Why Isa Chandra Moskowitz Is Done With Restaurants—and Turning Focus to Sandwiches and Tim Robinson

From vegnews.com

By Charlotte Pointing

Isa Chandra Moskowitz is back with The 29-Minute Vegan. The cookbook icon opens up about quick recipes, fresh starts, and life after restaurants

For Isa Chandra Moskowitz, there’s nothing quite like cooking. “As a kid, flipping through a box of recipe cards was just as fun as rollerskating,” she writes on her vegan recipe blog, Post Punk Kitchen.

Cooking has long been Moskowitz’s love language, and her passion for veganism and food has taken her in many directions. She hosted her own cooking show in the early 2000s and opened two vegan restaurants under the Modern Love banner—one in her native Brooklyn and another in Nebraska—but sharing food through the written word may be her truest calling. Alongside her blog, Moskowitz has authored multiple cookbooks. In fact, the vegan chef is now on her 12th title: The 29-Minute Vegan: Real Food, Real Vibes, Anytime.

For Moskowitz, the new cookbook is about more than quick, easy, and delicious plant-based recipes (though it certainly delivers plenty of those). It also reflects a new chapter in her life. Like many restaurant owners, the vegan chef has faced challenges in recent years. Modern Love’s Nebraska location closed in 2024, followed by the Brooklyn restaurant in 2025.

                                     The 29-Minute Vegan: Real Food, Real Vibes, Anytime is out and available to purchase now

Moskowitz had seen the signs for some time. Before the closures, she joined other vegan business owners in speaking with VegNews about the difficulties of keeping a vegan restaurant afloat in the current economic climate. “I don’t think the storm is over,” she said at the time. “What are these tariffs going to do to us? Where does the avocado come from? Where does the tofu come from? Will we have to raise prices?”

Modern Love isn’t alone. Oakland’s Millennium recently announced its closure after more than three decades in business, while Brooklyn favourite Toad Style shuttered suddenly in May.

But Moskowitz isn’t dwelling on the past. Quite the opposite, in fact. She’s embracing a newfound freedom away from restaurant ownership and focusing on The 29-Minute Vegan. Below, she shares more about the new book, including the recipes she makes on repeat, why she wants to cook for Tim Robinson, and why she’s feeling content in this latest chapter of her life.

                                                                 Moskowitz’s new cookbook is full of easy, quick recipes

VegNews: What inspired you to focus on quick, under-30-minute meals for this book?

Isa Chandra Moskowitz: It was basically life deciding for me. I had a very busy and stressful few years (was I the only one?), and I still wanted really delicious food, so it was this natural process of figuring out how to get there. It happened very naturally, and I hope that it’s what makes the book really work, because it worked for me. 

VegNews: Do you have a personal favourite recipe from the book right now? 

Moskowitz: I am loving the sandwich section, maybe it’s this transitional spring weather, but a sandwich manages to be both warm-weather and cold-weather food. So I love the first recipe in the book, the Stacked Tofu Deli Sammy, with all the thinly sliced tofu slices and balsamic mayo and the usual sandwich suspects. I also make the Chickpea Salad BLT a lot because it has tons of protein and my favourite flavours: dilly chickpea salad and smoky tempeh bacon. 

Okay, and just one last thing, the Pad Thai from the Pasta & Noodles chapter. I know I have Pad Thai in every book, but somehow this is my favourite yet. I have been on a yuba kick.

VegNews: Many people associate vegan cooking with time or complexity. How does this book challenge that perception?

Moskowitz: As Yoda said, there is no try, there is only do. Once you make the recipes, you will understand that it’s not that deep. Vegan cooking can be as easy as you let it be. I think vegans like to have fun and make seitan roasts and cashew cheese sometimes, but these are not for those times. Even though there are a few quick cashew cheeses in the book. 

VegNews: If you could cook a 29-minute meal for anyone (past or present), who would it be and what would you make?

Moskowitz: Well, off the top of my head, and if I am being totally honest, it would be Tim Robinson (I Think You Should Leave). First of all, it seems like he has been leaning vegan lately, and maybe that will be the final straw. He will say, “It’s simply TOO GOOD.” But also, I just need to laugh. And if I were able to make him laugh without making it look fake, that would just carry me through the rest of my life.

