"Growing Lion's Mane in the UK allows us to create a meat-free solution that's local, transparent and sustainable"

A new product range based on UK-grown Lion's Mane mushrooms has entered the meat-free category. Urban Farm-Produce, a UK grower focused on whole food mushroom products, has launched Prepared Mane, a line of chilled and frozen, ready-to-cook vegan-friendly items made from organic Lion's Mane.

The range includes Smoked and Unsmoked Steaks and a Mince, all produced using certified organic Lion's Mane grown in the UK. The products are positioned as a whole food alternative to more heavily processed meat-free options currently on the market. The Mince has been developed as a neutral base that can be adapted to different dishes, rather than as a pre-seasoned meat analogue.

Urban Farm-Produce Founder and CEO Elliot Webb commented: "Prepared Mane is our response to a category that's lost touch with what vegan-friendly should be. Consumers are looking for food that's simple, clean and recognisable, and right now, too many meat-free products are anything but. By centring this range around UK-grown Lion's Mane, we're showing that whole food innovation can deliver flavour, texture and convenience without compromise."

© Urban Farm-Produce

Ahead of a wider rollout, the company has released a limited batch through its website to gauge early customer feedback. The range is aimed at consumers seeking locally produced, minimally processed options, as well as at foodservice operators.

According to the company, the products are designed to be cooked in minutes and are available in bulk formats for professional kitchens. Optional rubs and marinades are offered for direct-to-consumer customers as preparation support.

Elliot continued: "Chefs have been telling us for years that they want meat-free options that work with the pace of a professional kitchen, not against it. Prepared Mane was designed for that reality of real ingredients, minimal prep, and ready to go. It gives operators the practicality they need, while still staying true to whole-food principles."

© Urban Farm-Produce

Urban Farm-Produce points to growing interest in plant-based diets. Based on YouGov survey results and current population estimates, the company estimates that 25.8 million people worldwide tried plant-based eating in January 2025. It sees this as an opportunity for products made from single, recognisable ingredients rather than soy or wheat-based formulations.

Elliot added: "There's huge demand for meat-free/vegan products that are not only better for people, but better for the planet. Growing Lion's Mane here in the UK allows us to create a meat-free solution that's local, transparent and genuinely sustainable. Prepared Mane reflects everything we believe food innovation should be, responsible, honest and rooted in real ingredients.

"Consumers are becoming far more selective, questioning long ingredient lists and looking for meat-free/vegan options that feel closer to real food. Prepared Mane meets that shift head-on. Simple, versatile and built around a single ingredient that stands on its own."

With this launch, Urban Farm-Produce is seeking to contribute to a shift within the meat-free segment towards products based on whole ingredients rather than complex formulations, while focusing on local production and straightforward processing.