Dublin entrepreneur Aisling Cullen’s Thanks Plants range of plant-based, meat-free products are to be sold in ALDI stores across Ireland.
Dublin entrepreneur Aisling Cullen’s Thanks Plants range of plant-based, meat-free products are to be sold in ALDI stores across Ireland after the firm won scored a major deal with the retailer.
Thanks Plants are passionate about plant-based, vegan cooking, and wanted to come up with a product that was wholesome and flavourful. Honest ingredients and cherished recipes. All products are handmade in a professional kitchen in Dublin by Cullen and her team.
“The fact that plant-based food has now gone mainstream is a dream come true for me, the fact that we get to have our products on shelves is huge for us and part of our plan for growth”
The range of plant-based sausages, burgers and more will be available in 157 ALDI stores across Ireland from 23 May.
Tasty alternatives to meat
Thanks Plants will stock the new and exciting Chorizo Crumbles at ALDI and Supervalu stores. The Chorizo Crumbles are a plant-based meaty crumble alternative which can be a flavoursome addition as a pizza topping, in a burrito, for breakfast with your scramble or on top of loaded fries.
“We are so excited about this partnership with ALDI,” Cullen said. “ALDI are really supportive towards Irish brands. Plus the fact that plant-based food has now gone mainstream is a dream come true for me, the fact that we get to have our products on shelves is huge for us and part of our plan for growth. We will be showcasing our Frankfurters, NoMoooo Burgers and Chorizo Crumbles in ALDI for the next six months.”
Cullen started Thanks Plants in response to the lack of good quality meat substitutes available in supermarkets in Ireland, she saw a gap in the market for vegan products that were both meaty in taste and made from wholefood ingredients.
“I turned vegan a few years ago and was underwhelmed by the choice and quality of products available, I also found it hard to understand the list of ingredients on the packets. I started experimenting at home and made my own seitan sausages which were really tasty and had the all-important meaty flavour and texture. I also knew exactly what was going into them and ensured it was nutritious for me and my family.”
The Thanks Plants range started with three types of sausages – Apple & Sage, Sundried Tomato & Herb and The Frankfurter – made from a simple mix of seitan flour (a high protein flour), cannellini beans, vegetables and spices. The range has now expanded to include Chipotle Salsa Sausages, NoMoooo Burger, and Everyday Roast.
Cullen is no stranger to the food industry, having previously operated a coffee house and restaurant before shifting to manufacturing. “I set up Thanks Plants in 2020 and I have been passionate about the food industry all my life. I opened a coffee house when I was living in Malaysia in 2015 and I enjoyed coming up with the menu and daily specials. When I moved back to Ireland in 2017, I was excited to continue my food journey here.”
Cullen is passionate about plant-based cooking and wanted to come up with a product that was wholesome and flavourful. Once she started making her own meatless meats out of whole food ingredients, she never looked back.
Along with a passion for food, she worked in retail property for 17 years before moving into the food industry. For a decade, she directed the in-house videos for the designers during New York Fashion Week, working with everyone who showed over there including Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs and Donna Karen. Aisling also worked as a freelance fashion journalist for The Irish Times and Irish Independent.
