It's clear that the plant-based revolution rolls on and continues to evolve. And not only has it reached mainstream status—but now it might be described as a global phenomenon.

Rival Foods, a plant-based gastronomy start-up, and LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of heritage and start-up brands, announced they will enter into a partnership to create the perfect plant-based chicken, helping consumers make sustainable choices without compromise.

Chickapea, a B-Corp and woman-owned natural foods company, announced an innovative new take on pasta: +Greens. This veggie-packed, organic and gluten-free pasta is made with only chickpeas, lentils, kale, and spinach.

Innova Market Insights identified “plant forward” is a worldwide phenomenon and one of 2021’s Top Ten Trends. Experts also predict that the rising popularity of plant-based products—especially among flexitarians—will lead to growing demand for new formats, plant proteins and higher-end alternatives. 

Franklin Farms™, a division of Keystone Natural Holdings, is introducing a new line of functional food frozen plant-based burgers. A9ΩTM (Alpha Nine Omega) Plant-Based Burgers are a new addition to Franklin Farm’s plant-based offerings and will be available in the freezer section.  

Innova Market Insights’ No. 2 trend for 2021, Plant-Forward, signifies the evolution of plant-based concepts beyond the core dairy and meat alternatives categories. In 2020, no fewer than 67% of all new products with ‘plant-based’ claims were launched outside of these pioneering sectors. In the confectionery market, for example, more milk-free and gelatin-free products are hitting the shelves, as highlighted in a new report from Innova Market Insights. Meanwhile, the plant-based confectionery space is growing in popularity.

Vevan, crafted by the same artisan cheesemakers behind many of Schuman Cheese's most celebrated brands, was created with the belief that consumers who love cheese deserve better options when it comes to enjoying their favorite foods.

After a brief hiatus from menus due to Taco Bell's menu simplification efforts last year, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be back starting March 11.

Among the key pillars of the effort are using positive ingredients; expanding the company's portfolio of products that have been grown and made sustainably, through tools and techniques like regenerative agriculture and net water- and carbon-neutral production plants; and making it easier for consumers focused on health and wellness to consume products on the go through innovations such as LAY'S oven baked chips and Sabra Snack Cups.

Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc., an investment issuer focused on the global plant-based and alternative food sector, announced that it has completed an investment in Above Food Inc.