See: https://anchor.fm/plant-based-mom/episodes/Episode-4-What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Vegan-Pregnancies-with-Dr–Reed-Mangels–RD-e3dqbt

We recently had the opportunity to dine at Root in Lancaster, PA. Located at 223 W Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603, this vegan restaurant offers a terrific menu that changes every 6-8 weeks. We tried their wings made from seitan, sweet and sour cauliflower, pesto mac and cheeze topped with stewed tomatoes, the Cuban made with jackfruit, plus more. Service was excellent and they are open for dinner Monday through Friday and for brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

More information on this restaurant can be found here: http://www.rootoflancaster.com

Information on other veggie restaurants throughout the USA and Canada can be found here: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

By Julia Mathew, VRG Volunteer

I was recently in Sweden and Denmark. The vegan movement is growing so much in Denmark, especially in Copenhagen. A somewhat upscale Danish grocery chain, called Irma, now has a special vegan fridge section in the front of many of their stores. A 100% vegan Danish brand called “Naturli” recently went to the Natural Products Expo West conference in the U.S. and received a lot of attention there, including from Gwyneth Paltrow. Their products are doing very well in Denmark and are starting to be distributed to other European countries.  

Sweden is very ‘vegan-forward’ and most restaurants know they are behind the game if they don’t have any proper vegan options on their menu. Most regular grocery stores in Sweden have tons of vegan specialty products. Swedes love gummy candies and grocery stores usually have a bulk candy section, many of which clearly label “gelatin-free” on the box. The McVegan by McDonald’s was first introduced in Sweden and Finland, and is very popular there. There is another popular Swedish burger chain called Max Burger, which has a really nice vegan BBQ burger. They recently released a vegan milkshake and it has gotten excellent reviews. Their plan is to phase out their standard dairy-based milkshake so that in the future all of their milkshakes are vegan! The Swedish oat milk brand “Oatly” has been doing extremely well in Europe, and started being exported to US grocery stores and coffee shops. Just thought I’d share some exciting ‘vegan updates’ in Scandinavia.

The Vegetarian Resource Group is an activist non-profit organization that does outreach all-year-long. For example, VRG tables at different events throughout the USA and also sends literature free of charge to other groups/individuals doing educational activities in schools, hospitals, camps, restaurants, libraries, offices, etc. Our ability to continue doing this depends on people like you! Your donations allow us to promote the vegan message whenever we’re called upon for assistance. Please consider becoming a monthly or quarterly donor to The Vegetarian Resource Group.

Thanks so much for your support. You can become a monthly or quarterly donor online here: vrg.org/donate

Veggie Happy keeps an updated list of veggie options in baseball stadiums (as well as other types of stadiums). For example, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is now offering a Tempeh Basebowl and Tempeh Nachos with vegan cheese. Target Field in Minneapolis offers Vegan Sriracha Brat, Vegan Italian Sausage, Vegan Tofu Vindaloo, and more. Wrigley Field in Boston sells Spicy Tofu Tacos with Napa Slaw and Lime Crema and a Roasted Cauliflower Sandwich with red pepper pesto and chickpea spread.

Visit: https://www.veggiehappy.com/listings/?listing_categories=mlb and you can see if a stadium near you offers vegan options.

Photo of a vegan chicken salad with a Chinese twist from Modern Shaman

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

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:

Aloha Joy Foods

1279 S. Kihei Rd.

Kihei, HI 96753

Aloha Joy Foods in South Maui shows how vegan food from a variety of cuisines can be absolutely delicious! They are a 100% plant based food truck located right behind the Azeka Mauka Mall. Many of their dishes use vegan meats such as bacon, chicken, and pulled pork served in sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and tacos. Their deserts are also vegan and made from scratch. Their best-selling crème brûlée is a must-try!

Atelier Plant Based

1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 1014

Honolulu, HI 96826

Authentic and creative plant-based deli located inside the health and wellness store at the Ala Moana Center. This deli offers many great options from superfood packed smoothies, Buddha bowls, kombucha, coffee, and latte, to nice cream. All orders are made from scratch.

