After 20 years in development, a new apple is hitting shelves – and it has nothing to do with tech. The Cosmic Crisp has been developed by apple-growers in Washington state to appeal to the growing number of Americans who want to reduce their food waste, with the ideal taste and extra-long shelf life.

Meat shortages in the US and tightened grocery budgets have resulted in a boost in sales of tofu. A staple in many Asian-American households, tofu is gaining a wider fanbase as it's proved a more accessible and healthier protein alternative, also allowing for plant-based experimentation in the kitchen.

The proliferation of plant-based meat products at restaurants and grocery stores across the US has expanded the dining options available to vegans and vegetarians – but their appeal is not limited to those following niche diets. What’s driving more and more omnivores to gorge on meat alternatives?

The term ‘vegans’ tends to conjure up images of salad-grazing, stick-thin hippies. But a different vegan message of indulgence and junk food has taken over Berlin. Supermarket chain Veganz stocks vegan candy and meatless bacon strips. But isn’t vegan junk food the ultimate diet contradiction?