HappyCow ranked 81 vegan restaurants around the world based on millions of glowing user reviews
What was the best vegan restaurant of 2025 for you? - Media Credit: HappyCow
HappyCow has named the best vegan restaurant in the world for 2025.
The plant-based app announced that Asante, a cafe in Barcelona, Spain, has taken the top spot on its first annual Top Global Vegan Restaurants List.
The ranking system is based on millions of HappyCow reviews and analysed overall rating as well as the quality, quantity, and recency of feedback before naming Asante as the number one vegan restaurant in the world for 2025.
Asanta is a fully vegan eatery located in Barcelona’s Sants-Montjuïc district. It serves a range of classic dishes, including: an olive, truffle, shiitake, and mozzarella focaccia; a mozzarella, tomato, olive, and roasted red pepper focaccia; shakshouka, a tomato-poached egg dish from the Greater Maghreb; and “classic” eggs Benedict.
The vegan cafe also serves sweet treats such as brownies, brioche, cinnamon rolls, and cheesecakes, along with coffee, tea, smoothies, and other drinks.
Plant-based eggs and ‘vegan hotspots’
HappyCow / Asante Customers complimented all of Asante’s dishes, but the vegan eggs, in particular, stood out
The majority of the top reviews on HappyCow highlight the eggs, in particular, as the standout option at Asante, with some calling them “insanely realistic” and “incredible,” though several also praise the “fantastic” cheesecakes, focaccia, and cinnamon rolls.
HappyCow’s full ranking includes a total of 81 restaurants. The company noted that the results show a “decentralisation of vegan excellence,” where people can increasingly find top-rated eateries outside of major cities, such as London, England.
For example, two different Welsh restaurants appeared in the top 10 for 2025: Penrhyndeudraeth’s The Eating Gorilla and Cwmbran’s The Queen Inn. Furthermore, Happy Cow also named Vegan Beat as the most popular overall thanks to rave reviews, and its home of Athens, Greece, as a notable “vegan hotspot” due to the high density of well-rated restaurants. Kyoto, Japan, was also listed as a notable hotspot.
‘Our community plays an essential role’
HappyCow was founded in 1999 as a pre-smartphone directory of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. For decades, the web platform (now an app) has been a go-to for people looking for food while visiting new cities and traveling.
In October, longtime vegan, HappyCow user, and business consultant Claudia Torres acquired the company and became CEO. According to HappyCow, the new restaurant ranking marks the first major initiative under her leadership. “Authentic reviews are crucial as they provide genuine insights,” said Torres.
“Our thoughtful approach to ranking not only ensures that emerging favourite spots receive the recognition they deserve but also that well-loved establishments continue to shine for their consistent quality,” she added. “Our community plays an essential role in this process. Every review they share not only helps fantastic restaurants stand out, but also contributes to the growth of the vegan community worldwide.”
HappyCow is also reportedly undergoing a full tech rebuild behind the scenes, which will modernise the platform’s design, improve search, and expand beyond food.
The biggest plant-based food moments you may have missed, including new products, major investments, and Veganuary buzz
The New Year has officially arrived, but we’re not quite done with 2025 yet. There’s still plenty to celebrate from last year—from Trader Joe’s new pistachio spread to vegan ribs with “real” bones (okay, they’re lemongrass) to Misfits protein bars landing on Target shelves.
Of course, we’re also looking ahead to 2026. Veganuary is here, after all, and millions are set to take part. Let’s dive in.
Trader Joe’s jumps on the pistachio trend with its new, vegan-friendly pistachio spread
Trader Joe’s new vegan pistachio spread is made with just three ingredients
If we had to crown one nut the queen of 2025, it would be the pistachio. This vibrant green favourite really took off last year—thanks in part to the viral Dubai chocolate bar as well as its irresistible flavour and versatility. And we’re happy to report that pistachio isn’t going anywhere in 2026. Need proof? Head to Trader Joe’s, where you’ll find its brand-new, vegan-friendly Pistachio Spread. Made with just three ingredients—pistachios, powdered sugar, and sunflower oil—it’s perfect on toast, in sandwiches (pistachio butter and jelly, anyone?), swirled into ice cream, or baked into cookies.
