Following the success of its vegan apple pie and sausage roll, HEMA is now developing plant-based versions of its beloved smoked sausage and tompouce, free from animal ingredients.
These vegan innovations aren't available yet, but HEMA is committed to rolling out plant-based takes on its signature products in the years ahead. "We also want to be the first to make sustainability affordable for everyone in the Netherlands," CEO Tjeerd Jegen shared with Business Insider. The retailer has already transitioned to 100% sustainable cotton and is tackling plastic reduction. Sustainability now forms a core pillar of HEMA's strategy. Have you grabbed one of their eco bags yet?
Whether the vegan smoked sausage keeps its traditional name is uncertain—the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee is pushing for a ban on meat terms for plant-based alternatives.
In the meantime, Unox offers a vegetarian smoked sausage, while The Vegetarian Butcher has a fully plant-based version. Fun fact: smoked sausage-flavored chips exist too!
Also read: The quality of meat substitutes is getting better
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