The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

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

Posted on July 16, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Mike’s Vegan

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:

FIKA, 1359 Plainfield Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49505

The Swedish practice of Fika is about taking a break, sharing a bite and connecting with others. FIKA’s menu is not only completely plant-based, but also gluten-free. Belgian Waffles, French Toast, and Buttermilk Pancakes all come with local Maple Syrup. Battered and fried tofu Chik’n Waffle comes with a spicy maple syrup. Tot and Sausage Hash showcases tater tots, chickpea sausage, red onion, spinach, vegan goat cheese, and peppers. Flaky Biscuits and sausage Gravy features chickpea sausage crumbles. They also have Avocado Toast and Tofu Scramble. Sandwiches include a BLT with Tempeh bacon and the Breakfast Sando featuring an English Muffin, sriracha mayo, vegan cheddar cheese, Just Egg and Tempeh bacon, or chick pea sausage. A couple of their Salad choices are Curry Lentil and Arugula featuring pickled raisins, shaved carrot, red onion, and toasted pepitas, or Quinoa Spinach and Apple with balsamic dressing, house-made vegan goat cheese and candied pecans. One Smoothie option is Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake crafted with frozen bananas, organic chocolate protein powder and coconut milk, topped with sliced banana and cacao nibs. They also serve Smoothie Bowls like Acai or Immune Boost. They offer a Kids Menu too.

Go Vegan GR, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Ste. A116, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Aiming to please both vegans and non-vegans, the goal at Go Vegan GR is to creatively explore the potential of plant-based cuisine. Their menu follows a zodiac theme. Sassy Sag Wrap features a falafel in special sauce with vegan Feta crumbles; Libra Tip the Scale Philly is made with jackfruit; and Philly sautéed onions and peppers, mushrooms, vegan cheese, and sauce. Leo King of The Sea makes waves with Cajun fried vegan shrimp and Cajun aioli. Virgo Nation Burger showcases a charred Impossible patty drizzled with BBQ sauce, crispy onion ring, and smoky, meatless bacon. Feisty Pisces Fish Sandwich features a fishless patty, tartar sauce, pickles, and gooey vegan cheese. Scorpio Venom Meatball Sub has marinara and melted cheese. Fiery Aries Veg Wrap offers five veggies with their signature sauce in a soft tortilla. They have a gluten-free bun option too. They also offer several Sides including sweet potato and various other Fries, a salad, and onion rings. You might finish with some vegan Cookies.

Mike’s Vegan Grill, 207 W. 3rd St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Mike’s Vegan Grill features a regional take on classic comfort foods like sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries. They do offer combos; try the BBQ Sandwich, the Carolina Burger, the Philly Cheesesteak, or the Carolina Hot Dog with one of their many french fry options. The BBQ Sandwich was bold and delicious, with a unique texture, while the Philly was made from Beyond Beef and was accompanied with peppers and onions, seasoned, and served on a soft bun. The Carolina Dog was flavorful and included coleslaw, while the Fiesta Fries were loaded with chili, tomatoes, onions, and a delicious spicy mayo.

Toluca Bakery, 11365 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Toluca Bakery is an all-vegan bakery and café offering a variety cakes, Mexican sweet breads, muffins, and other pastries. Cakes include pineapple upside down cake, cheesecake, and strawberry shortbread birthday cake. Pan dulce (Mexican sweetbreads) include conchas and marranitos (pig-shaped cookies). Muffin flavors include blueberry, banana nut, and chocolate chip. Other popular pastries include danishes, empanadas, fruit and cream-filled tarts, and pies in several flavors such as apple and banana cream.

The Vegan Doughnut Co., 14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

Building on their values of caring about animals and our planet, as well as human health, The Vegan Doughnut Company strives to provide handmade donuts with healthier ingredients. Some of their rotating doughnut flavors are Lemon Lavender, Maple Cream, Blueberry Cake, Cotton Candy, Boston Cream, Glazed Twist, Raspberry Strudel, S’mores, and more. They also offer a couple of alternating cookie choices like Salted Chocolate Chunk and Sandwich Cookies.

Vegetation, 1439 East Gary Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801

Chef inspired, whole food plant-based meals in both a comfortable café and kitchen for sit down or grab and go. The menu changes weekly so check the website for updates. They utilize the freshest seasonal ingredients to create an ever-changing offering of sandwiches, bowls, hummus, desserts, and baked goods. You will be delighted with a brilliant array of savory, spicy, and sweet offerings that will keep you coming back for something new. The flavor and freshness set the standard for what you should expect in plant-based food. The café is welcoming and beautifully decorated, inviting welcome conversations and quiet reflection. If you cannot take a few moments here, order ahead for grab and go to keep your home fridge stocked with something exciting that will be waiting for you later.

Vertical Deli, 3245 S. State St., South Salt Lake, UT 84115

Vertical Deli serves sandwiches, bowls, burgers, and all-day breakfast. It’s located right next to Century 16 Cinemark, and they’re planning to open a drive-thru. They offer classic sandwiches like the Tuna Melt, Turkey Bacon, and Ham and Cheese, all of which are vegan and affordable. There’s kid meal options such as Chicken Nuggets and Cheeseburger Kids. One of the best parts is their grab-and-go deli case, which has fresh salads including Curried Potato Salad and “Marry Me” Pasta Salad. You can either order and sit down to eat or take your food to go, which makes it super convenient.