Misfits’ Target launch is its biggest retailer launch yet. | Misfits
Misfits’ candy bar-inspired protein bars land at Target
Popular vegan protein bar brand Misfits has landed at Target. Shoppers craving a chocolate fix can now order the company’s Cookie Butter, Caramel Fudge, Caramel Popcorn, and Brownie Batter bars online or pick them up in-store. According to the brand, this marks Misfits’ biggest retail debut to date. You can also find them in select Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and Whole Foods locations, too.
Offbeast’s vegan ribs feature a lemongrass ‘bone. | Offbeast
Offbeast’s bone-in vegan ribs officially launched—and promptly sold out
If you want to try Offbeast’s bone-in vegan ribs, you’ll have to move fast. The brand recently launched its smoky barbecue Premium Plant-Based Ribs online—complete with edible lemongrass “bones”—and they sold out in just three hours. According to Offbeast, the ribs are “indulgent, savoury, and unmistakably rib-like, without relying on animal meat.”
IKEA VC arm invests $8.5 million in plant-based dairy
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of furniture giant IKEA, is making a major move in plant-based dairy. The firm has become the largest shareholder in The Green Dairy, a Swedish company focused on plant-based dairy innovation. The Green Dairy has developed its own upcycled oat ingredient, reOat.
An Ingka Investments spokesperson told Impact Loop: “This majority stake will provide The Green Dairy with greater stability, which is needed for sustainable long-term growth. At the same time, we continue to support the company’s mission to develop affordable, plant-based alternatives to dairy products.”
Rebel Cheese will be focusing more on e-commerce in 2026. | Rebel Cheese
Rebel Cheese is closing its Austin location
Rebel Cheese recently shared some bittersweet news. The bitter: its Austin bistro officially closed on December 24. The sweet? The closure allows the Rebel Cheese team to focus more fully on its e-commerce business, wholesale operations, and New York location.
According to the brand, the bistro space at 2200 Aldrich will be taken over by another plant-based concept. “They’ll be keeping the entire bistro team, and the menu will feature some of our top sandwiches and carry Rebel Cheese in the deli case,” the company said.
Eat Just is helping to create a “kinder” world, says PETA. | Eat Just
Eat Just named ‘Company of the Year’ by PETA
Pistachio may be dominating the nut game, but in the egg world, it’s all about mung beans. As the chicken egg industry grappled with soaring prices and bird flu outbreaks, Eat Just’s vegan Just Egg gained serious momentum. Earlier this year, CEO Josh Tetrick told VegNews, “Often, we’re the only egg option in stock, creating an unprecedented awareness opportunity in the plant-based category. I think this is the most important moment for any plant-based product ever.”
PETA agrees. The animal-rights organization named Eat Just its Company of the Year for 2025. “PETA didn’t have to scramble to search for this year’s winning company because Eat Just is not only just as good, but tastier and better than those cholesterol-bomb chicken eggs,” said PETA President Tracy Reiman. She added that the company is helping to “create a kinder, healthier world in which animals are left in peace.”
Veganuary is still going strong for 2026, with millions set to take part. | Hollan Hawaii
About 2 million Brits will embrace Veganuary this year, says new study
Veganuary first launched in 2014, and since then, the month-long campaign encouraging people to go vegan each January has gone from strength to strength. According to a new YouGov study, around 2 million British people are expected to take part by giving up animal products in January 2026. The popular campaign is backed by many celebrities, and this year Stranger Things star Matthew Modine has joined the cause. “In order to continue evolving and prospering, we must quickly evolve away from the destructive behaviours we currently have,” Modine said. “Cutting back on the consumption of animal flesh is a very tiny step each of us can take to make the planet more sustainable and humane.”
This spread will have your friends convinced you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually just assembled things strategically
You know that friend who always hosts brunch and makes it look effortless?
The one with the Instagram-worthy spread who's somehow not stressed or sweaty?
I'm about to let you in on a secret: they're faking it. Or rather, they've figured out the cheat codes.
The key to an impressive vegan brunch is understanding that presentation does about 70% of the work. The other 30% is knowing which shortcuts actually taste good.
Here's your game plan for looking like a culinary genius while expending roughly the same energy as making toast.
1. The fancy toast bar that's literally just toast
Get a decent sourdough or seeded bread. Toast it. Put it on a wooden board. Boom, you're 40% done.
