The Vegan Diet Debate: What Nobody Tells You

From yahoo.com

Few diets attract as many strong opinions as veganism, with people on both sides certain they have the science on their side. Somewhere between the enthusiastic advocates and the sceptics, a handful of facts tend to get glossed over.

None of them are secret exactly, they just rarely make it into the highlight reel. Here is what actually shows up in the research.

The Protein Panic That Keeps Getting Debunked

Protein deficiency is probably the most repeated worry about vegan diets, and it turns out to be one of the least supported by data. Multiple reviews have found that plant based diets can meet protein needs across different life stages without much extra effort.

Global health data even suggests that true protein deficiency is almost always tied to a shortage of food overall, not a shortage of meat specifically. A varied plate of beans, grains and vegetables covers more ground than the stereotype suggests.

The Nutrients That Genuinely Need Watching

That said, the diet is not without real gaps. Large scale reviews have consistently flagged lower intakes of vitamin B12, D, iodine, zinc, calcium and omega-3 fats among people following a strict vegan diet.

B12 in particular does not occur naturally in plant foods at all, which is why most nutrition guidelines recommend a supplement rather than trying to eat around it. None of these gaps are inevitable, but they do take some deliberate planning to avoid.

Vegan Does Not Automatically Mean Healthy

A bag of chips and a soda both technically qualify as vegan, which is easy to forget in the middle of a wellness minded grocery run. Heavily processed vegan food carries the same downsides as any other ultra processed option, salt, sugar and low nutritional value included.

Swapping meat and dairy out does not automatically swap junk food out along with it. The healthiest version of the diet still comes down to whole foods rather than the label on the package.

Even the Experts Don't Fully Agree

Nutrition researchers themselves have gone head to head over this exact question in academic journals, not just online comment sections. One physician group has pushed back hard against claims that plant based eating causes deficiencies, arguing that clinical trials do not support that conclusion.

Other researchers maintain the opposite, pointing to evolutionary history and specific nutrient gaps as reasons to be cautious about cutting out animal foods entirely. Neither side seems likely to fully convince the other anytime soon.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/vegan-diet-debate-nobody-tells-130900820.html 

UK: Green Party considers groundbreaking law to guarantee vegan food options

From veganfoodandliving.com

Leaked autumn conference motions suggest a bold plan to legally safeguard plant-based choices in restaurants, schools, and public services

The Green Party of England and Wales is set to debate radical new proposals that could make offering vegan food a legal requirement for hospitality businesses and public services.

Leaked autumn conference documents seen by The Telegraph have revealed that party members are calling for the Equality Act 2010 to be used to ensure plant-based food and cruelty-free options are offered across the UK.

With ethical veganism already recognised as a protected belief under equal opportunities legislation since 2020, the proposed motion aims to ensure that vegans and plant-based eaters are never left picking at a side salad again.

                                                                                                 Photo © Rungphailin/Adobe Stock

How could the Equality Act expand vegan options?

Under the proposed reforms, any organisation providing a service to the public would be required to offer vegan foods as standard practice. These organisations could potentially stretch to include restaurants, cafes, and private caterers.

Supporters within the party, including the internal Vegan Greens group, argue that current menu offerings frequently fail to cater to protected ethical vegans.

Beyond private businesses, the motion outlines plans to overhaul public sector catering entirely, shifting toward fully plant-based menus. In education, the party aims to scrap outdated school food standards that currently mandate serving meat at least three times a week, replacing them with sustainable, plant-based alternatives.

Unsurprisingly, the proposals have ruffled a few feathers among rural lobbying groups. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, told The Telegraph: “The public overwhelmingly enjoy eating meat and dairy as part of a balanced diet.

“It would be utterly absurd for anyone vying to govern to be seen as promoting any one diet over another.”

Will legal sustainability standards reduce food emissions?

The motion also targets the climate crisis by seeking to introduce strict legal sustainability standards for food procurement. This would include measuring the average carbon footprint per meal, explicitly prioritising plant-based choices on environmental grounds.

Given that plant-rich diets produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than animal-derived foods, supporters view the policy as a necessary step toward meeting national climate targets.

However, party officials have stressed that these proposals are not yet set in stone. Speaking on the upcoming autumn conference debate, a Green Party spokesperson clarified: “There is a prioritisation process, and not every motion submitted will be debated. Only motions passed by conference become Green Party policy.”

