Not so long ago, veganism was considered an eccentric lifestyle, often associated with tree-hugging hippies and dusty health food stores. It was challenging to find plant-based products, and most restaurants offered little more than chips or side salads as vegan options.
Today, the difference is stark. In most major European cities, not having vegan options would be considered unusual. Cafes offer oat milk lattes, supermarkets dedicate entire aisles to plant-based meat and dairy products, and even fast food chains like McDonald’s and KFC have added plant-based burgers and nuggets to their menus. This widespread availability reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable and ethical food choices.
On that note, we have curated a list of 10 promising European plant-based alternatives that cater to modern dietary preferences (all founded from 2019 and beyond). From Paris to Berlin and Zurich to Vienna, these companies are transforming the way we eat and think about food.
Umiami: Based in Paris, Umiami provides plant-based meat and fish fillets using its proprietary “umisation” technology, creating realistic, delicious alternatives with fewer than 10 ingredients. They collaborate with food manufacturers and restaurants to promote sustainable, vegan products without compromising quality. Founded in 2020, Umiami has raised €89.34 million to support its mission of offering high-protein, gourmet plant-based options that benefit health, animals, and the environment.
Revo Foods: Headquartered in Vienna, Revo Foods creates plant-based seafood with no compromises in taste or nutrition. Utilizing high-precision 3D food printing technology, they are making food production more sustainable. Their products include plant-based smoked salmon, gravlax, and tuna spreads, designed to offer premium nutritional value while reducing overfishing and relieving pressure on marine ecosystems. Founded in 2020, Revo Foods has raised €4 million to advance its innovative food solutions and offers sustainable options with significantly lower CO² emissions.
Poseidona: Headquartered in Barcelona, Poseidona uses seaweed waste, including invasive species, to create nutritious and sustainable food products. Founded in 2022, they have recently raised €1.1 million, focusing on reducing overfishing and promoting a circular economy. Their innovative enzyme technology revalorizes seaweed, with plans to launch their products by late 2024 or early 2025.
Planted: Based in Zurich, Planted uses proprietary structuring and fermentation technologies to produce, meaty, and juicy plant-based meats using only clean ingredients. They design their products in various sizes, shapes, and textures, aiming to outperform animal meat in taste, sustainability, health, efficiency, and price. Committed to no additives, Planted sets a new standard in the plant-based meat category, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative to animal meat. Founded in 2019, they have raised €129.62 million to support its innovative approach to vegan food.
Mondarella: Based in Berlin, Mondarella creates 100% plant-based cheeses using high-quality natural ingredients. Their products, including mozzarella, soft cheeses, and grillable options, offer delicious taste and excellent melting quality. They provide a healthy, additive-free alternative to traditional dairy cheese. Founded in 2021, they have raised €8 million aiming to revolutionize the cheese industry with innovative and eco-friendly products and reduce the ecological footprint.
La Vie: Also headquartered in Paris, La Vie specializes in creating plant-based meat alternatives, including vegan bacon and ham, designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat products. Founded in 2019, La Vie™ has secured €27 million to further its innovative food solutions. Their mission is to offer nutritious, delicious, and ethical plant-based options that are rich in protein, made from pea and sunflower ingredients, and manufactured in France, all while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Juicy Marbles: Based in Kamnik, Juicy Marbles offers prime plant-based meats, including whole cuts that are easy to cook and packed with nutrients. Their products, such as filet, loin, and bone-in ribs, are versatile and suitable for various recipes. Committed to deliciousness and sustainability, they provide tender, plant-based alternatives for steaks, family dinners, and more. Founded in 2019 they have raised over €4.6 million to support its vision of a sustainable meat industry.
Greenforce: Based in Munich, Greenforce creates and sells innovative plant-based foods that benefit both people and the environment. They use advanced technology to produce 100% vegan products from high-quality, locally grown pea proteins. Founded in 2020, Greenforce has raised €28 million to ensure a sustainable protein supply for future generations. Their offerings include Vegan Leberkäse, Vegan Cooked Ham, and easy-to-prepare ready meals, making plant-based eating convenient and delicious.
Bon Vivant: Located in Lyon, Bon Vivant is a biotechnology company developing cutting-edge precision fermentation techniques. The company is dedicated to contributing to the environmental transition within the dairy production sector. Their technology enables the production of dairy proteins without the need for animals, significantly reducing the ecological footprint. Founded in 2021, Bon Vivant has raised €20.5 million to create non-dairy alternatives that closely resemble traditional dairy products in texture and taste.
ACCRO: Based in France this foodtech startup offers a 100% plant-based portfolio that includes burger patties, nuggets, meatballs, stuffing, premium burgers, mince, escalopes, chunks, sausages and merguez. They also provide recipes and can be found in stores, restaurants, and online Established in 2021 by Nxtfood they have raised €10 million to provide tasty and sustainable meal options.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/06/kale-yeah-10-startups-leading-the-plant-based-food-scene-in-europe/