The magic is in the toppings, and here's where you get sneaky. Grab pre-made hummus (the fancy kind from the deli section), some cherry tomatoes you halve with minimal effort, a ripe avocado, and everything bagel seasoning.
Arrange these in little bowls around the toast. Maybe add some microgreens if you're feeling extra.
Your guests build their own toast situations, which means they're doing the actual work. They'll also feel creative and involved, which somehow makes you a better host. It's psychological warfare, but make it brunch.
2. The smoothie bowl that's 90% frozen fruit
Smoothie bowls look like you attended culinary school and have your life together. In reality, you dumped frozen fruit in a blender.
The formula: frozen bananas, frozen berries, a splash of plant milk, blend until thick. Pour into bowls. Now here's the part where you become a artist. Top with sliced fruit, granola, chia seeds, coconut flakes, whatever's in your pantry.
Arrange it in lines or sections like you've seen on Instagram.
The thickness is key. It needs to be spoonable, not drinkable. Use less liquid than you think. If it looks like soft serve ice cream, you nailed it.
Your secret? The whole thing took six minutes and most of that was arranging toppings.
3. The sheet pan situation that the oven does for you
Sheet pan meals are your secret weapon because the oven does all the work while you're doing literally anything else. Like sitting down. Or having a conversation. Revolutionary.
Chop some potatoes, toss with oil and spices. Add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, maybe some chickpeas from a can. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. You've checked your phone 47 times and the oven has created a complete dish.
Serve it family style on the actual sheet pan if it's pretty enough. Or transfer to a serving dish if you're feeling fancy. Either way, you've touched this food for maybe eight minutes total and it looks like you tried.
4. The store-bought pastry you're pretending is homemade
Listen, nobody needs to know those croissants came from the bakery section at Whole Foods. Put them in a basket with a cloth napkin. Warm them slightly. Accept compliments graciously.
If you want to add one (1) homemade element for authenticity, make a quick berry compote. Frozen berries, a little maple syrup, heat in a pot for ten minutes until it looks jammy. Suddenly you're someone who makes preserves.
The psychology here is that one homemade element makes people assume everything is homemade. It's the halo effect but for brunch. You made compote, so surely you also made the pastries, the bread, possibly grew the wheat yourself.
5. The fancy coffee drinks that are just coffee with extra steps
A French press looks impressive and requires zero skill. You put grounds in, add hot water, wait four minutes, press down. That's it. That's the whole thing.
But here's how you level up: offer oat milk foam. Get a milk frother (they're like $15) and froth some oat milk for 30 seconds. People lose their minds over foam. It's the same drink but with air in it and suddenly you're a barista.
Set out cinnamon, cocoa powder, and maybe some vanilla extract. Let people customize. Again, they're doing the work but you get credit for providing options. This is the entire secret to entertaining.
Final thoughts
The best brunch is the one where you actually get to enjoy it instead of being stressed in the kitchen. These shortcuts aren't really shortcuts at all. They're just smart choices about where to put your energy.
Nobody remembers if you made the croissants from scratch. They remember if you were fun to hang out with. They remember if the vibe was relaxed. They remember if there was enough coffee.
So yeah, take the easy route. Use the pre-made stuff. Let the oven do the work. Your friends will be impressed, you'll be calm, and everyone wins. That's not lazy, that's strategic.
A new report from The Vegan Society, unveiled today (2 January 2026) for Veganuary, offers insights into how vegan diets are shaping global culture and F&B industry innovation.
Titled Veganism Around the World, the report combines international research to build a comprehensive database offering insights into where veganism is gaining ground – and how this is impacting the food and beverage industry.
The report is based on original polling across ten countries, and detailed profiles for 21 countries around the globe.
Consumer behaviour
Polling showed that while veganism remains uncommon, ‘flexitarianism’ – whereby consumers intentionally reduce their consumption of meat and seafood, but do not eliminate completely – is now mainstream. 16-30% of consumers polled identified with this way of eating, indicating a shift toward more environmentally friendly diets.
India was highlighted as a global leader, with 14% of people identifying as vegan and 26% as vegetarian. Overall sentiment toward veganism worldwide was found to be ‘neutral to positive,’ suggesting favourable conditions for category growth, with India the most favourable and Japan the least.
Google Trends data showed that searches for ‘veganism,’ which peaked around 2020, have stabilised. However, they continue to outpace ‘vegetarianism’ and, aside from brief surges, even ‘climate change’.
