Better Nature heats up Tesco with Peri Peri Tempeh and a fresh packaging overhaul

Better Nature has announced that it has expanded its presence in Tesco in January 2026 with the launch of a new Peri Peri Tempeh, alongside the rollout of updated packaging across its chilled tempeh range. The move marked both a product and brand refresh for the UK-based tempeh company, as it sought to appeal more directly to meat-eaters looking for high-protein alternatives to chicken.

The new Peri Peri Tempeh was introduced nationwide in Tesco stores, tapping into growing consumer interest in Peri Peri flavors in the UK. Better Nature linked the launch to what it described as a broader rise in popularity of Peri Peri-style food, driven in part by the continued expansion of restaurant chain Nando’s across the country.

Positioned as a direct substitute for chicken, the Peri Peri Tempeh contained 44g of protein per 220g pack, which Better Nature said was more protein than a chicken breast. The product was designed to be used in familiar dishes such as rice bowls, wraps, and stir fries, with the brand emphasizing ease of preparation and versatility.

Alongside protein content, Better Nature highlighted the nutritional profile of its tempeh, which it said was naturally high in fiber, supportive of gut health, and a source of iron. The company described the product as a “supercharged swap for chicken”, aiming to attract shoppers who may not typically buy plant-based proteins.

The Peri Peri Tempeh launch coincided with the wider availability of Better Nature Mediterranean Tempeh in Tesco. That product joined the company’s existing Original Tempeh and Smoky Tempeh, both of which were already stocked in the retailer’s chilled aisle and had previously won industry awards.

Together, the expanded range reflected Better Nature’s strategy to grow shelf presence within mainstream retail while broadening its appeal beyond flexitarians and plant-based consumers. The company framed the range extension as part of a push to engage meat-eaters who were curious about alternatives but reluctant to compromise on taste, protein, or cooking familiarity.

The launch also marked the debut of a new packaging design across Better Nature’s tempeh portfolio. The refreshed packs featured a more natural aesthetic, clearer nutritional messaging, and prominent '3 steps to prep' instructions. According to the company, the redesign was intended to simplify decision-making for shoppers and reduce perceived barriers around cooking tempeh.

Elin Roberts, CEO & Co-founder of Better Nature, said the new product had been developed with meat-eaters firmly in mind. “With Nando’s fuelling the UK’s appetite for Peri Peri, our new Peri Peri Tempeh was tapping into the chicken shop boom, targeting meat-eaters who wanted more from their mealtimes,” she said.

Roberts said the company viewed tempeh as a strong alternative to chicken not only because of its protein content, but also because of its broader nutritional profile. “Our tempeh was a brilliant supercharged swap for chicken as not only did it contain a mighty 44g of protein per pack, it was also naturally packed with fiber and gut health benefits,” she said.

Ease of use was another key focus, she added. “Plus, it could be prepped and cooked just like chicken, with no need to learn new cooking skills,” Roberts said. She noted that this thinking had carried through into the packaging redesign, which aimed to make the product feel accessible rather than niche.

“This was reflected in our new packaging, which had a more natural look and feel, with dialled up supercharged protein messaging and clear ‘3 steps to prep’ instructions,” Roberts said. She linked the timing of the launch to seasonal consumer behavior, adding, “With Healthy New Year here, now was the time for shoppers to make better protein swaps and 'Give Chicken The Night Off'.”

Both the new Peri Peri Tempeh and the Mediterranean Tempeh were priced at £3.00 per 220g pack, equivalent to about US$3.80, and began rolling out to Tesco stores from January 2026.

The Tesco expansion represented another step in Better Nature’s efforts to establish tempeh as a mainstream protein option in the UK, particularly among shoppers accustomed to cooking with meat. By pairing a flavor-forward product with clearer packaging and familiar use cases, the company aimed to lower the barrier to trial and encourage repeat purchase within a competitive chilled protein category.