The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

Review of Darë Vegan Cheese

Posted on December 24, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

By Whitney McVerry

Darë Vegan Cheese has been a big hit in our home! Handmade in small batches in Asheville, NC, it’s creamy, flavorful, and instantly elevates any cheese or charcuterie board.

We’ve tried both the Pepper Jack and Balsamic Fig varieties. The Pepper Jack has just the right amount of kick, while the Balsamic Fig is rich and layered with flavor.

Darë also offers a range of spreads, dips, and vegan cheesecakes. Their products ship to all 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Check out their products here: https://darevegancheese.com

 

Scientific Updates on Ultraprocessed Foods from Vegan Journal

Posted on December 24, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the newest Vegan Journal the Scientific Update column covers the topics of All Ultraprocessed Foods May Not Have the Same Effect on Body Weight; All Ultraprocessed Foods May Not Have the Same Effect on the Risk of Developing Cognitive Impairment; and Ultraprocessed Foods in Plant-Based Diets. Read the scientific reviews here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue4/2025_issue4_scientific_update.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only: www.vrg.org/member

The Moral Circle is Reviewed in Vegan Journal

Posted on December 23, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

The Moral Circle by Jeff Sebo advocates for radically expanding our understanding of what encompasses a moral circle, partially due to rapid changes occurring in society through technological innovation. We review this book in the latest issue of Vegan Journal here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue4/2025_issue4_book_reviews.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only: www.vrg.org/member

Which Vegan Restaurants Have Been Added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Guide to Veggie Restaurants in the USA and Canada?

Posted on December 23, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Christopher’s Kitchen WPB

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: www.vrg.org/restaurant

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide:

Borreguitas, 987 S. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91766

Complementing the tile-accented interior with cactus, abundant greenery, and Mexican décor, the motto at Borreguitas is “Rooted in culture, served with heart.” Some breakfast choices are Quesadilla with hash brown, tofu, cheese, and salsa; Chorizo con Huevo, a soy-chorizo, tofu egg mix; Chilaquiles con Huevo y Carne–choice of red or green salsa, soy meat, and tofu egg; and Chorizo con Papa–soy chorizo mixed with potato. Many dishes include rice, beans, and tortillas. A few of the several lunch dishes are Quesadilla or Enchiladas with Mushroom and Spinach and Fried Refried Bean Tacos–all served with rice and beans. Torta Ahogada is a sandwich in a Mexican sauce. Pozole offers mushroom, spinach, and hominy topped with cabbage, pickled onions, radish, and red salsa. Tostadas options include Soy Ceviche Tostada, Cauliflower Ceviche Tostada, and more. Some dinner dishes are Nopal Relleno with Soy Asada–cactus topped with salsa and vegan cheese; Borre Fajitas with cactus or mushroom, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and tomato (both include rice, beans, and tortillas); and Aztec Salad with lettuce, avocado, cactus, orange, Pico de Gallo and tomato. Wash it all down with a vegan milkshake!

Christopher’s Kitchen, 328 Fern St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Features living foods which are comprised mainly of organic fruits, vegetables, seaweeds, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains that are prepared by hand. Try the #1 NYC Roll, made of teriyaki almond pate, mango, kale, sprouts, red pepper, and sweet and spicy ginger sauce, along with a glass of refreshing ginger lemonade. Also enjoy salads, sandwiches, pizza, bowls, and more. Reservations are accepted.

Joylark Kitchen, 260 Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06820

Joylark Kitchen & Bar invites you to enjoy their atmosphere, hospitality, and wide array of plant-based cuisine with many gluten-free options. Besides Breakfast Burritos, Banana Pancakes, and a Bagel Sandwich, for breakfast there’s Hot Diner Scramble with tofu spinach, black eyed peas, cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions and garlic sauce, and lavender-scented Protein Overnight Oats with vanilla protein, raspberry-chia jam and toasted almonds. The large Sunday Brunch features diverse, innovative dishes such as Marzipan Apple French Toast–sourdough, caramelized apples, amaretto crème anglaise, pecans, syrup, and cinnamon; Quiche Renee with crisp seitan, onion, cheddar, and greens; Lemon Cream Pancakes with lemon curd, blackberry syrup, fresh berries, toasted almonds; or tofu-based Temple Omelet with spinach, golden oyster, and cremini mushrooms, scallions, cheddar; and more. Shall we Toast? Mushroom Magic Avocado Toast celebrates sautéed mushrooms and garlic sauce on focaccia. There’s also Peanut Butter Banana Toast on sourdough with caramelized banana, granola and maple syrup. Joywiches are Chopped Seitan and Cheese–marinated, seared seitan, “house-made mozzarella,” caramelized onions, and peppers and Banh Mi with marinated tofu, jalapeño, purple cabbage, spicy mayo, herbs, pickled vegetables, and mango–both on toasted baguettes. Two possible Beginnings are Cornflake Potatoes with salsa brava and garlic sauce or salt-cured Carrot Tartare with avocado pea purée, risotto cake, and balsamic-soy molasses. One featured Soup is Saffron Cauliflower Bisque. Massaged Yuzu Miso Kale Salad has purple cabbage, candied hazelnuts, raisins, grapes, and yuzu-miso dressing. Here are some of their Mains. Oysters and Grits serves up cornmeal-battered golden oyster mushrooms, sautéed cremini mushrooms, jalapeño grits, garlicky collard greens, and remoulade. Charred Carrot and Tofu Curry features beluga lentils, peanut curry, and forbidden rice. Braised Celeriac Steak showcases red wine-braised celeriac, crispy potato and Brussel sprout hash, roasted grapes, and horseradish cream. Patty Melt offers Impossible patty, smoked Gouda, caramelized onions, and tarragon mayo on grilled rye. Little Larks is geared toward those 10 years and under. Sweet Endings include Sticky Toffee Sundae–sticky toffee pudding, ginger miso ice cream, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, butterscotch and a cherry, Horchata Arancini fried risotto filled with Valencia orange cream, Spanish hot chocolate, and candied orange peel or Pumpkin Panna Cotta bourbon poached pear and pumpkin seed brittle.