Leaders in food service
Across 21 countries, New Zealand was identified as the most vegan-friendly travel destination, topping vegan-friendly dining per capita (approx. 345 per million) due to many mainstream restaurants offering vegan options.
Taiwan leads on fully vegan restaurants per capita (14.8 per million), while Iceland was the stand-out country within Europe, with 43% of restaurants offering at least one vegan dish.
Portugal followed Taiwan as the second leader globally for fully vegan restaurants per capita, despite ranking third for seafood consumption. Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore also stood out on totals and per capita availability, with many Buddhist-influenced countries offering rich vegan and vegetarian foodservice options due to cultural norms.
The US had the most vegan restaurants in absolute terms (1,717) and now hosts the largest plant-based ecosystem overall by total company count.
Business and innovation insights
The US is home to 615 businesses producing plant-based, cultivated or blended protein products, cementing its place as leader by total business count. However, it ranked much lower per capita, with the report noting cooler domestic demand in the country, pushing producers toward exported growth.
When measured per capita, Singapore leads with 7.44 companies per million people, followed by Israel at 6.66 and the Netherlands at 5.03, all supported by robust science and food-tech industries.
The Netherlands also leads Europe on per capita spend for plant-based meat, and alongside the UK and Germany, combines deep company bases with strong retail sales.
Asia is also seeing surging demand, with consumers in India and China nearly twice as likely as those in the US to say they are ‘very or extremely likely’ to buy plant-based meat. This suggests major growth potential for exporters and local innovators.
However, The Vegan Society acknowledges that innovation density does not automatically reduce animal product consumption. Israel, despite being a leader in the alt-protein industry, still ranks among the highest per capita consumers of poultry and beef.
Veganism: Moving into the mainstream?
The Vegan Society, a UK charity founded in 1944, said its findings show veganism is ‘increasingly understood and adopted worldwide’. The report will inform the organisation’s Vegan Trademark programme, which is now carried by over 70,000 products globally, helping consumers to identify products that have been certified as free from animal-derived ingredients.
Claire Ogley, head of campaigns, policy and research at The Vegan Society, said: “This report is the first comprehensive investigation into the growth of veganism around the world. The data shows that veganism is no longer a niche movement but is gaining traction cross-culturally with restaurants, businesses and consumers driving its growth globally.”
She noted that though the word ‘vegan’ was only coined 80 years ago, it is “widely understood” and used globally.
“It’s also promising to see that despite stereotypes, people’s feelings towards veganism are mostly neutral, and actually lean positive in many cases,” she added. “This surge in interest is reflected in search trends and the rapid expansion of vegan dining options and product innovation worldwide – signs of veganism moving into the mainstream.” https://www.foodbev.com/news/new-global-report-reveals-top-markets-for-plant-based-innovation
Vegan beauty is arguably at its best phase yet. Once associated with bland packaging and hit-or-miss formulas, vegan products today rival – and often outperform – their traditional counterparts.
The definition of vegan is a product that has "no animal ingredients and no animal-derived products, [which is] also cruelty free – so no animal testing," explains the Vegan Society’s Karen Spinner, head of sales and marketing at the Vegan Trademark.
But Spinner says just because a product is cruelty-free doesn’t mean it’s vegan. In fact, lots of animal derivatives are used in the beauty industry.
Common ingredients that can catch people out include "squalene - that’s an extract of shark’s liver, you’ll often find in deodorants, lip balms and moisturisers.
"Ambergris, which comes from fat of the intestine of the sperm whale – that’s used in the perfume industry," Spinner explains.
"And something doing the rounds on TikTok [is] vanilla perfumes. It’s very trendy at the moment, and lots of vanilla perfumes have an animal by-product called castoreum, which is secreted from the castor sacs of beavers.
"Then obviously you’ve got cochineal, which is for pigment, created by crushing insects – you find that in lots of lipsticks, blushes and nail polishes."
If you’re planning on dipping your toe into veganism this Veganuary, the best vegan products are those you wouldn’t even realise are fully plant-based and cruelty-free.
So, here are the vegan beauty staples worth making room for in 2026.
Best vegan skincare
Good skin underpins beauty today, with some of the biggest trends like ‘glass skin’ and ‘hazy cheeks’ relying on the health and vibrance of bare skin.