Buddhablends Vegan Kitchen & Food Truck

17979 San Carlos Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Mobile food truck operating in a co-op store front with Kava Culture. Specializing in smoothie bowls and vegan bar-bite-style food. Menu offers a variety of specialty toast, walnut tacos and a fresh bowls. Energy is focused on creating high quality dishes using the most sustainable practices possible. With a moto of wanting customers to feel at home in their presence, come for the food and stay for the atmosphere, it sounds like you shouldn’t pass this food truck/café up if in Fort Myers Beach!

Donut Friend

5107 York Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90065

and

543 S. Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Donut Friend is an all vegan donut bakery with two locations in Los Angeles. Their most popular donut is the Strawberrylab: a donut filled with strawberries and whipped cream, topped with chocolate glaze. The recipes and naming of the donuts are nothing short of creative (Green Teagen and Sara or Bacon 182, anyone?). If nothing suits your style on the fixed menu, you can make your own. Pick your donut base, glaze, and toppings for a unique and delicious donut!

Green Soma Vegan Café

626 S. Central Ave.

Hapeville, GA 30354

With a daily rotating menu, there’s always something new to try at Green Soma Vegan Café.  Wonderful vegan takes on classic southern comfort food options are always available, including Smokehouse Burgers and Fried Jackfruit. The customer service is always stellar, and the employees are happy to assist customers in creating the best meal possible!

Hinterhof Beer Garden

4939 York Blvd.

Los Angeles CA 90042

Hinterhof is an all-vegan German beer garden and eatery with authentic dishes and imports on draft. They serve classic German dishes include Wienerschnitzel and Bratwurst made from house made vegan seitan. Beer choices abound at this Highland Park eatery! Reservations are recommended for the weekends. Guten Appetit!

House of Flavor

911 Broadway

Bayonne, NJ 07002

House of Flavor is a vegan café that incorporates Spanish and Caribbean classics into a diverse menu. Whether you are in the mood for nachos, a salad, a savory entrée, or a classic smoothie, House of Flavor has something for everyone.

Modern Shaman Kitchen

6744 Greenleaf Ave.

Whittier, CA 90601

Modern Shaman Kitchen’s owners traveled to South America and were inspired by an Andean community of indigenous Q’ero people who taught about the healing properties of food pulled from earth. They apply this interesting teaching by serving plant based meals, which are made from sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy their large variety of menu options, including the famous impossible burger, jackfruit nah-chos, and more! For vegans of age, enjoy their assortment of vegan/organic beers and wines.

Monty’s Good Burger

516 S. Western Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90020

and

3605 Market St.

Riverside, CA 92501

Monty’s is a fully vegan burger joint that is perfect for the whole family. It’s a classic American burger spot that offers delicious vegan burgers and shakes, along with French fries and tater tots.

Plant Based Pizzeria

730 Barnett St. NE

Atlanta, GA 30306

At Plant Based Pizzeria, there is a variety of different specialty pizzas that take influences from classics, such as the vegan meat lovers, and some that are unique, such as the Georgia Peach. Calzones and veggie burgers are also offered, so there really is something for everyone!

Recent discussion topics include:

-Video of an 8-year-old vegan activist

-Article shared about a kindergarten class going vegan and how families reacted

– Info on VRG’s essay contest for kids

-Request for a recipe to make a thin vegan pizza crust

Plus more!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids/ is intended to be a group that offers support for families raising children on vegan diets and for vegan kids. We envision it as a place to get advice about a wide-variety of topics: pregnancy, birthday parties, school lunches, Halloween, non-leather apparel, cruelty-free products, summer camps, and more. Please use it as a place to share your wisdom, seek advice, or just find a sympathetic ear. The goal is to offer support.