Soul Ve’Lightful, 1100 Second St., Enola, PA 17025

This vegan soul food restaurant offers weekly meals options that include soups, pastas, and sandwiches. Vegan meatloaf is served with mashed potatoes and gravy, cabbage, and sweet potato biscuits. The Ve Burger includes a cheeseburger on a bun with a choice of toppings, crinkle cut fries, baked beans, and house-made fry sauce. The spaghetti platter is served over angel hair pasta, mixed greens, and garlic bread.

True Vegan, 123 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444

Focused on whole food, True Vegan aims to appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike. Some Appetizers are Egg Roll with shredded veggies wrapped in a vegan wrapper, with “duck” and soy sauce or Curry Plantain with tomatoes, lemons, scallions, kale, and seaweed. They offer a wide variety of Green Salads, Pasta Salads, Bowls, and Wraps. Two Burgers are Falafel Burger and Mushroom with Porcini mushroom and chickpea patty, lettuce, tomatoes, and house sauce. Some Raw Dishes are dehydrated Broccolini Nuggets with fresh tomatoes, lemon, and lime; Broccoli Couscous with raisins, mixed nuts, fresh and sundried tomatoes, and pistachio dressing; Zucchini Fettuccini is zucchini spaghetti, house-made red sauce, lemon, garlic, cumin, onions, and hearts of Palm Tuna with peppers, celery, mixed nuts, cilantro, and house mayo. One Soup is Pasta Faggioli with vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, fresh basil, pasta, white and red kidney beans, red pepper flakes, and vegan parmesan cheese. Besides Spaghetti and Meatballs and Lasagna, Pastas include Mushroom Bolognese with seasonal mushrooms, onions, carrots, celery, tomato sauce, fresh basil and penne pasta or Chicken Parmesan crafted with Jackfruit, cauliflower, vegan mozzarella, parmesan, fresh basil, Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and spaghetti. Pizzas include Margherita, Mushroom, Sausage and Veggie. Breakfast is expected to be available soon–offering various Waffles, Pancakes, French toast, Fresh Bagels, Avocado Toast or Egg Sandwich on sourdough.

Val’s Vegan Kitchen, 2611 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104

Whether you are vegan or not, Val’s Vegan Kitchen invites you try their “playful food,” inspired by love for animals. Besides Veggie Burgers, one of their Smashburgers is Mustard and Maple Chickn serving up Impossible chicken, pepperoni flakes, Gouda slices, maple syrup, salad fixings, and aioli. Fysh & Chips is crafted with SeaCo fysh pieces, cheesy fries, tartar sauce, lemon, and “mushy peas.” Did someone say Comfort Food? They offer four types of Loaded Mac and Cheese. Beef Bulgogi Mac and Cheese features pasta, cashew cheese sauce, bacon bits, Bulgogi beef, onion, kimchi, and chili crisp aioli. Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese has pasta, cashew cheese sauce, bacon bits, Impossible beef, onion, sloppy joe seasonings, and Sriracha aioli. There are also Meatballs and Marinara Mac and Cheese and Chicken Nuggets Mac and Cheese. Lovers of Fries have their own menu section. They offer shoestring Cheesy Fries and Gravy with cashew cheese sauce, beef and onion style gravy, Waffle Fries, plain or with cheese and gravy, as well as Sweet Potato Fries with Ranch and BBQ sauce to name a few. For Dessert there’s Deep Fried Oreos with Whipped Cream and Berry Sauce, or Waffle Fries and Whipped Cream with maple syrup and berry sauce.

