Ever wonder which vegan foods are high in magnesium? Reed Mangels, PhD, Rd, answers that question in the latest issue of Vegan Journal. Read the article here https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue3/2024_issue3_thinking_about_magnesium.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal visit www.vrg.org/member

The Vegetarian Resource Group will have a booth at Maryland Vegan Fest this Saturday. Location is Roots Market in Clarksville, MD. Hours are noon through 4pm. Stop by and say hello!

Anna Markulis completed an internship with The Vegetarian Resource Group and describes what she did in this Vegan Journal article: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue3/2024_issue3_vegan_world.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal visit www.vrg.org/member

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

 The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank whose stated goal is “to make alternative proteins as delicious, affordable, and accessible as conventional meat.” They support the development of plant-based meats (meats produced directly from plants), cultivated meats (meat produced via cell culture), and fermentation (using microorganisms to produce alternative proteins). Their 2023 State of the Industry Report: Plant-based Meat, Seafood, Eggs, and Dairy was developed to inform food system stakeholders about the alternative protein market. This 91-page report was filled with thought-provoking details. Here are a few that I found particularly intriguing:

Six in ten U.S. households purchased plant-based foods in 2023. I assume that this means processed foods as opposed to fruits and vegetables. Purchasers of plant-based foods tend to be younger, from higher income households, and to have graduate degrees compared to the average household.

In 2023, in the United States, 36% of consumers reported eating plant-based meat; 25% of U.S. consumers ate plant-based meat at least once a month. Most consumers who ate plant-based meats also ate animal-based meat; only 5% ate plant-based meat exclusively.

Consumers in the United States said that improvements in taste and cost would make them more willing to eat plant-based meat.

In 2023, retail plant-based sales in the United States were $8.1 billion, down from $8.2 billion in 2022. Plant-based meat and seafood, ice cream, and cheese dollar sales declined 9% or more compared to 2022. Dollar sales of plant-based baked goods and creamers were at least 8% higher than in 2022.

Plant-based milk sales accounted for almost 15% of total milk dollar sales in 2023. The plant-based milk category reached $2.9 billion in sales in the United States in 2023.

In India, a Vegan Foods Regulation was finalized in 2022. Vegan product producers must apply to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for approval for their products to be labeled as vegan.

You can download and read the full report here.

The latest issue of Vegan Journal includes an article by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD concerning whether you are getting enough iodine in your diet. Read the article here https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue3/2024_issue3_enough_iodine.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal visit www.vrg.org/member

There are so many varieties of apples available in markets these days; but do you know what to do with them? Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD, shared some creative ideas in her previous Vegan Cooking Tips column in Vegan Journal. From apple curry to apple salsa to homemade applesauce, you’ll never run out of ways to prepare apples. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue4/2020_issue4_cooking_tips.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only at https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

I was on the Plant Powered Youth Steering Committee with Friends of the Earth and worked towards getting plant-based meals and milks in schools. From this, I advocated for plant-based yogurt at my old high school! I also lobbied congress to support the Healthy Future Students and Earth Act. I will be continuing this advocacy in college.

For more information about Cheyenne see https://www.vrg.org/blog/2024/04/30/virginia-student-cheyenne-klapper-wins-5000-vegetarian-resource-group-2024-scholarship/

The deadline for the next Vegetarian Resource Group college scholarships is February 20, 2025.

See https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm

To support VRG scholarships and internships, donate at www.vrg.org/donate

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, Priscila C. Reis has created a vegan Brazilian Meal Plan. She describes common vegan foods eaten in Brazil and offers a 5-day meal plan based on these items. Read the entire article here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue3/2024_issue3_vegan_brazilian_meal_plan.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal visit www.vrg.org/member

Summer Pad Thai photo from Sawatdee Thai Restaurant

Where: Sawatdee Thai Restaurant, Minneapolis, Minnesota

When: Sunday, October 6, 2024, 6 PM

Come meet dietitians from the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group as well as VRG members. The public is invited. You must preregister. You can pay at www.vrg.org/donate and write in the names of attendees and that this is for the Networking dinner.

BUFFET

Appetizers: Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Fried Tofu

Main Dishes:

Red Curry with Tofu

Summer Pad Thai

Combination Vegetable Dish with broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, napa, water chestnuts, tomatoes, and mock duck.

Plus: Brown Rice and White Rice and Coffee or tea and water

Dessert: Mango and Sticky Rice

SIGN-UP TODAY!

Cost: $30 for VRG and Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group members before September 15, 2024. $35 for others. $20 for two to ten year olds. Other drinks can be purchased from the restaurant separately.

PLEASE PAY at www.vrg.org/donate and write in the Comments: Networking Dinner with the Attendee names.  Or call (410) 366-8343. Or mail payment to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. We look forward to seeing you there.

Each issue of Vegan Journal includes a column called Vegan Action where we feature individuals promoting a vegan lifestyle. In the latest column, Whitney McVerry describes all the work she has done as a VRG volunteer. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue3/2024_issue3_vegan_action.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal visit www.vrg.org/member