By Ellie Meyerstein, VRG Intern

Are you looking for an easy addition to an Asian-style meal? I recently tried out Trader Joe’s Steamed Vegetable Soup Dumplings. These single-serving dumplings were juicy and packed a punch of flavor. If you’re familiar with the Trader Joe’s Thai Vegetable Gyoza, these dumplings had a similar flavor palate. While steaming the dumplings yourself will help ensure they remain moist, I microwaved them and they were still full of soup and delicious.

The box came with 6 small dumplings, which, depending on your appetite, may not be enough for a full meal. They were tasty as part of a larger spread. I greatly enjoyed these dumplings and I hope you will too!

Find out more information at: https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/steamed-vegetable-soup-dumplings-078424

Have you ever wondered if an ingredient listed on a food label is vegan or not? The Vegetarian Resource Group has an online guide to food ingredients that lets you now whether a specific food ingredient is vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, typically vegan, typically vegetarian, may be non-vegetarian, or typically non-vegetarian.

You can search through this guide here: https://www.vrg.org/ingredients/index.php

To support this type of difficult research, please consider making a donation to The Vegetarian Resource Group: vrg.org/donate

Each issue of Vegan Journal features product reviews. In the most recent issue, we reviewed Mori-Nu’s Super Soft Tofu sold in a shelf-stable carton. Learn ideas on how to use this type of tofu 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

Below is a list of some of the vegan chicken-style products available today.

Abbot’s offers Fajita Chick’n and cChopped Chick’n. See: https://abbots.com/

Better Chew offers Fried Chicken Nuggets and Shredded Chicken. See: https://eatbetterchew.com/

Beyond Chicken offers Beyond Chicken Tenders, Nuggets, Fillets, and more. For details, see: https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-US/products/beyond-chicken-tenders

Daring Foods produces Plant-Based Chicken Pieces in several varieties including Original, Breaded, Cajun, and Lemon & Herb. For information, see: https://www.daring.com/

Gardein offers Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Tenders, Chick’n Fillets, and Chick’n Nuggets. They also offer Crispy Chik’n Sliders, Chick’n Patties, Golden Chick’n Nuggets, Nashville Hot Chick’n Tenders, Spicy Gochujang Style Chick’n Wings, and Chipotle Georgia Style Chick’n Wings, Chick’n Strips, Teriyaki Chick’n Strips, Seven Grain Crispy Tenders, Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick’n, Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Wings, Chipotle Lime Flavored Chick’n Tenders, and Lightly Seasoned Chick’n Scallopini. For details on all these products, see: https://www.gardein.com/chickn-and-turky

Impossible Foods sells Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, and Patties. See: https://impossiblefoods.com/products/chicken

Jack & Annie’s offers Nuggets made from Jackfruit. See: https://www.jackandannies.com/our-products/nuggets/

Lily’s Vegan Pantry offers Ginger Chicken, Chicken Bites, Gong Bao Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Smoked Drumsticks, Chicken Nuggets, Whole or Half Chicken, and Chicken Legs. See: https://www.lilysveganpantry.com/Vegan_Chicken_s/1516.htm

Morning Star Farms offers MorningStar Farms® Veggie BBQ Chik’n Nuggets; MorningStar Farms® Veggie Chik’n Nuggets; MorningStar Farms® Veggie Buffalo Chik Patties®; MorningStar Farms® Veggie Original Chik Patties®; MorningStar Farms® Veggie Zesty Ranch Chik’n Nuggets; and MorningStar Farms® Veggie Sweet Mustard Chik’n Nuggets. For details on these products, see: https://www.morningstarfarms.com/en_US/products/chikn.html

Skinny Butcher offers Crazy Crispy Chick’n Tenders, Patties, and Bites. See: https://skinnybutcher.com/

Tofurky sells Chick’n in several flavors including Lightly Seasoned, Thai Basil, Sesame Garlic, Butter, and Barbecue. For more information, see: https://tofurky.com/what-we-make/chickn/

VFC Foods offers Chick’n Fillets, Popcorn Chick’n, Chick’n Mnce, and Chick’n Bites. See: https://vfcfoods.com/en-us/

Each issue of Vegan Journal features a review of scientific literature related to veganism/vegetarianism. In the latest issue, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, covers these topics: Modeling Study Finds Increased Longevity with a Change to a Vegan Diet, as well as Plant-Based Eating in the United States.

Read her column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2025issue2/2025_issue2_scientific_update.php

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

Each issue of Vegan Journal features product reviews. In the most recent issue, we reviewed Nature’s Path Regenerative Organic Certified Oatmeal that comes in two varieties: Berries & Cream and Dark Chocolate Cacao.

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

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.

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

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.

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