Consequently, any profane, defamatory, offensive, or violent language will be removed. Feel free to disagree, but do so respectfully. Hateful or discriminatory comments regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or political beliefs will not be tolerated. We expect that posts should relate to vegan diets and lifestyles. The Vegetarian Resource Group reserves the right to monitor all content and ban any user who posts in violation of the above rules, any law or regulation, SPAM, or anything otherwise off topic.

Please share this information with any veggie families that you know! Thanks.

By Taylor Gale

Note: (v) = vegan and (vg) = vegetarian items

I am currently a senior and have been vegetarian and now vegan throughout my entire career at Loyola University of Maryland. Being vegan on campus has been very difficult to navigate, but do not fret if you are vegan or vegetarian at Loyola because I have outlined all of the items that are easily accessible and veg-friendly! Cold Spring Sushi is an Asian cuisine take-out style vendor located near the Starbucks common area in the Andrew White Student center. Similarly, Taqueria is a Mexican-style food vendor located outside of the main dining halls within the student center. Loyola’s Starbucks is located between Cold Spring Sushi and Taqueria, offering a wide variety of drink and food options for all people with dietary restrictions. Our Starbucks is very popular, which at one point was the most profitable Starbucks in all of Maryland! Loyola students go to Starbucks to do their homework hyped up on a refreshing and typically caffeinated drink to get them through the extensive work ahead of them. From my experiences of asking the workers, dining management, and researching the food ingredients, the following items are available to vegetarians, but particularly vegans on campus!

Cold Spring Sushi: Open Monday- Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 11am-4pm

Cold Spring Sushi offers a vegan appetizer—edamame. For sushi options, Cold Spring sushi offers a vegetable roll (v) and sweet potato roll (vg), which can be made vegan if you ask the servers to make a fresh sweet potato roll without the spicy mayo on top. The same can be said for their delicious vegetarian poke bowl. The poke bowl is a filling and delicious meal to have! The bowl is layered with rice, seaweed salad, carrots, lettuce, fresh edamame, ginger, wasabi, and siracha mayo, which again can be requested to leave out the mayo in order to make the dish vegan!

Taqueria: Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday 11am-3pm

Taqueria offers up a wide selection of veg options for students and faculty. You have the choice of creating a bowl, burrito or tacos. Although the pinto beans are prepared in pig fat, students have the option of choosing black beans and their vegetarian medley, which is fully vegan. They used to offer tofu, but they recently took it off of their menu. For toppings, Taqueria offers, shredded romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa, sautéed peppers and onions, black bean and corn salsa, jalapeños, and avocado. For an added cost, you can order a side of: cilantro lime rice, brown rice, black beans, chips and salsa, or chips and guacamole.

Starbucks: Monday- Thursday 7:30am-9pm, Friday 7:30am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-9pm

Fortunately, it is easy to make many of Starbucks drinks non-dairy! They offer traditional milk substitutes, such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk. Whenever you are ordering, always specify that you do not want whipped cream, because sometimes the server will not ask and just assume that you want the whipped cream, which is not vegan. The following items are what Starbucks and its workers say are vegan.

• Non-dairy Syrups: The non-dairy syrups offered at Starbuck include, Caramel flavored syrup/ Sugar Free Caramel (NOT the dairy-based caramel drizzle), Toffee Nut syrup, mocha syrup, Vanilla/ Sugar Free Vanilla, Hazelnut /Sugar Free Hazelnut, Almond, Macadamia, and Gingerbread.

• Holiday Featured Drinks: Oftentimes, their featured holiday drinks can be easily made vegan, or at least one of the options are already vegan. My personal favorite is the Chestnut Praline Latte with coconut milk without the added whipped cream topping. Other options include, Toffee Coconut Hot Chocolate (you can make this by ordering a classic Hot Chocolate made with coconut milk with added pumps of toffee nut syrup), Holiday Spice Flat White, Cinnamon Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Apple Cider, and Gingerbread Latte.

• Refreshers: Strawberry Açai (add coconut milk to make it creamy!), Very Berry Hibiscus, Pink Drink, and Mango Dragonfruit.

