Better Nature Raises £1.1M to Grow the European Tempeh Market

Better Nature, a UK based tempeh company, has raised £1.1M ($1.5M) to grow its business, following record sales in the last quarter. The money, announced on 5 August 2025, comes mostly from investors who already support the company. It will help with sales, marketing, and new product development as they work to take on the UK chicken market.

Started in 2018 by Elin Roberts, Fabio Rinaldo, Chris Kong, and Dr. Ando Ahnan-Winarno, Better Nature is now the top tempeh brand in the UK. Their recent success has made them one of the fastest-growing meat-free brands, with sales going up substantially last year.

Image Credits: Thomas Pagot

Tempeh Becomes a Popular Choice

Tempeh, a fermented soybean food from Indonesia, is catching on in the UK as more people look for plant-based alternatives. Better Nature sells five types, including smoky tempeh blocks, BBQ-marinated pieces, and other flavours, which are now found in big stores like Tesco and Asda. They’re also available in over 1,000 shops in Germany, where the brand has built a loyal following. The company recently made their tempeh even higher in protein, tweaking the recipe to make it a good swap for chicken in meals like stir-fries, curries, or even sandwiches.

Roberts, one of the co-founders, said people care more about healthy and planet-friendly food these days rather than just vegan labels. She explained that tempeh’s simple taste and firm texture work well in many dishes, and it brings extra benefits like being good for gut health and lasting longer than chicken in the fridge. This focus on natural ingredients and practical use has helped Better Nature stand out in a crowded market.

Tapping into Health Trends

Better Nature is doing well beyond the UK, with sales growth in Germany this year, where they’ve become a leader in the tempeh category. They’ve also started selling in Austria, where early feedback has been positive, and they plan to enter two more countries soon to reach even more customers. Back home, their original tempeh is a top seller in Tesco stores, and they’re the only tempeh brand in Asda shops across the country. This international expansion shows how the company has been building a global reputation since their creation in January 2020.

Image Credits: Better Tempeh

Last year, sales of alternative meat dropped a bit in the UK as some people grew wary of processed options, while tofu and tempeh became more popular as simpler alternatives. Many people want to eat less meat and dairy, especially with rising costs and health concerns, and some are trying tempeh for the first time after hearing about its benefits. These include improved bone and gut health, better digestion, and heart health support due to its high content of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and isoflavones. As a fermented whole food, it provides probiotics, is a complete plant-based protein, and is easier to digest than other soybeans.

Roberts thinks Better Nature is in a good spot to meet this demand for healthy, natural foods. The company is riding the wave of interest in plant-based eating, and their products fit well with what people are looking for. In May 2025, they hired a new sales leader with experience at big food companies to strengthen their team. Better Nature's recent marketing push is encouraging people to choose tempeh over chicken, highlighting how easy it is to make the switch in everyday cooking. With this new funding, Better Nature aims to reach more homes and show that tempeh can be a regular part of a balanced diet.