VegNews: Since the closure of Modern Love, how has your day-to-day life and creative focus shifted?

Moskowitz: Well, I mean, how hasn’t it?

It’s night and day. It’s kind of impossible to explain, but I am able to be a person again. 

VegNews: What have you learned from stepping away from the restaurant world?

Moskowitz: That there are sunsets, and I can call my mother and spend time with my cats, and go to the movies, and that it’s okay to just breathe and exist. 

                                                                               Moskowitz’s go-to? The sandwich section

VegNews: Do you see yourself returning to restaurants in the future, or are you excited to focus on other avenues?

Moskowitz: I don’t see myself returning to restaurants in the future. It would have to be the exact right situation, and I don’t see that happening in our current climate. I’m excited to focus on other things. I am still healing from the psychological trauma of the whole situation. 

VegNews: How does this new cookbook reflect where you are in your life right now?

Moskowitz: I think it’s bright and happy, and I hope that my future is that way, too. I am in my fifties now and starting everything over, so that is a pretty wild place to be. I think a lot of women are in that same position. I hope that these quick, yummy meals help everyone get a little more time back in their day to do what they want with the time we have. And have fun doing it.

Want more of Moskowitz’s recipes? Find some of our favourites below:

• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Irish Stout Stew With Fluffy Potato Biscuits
• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Famous Banana French Toast
• Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Tempeh and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Vegan Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Crispy Baked Vegan Fish Sticks With Tartar Sauce

https://vegnews.com/why-isa-chandra-moskowitz-is-done-with-restaurants 

Jamie Oliver is right – this is how much fruit and veg we really should be eating every day

From The Conversation UK

By Catherine Norton

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has stirred debate by calling the familiar five-a-day message “a lie”. Speaking to the Times, he argued that the real health benefits of fruit and vegetables only start to add up at seven, eight or even 11 portions a day.

He’s not wrong that more is better. Research shows us that the more servings of fruit and veg we eat per day, the more benefits we see to our health. But the story of how five servings became the standard recommendation is one of science meeting pragmatism.

When the five-a-day campaign was launched in the UK and Ireland more than 20 years ago, it was never meant to be the “perfect” target. Instead, it was a compromise – a number that struck a balance between the nutritional evidence and what public health experts thought people might realistically manage. Five portions was judged by researchers and marketeers to be a simple, memorable and achievable slogan – one that wouldn’t scare people off.

Today, five-a-day is one of the most recognisable public health messages – even if most UK adults still fall short of it.

But it may be time for this messaging to change, as a growing body of research shows that higher fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with lower risk of chronic diseases.

A meta-analysis of over 2 million people found that while five portions lowered risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, the greatest benefits were seen at around ten portions of fruit and veg daily. Another UK study found that people eating seven or more portions of fruit and veg each day had a 42% lower risk of death compared to those eating less than one portion.

Excellence rarely comes from doing the bare minimum – and the evidence suggests we should be aiming higher.

                        It’s clear that eating more fruit and veg daily has health benefits.leonori/ Shutterstock© The Conversation UK

Japan has long recommended ten (and more) portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Mediterranean countries, too, traditionally eat diets rich in fresh produce, beans, and legumes. Research suggests that populations that follow these dietary patterns tend to have lower rates of heart disease and longer life expectancy. Similar associations between higher intakes of fruit and vegetables and lower risk of death from any cause are reported in Japan, too.

The research is clear: higher intake of fruits and vegetables everyday brings tangible health benefits. So while five portions is a good starting point, aiming to include more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet will bring even greater health benefits.

What counts as a portion?

But some confusion lies in what a “portion” really means. The World Health Organization defines one portion as about 80g – roughly a handful. That could be an apple, two broccoli spears, three heaped tablespoons of peas or half a tin of beans. When you break it down like this, eight to 11 portions across three meals and snacks becomes less intimidating.

There are also many easy ways to add more fruit and veg every day. For breakfast, try adding berries to your cereal, a banana to your porridge or spinach in your omelette. For lunch, add salad to sandwiches, beans to your soup or extra veg into wraps.

Double up portions at dinner by eating two or three sides of veg, or bulk up sauces and curries with lentils, peppers or mushrooms. Snack smart by reaching for fruit, veggie sticks with hummus or roasted chickpeas instead of crisps.

