Australian vegans have reason to celebrate in 2026, with Coles Group quietly launching a brand-new frozen mock meat range under its Nature’s Kitchen label.

After the devestation of the  Birds Eye vegan range being discontinued in Australia, Coles has now introduced five almost identical products to supermarket freezers nationwide. For many shoppers, it feels like the Birds Eye range has been reborn under a new label.

Here we explores:

• The new Coles Nature’s Kitchen frozen range
• How similar it is to the former Birds Eye products
• Nutrition comparisons (protein, fat and calories)
• What this means for vegan shoppers in Australia

Why This Launch Matters to Australian Vegans

The discontinuation of the Birds Eye vegan range in early 2026 was one of the biggest supermarket disappointments for the Australian vegan community.

The range had built a loyal following because it offered:

• High-protein convenience foods
• Gluten-free options
• Minimal ingredients in some products
• Affordable alternatives to premium brands

Thousands of shoppers voiced disappointment online, particularly over the loss of:

• Plant-Based Mince
• Chicken Style Strips
• Greek Lamb Style Strips
• Meatballs
• Crumbed Chicken Tenders

New Coles Nature’s Kitchen Frozen Plant-Based Range (2026)

According to Coles and multiple shopper reports, the following products are rolling out nationally:

1. Coles Nature’s Kitchen Mince 300g
2. Coles Nature’s Kitchen Chicken Style Strips 200g
3. Coles Nature’s Kitchen Chicken Style Tenders 300g
4. Coles Nature’s Kitchen Greek Lamb Style Strips 200g
5. Coles Nature’s Kitchen Meatballs 300g

These products are sold in the freezer aisle and are designed as convenient substitutes for beef, chicken and lamb.

Is It Basically the Same as the Birds Eye Vegan Range?

In short: it appears extremely likely.

Evidence Supporting the Theory

1. Identical Product Formats

The pack sizes and product concepts match the former Birds Eye products almost exactly.

2. Similar Ingredient Lists

The new Chicken Style Strips list only a handful of ingredients, including water, soy protein and natural flavouring, closely resembling the Birds Eye formulation.

3. Similar Nutritional Profile

The protein, fat and calorie levels are very close to the Birds Eye products.

4. Timing

Birds Eye confirmed its range would be discontinued by March 2026, and Coles launched its replacement in late April and early May 2026.

Nutrition Comparison: Coles vs Birds Eye

Plant-Based Mince (Per 100g Approx.)

Chicken Style Strips (Per 100g Approx.)

Chicken Style Tenders (Crumbed)

The tenders are more processed and contain breadcrumbs and canola oil, while the strips and mince are much leaner.

How Does It Compare to Other Vegan Meat Brands in Australia?

Compared with brands like v2food, Beyond Meat and Fry’s Family Food, the Coles range appears:

• More affordable
• Simpler in ingredients
• Higher in protein
• Less oily
• Excellent for everyday cooking

Best Uses for Each Product

Mince

Perfect for:

• Spaghetti bolognese
• Lasagne
• Tacos
• Chilli con carne

Chicken Style Strips

Ideal for:

• Curries
• Stir fries
• Pasta dishes
• Salads

Greek Lamb Style Strips

Great for:

• Souvlakis
• Gyros
• Wraps
• Grain bowls

Meatballs

Best for:

• Pasta
• Subs
• Swedish-style dishes

Chicken Tenders

Perfect for:

• Burgers
• Wraps
• Katsu curry
• Quick snacks

Community Reaction

The response from Australian vegans has been overwhelmingly positive. Many shoppers believe Coles has effectively rescued one of the best-value frozen vegan ranges available in Australia. Reddit users had described the Birds Eye range as a staple due to its high protein and versatile texture, particularly the lamb strips and chicken products.

Price Expectations

Official pricing may vary, but the products are expected to sit in a similar price bracket to the former Birds Eye range, around:

• $6.00–$7.50 per pack

This would make them among the most affordable premium-style frozen vegan meats in Australia.

Our Verdict

The new Coles Nature’s Kitchen frozen range is one of the most exciting vegan supermarket launches of 2026. If you loved the former Birds Eye products, there is an excellent chance you will enjoy these just as much.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Coles has stepped in at exactly the right time to fill a major gap in the Australian vegan market. For busy households wanting affordable, protein-rich meat alternatives, this is one of the best supermarket launches of the year.

Where to Buy

You can find the new range in the frozen section at Coles stores across Australia.

LGV!