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/green-party-equality-act-vegan-options-law/

Majority of US Meat-Eaters Open to Swapping Meat for Beans, Survey Finds

From vegconomist.com

Humane World for Animals has released a new survey conducted on its behalf by market research firm The Harris Poll, published one month after the launch of the organization’s Beansday campaign, which encourages consumers to replace meat with beans once a week.

The survey polled 2,003 US adults aged 18 and older, including 1,919 meat-eaters, between June 23 and 25, 2026.

Beans already a staple, with room for more

Of those surveyed, 95% said they generally eat beans. Black beans were the most popular variety at 46%, narrowly ahead of pinto beans at 41%. Nearly three in five meat-eaters (57%) said they would be willing to replace meat with beans at least once a week, and 62% said they were open to reducing their meat consumption overall.

© Humane World for Animals

Budget, health, and animal welfare weighed almost equally

About two-thirds of the meat-eaters surveyed said they had concerns about the effect of their meat consumption on household finances or food costs (67%), their own health (64%), and animal welfare (64%). Just under three in five (58%) cited environmental and climate impacts as a motivation. Among meat-eaters aged 18 to 34, animal welfare carried notably more weight as a reason for the weekly swap than it did among those aged 55 and older (27% versus 19%).

Karla Dumas, vice president of farm animal welfare at Humane World for Animals and a nutritionist, reads the findings as evidence of a more rounded approach to food decisions. According to Dumas, consumers now weigh budget, health, and animal welfare against one another with nearly equal importance. The Beansday campaign is built to turn those values into a repeatable weekly habit.

Kevin Bacon becomes Kevin Bean for Beansday 2026 © Humane World For Animals

A campaign backed by a familiar face

Humane World for Animals launched the Beansday initiative in June with actor Kevin Bacon, who temporarily renamed himself Kevin “Bean” for a social media PSA. The campaign asks people to swap meat for bean dishes every Wednesday and points to the health, environmental, and animal welfare benefits of doing so. 

https://vegconomist.com/studies-numbers/majority-us-meat-eaters-open-swapping-meat-for-beans-survey-finds/

Japan To Invest $6.2 Billion In Alternative Proteins And Other ‘New Foods’

From plantbasednews.org

Japan's draft investment roadmap includes funds for alternative proteins and other novel foods 

The Japanese government has published a draft public-private investment roadmap worth USD $2.3 trillion and including more than $6.2 billion for novel food technologies, such as plant-based and alternative proteins.

Japan’s Growth Strategy involves investment across 17 sectors and 62 products and technologies by 2040. The plan was presented at a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy and the Council for Japan’s Growth Strategy in June.

The draft strategy is a roadmap for implementing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “crisis management and growth investment” agenda - Media Credit: Prime Minister's Office of Japan (Kantei)

Four out of 17 sectors are related to food tech, and will receive a total of roughly $60 billion. ‘New foods,’ defined by the roadmap as functional, nutritious, and non-animal-derived options, such as alternative proteins, will receive approximately $6.2 billion.

As reported by The Asahi Shimbun, the government has positioned the draft strategy as a roadmap for implementing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “crisis management and growth investment” agenda. During the meeting, Takaichi announced the creation of a separate, “strong and prosperous Japan” investment framework.

The draft document, created in association with the recently established Food Tech Working Group, centres Japan’s history of producing fermented foods, seasonings, and other key exports, such as rice flour and marine ingredients.

Japan, vegan seafood, and cultivated meat

Adobe StockJapan’s flexitarians are driving a vegan tuna boom, while food tech companies are working to bring cultivated alternative proteins to market

A 2025 report found that urban flexitarians are driving a vegan tuna boom in Japan, prompted by a national shift in dietary ethics, growing pressure on conventional seafood’s supply chains, and changing ideas about protein quality and nutrition.

The draft roadmap notably excludes cultivated meat products, though Japanese food tech companies and start-ups – such as Organoid Farm in Fujisawa – are working towards commercial production, and further sector growth is expected.