You should also aim to eat a rainbow of different fruits and vegetables across the week, as variety is associated with even greater health benefits.

There’s a common myth that only fresh fruit and vegetables count. In reality, frozen, tinned (in water or natural juice) and dried all have a place. They can be cheaper, last longer and often retain just as many nutrients as fresh produce.

Juices and smoothies count too – but only as one portion a day because of their sugar content.

The five-a-day message is a starting point, but not the finish line. Anything is better than nothing – and if you’re eating just one or two portions now, getting to three or four is progress.

But the science is clear: more really is better. Jamie Oliver may be ambitious in suggesting 11 portions, but he’s right that aiming higher could bring big health gains.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/jamie-oliver-is-right-this-is-how-much-fruit-and-veg-we-really-should-be-eating-every-day/ar-AA1LTqH0?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=6a0563fd008a49309ea15af40df924b8&ei=11  

Apparently, Ben & Jerry’s Doggy Desserts Are ‘Delicious’ And Accidentally Vegan

From plantbasednews.org

Some versions of the Ben & Jerry's Doggy Desserts now feature a vegan-friendly ingredients list 

It’s nearly summer, and people are once again eating Ben & Jerry’s Doggy Desserts, but this time, the pup-friendly ice creams appear to be “accidentally” vegan.

While the Ben & Jerry’s website still states that its Doggy Desserts are made with “very limited amounts of dairy,” some Reddit users have found versions with a dairy-free ingredients list and celebrated the ice creams’ “delicious” flavour.

Ben & Jerry’s first launched its Doggy Desserts line in 2021, and of course, people on the internet immediately began joking about eating it themselves. Cut to 2026, and the people of Reddit are not only debating whether the frozen dog treats are suitable for humans, but whether they are now suitable for vegans, too.

Ben & Jerry’s Doggy Desserts are available in two flavours: Pontch’s Mix, with peanut butter and pretzels, and Rosie’s Batch, with pumpkin and mini cookies. One user recently posted photos of the Rosie’s Batch packaging, including one of the ingredient list, which appears to be free from dairy and other animal products.*

‘Tastes like it’s made for humans’

                                Ben & Jerry's has not yet confirmed if the Doggy Desserts are vegan - Media Credit: Ben & Jerry's

“It’s literally just vegan pumpkin pie ice cream? I wish I knew sooner! Only comes in doggie treat portions, which is difficult for me, as I’ve been searching for pumpkin ice cream since Target discontinued theirs,” wrote the user. “Thoughts on this?”

The same user added that the Rosie’s Batch ice cream is “delicious,” and “tastes like it’s made for humans,” with “pie crust pieces and everything.” Another wrote, “The peanut butter pretzel one is really good. I’ve made so many people try it, tasty AF.”

*Editor’s note: Always check the ingredients before purchase. Even accidentally vegan products may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. Food for companion animals is produced within different regulatory frameworks to food for humans.

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/ben-jerrys-doggy-desserts-accidentally-vegan/

5 Best Vegan Gut Health Supplements for Digestive Balance in 2026

From onegreenplanet.org

By Trinity Sparke

The gut microbiome research that was considered fringe science fifteen years ago is now mainstream medicine, and with good reason. The human gut contains approximately 38 trillion microbial cells, outnumbering human cells roughly one to one, according to a landmark 2016 study published in Cell. For plant-based eaters, the picture is largely positive: fibre-rich diets consistently correlate with greater microbial diversity. But targeted probiotic and enzyme supplementation can address specific gaps that diet alone doesn’t always fix: bloating, irregular digestion, and the disruption that follows antibiotic use or dietary changes. The picks below are all certified vegan, third-party tested, and verified on Amazon in the Health & Household category. For the broader supplement picture, see our guide to avoiding nutritional deficiencies on a plant-based diet and our best vegan multivitamins for women 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Probiotic strain specificity matters more than CFU count, a supplement with 10 well-researched strains at 25 billion CFU typically outperforms one with 50 billion CFU from unstudied strains. According to a 2019 review in Nutrients, specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum have the most robust clinical evidence for digestive health benefits.
• Postbiotics — the metabolic by-products of probiotic bacteria, are emerging as a key component of gut health Support. According to the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, postbiotics provide measurable health benefits and are more stable than live bacteria.
• Digestive enzymes are not the same as probiotics, enzymes break down macronutrients at the point of digestion, while probiotics support the microbial ecosystem. Both address different aspects of gut health and work better together than either does alone.
• Shelf stability matters for real-world use. Most consumers don’t refrigerate supplements consistently. Products guaranteed without refrigeration deliver more reliable live cultures at the actual point of consumption.
• According to the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, probiotics are generally safe for healthy adults, with most evidence supporting their use for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

