For anyone in mainland Portugal and Spain who has been looking for an easy way to eat healthy and also save time, have we found the solution for you! Founded in Porto in 2022, Plantz is on a mission to make 100% vegan plant-based eating both affordable and incredibly convenient. With a commitment to health, sustainability, and flavor, Plantz offers deep-frozen ready-to-eat meals that bring a variety of cuisines right to your doorstep.
How It All Began
We first encountered Plantz at Web Summit, where they stood out at the Startup Lisboa booth. Though based in Porto, they were invited by the Startup Lisboa team to pitch their company to investors, as they are hoping to expand their business even more in 2025. The team’s passion for their mission was contagious, and we wanted to share it with a wider audience.
The story of Plantz began on a university campus. Jorge Boabaid and Felipe Souza, two Brazilian innovators with a shared passion for problem-solving, met during their Master’s degree in Innovation at the University of Porto. In 2022, what started as a design project soon evolved into an idea for something much bigger – the dream to bring affordable, delicious 100% plant-based vegan meals to the masses in a sustainable way.
By 2023, the duo was joined by two fellow Brazilians: Rodrigo Falqueto, who brought business acumen to the team, and Lucas Oliveira, a trained nutritionist with a vision for transforming plant-based meals. Together, they officially launched Plantz in March 2023, bringing their diverse backgrounds together to help bring healthy vegan food to consumers with just a few simple clicks.
Simple and Delicious
What sets Plantz apart is its simplicity. The concept revolves around producing and delivering frozen vegan meals that are not only nutritious but also delicious even for non vegans. Through a user-friendly website, customers can choose from a curated menu of currently 18 dishes, including vegan lasagna, Feijoada à brasileira, and Tofu Tikka Masala. These meals are crafted with care, combining Lucas Oliveira’s expertise in nutrition with the culinary skills of a specialized chef. The result? Restaurant-quality hassle-free dishes that can be stored for up to six months in the freezer.
Unlike many meal services, Plantz allows customers to order precisely what they need—be it a single meal or a package of eight different meals. This flexibility is a game-changer for those who don’t have a lot of storage space or don’t want to get locked into a subscription plan.
A Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the heart of Plantz’s mission. By focusing on plant-based ingredients, the company reduces its environmental footprint and addresses issues like greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and excessive water use. Deep-freezing also reduces food waste, a global problem, with nearly 40% of purchased food ending up discarded. By making long-lasting, high-quality meals, Plantz is helping customers align their choices with a more sustainable future.
The recognition of Plantz’s commitment to sustainability came quickly. In December 2023, the company achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious “New Products of Food & Beverage Sustainable” award at Start-To-Table. This acceleration program, organized by Start Up Lisbon and Unicorn Factory Lisbon, is known for spotlighting innovative ventures in the food and technology sectors. Competing against start-ups from Italy, Sweden, Poland, and beyond, Plantz stood out for its scalable business model, cohesive team, and dedication to sustainability. The founders viewed this award as a stepping stone to further growth, with plans to continue to expand their offerings and reach in 2025.
What Kind of Meals Can You Get?
For just €6.90–€7.90 per meal, customers can enjoy options like feijoada à brasileira, a Brazilian classic made with black beans, plant-based chorizo, and a side of saffron rice. For those craving Mexican flavors, the two-bean chili with seitan offers a hearty mix of red and black beans served with sweet potatoes. The tofu tikka masala, meanwhile, brings a taste of India with its creamy almond sauce and roasted cauliflower. With so much variety in their cuisine, Plantz does their best to ensure that customers keep coming back for more.
But Plantz’s commitment goes beyond taste. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to meet nutritional standards, with an average calorie range of 300–600 per serving. High-protein ingredients ensure a satisfying meal, while low sugar content makes them ideal for balanced diets. For those interested in a detailed nutritional breakdown, the Plantz website offers comprehensive nutritional breakdowns for every dish.
How Does Delivery Work?
If you live in Porto, your meals can be delivered within the day. For mainland Portugal and Spain, meals can be delivered within 24 hours from Tuesday to Friday. Please note that delivery is not possible to Madeira, the Azores, or the Canary Islands.
Once meals arrive, they can be stored in the freezer for up to six months or kept in the fridge for up to 48 hours. To heat up your food, simply place it in the microwave for seven minutes at Heating is quick and straightforward, whether using a microwave for seven minutes at 800 W or a traditional oven for 30 minutes at 180 °C.
What’s Next for Plantz?
Looking ahead to 2025, Plantz plans to partner with restaurants, hotels, and other businesses to offer vegan options in their menus. These collaborations will allow Plantz to scale its impact and bring plant-based meals to even more people while supporting the growth of vegan dining in the hospitality industry.
In less than three years, Plantz has gone from a university project to an award-winning company, proving that small ideas can lead to big changes. As they continue to grow and evolve, the founders remain steadfast in their mission: to make plant-based eating as easy and enjoyable as possible. With its blend of creativity, quality, and purpose, Plantz is inspiring people to rethink what’s possible with plant-based food.