• Vegan or Available as Vegan Starbucks Drinks and Coffees: Café Americano, Latte, Mocha Frappuccino, Café Misto (nix the dairy-based milk), Cappuccino, Hazelnut Latte, Green Tea Crème Frappuccino (minus the whipped cream), Green Tea Latte, Peppermint Mocha Latte, Vanilla Latte, Chocolate and Strawberry Smoothie (if you nix the regular protein powder and substitute their Almond or Cacao protein powder), Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino (no whipped cream), Teavana Iced Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte, Classic Hot Chocolate (made with mocha syrup instead of real chocolate, but again nix the whipped cream), Latte Macchiato, Caramel Frappuccino, Caramel Macchiato, London Fog Latte, Flat White, Java Chip Frappuccino (minus the Java chips).

Always make sure to add one of the vegan milk substitutes, which are listed above, but you have to specify to the server the type of milk that you would like or else these drinks will not be vegan. The rule of thumb for ordering drinks at Starbucks is always assume that the drinks need to be substituted with a non-dairy milk alternative and to specify no whipped cream.

• Vegan Foods: Classic Oatmeal (which comes with mixed fruit, mixed nuts, and brown sugar (I am not positive if their sugar is vegan so to be safe ask for the oatmeal without the brown sugar), Emmy’s coconut cookies, Hippeas snacks, Barbeque potato chips, avocado spread, sprouted grain bagel, and their plain bagel.

To learn more about other vegan and vegetarian options on Loyola’s campus, check out my fellow intern Emma’s article: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2019/03/11/vegan-foods-at-loyola-university-in-maryland/

The contents of this posting, our website, and our other publications, including Vegetarian Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own

Photo from K. Carroll

Here’s a list of the some of the vegan companies we recently added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Vegan Guide to Leather Alternatives:

Arsayo
Website: arsayo.com
French company offering a unisex backpack in three colors.

Jeane & Jax
(514) 875-5225
Email: [email protected]
Website: jeaneandjax.com
Located in Montreal, Quebec Canada they offer wallets and a wide variety of bags for men and women.

JuJu
Website: thejujustudio.com
Company offering unique hand-embroidered shoes from India.

K. Carroll
2285 N. Opdyke Road, Ste. C, Auburn Hills, MI 48326; (248) 364-2740
Website: k-carroll.com
Find handbags, wallets, and accessories such as cell phone cases and passport covers.

Photo from K. Carroll

Visit The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Vegan Guide to Leather Alternatives here: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/leather.php

When we explored the plant milks aisle and refrigerator case, we found milks based on rice, oats, and a blend of rice and quinoa. Compared to 6 years ago, there were more oat milk products (12 now, 2 then) and about the same number of rice milks. A new addition was pea protein-based plant milks.

Rice milks have 70-160 calories in an 8-ounce serving. In comparison, oat milks have 90-150 calories per serving, and pea protein-based milks range between 70 and 160 calories per serving. Generally pea protein-based milk is the highest in protein with 8 or 10 grams in 8 ounces; oat milk supplies 2-4 grams of protein per serving while rice milk has a gram or less of protein in a serving.

Many of the milks we looked at have vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 added although some products are not enriched and not all contain all three of these nutrients. If you’re relying on plant milks as sources of calcium, vitamin B12, or vitamin D, be sure to check the product label.

To see detailed information about everything from the number of calories to how much vitamin B12 is added, to which sweeteners are used in many brands of grain milks and pea protein-based milks available in the U.S., go to: https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/milk_alternatives/grain-and-pea-milks-2019-table.pdf

This excerpt from Vegetarian Journal discusses pea protein-based milks: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2018issue4/2018_issue4_nutrition_hotline.php

You may also be interested in information on soy milks: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/Guide_to_Soymilks_2019.pdf

Thanks to VRG volunteer Bryan Schroeder, RN for collecting product information. And thank you to Reed Mangels, PhD, RD.