Smashburger Adds Eclipse Plant-Based Milkshakes to Menu
Eclipse Foods has partnered with Smashburger to create the industry’s first nationally available plant-based milkshakes for the fast-casual chain. The milkshakes are now available for purchase in all Smashburger locations nationwide (for $6.19, price may vary based on location) in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Tangerine Dream and Oreo. Customers can also order the plant-based milkshakes for take-out or delivery on Smashburger.com or on Smashburger’s mobile app, and for delivery on DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and GrubHub.
“This partnership marks an incredible milestone in advancing the plant-based movement and signals Smashburger’s confidence in Eclipse as the plant-based dairy brand that mainstream consumers will crave,” said Aylon Steinhart, co-founder and CEO of Eclipse. “Our shakes perfectly mimic the delicious taste and texture of traditional dairy milkshakes, and require no flavor sacrifice from consumers. And now that the shakes are available nationwide, even more people will have access to exceptionally delicious plant-based options that are better for the planet, animals and people.”
To create its first dairy-free menu item, Smashburger’s corporate chef, Ty Goerke, worked closely with Eclipse’s co-founder and James Beard nominated chef, Thomas Bowman. After months of testing, both teams were confident they had created a world-class offering all customers would love, no matter their diet.
“As part of Smashburger’s aggressive approach to menu innovation and catering to our guest’s evolving tastes, we have continued to diversify our product portfolio with the launch of new plant-based milkshake offerings,” states Carl Bachmann, president of Smashburger. “As part of our commitment and passion to deliver high caliber products with quality ingredients, we knew Eclipse was the best partner for us to develop the brand’s first dairy-free menu offerings. This felt like a natural next step in Smashburger’s journey to offer more diverse and plant-based options for our guests, while still delivering the premium, top-quality menu items that Smash fans know and love.”
Eclipse was co-founded in 2019 by Steinhart and Bowman with the mission to create a more sustainable, healthy, and ethical food system. Since then, Eclipse has scaled faster and more efficiently than competitors in the space in order to make this mission of fighting climate change, animal suffering, and the human health crisis a reality.
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Lightlife Foods Promotes New ‘Lightyear’ Film
Greenleaf Foods, SPC, owner of plant-based food company Lightlife, announced today a blockbuster collaboration with Disney and Pixar. As part of the promotion of the upcoming film, “Lightyear,” Lightlife, Disney and Pixar are teaming up to celebrate the magic of legendary character Buzz Lightyear off the screen and in the kitchen.
Nostalgic fans of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” will soon spot its beloved Space Ranger on retail shelves at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Target, Albertsons and others across the nation. As part of its sponsorship of “Lightyear,” several Lightlife items will feature new “Lightyear”-inspired packaging, including Lightlife Smart Dogs – the number-one selling plant-based hot dog in America. Lightlife Smart Bacon, Lightlife Original Tempeh, Lightlife Plant-Based Burger, and Lightlife Breakfast Patties and Links also received a packaging refresh in alliance with the new film.
“Our collaboration with Disney and Pixar marks the largest brand collaboration in Lightlife history and we are extremely proud to be the exclusive plant-based sponsor of a film whose fan base spans generations,” said Adam Grogan, President of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. “We are excited for Lightlife’s family-friendly plant-based products to join forces with Disney and Pixar’s film release this summer.”
In honor of the “Lightyear” debut, Lightlife is inviting fans to blast off into the kitchen to enjoy delicious plant-based recipes like Cosmic Chili Dogs, Buzz Breakfast Burrito and savory Morning Moonrock Muffins. The brand will also host a sweepstakes promotion with a chance to win dozens of prize packages, including a private film screening and Disney merchandise.
A sci-fi action adventure and origin story of Buzz Lightyear, “Lightyear” opens in theaters on June 17 and follows the heroic Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox.
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Barry Callebaut Adds Dairy-Free Organic Chocolate
Barry Callebaut, a leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is expanding its plant-based Plant Craft portfolio by adding dairy-free organic chocolate to its North American line.
Eighty-one percent of consumers are seeking chocolates that not only taste great but are also “good for me and good for the planet,” according to Barry Callebaut’s new report, “The Future of Indulgence,” which was unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Show May 24.
Dairy-free organic chocolate joins the Plant Craft portfolio including the recently launched dairy-free compound, classic dairy-free chocolates, and cocoa powders. The portfolio also includes nut solutions and Cacaofruit Experiences – the pulp, juice and concentrate directly from the Cacaofruit. The Plant Craft range includes solutions for confectionery, bakery, ice cream applications and beyond.
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