What to Look For in a Vegan Gut Health Supplement

Vegan certification is non-negotiable for probiotics, most capsule shells use gelatin, and some probiotic cultures are grown on dairy-based media. According to NSF International, third-party certification is the only reliable way to verify that a supplement contains what the label claims. For probiotics specifically, look for shelf-stable formulations with guaranteed CFU counts at expiration rather than at manufacture, this is the meaningful potency number, not the larger figure at time of production. Prebiotic fibre (food for probiotic bacteria) and postbiotic compounds are meaningful additions that differentiate a comprehensive gut supplement from a basic probiotic capsule.

Best Vegan Gut Health Supplements of 2026

1. MegaFood Women’s Probiotic 60ct — Best Certified Organic Women’s Probiotic

MegaFood builds its supplements from whole food concentrates rather than synthetic isolates, and that philosophy extends to its probiotic line. MegaFood Women’s Probiotic delivers a targeted blend of clinically studied strains including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum, alongside MegaFood’s FoodState organic food blend for enhanced bioavailability. Certified B Corp, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified vegan, gluten-free. Shelf-stable formula with guaranteed potency through expiration, not just at manufacture date. Averaging 4.4 stars from thousands of Amazon reviews, buyers specifically note reduced bloating and improved regularity after consistent use. Around $30–40 for 60ct. Honest flaw: whole-food based formulation means lower total CFU than synthetic competitors, this is a feature, not a bug, but buyers expecting a 100 billion CFU count won’t find it here.

2. MaryRuth Organics 3-in-1 Probiotic Prebiotic Postbiotic — Best Complete Gut Formula

The most comprehensive gut supplement on this list. MaryRuth 3-in-1 Probiotic Prebiotic Postbiotic covers all three axes of the microbiome Support framework in a single capsule, live probiotic cultures, prebiotic inulin fibre to feed them, and fermentation-derived postbiotics for additional benefit. Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, and shelf-stable. Averaging 4.5 stars from over 5,000 reviews, buyers consistently note it’s the first probiotic they’ve taken that actually produced noticeable digestive improvement. Around $28–36 for 60ct. Honest flaw: the combined formula means you can’t adjust the pre/pro/postbiotic doses independently, buyers who want higher-dose probiotics need a separate product.

3. MaryRuth Organics Digestive Enzymes — Best Standalone Enzyme Supplement

Digestive enzymes address the mechanical side of gut health that probiotics can’t, the actual breakdown of food into absorbable nutrients. Plant-based eaters eating large amounts of legumes, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains often benefit from enzyme Support, particularly for breaking down phytates and complex starches. MaryRuth Organics Digestive Enzyme Supplement delivers a broad-spectrum blend including amylase, lipase, protease, lactase, and cellulase. Certified USDA Organic, Certified Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, one of the few certified organic enzyme supplements available. Averaging 4.4 stars, buyers with legume-heavy diets specifically report reduced bloating and gas. Around $25–35 for 60ct. Honest flaw: enzymes work at the point of digestion and must be taken with meals, unlike probiotics which can be taken any time, these require meal-time discipline to be effective.

4. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women 90ct — Best High-Potency Women’s Probiotic

For women who want whole-food sourced probiotics at higher potency, Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Women delivers 85 billion live cultures from 32 probiotic strains sourced from Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir culture, genuine fermented food origins rather than laboratory fermentation. Dairy-digesting enzymes included alongside the probiotic strains, plus probiotic-created vitamins and minerals. Non-GMO Project Verified, vegetarian capsule. Averaging 4.4 stars, buyers note the broad strain variety and the inclusion of immune-supporting strains alongside digestive ones. Around $38–50 for 90ct. Honest flaw: requires refrigeration upon receipt for best potency, this is a meaningful limitation for travellers or buyers in households that won’t refrigerate consistently.

5. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Platinum Restore 200 Billion CFU — Best High-Potency Clinical Formula

After antibiotics, extended illness, or significant gut disruption, standard maintenance-dose probiotics may not be enough. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Platinum Restore delivers 200 billion CFU guaranteed from 11 clinically validated strains in a vegan, Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free formula. Formulated by Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist with published research on the microbiome-brain connection. This is the Tier 2 pick for buyers who need a clinical-grade gut reset rather than a maintenance supplement. Averaging 4.5 stars, with buyers post-antibiotic course specifically citing faster recovery of normal digestion compared to lower-dose alternatives. Around $50–65 for 28ct. Honest flaw: 28-capsule supply at 2 capsules daily is a 2-week course, high potency at a high per-capsule cost. Designed for reset use, not ongoing daily maintenance.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/best-vegan-gut-health-supplements-for-digestive-balance-in-2026/ 

Can a Vegan Diet Help You Build Muscles? Expert Explains

From onlymyhealth.com

Wondering if a vegan diet can help build muscle? Read on to understand how combining the right plant proteins can support your muscle-building goals 

When most people think about building muscle, they picture chicken breasts, eggs and whey protein shakes. However, when you are on a vegan diet, what about that? Is it possible to build muscle with a plant-based diet? The answer is yes, and here's how.

A vegan diet consists of 100% plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, pulses and grains. According to Aditi Prasad Apte, Senior Clinical Nutritionist at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, “It is very much in trend nowadays and often considered as ethical and clean, and has proven benefits for cardiovascular health, insulin resistance and gut health.” 

Can You Really Build Muscle on a Vegan Diet?

Yes, but with some careful planning. A vegan diet can aid in building muscle, Apte says, “When properly tailored, including sufficient calories and protein.” She suggests a mix of legumes, soy, whole grains, nuts and seeds for a well-balanced diet and healthy living.

The secret is to get enough protein and calories every day by using a combination of the best plant protein options.

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that vegan bodybuilders could meet their protein targets and build muscle effectively during the bulking phase.

However, during the cutting phase, their protein intake dropped below recommended levels, mainly because reducing carbs also reduced their protein intake. The researchers concluded that with smarter food choices and supplementation, a vegan diet can support muscle building, but professional guidance is advisable.

Best Vegan Protein Sources for Muscle Building

The best vegan protein sources for building muscle are those that are rich in protein and low in fat.

• Tofu: About 100g contains about 17-19g of protein.
• Chickpeas: Good quality, non-GMO chickpeas are a good source of about 18g of protein per 100g.
• Edamame and lentils: Good, everyday sources of protein.

• The most underrated source, spirulina. It's a great protein boost for vegans who focus on building muscle and has approximately 70 per cent more good quality protein compared to dairy, says Apte.

  • Peanuts: Apte calls it the "poor man's almonds. She points out that peanuts have about 24-25g of protein in 100g and that "a handful of peanuts daily can help accomplish the protein goal. They will also be loaded with healthy fats.
  • Seeds and nuts: Nuts and seeds are not a key source of protein. “It helps to build muscle to an extent,” Apte said.

  Quick Tips to Make It Work

  The following are some tips to help you get it working quickly:

  • Consume adequate total calories, and muscle building will be restricted, no matter how much protein you consume, if you don't eat enough calories.
  • Mix various proteins throughout the day to get all essential proteins.
  • Mix into smoothies to get a concentrated protein punch from spirulina.
  • Make peanuts a healthy, convenient, and cost-effective snack. 

  Conclusion

  It's definitely possible to gain muscle with a vegan diet; you just have to make some adjustments. You can build muscle without eating any animal products, since you can focus on protein-rich plant foods such as tofu, chickpeas, spirulina, and peanuts, and ensure you have enough calories to meet your goals.

• FAQ

• 1. How much protein do I need on a vegan diet to gain muscle?

  6–2.2g per kg of body weight, which can be attained by consuming foods such as tofu, chickpeas, spirulina and peanuts.

• 2. Is plant-based protein as effective as animal protein for building muscle?

  Yes, in enough amounts and diversity. Protein-rich sources such as spirulina and peanuts are excellent, and consistency is the key.
• https://www.onlymyhealth.com/vegan-diet-for-muscle-building-12977846668