Rounding up the latest plant-based food, health and product news

PlantBased NEWS

VEGANISM dubbed ‘fastest growing lifestyle movement

According to The Vegan Society, the number of vegans in Britain has more than quadrupled in the past four years, from 0.25 per cent of the population in 2014, to 1.16 per cent in 2018. Whereas, news statistics from comparethemarket.com suggest it may be that up to 7 per cent of Brits now define themselves as vegan. Veganicity states that this makes veganism the ‘fastest growing lifestyle movement’. In addition, their research findings show that although 42 per cent of vegans are between 15-34 years old, the movement is spreading to both the younger and older generations. To explain the rapid rise in its popularity, Simon Bandy, General Manager of Veganicity, says, “Veganism has many benefits, including the protection of the environment. The production of meat and animal products relies heavily on intensive farming and transportation – from growing crops to feed the animals, to the transport and process from farm to plate. Plundering the environment for the meat industry can lead to deforestation, species extinction and habitat loss. In Brazil alone, 5.6 million acres of land is being used to grow soya beans to feed animals in Europe.”

Itsu rolls out delicious new vegan dishes

High-street food chains can sometimes pose a tricky position for vegan diners, as not all will provide healthy, high-quality plant-based dishes – meaning that finding somewhere for lunch mid-shopping spree can be an unexpected challenge. Itsu is looking to change this, by rolling out a wider variety of veganfriendly dishes. The chain’s latest delicious additions (all of which are under 500 calories) include: organic smoked tofu greens, with a smoked tofu steak, Asian slaw and spicy ‘no mayo’ sauce; a wellbeing warrior bento salad, with baked Asian falafel, avocado and sushi rice, and a smoked tofu steak and veg bento box, with pickled red cabbage, steamed green beans and crispy onions.