Welcome to our quick rundown of the last 7 days' vegan news - w/e 15th September. This is the online version of the Vegan Slate newsletter - you can sign up here and get a free 7 day vegan meal plan PDF ...
Hi fellow space traveller,
Welcome to another (slightly belated) Vegan Slate newsletter.
It’s been a busy news week! Coming up … new vegan product offerings, further investment in fermented cell-based dairy and the art of social media misinformation, among other highlights.
I hope you enjoy … let’s get into it 🙂
Our subscribers mean the world to us and your engagement is always hugely appreciated. Please share, subscribe and do the thang 🙂
The universe will reward you in unexpected ways!
Thank you,
– Rohan 🙂
Recommend us to your friends …
Quick Links:
- HiFood’s Paradigm-Shifting Micro Protein Wins Global Innovation Award
- Switching to a Plant-Based Diet Could Cut Global Emissions by 17%, Study Finds
- Greggs Baked in Gold: £36 Gold Vegan Sausage Roll Earrings for True Pastry Lovers!
- Reimagine Mealtimes – Celebrate Veggies at the Center of the Plate: Vegan For Everybody!
( paid link ) - Cathedral City ‘Smokey’: New Vegan Cheese Makes Your Taste Buds Think It’s a BBQ
- NOMO’s New Coconut Bar: The Vegan Bounty Your Sweet Tooth Has Been Waiting For
- Free Nutrition Course – learn all about vegan nutrition essentials.
- 10% Off Code for Vedge Nutrition Store-wide (use: VEGANSLATE)
( paid link )
(To help with running costs, Vegan Slate is a member of the Amazon Associates Program and as an Amazon Associate, earns from qualifying purchases.There’s no extra cost to you if you use a paid link)
Around The Vegan Web This Week Ending 15th Sept 2024
The Future of Dairy Calls for Disruptive Technologies and Partnerships
A new report by Eatable Adventures urges the dairy industry to embrace plant-based, fermented, and cell-based dairy innovations for greater sustainability. The report highlights the need for adopting hybrid products and forging strategic partnerships to drive change. However, dairy leaders face challenges in integrating new technologies, with competition being a major hurdle.
According to José Luis Cabañero, CEO of Eatable Adventures, “Success in the sector depends on the ability to scale emerging technologies, achieve price parity, and meet evolving market demands.” The study reveals that plant-based dairy alternatives have become mainstream, yet traditional dairy still dominates consumer preferences. Despite investment in plant-based options peaking in 2020-2021, a decline followed, showing an industry in flux. It’s a crucial part of the climate jigsaw and supporting plant-based living could offer solutions to climate change and sustainability challenges facing the dairy industry.
How Social Media Influencers Shape Reality
Ok, this isn’t a vegan story but there is a lot of crossover. You’ll know exactly what I mean if you’ve spent any time on vegan Twitter (or ‘X’ as we’re supposed to call it) … Renée DiResta’s book, Invisible Rulers, explores how social-media influencers and algorithms hijack public debates, creating alternate realities. With a focus on misinformation around elections and vaccines, DiResta describes how “if you make it trend, you make it true.”
Influencers leverage their storytelling to blur lines between truth and opinion, while algorithms amplify sensational content. DiResta’s own journey began when she encountered anti-vaccine rhetoric, revealing an organized misinformation network online. The book also critiques “apologists” — experts who lend credibility to anti-scientific claims. Solutions offered include prebunking falsities to prevent misinformation from spreading.
Plant-based advocates face similar challenges as influencers often distort facts about the benefits of veganism, complicating efforts to promote animal rights and climate-friendly living.
Bezos Earth Fund Backs Sustainable Protein Hub in Singapore University
The Bezos Earth Fund is investing US$30 million to establish the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at the National University of Singapore. This marks the fund’s first project of this kind in Asia, focusing on alternative proteins like biomass fermentation using tofu waste. The center will be part of a global network of sustainable protein research hubs, joining facilities in the UK and the US.
With 23 Principal Investigators from top institutions, the center aims to produce hybrid protein products that rival conventional meat in taste and cost. “The world’s growing appetite for meat has put a huge strain on our global food system,” notes NUS President Tan Eng Chye. This initiative could accelerate the adoption of plant-based solutions across Asia, contributing to a more ethical, plant-focused food supply chain.
Planted Invests in Cutting-Edge Plant-Based Meat Facility in Germany
Swiss FoodTech company Planted is expanding its plant-based meat production with a new facility in Memmingen, Germany. Set to be the “most modern production facility for plant-based meat in Europe,” the site focuses on green technology, operating almost entirely CO2-neutral and free of fossil fuels. The move supports Planted’s strategy to “produce as close and locally to consumers as possible,” says co-founder Lukas Böni.
This facility will help meet growing market demand in Germany, which already accounts for 75% of the company’s exports. It is set to produce over 20 tons of plant-based meat daily, creating 50 jobs by 2025. Embracing such sustainable production methods aligns with the broader goals of plant-based living, reducing reliance on animal agriculture and its environmental impact.
Scientists Develop ‘Vaccine’ to Shield Bees from Pesticides
Cornell University scientists have created hydrogel microparticles that could protect bees from the deadly effects of pesticides. These microparticles, ingested by bumblebees through sugar water, improved survival rates by 30% in bees exposed to lethal doses of imidacloprid, a common pesticide. For bees exposed to lower doses, appetite and physical activity also improved. The microparticles work by binding to the pesticides, allowing the bees to safely excrete them.
However, real-world conditions involve multiple pesticide exposures, requiring further research. Another challenge is finding practical ways to feed these microparticles to bees, potentially through “products already used in apiculture, such as pollen patties and syrup supplements.” Neonicotinoids, the pesticide group in question, are widely used in the US, despite being banned in the EU. Again, vegans are on the right side of the fence since supporting plant-based agriculture can reduce the need for harmful pesticides, ultimately aiding in bee conservation.
PETA’s Thumbs Up For Nottingham Council’s Move to Vegan-Only Food and Drink …
Nottingham City Council will soon offer only plant-based food and drink during internal meetings, a decision praised by animal rights group PETA. The council’s commitment, effective from the end of September, was described by PETA’s vice president Dawn Carr as “fighting climate change with diet change.” This decision followed support from the Plant-Based Councils group and includes a week promoting plant-based milk alternatives. However, the move faced criticism from the National Farmers’ Union, stating food choices should be informed and personal. This change reflects the growing discussion on how veganism and plant-based can contribute to mitigating the worst effects of climate change coming down the line.
You can help support Vegan Slate by engaging with our content. Please check out the post below and leave us a comment or share on your favourite socials. It will help us more than you think!
Thank you 🙂
Blog Post: Previously on Vegan Slate …
The 7 Highest Protein Vegan Foods Per 100g ( pack in the protein! )
“But where do you get your protein?” …it’s a question as old as the hills, often asked by non-vegans even today. It’s common knowledge that all protein comes from plants yet most people still think vegans lack protein. Well today we’re looking at the highest protein vegan foods per 100g serving. Let’s put the protein thing to bed shall we? …
Thanks so much for reading Vegan Slate and have a non-violent day 🙂
– Rohan
Vegan Slate
