Al Gore’s focus on making the world aware of the climate crisis has permeated nearly every media outlet with great success. Now it appears that the Nobel Prize winner is focusing his attention on Americans’ dinner plates.

Sources close to the the former Vice-President dropped the news that Gore is set to release a new line of 100% organic vegan frozen foods. While the branding is still under development (see the artist’s mock up above), a summer release date with four initial meals is being considered. “Al has been inspired by what the Linda McCartney brand has done for the vegetarian frozen foods scene — and firmly believes that he can deliver an American-styled version,” said one source. “He’s especially eager to have his brand hit the shelves before Heather Mills’ does.”

Under consideration for early release are: “Al Gore’s Vegan Nubs”, “Al Gore’s Vegan Pizza Rolls”, “Al Gore’s Soy Poppers” and “Al Gore’s Vegan Buffalo Fingers”. All profits from the new venture will benefit the Alliance for Climate  Protection.

Still unclear is whether Gore will actually embrace the vegan lifestyle promoted on his boxes. With factory farming considered a major contributor to C02 emissions, Gore has received flak (especially from PETA) for not embracing a plant-based diet. “He’s still not even vegetarian, but figures these products might go a long way to convincing others it’s the right thing to do,” continued the source. “At the end of the day, it’s the message that matters.”

It’s worth noting that today is April 1st.

Over the course of last year, we heard many stories about the late Linda McCartney’s frozen vegetarian food line being given a refresh with new packaging and choices. This week, that new branding is finally being revealed in an effort to “communicate the benefits of the product”. Irving Designs handled the repackaging — with Sir Paul McCartney and his daughter Mary lending a hand.

Paul came up with the new tagline ‘Food to come home to’, while Mary supplied the photography. The three new ready-meals are Thai green curry, Balti curry and Moroccan tagine.

Linda McCartney Foods via Vegetarian Star

The company has just released a vegetarian version of “mince.” Don’t know what mince is? Yeah, me neither! However, a thorough wikipedia search validated my assumption that mince is the kind of meat found in mince meat pies. The product is not only vegetarian, fat-free and high in both protein and fiber, but it’s also packaged in a fully biodegradable bag. Awesome!

The McCartney family said: “Linda inspired countless people around the world to go meat-free. Linda was so passionate about demonstrating how delicious vegetarian food could be. She was a great believer that there is just as much taste and flavor in a meal that’s meat free.”

The Vegetarian Mince will be launched exclusively at J Sainsbury’s on 22nd September 2008, priced at £1.75; it will then be available in Waitrose from the end of November 08. Since I don’t even have a passport (I know, I know) it doesn’t look like I’m gonna be able to sample the product. So if any of you Brits out there get a chance, grab some McCartney Mince and tell us how it is! Gracias!

Almost 10 years after her death from breast cancer, the McCartney family is working on what they consider to be a “very personal project” to expand the Linda McCartney Foods brand; which was launched in 1991. From The Herald,

Last year, the firm Hain Celestial bought the license to the foods and the McCartney family (who are all vegetarian) have since been working with the firm, not only with photography and packaging design, but with new lines. ‘We’re working with them now on coming up with ideas based on the recipes that mum had and the way she cooked,’ said daughter Mary McCartney. ‘We’re very hands-on. We want to do it for her, the way she would have wanted it done.’”

According to the Vegetarian Star, the new line of food will include Vegetarian Mince, Vegetarian Meatballs, and Vegetarian “Chicken” Style Pieces. Everything is being done as a tribute to Linda and an effort to get more options into the marketplace for people choosing to pick up the veggie lifestyle. “Our intention was — and still is — to provide our friends and customers with an easy, healthy alternative to a meat-based diet,” says Paul on the official site.

Has anyone ever tried the brand? What did you think?