In May, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) published draft guidelines for manufacturers of cultivated meat and seafood looking to bring products to market.

https://plantbasednews.org/news/economics/japan-invest-billion-alternative-protein-foods/

The 9 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Prague

From aroundprague.cz 

Prague has long outgrown its reputation as a city of pork knuckle and dumplings alone — today dozens of places here reinvent Czech classics without meat, while Asian and European plant-based cuisine is served on par with the city's best restaurants. This roundup is useful for vegans, vegetarians, and simply curious visitors who want to try something new between wandering around Staré Město and Malá Strana.

Lehká Hlava

Located in the Old Town between Karlův most and Národní street, tucked into a courtyard connecting Karolíny Světlé, Náprstkova, and Betlémská streets. Lehká hlava is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant right in the heart of Prague, serving creative meat-free cuisine since 2005 in a magical Old Town setting complete with a famous starry ceiling. Prices are pleasantly reasonable for the city centre: starters 140–255 CZK, main courses 265–385 CZK, desserts 145–175 CZK. Open weekdays from 11:30 to 23:00, weekends from 12:00; given its popularity, booking a table in advance is a good idea.

Maitrea

Located in the Old Town on Týnská 1064/6, just off Staroměstské náměstí. This is an oasis of calm in the touristy centre, on Týnská street right next to Staroměstské náměstí. The interior is carefully designed according to feng shui principles, and the menu features burritos, lasagne, pasta, chili, and burgers; on weekday afternoons there's a set lunch menu for around 120 CZK. Open late, until 23:00.

Vegan's Prague

Located in Malá Strana at Nerudova 36 (also listed as 221/36), right at the foot of Pražský hrad. The restaurant sits in the Malá Strana district, home to the Castle, the Cathedral, and countless fairy-tale houses and staircases; the venue spans two floors, with a small upper terrace offering views of Pražský hrad. The unusual menu even includes a traditional guláš and svíčková with dumplings. Open daily roughly from 11:30 to 21:30–22:00; it's best to book a terrace table in advance.

Palo Verde Bistro

Located in Prague 1, Nové Město, at Žitná 45. This 100% vegan restaurant on Žitná street in Prague's New Town is known for a thoughtful menu blending European and Asian influences, plus great coffee, cocktails, and homemade desserts. Open daily from 7:30 to 22:30, with brunch, a daily menu, tapas, homemade pasta, and burgers. The bistro, attached to the nearby Salvatore Boutique Hotel, also serves breakfast to hotel guests.

Pastva

Located in Prague 5, in the Anděl/Smíchov area, at Nádražní 54/102. This vegan café and restaurant, founded in 2015, sits near Anděl metro station and offers a changing daily menu with soup and 2–3 different dishes, plus fresh baked goods. It specialises in a modern take on vegan cuisine — everything is plant-based, from the daily menu to the regular menu and the ever-changing selection of homemade cakes, desserts, and lemonades, alongside wines from Moravia and beer from nearby Únětice.

Plevel

Located in Prague 10, on the border of Vinohrady and Vršovice, on the picturesque Krymská 2 street (Krymská 126/2). The restaurant is on Krymská street, right by Havlíčkovy sady vineyard, and serves surprisingly creative vegan and raw dishes that even meat-eaters enjoy. Krymská street itself is often compared to Paris's Montmartre or Berlin's Kreuzberg. Open daily from 10:00 to midnight.

Loving Hut

An international vegan chain with several locations across Prague, including Na Poříčí 25 (Prague 1, near the Museum of Communism). One branch is located in the Černá labuť building next to the shopping centre and the Museum of Communism, on the first floor above a health food shop; it's an entirely vegan buffet-style restaurant priced by weight — just grab a plate and pay for what you take. A convenient and budget-friendly option for a quick, varied meat-free lunch.

Sandokan

Located in Vinohrady at Korunní 1172/81. Open from 11:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and from noon to 18:00 on weekends. The restaurant specialises in Asian cuisine with a wide selection of tofu and soy dishes — from noodles to curries — and, according to guests, is considered one of the city's favourite vegan restaurants, despite being a bit off the usual tourist track.

Kraffin

Located in Prague 10, Vršovice, at Voroněžská 19 — a vegan bakery and patisserie. It's a clean, bright, plant-decorated, entirely vegan bakery and café. Open from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, opening at 9:00 on weekends. A perfect sweet stop after lunch at nearby Sandokan or a walk around Vršovice.

