Did you miss me? Probably not, so let’s talk about what you may have actually missed this past week in the plant-based sector. Recently, a study published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research Journal has been making headlines. According to the study conducted by the University of Barcelona (UB) and the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), it was found that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly.

This study was carried out over 12 years with the participation of 842 people aged over 65 in the Bordeaux and Dijon regions in France. With this in mind, the study was intended to examine the relationship between the metabolism of dietary components, intestinal microbiota, endogenous metabolism, and cognitive impairment. Ultimately, the results demonstrated a significant association between these processes. More specifically, metabolites found in foods such as cocoa, mushrooms, and apples had a protective profile related to cognitive function in the elderly.

On the contrary, foods rich in artificial sweeteners were associated with the progression of cognitive impairment and dementia. That being said, Merce Pallas, a professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science at UB, emphasized that the study of foods in relation to cognitive impairment will play a pivotal role in developing preventative and therapeutic strategies to help maintain our cognitive health. Long story short, the study conducted by UB suggests that changes in our diet are effective in preventing cognitive deterioration and its progression in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

That being said, a plant-based diet isn’t the be-all and end-all of cognitive impairment. In fact, many plant-based foods are actually worse than their traditional counterparts. For example, products made using genetically modified soy may contain high residues of glyphosate, an ingredient commonly found in weed killer classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Aside from tofu and soy milk, non-organic soy is found in a number of processed plant-based foods like plant-based meats and dairy products. With this in mind, here are a few companies that put your health first.

Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.

Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. (BABY.V) is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean, and plant-based food products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Speaking of soy, Else Nutrition has developed a plant-based, non-soy formula intended to provide an alternative to conventional dairy-based formulas used today. Why is this important?

According to a report from the US House Committee on Oversight and Report, several commercial baby foods, including popular brands such as Nurture, Beech-Nut, Hain, and Gerber, are tainted with dangerous levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Call me crazy, but I don’t think babies should be consuming the periodic table. On the contrary, Else Nutrition’s formula has been tested and cleared of heavy metals of concern, and I’m not talking about Metallica.

With this in mind, Else Nutrition’s products have been recognized on multiple occasions. Most recently, on December 13, 2021, the Company announced that it has received the World Plant-Based 2021 Award for its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers. Additionally, Else Nutrition’s Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was awarded the Good Housekeeping Parenting Award for 2021.

If you are interested in Else Nutrition, the Company announced on December 7, 2021, that it will be participating in the Lytham Partners Winter 2021 Investor Conference taking place from December 13-16, 2021. During this event, the Company will be participating in a webcast “Fireside Chat” discussing its vision for 2022 and conducting numerous virtual investor meetings. If you’d like a deeper analysis of Else Nutrition, check out this article.

Rritual Superfoods Inc.

Rritual Superfoods Inc. (RSF.C) is a functional superfood company committed to developing natural wellness products intended to support a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. Since going public in March 2021, the Company has created a variety of products and positioned itself as a market leader in the rapidly expanding superfood market. Keep in mind, this market was valued at USD$137.0 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% between 2019-2025.

Rritual’s organic products include functional mushroom elixirs and herbal adaptogens for improved health and wellness. The Company’s natural elixirs are comprised of purposeful ingredients, including Chaga, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane, which are meant to maximize immunity, sharpen cognitive function, improve resilience to stress, and more. Personally, I am a bit of a skeptic when it comes to “elixirs”, however, Rritual’s product line was nominated on the shortlist for the Global Vegan Awards 2021.

Furthermore, by June 2021, Rritual had surpassed its target of 2,400 retail locations and 10,000 points of distribution, which the Company had originally planned to accomplish by December 31, 2021. Having smashed this goal, Rritual hopes to reach 6,000 stores and 20,000 points of distribution by the end of the year. Sheesh. Looking forward, Rritual’s next product to be released includes a plant-based collagen-boosting latte powder formulated using antioxidant-abundant tremella mushrooms.

On May 20, 2021, Rritual announced that it had signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with NEXE Innovations Inc., a company Equity Guru has covered extensively. Through this partnership, Rritual will establish best practices of plant-based, compostable packaging to align with the Company’s mandate to minimize harm to the planet while satisfying retail and consumer demand.

Organic Garage Ltd.

Organic Garage Ltd. (OG.V) is one of Canada’s leading independent organic grocers committed to offering a wide selection of natural products, including natural produce, grocery, meat, bakery, and vitamins, to name just a few. Utilizing the Company’s bi-weekly ‘Unflyer’ featuring in-store specials and clearance deals, customers are able to purchase organic products at prices that won’t break their bank. On March 4, 2021, Organic Garage acquired the Future of Cheese (FOC) to introduce a line of plant-based butter, cream cheese, and cheese products.

While there are plenty of plant-based cheeses and butter available on the market, many of these alternatives contain almost no nutritional value, utilizing fillers like starches, gums, and fats. On the other hand, Organic Garage’s products are manufactured using the Company’s proprietary plant-based dairy-comparable proteins and top-quality, nutrient-dense, sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients. Recently, on October 19, 2021, Organic Garage announced that it had launched its initial line of plant-based butter across selected retailers in Ontario, including all Organic Garage stores.

In addition to its plant-based butter, on November 30, 2021, Organic Garage announced the launch of its naturally ripened plant-based brie to retailers in Ontario. Made using all-natural, organic, non-GMO ingredients, the Company’s plant-based brie is ripened using Organic Garage’s traditional aging process. Although I prefer goat cheese, Organic Garage recently reported a successful launch of its plant-based brie, selling through its first production run while satisfying all retail orders.

Looking forward, Organic Garage is preparing for its largest retail expansion plan since its inception. To date, the Company has four operational stores throughout Ontario with a fifth location currently under construction. With this in mind, Organic Garage has engaged Savills Real Estate to locate, negotiate, and sign prospective new Organic Garage sites. The above graphic illustrates potential locations the Company has considered for its upcoming retail expansion.

The Well Told Company Inc.

The Well Told Company Inc. (WLCO.V) is a female-founded, emerging plant-based wellness company focused on formulating, developing, distributing, and selling a variety of products. The Company’s products include supplements, remedies, and other functional wellness products, which are currently available in over 2,000 well-known retailers throughout Canada and 800 stores in the United States. Furthermore, Well Told’s products are non-synthetic, filler-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.

It is generally understood that natural products are good for us. In reality, many natural products actually have no beneficial properties at all. For example, many studies examining Echinacea found that the herb had no meaningful benefit against the common cold. Despite this, Echinacea is promoted as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other infections based on the idea that it might stimulate the immune system to more effectively fight infection.

On the other hand, Well Told uses natural products with proven effects, including raspberries, peppermint, ginger, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane. In particular, Chago is recognized for its immune-modulating and antioxidant properties, as well as its ability to help the body manage stress. More specifically, Chaga’s high amount of Beta-D-Glucans helps keep the immune system in balance by boosting it when necessary and slowing it down when it’s overactive.

Utilizing natural ingredients, Well Told’s portfolio of products addresses a variety of needs, ranging from bloating treatment, sleep aid, skin nourishment, and cough relief, among many others. In total, Well Told has 12,959 points of distribution and has its products listed at several major retailers, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Whole Foods, and Shopper Drug Mart.