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Tag: Labeling

Iceland Foods Earns Vegetarian Society Accreditation for New Plant-Based Products 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Retail.

Iceland Foods has officially achieved Vegetarian Society Approved certification for a wide selection of its vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based offerings. The certification, which includes approximately 20 products, features the retailer’s newly launched TGI Melt in the Middle No Meat Burgers among its highlights.

This certification is a stamp of approval from one of the most respected bodies in the vegetarian and vegan community. The Vegetarian Society Approved trademark guarantees that products have been independently verified to contain no animal-derived ingredients, are free from GMOs, and are produced in environments where there is no cross-contamination with meat.

“We are delighted to welcome Iceland Foods Supermarket to the Vegetarian Society Approved family,” said Nina Anderson, Head of Trademark Services at the Vegetarian Society. “As more people look for trustworthy vegetarian, vegan and plant-based options, it’s fantastic to see a major retailer like Iceland providing clearly accredited products that customers can choose with confidence.”

The accreditation marks a significant milestone not just for Iceland Foods, but for the wider retail landscape in the UK. As demand continues to grow for ethical, sustainable, and accessible food options, certifications like these offer reassurance to consumers navigating the ever-expanding world of meat-free products.

The newly approved Iceland items will be available in Iceland and The Food Warehouse locations across the UK, as well as online, making it easier than ever for customers to make confident plant-based choices.

The significance of the Vegetarian Society approving entire retailers, rather than certifying brands or products one at a time, cannot be overstated. This broader approach helps build deeper consumer trust by signaling that a retailer is committed to high standards across its full vegetarian and vegan range. For shoppers, this means a more efficient and confidence-driven experience—instead of scrutinizing every ingredient list, they can look for the trusted Vegetarian Society Approved logo and know that the product meets rigorous ethical and dietary criteria. It turns the retailer into a one-stop shop for high-quality plant-based options, streamlining the shopping process and encouraging more consumers to explore meat-free choices.

To learn more about the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark or to explore Iceland’s full certified range, visit www.vegsoc.org.

Victory for Plant-Based Labels: France Overturns Ban on Meat Terms 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace, Government, Policy.

In a major win for the plant-based industry, France’s Conseil d’État (Council of State) has officially overturned legislation that would have banned plant-based brands from using terms such as “steak,” “ham,” and “sausage” on their product labels. This decision marks a turning point in the global fight for fair legislation and is being celebrated as a victory of common sense by companies across the plant-based sector. 

Leading the charge was La Vie, a French plant-based meat company known for its bold and humorous marketing. In a triumphant LinkedIn post, the company declared: 

ON A GAGNÉ. (We won.)
The Council of State has officially announced the annulment of the decrees and the law—pushed by lobbying groups—that sought to ban plant-based alternatives from using words like “steak,” “ham,” or “sausage.” 

After years of intense legal battles, David has finally defeated Goliath. Your favorite products can keep their familiar names—terms that clearly help consumers understand their use and make plant-based eating more accessible, as scientists have recommended for over a decade. 

This landmark ruling signals a shift away from restrictive regulations designed to protect the traditional meat industry and toward a fairer marketplace where consumers can make informed choices without unnecessary barriers. 

 

Why This Ruling Matters for the Global Plant-Based Industry 

The debate over labeling plant-based products with meat-related terms has been an ongoing battle in Europe and beyond. France initially pushed forward one of the strictest labeling laws in the EU, arguing that terms like “vegan sausage” or “plant-based steak” could mislead consumers. However, critics—including industry leaders, scientists, and plant-based advocates—pointed out that these terms actually help consumers understand the product’s intended use, making plant-based options more accessible. 

This ruling sets a powerful precedent and aligns with similar victories in other countries: 

  • The European Union previously rejected a continent-wide ban on plant-based meat labels, allowing companies to continue using familiar terms. 
  • South Africa overturned its attempt to ban plant-based meat terms, following strong opposition from plant-based businesses. 
  • The United States has seen multiple legal challenges to restrictions on dairy-free labeling, particularly around terms like “almond milk” and “oat milk.” 

These wins highlight a growing global consensus: plant-based brands deserve the same freedom to communicate with consumers as their animal-based counterparts. 

 

A Call for Fair Legislation, Not Protectionism 

The ruling in France is not just about terminology—it’s about fair competition. As demand for plant-based foods rises, some traditional meat and dairy industries have pushed for restrictive laws to slow down the category’s growth. However, consumer behavior is clear: people want plant-based options, and they want to be able to identify them easily. 

Rather than limiting plant-based brands, policymakers should focus on clear, fair labeling laws that prioritize transparency and consumer choice—not corporate protectionism.