From the starry ceiling of Lehká Hlava just steps from Karlův most to the Castle-view terrace at Vegan's Prague and the trendy bar scene on Krymská, vegan Prague has long stopped being a niche phenomenon. When planning your route, it's worth booking ahead at popular spots like Maitrea and Lehká Hlava, while chains like Loving Hut are great for a quick bite — thanks to this variety, finding a delicious plant-based meal in the Czech capital today is possible in almost any neighbourhood.

https://aroundprague.cz/en/places/9-best-vegan-and-vegetarian-restaurants-in-prague-a-guide-to-plant-based-dining-in-the-cze

Vegan Pineapple Coconut Bars

From trendhunter.com

Trader Joe's New Pineapple Coconut Bars Have Just Dropped 

Trader Joe's is helping consumers beat the heat during summer's hottest days with its new Pineapple Coconut Bars.

Bursting with tropical flavours, the new Pineapple Coconut Bars are sweet and tart, but also cool and creamy. Each bar is made from a mixture of pineapple juice and sugar cane for the perfect mix of sweet and fruity. And thanks to the addition of coconut, the bars have a deliciously creamy texture. Best of all, the bars are an accessible treat because they're vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.

Perfectly portioned into individual bars with a handy stick on the end, the new Pineapple Coconut Bars are a great option for BBQs, picnics, pool days, and backyard hangs this summer. Just enjoy them while you can because they are a limited-time offering.

                                                                                                        Image Credit: Trader Joe's

Why This Trend Is Growing

Tropical Plant-based Frozen Treats

Bright fruit profiles paired with creamy coconut bases create room for dairy-free desserts that feel indulgent while meeting vegan and allergen-conscious demand.

Limited-time Summer Snacking

Seasonal frozen launches can drive urgency and trial by tying product discovery to warm-weather rituals like picnics, BBQs, and poolside gatherings.

Multi-diet Convenience Desserts

Products that combine vegan, gluten-free, and kosher attributes broaden household appeal by simplifying dessert choices for mixed dietary needs.

Industries Being Reshaped

Frozen Desserts

Plant-based formats are reshaping the category through fruit-forward textures and clean-positioned ingredients that compete with traditional ice cream novelties.

Grocery Retail

Exclusive limited-run private label items strengthen retailer differentiation by turning everyday shopping trips into seasonal product hunts.

Plant-based Foods

The expansion of dairy-free treats beyond niche health positioning signals opportunities for mainstream, pleasure-led vegan product development.

https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pineapple-coconut-bars

‘Obsession’ Actor Makes His Own Organic Plant-Based Milk

From plantbasednews.org

Michael Johnston, the star of this summer's hit horror film 'Obsession,' makes his own non-dairy milk 

Obsession actor Michael Johnston just brought his own homemade, organic, plant-based milk to an interview on Access Hollywood for the hosts to try.

In a recent appearance on the show, Johnston revealed that he avoids dairy and makes his own almond and cashew milk at home to drink with coffee.

Johnston co-stars in Obsession, a 2025 psychological horror film from Blumhouse and the undisputed, unprecedented breakout hit of the summer so far.

Before his work on Obsession, Johnston appeared in 2021’s Endangered Species and the final two seasons of 2015’s Teen Wolf. He has also voiced numerous video game characters and plays the young Nathan Summers (Cable) in X-Men ‘97.

When asked by Access Hollywood hosts Kit Hoover and Jessica Radloff what his current “obsession” is, Johnston told them about “falling in love” with a “beautiful Italian espresso machine,” with which he makes lattes at home.

“I can’t do the dairy,” Johnston said, and added, “So I started making my own milk. I actually made some almond milk and cashew milk for here, I made it last night. They are organic, sweetened with dates. I actually made the vanilla extract that I put in this.”

After trying the almond milk, Radloff said, “That is really good.”

The record-breaking box office success of ‘Obsession’

           Michael Johnston even makes his own vanilla extra to flavour the plant-based milk - Media Credit: Access Hollywood / YouTube

In June, Obsession overtook 2025’s Sinners to become the highest-grossing live-action, English-language, original film of the 2020s. In July, it passed 1973’s Enter the Dragon to become the highest-grossing film with a budget under USD $1 million.

The two lead actors, in particular, have received acclaim for their performances in Obsession, and Johnston described his co-star, Inde Navarrette, as “incredible.”

https://plantbasednews.org/news/celebrities/obsession-actor-makes-plant-based-milk/