As the Indian vegetarian market continues to thrive, we take a look at the latest updates from alt protein companies in the country
GoodDot goes global
GoodDot, which describes itself as India’s leading plant-based company, has entered the US in partnership with food manufacturer and distributor ADF Foods. The products will be sold under ADF’s Ashoka brand of frozen Indian-style ready meals, and will include Plant Based Butter Chicken, Plant Based Lamb Rogan Josh and Plant Based Lamb Curry.
According to Gooddot, the dishes are already available in most ethnic Indian stores in the US and will soon be rolled out to many other major retailers in the country.
“India’s First Oat Milk Facility”
As Silicon India’s Startup City magazine reports, several new companies have recently entered India’s plant-based sector. One is Oatmax, which claims to have opened the country’s first oat milk facility. The company offers its milk alternatives in plain, vanilla and chocolate flavors and the products can be customized to meet customer needs. For example, the calorie count can be reduced, or the recipe can be adapted depending on whether the milk is intended for use in cooking or as a drink.
Oat milk is made entirely without artificial ingredients and is available in various packaging options such as glass bottles, spout pouches and pillow bag pouches. In the future, Oatmax aims to branch out into other plant-based products, such as meat alternatives.
Award-winning vegan cheese
Veclan is a startup that began by creating vegetarian options for popular spreads and dips. But after founder Deep Harlalka realized that what he missed most was cheese, the company began making plant-based cheese slices and spreads. The products were launched last year, and have already been named the Best Vegan Cheese by PETA India They are available across India through various online vegan marketplaces including Amazon and Flipkart.
Alt meats with no soy or gluten
Indian plant-based meat startup Imposter Meat offers high-protein burgers and meatballs made from pea protein. Unlike many other brands, the products are free of soy and gluten, which are common allergens. Strict hygiene standards ensure that there is no cross-contamination.
Imposter’s products are already available at numerous retailers including Vegan Dukan, Big Basket and Nature’s Basket. The brand is said to be launching various new products such as sausages, butter chicken gravy and chic kebabs.
Founder Nikhil David Prakash told Startup City, “Imposter Meat is healthy because it eliminates the negative health effects of animal-based meat and is also high in protein and cruelty-free.