, we’re dedicated to bringing our operators high-quality, progressive merchandise that allow them to create memorable, differentiated, and worthwhile menu choices,” Stacey Kinkaid, vp of product improvement and innovation at US Meals, mentioned in an announcement.
Plant Forward to distribute vegan cheese throughout the US
Plant-based cheese model Plant Forward USA has partnered with DOT Meals to develop the nationwide distribution of its premium plant-based cheeses, together with vegan mozzarella, cheddar, and feta. DOT Meals is the main meals trade distributor within the US, so this strategic collaboration will permit Plant Forward to succeed in a wider vary of meals service operators, together with eating places, occasion venues, healthcare establishments, and faculties. “Partnering with DOT Meals is a game-changer for Plant Forward,” mentioned Jeff Strah, vp of gross sales and advertising for the model. “Their nationwide distribution capabilities permit us to fulfill the rising demand for scrumptious, high-quality plant-based cheese choices, making certain our merchandise are accessible to meals service institutions of all sizes.”
Lidl has launched a plant-based cheese competitors
Lidl Germany has partnered with ProVeg Incubator to search out the following greatest vegan cheese. The brand new Lidl x ProVeg Cheese Various Innovation Competitors goals to find progressive plant-based cheese options throughout Europe and past. The competitors is open to startups growing new dairy-free cheese merchandise, substances, or applied sciences, and the successful product will probably be offered underneath Lidl’s personal label, Vemondo, in choose shops throughout Germany. Candidates should submit their entries by April 27. “We’re trying to hear from candidates who deliver one thing extraordinary to the desk, whether or not it’s a scrumptious cheese different or an progressive ingredient or know-how that may revolutionize the manufacturing of cheese options,” Christoph Graf, head of buying at Lidl in Germany, mentioned in an announcement.
Juicy Marbles
Juicy Marbles launches new whole-cut plant-based pork
Juicy Marbles, a Slovenia-based startup, has launched its newest product: Pork-ish, a 6.4-ounce plant-based pork lower priced at $10 per pack. That is the primary entire lower of pork within the plant-based class and builds on earlier improvements from the model, together with marbled steaks and lamb. Juicy Marbles can also be shifting its total portfolio to Marble 3.0, a clean-label, nutrient-rich recipe. Learn extra on the brand new product launch right here.
Benexia launches the world’s first chia seed milk
Benexia, a chia seed specialist, has launched what it claims to be the first-ever chia seed milk underneath its Seeds of Wellness model. This progressive plant-based milk is made out of entire chia seeds, providing a wealthy supply of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fat, together with a nutty taste. The chia milk is processed utilizing an almost zero-waste, waterless technique, preserving the dietary worth and taste. Out there in authentic taste, with vanilla coming quickly, the milk is now out there in choose Costco shops and on Amazon.
Higher Nature’s new tempeh has simply as a lot protein as six eggs
Higher Nature has launched its New & Improved Natural Tempeh, now out there in UK supermarkets, together with Tesco, Asda, and Ocado. The up to date product boasts 44g of protein per pack, which is equal to the protein content material of six eggs or one and a 3rd rooster breasts. Along with being a wealthy supply of protein, the brand new tempeh is full of gut-friendly fiber, prebiotics, and iron.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