Yaygit, 5309 22nd Ave. NW Ste. D, Seattle, WA 98107

Yaygit aims to create “holistic vegan” fare. “Made to order” and offering gluten-free options, most ingredients are listed on the menu as “organic.” Two Sandwiches, both on “local made organic sourdough,” are Faux Tuna Sandwich–vegetable and chickpea mix, salad, “house” pickled beets and Roasted Tomatoes and Feta with grape tomatoes, roast garlic spread, vegan feta, and fresh herbs. Akara Wrap is “house-made” black-eye pea balls, smoked hummus, salad mix, and roasted cauliflower. Curry Tofu Burrito has grilled onions, sweet potatoes, salad mix, tomato, and cucumber. Both the Wrap and Burrito have tahini dressing. Salads include roasted Squash and Cauliflower sesame, chickpeas, vegan feta and “house” Falafel Salad with “house” hummus—both salads with salad greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and “house organic” tahini dressing. Organic Smoothies include cacao Maca Wave with plant milk, nut butter, banana, and agave; Island Sun with papaya, mango, kiwi, orange; and coconut water; or Oats & Figs Cookie– cinnamon, banana, Brewer’s yeast, plant milk, vanilla extract, and nut butter as well as many more choices. One of several Pressed Juices is Big Red with beets, watermelon, papaya, turmeric, ginger, and MCT oil. Besides lots of Oat/Nut Berry options, they have Chia Puddings such as Toasted Banana or Chocolate Mousse with chia seeds, coconut milk, cocoa, avocado mousse, maca powder, berries, mango, agave, maple, vanilla, date syrup, and hemp seed oil.

Loisa Sofrito Reviewed in Vegan Journal

Posted on December 22, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Loisa has come out with ready-made sofrito (a combination of tomatoes, red bell peppers, and onions found in Latin cuisines). The product is available in three varieties: Classic, Recaito, and Rojo. Read our review here https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue4/2025_issue4_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only: www.vrg.org/member

The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Annual Scholarship Program for Graduating High School Seniors in the USA Promoting Veganism

Posted on December 22, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Annual Scholarship Program for Graduating High School Seniors in the USA Promoting Veganism

Due to the generosity of anonymous donors, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award one $10,000 and several $5,000 college scholarships to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism in their schools and/or communities. Entries may only be sent by students graduating from high school in SPRING 2026

We will accept applications emailed or postmarked on or before FEBRUARY 20, 2026. Early submission is encouraged.

Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegan diet/lifestyle. Payment will be made to the student’s college (U.S. based only). Winners of the scholarships give permission to release their names to the media. Applications and essays become property of The Vegetarian Resource Group. We may ask finalists for more information. Scholarship winners are contacted by e-mail or telephone. Please look at your e-mail.

If you would like to donate to additional scholarships or internships, go to www.vrg.org/donate

Applications

For information on applying, visit: https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar or call (410) 366-8343 or email [email protected].

This contest is sponsored by The Vegetarian Resource Group/Vegan Journal, PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Please Give a Gift Membership including Vegan Journal to Family and Friends!

Posted on December 19, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Through December 31, 2025, you can give a gift membership to The Vegetarian Resource Group (includes a 1-year subscription to Vegan Journal) for $15 each. Offer is valid in the USA only!

This is a terrific way to share the vegan message, as well as support VRG outreach. Gift subscriptions can be done online by simply typing in your message and the name and address of each gift recipient in the comments field. Go to: www.vrg.org/donate

Here’s Some Beverage-Inspired Holiday Treats

Posted on December 19, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Cold Brew Coffee Cake photo by Hannah Kaminsky

Hannah Kaminsky shared some Beverage-Inspired Holiday Treats in a previous issue of Vegan Journal. Enjoy: Hot Cocoa Brownies; Maple Brown Sugar-Oat Milk Pops; Cold Brew Coffee Cake; Poached Pear Upside-Down Cake; and Orange-Pepper Peanut Brittle. Find the recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2021issue4/2021_issue4_holiday_treats.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Caulitos (Chips) Reviewed in Vegan Journal

Posted on December 18, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Caulitos chips are made by combining cauliflower and red lentils! Enjoy them in two varieties: Sea Salt or Dairy-Free Nacho. Read the review here https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue4/2025_issue4_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only: www.vrg.org/member

Fancy Toasts to Serve for the Holidays

Posted on December 18, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Seitan Brat Crostini photo by Rissa Miller

Are you still searching for ideas on what to serve during the holiday season? Why not try Fancy Vegan Toasts! Jason Yowell offered these creative recipes in a previous issue of Vegan Journal: Mushroom Medley Toasts with Herbed Cashew Cheeze; Seitan “Brat” Crostini; Sweet Potato Toasts with Beet Purée; BLT Toasts; and Sweet Cream & Fruit Tartine.

See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2021issue3/2021_issue3_fancy_toasts.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit: https://www.vrg.org/member/

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