Vegan Journal Book Review: Vegan Japan

Posted on July 15, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

In each issue of Vegan Journal, we review vegan books they we especially like. In the latest issue, we review Vegan Japan, by Julia Boucachard. This cookbook contains 70 recipes including common Japanese street foods such as Yaki Onigiri (rice ballsO, Miso Nasu Donburi (miso eggplant), Kabocha Stew, Teriyaki Tofu Don, and more.

Read the review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_book_reviews.php To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit www.vrg.org/member

Ready to Go: BOBO’s PB&J

Posted on July 15, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

By Chaltu Watkins, VRG Intern

If you’ve ever missed the simple joy of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, BOBO’s PB&Js might be just what you’re looking for. These oat-based bars offer a convenient twist on the classic comfort food, and as a busy vegan always on the go, I had to give them a try. They’re essentially soft-baked oat bars filled with a fruity jelly center. The PB&Js come in a two flavors: strawberry and grape (my favorite is the strawberry one). This product is labeled as vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It is certified kosher by Earth Kosher.

The first thing I noticed when I tried them was the texture. The oat-based “bread” is soft and chewy, with a slightly hearty feel due to the whole grain oats. The peanut butter flavor comes through nicely, not overpowering but present enough to balance the sweetness of the jelly center. The jelly itself is flavorful and has a fresh, fruity taste that is neither overly sweet nor too tart.

One of the things I appreciate about BOBO’s is their ingredient transparency. The PB&Js are made with simple, recognizable ingredients, with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Each bar contains approximately 230 calories. I personally love having one on hand for a busy morning or as a post-run snack. BOBO’s PB&Js are available on Amazon, at most Target and Walmart stores, as well as on their official website: https://eatbobos.com/products/peanut-butter-jelly-pbj-oat-snack-variety-pack.

The contents of this posting is 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.

Vegan Journal Product Review: Bionaturae Sourdough Pasta

Posted on July 14, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Each issue of Vegan Journal features product reviews. In the most recent issue, we reviewed Bionaturae’s Sourdough Pasta. Made from durum wheat semolina, sourdough starter, and water, options include fusilli, penne, and spaghetti.

Read our review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_veggie_bits.php

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

Enjoy Some Delicious Peach Recipes!

Posted on July 14, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Years ago, The Vegetarian Resource Group ran an article titled Peach Passion. Now that peach season is in full swing, we thought we’d share this piece once again.

Debra Daniels-Zeller provides the following vegan recipes:

CINNAMON-PEACH OATMEAL WITH TOASTED WALNUTS
CREAMY PEACH SALAD DRESSING
LIME-CILANTRO PEACH SALSA
COCONUT-PEACH SOUP
TEMPEH TERIYAKI WITH PEACHES
GRILLED BALSAMIC PEACHES
CARDAMOM-PEACH UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
PEACH CASHEW CREAM
LEMON-PEACH JASMINE RICE PUDDING

Head to your local farmers’ market and enjoy some fresh peaches today!

The article can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2006issue2/2006_issue2_peach_passion.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, visit: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

 

Last Chance to Enter VRG’s 2025 Video Contest promo: Deadline is July 15th

Posted on July 11, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Freepik

The Vegetarian Resource Group is once again sponsoring a video contest. We will be awarding several $100 awards. The deadline for entries this year is July 15, 2025.

Create and submit a video relating what you want to tell others about veganism. Some possible topics: food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism and/or vegetarianism, water usage and veganism, veganism and animal rights, or other veggie topics which appeal to you. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made. Please do not enter videos made completely using AI.

Aspects of judging include accuracy and judges wanting to share the video with others. Entrants give permission to The Vegetarian Resource Group to post and share the video, to link to and from the video, and share the video with the media.

To see the video contest rules, visit: http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

Previous wining videos can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php

Cooking with Berries

Posted on July 11, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Freepik

Each issue of Vegan Journal includes a column called Vegan Cooking Tips, by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD. In the latest issue, Nancy offers tips for cooking with berries, how to freeze them, and more.

Read her article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_cooking_tips.php

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

The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Memorial and Honorary Gift Program

Posted on July 10, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

How often have you wanted to make a gift in honor of a loved one or friend but weren’t sure which charities are vegan-friendly, pro-environmental, or pro-animal rights? Please remember The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can make a gift in memory of a loved one or as a living tribute to honor someone you care about on a special occasion, such as a wedding or birth. We’ll send an acknowledgment to you and to the recipient(s) you choose. Your gift will support educational programs and help promote veganism.

Donate at vrg.org/donate or make checks payable to The Vegetarian Resource Group and mail to PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Healthy Indulgence: Recipes from Chef AJ

Posted on July 10, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo by Hannah Kaminsky

Chef AJ shares delicious healthy dessert recipes in the latest issue of Vegan Journal. Enjoy Peach Nice Cream; Creamy Blueberry Millet Parfait; Sweet Potato Muffins; Lemon Poppyseed Cookies; World’s Healthiest Apple Pie; and Orange Cranberry Muffins.

Read the article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_healthy_indulgence.php

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

Vegan Journal Product Review: Wild Earth Unicorn Pate Cat Food

Posted on July 09, 2025 by The VRG Blog Editor

Each issue of Vegan Journal features product reviews. In the most recent issue, we reviewed Wild Earth’s Unicorn Pate Cat Food. It’s made primarily with lentils, peas, and sweet potatoes.

Read our review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_veggie_bits.php To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only, visit www.vrg.org/member

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