And luckily, some of the most effective formulas on the market are entirely vegan.
Aesop is often associated with luxurious self-care, but many consumers don’t realise that it's also vegan, Leaping Bunny-approved and certified B Corp.
The Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser is one of the brand’s most enduring formulas, designed with urban living in mind.
The gel-based cleanser removes makeup, SPF and daily pollution without stripping the skin barrier – something that’s particularly important for combination or city-stressed complexions.
Rich in antioxidant botanicals, it leaves skin feeling balanced – not tight – making it a reliable everyday option for those who want effective plant-based cleansing without overcomplicating their routine.
Medik8 is a science-led skincare brand trusted by beauty lovers and dermatologists alike – and many users may not even realise its formulas are vegan.
Certified vegan by the Vegan Society, Medik8 is a science-based skincare brand, and one of its bestsellers is the daily moisturiser.
It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types thanks to its perfected combination of prebiotic peptides, ceramides and lipids for ultimate hydration without excess grease.
Best vegan bases
Base make-up has historically been the hardest category for vegan beauty to get right. But more recently, vegan formulas are being perfected due to consumer demand.
"The vegan society’s own research carried out in 2021 found that 40% of the women in the UK who always buy vegan beauty aren’t actually vegan," Spinner says, showing the growth in conscious consumerism.
Not all Ultrasun products are vegan, as many of their lip products contain beeswax, however, their Ultrasun Face Fluid Tinted SPF50+ is vegan and the perfect base all year round.
A rare hybrid that delivers broad-spectrum sun protection alongside sheer, skin-evening coverage. Lightweight and non-greasy, it works well for everyday wear and is especially useful if you prefer minimal makeup with maximum protection.
Merit has built its reputation around pared-back, skin-first make-up that prioritises ease and wearability. The Minimalist Complexion Stick reflects that ethos perfectly, sitting somewhere between a concealer and a foundation.
The creamy vegan formula blends effortlessly with fingers or a brush, offering buildable coverage that still looks like skin. Ideal for evening out redness, dark circles or blemishes, it still has a natural pay-off looking light and unfussy.
Best vegan eye make-up
Vegan formulas no longer compromise on pigment or longevity, and some of 2025’s best eye products were, in fact, vegan.
Certified as vegan and cruelty-free by PETA, the influencer-slash-YouTuber founded beauty brand, Vieve has made waves this year.
Launched in 2020 by Jamie Genevieve, Vieve has created viral products, including its balmy foundation hybrid and its eye products.
The Vieve mascara is a standout; it delivers volume and definition without flaking or stiffness. The formula builds well, making it suitable for both natural daytime looks and fuller evening lashes, without drying out over time.
E.l.f Cosmetics is an old-school vegan brand, which is double-certified cruelty-free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny.
Its cream eyeshadow is a practical, long-wearing shadow that delivers colour in one swipe. It sets quickly without creasing, making it reliable for fast routines or long days when you don’t want to think about touch-ups.
Best vegan body care
Made and manufactured in the south of England, Grove England is a hidden gem for luxury vegan body care. However, it’s important to note that while they claim vegan status, they don’t prominently display a third-party certification logo (like Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny), so it is still important to check the ingredients list and manufacturing information of their products.
This neroli and cedarwood scented body wash, however, is vegan according to its ingredients, and contains antioxidants, vitamin B5 and amino acids, which leaves skin nourished and radiant.
Aromatica is a K-beauty brand that has boomed in popularity this year. All their ingredients are ECOCERT certified, vegan-friendly and are not tested on animals.
This body lotion is one of their hero products; it leaves the body hydrated thanks to its pure shea butter, while the vegan formula means it absorbs well – even on damp skin – without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
Why vegan beauty feels different now
Recent years have seen a rise in demand for vegan beauty products, mainly due to rising ethical concerns, health consciousness (as people are becoming more aware of how processed animal products react with the skin) and environmental awareness.
"Over 52% of [the Vegan Society’s] market is cosmetics and beauty," says Spinner, "people always think food when they think vegan, but actually cosmetics, beauty and personal care is the biggest market for us."
It seems that now is as good a time as any to test out some vegan beauty products, starting with easy swaps such as a beeswax lip balm with a candelilla wax balm.
Swaps don’t have to be a compromise, and in many cases, they can actually be an upgrade.
