KFC is bringing back its vegan burger - here’s when and where to get one

From linlithgowgazette.co.uk

In 2019, KFC launched its very first vegan burger, made from Quorn and topped with vegan mayonnaise.

Since the meat-free burger was taken off the menu at KFC, fans have been begging the fast food chain to bring it back - and the fast food chain has listened.

Here’s when the Original Recipe Vegan Burger is making a comeback at KFC, and how to get one.

What is the KFC vegan burger made of?

The company says its vegan burger is a “bespoke” vegan Quorn fillet made from Mycoprotein.

It’s served with iceberg lettuce and vegan mayonnaise, and KFC team members have been trained specially to use separate utensils and storage units to ensure that vegan and vegetarian ingredients are not cross contaminated with meat products.

The vegan burger is customisable, meaning you can add or remove whichever toppings you like. Be aware, though, that adding certain ingredients may make the burger non-vegan, as other ingredients may have come into contact with non-vegan foods.

Unfortunately the vegan burger is not offered as a meal, since KFC fries are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to being cooked in the same oil as the popcorn chicken.

When is it available to buy?

The vegan friendly burger will be available to buy from participating branches from 4 January 2021.

However, if you’re looking to get your hands on one, you’d better do it fast as they’re only hanging around for a limited time.

The burger will once again be taken off KFC menus from 28 February.

Full list of restaurants selling the vegan burger

KFC is only offering its vegan burger at 73 stores, because it wanted to bring back the burger “responsibly.”

“We’ve worked hard with these initial 73 restaurants to make sure it fits with our new procedures in the kitchen,” a statement explains.

The chosen places were also branches where the vegan burger had previously been a huge hit.

These are all the branches of KFC that you’ll be able to get your hands on a vegan burger:

• Aberdeen - Union Street
• Aintree - Grand National Avenue
• Beeston - White Rose Shopping Centre
• Birchanger Green - M11 Services
• Birmingham - Great Bridge Retail Pk
• Birmingham - Martineau Place
• Bishopsgate
• Bournemouth - The Triangle
• Braintree - Galleys Island
• Brighton - London Road
• Brighton - Western Road
• Bristol - Avonmeads Retail Park
• Bristol - Union Street
• Broadstairs - Westwood Retail Park
• Byker - Shields Road
• Camden - High Street
• Cardiff - Excelsior Road
• Cardiff - Queen Street
• Cobham Services
• Colliers Wood - Chapter Way
• Coventry - Tile Hill
• Croydon - Colonnades Leisure Park
• Derby - Foresters Leisure Park
• Dover - Honey Wood Retail Park
• Durham - City Retail Park
• Edinburgh - Meadowbank Retail Park
• Gateshead - Metro Centre Blue
• Glasgow - Argyle Street
• Glasgow - Pollokshaws Road
• Glasgow - Sauchiehall Street
• Gorleston on Sea - High Street
• Great Yarmouth - Regent Road
• Hamilton - Palace Grounds Retail Pk
• Hulme - Greenheys Lane West
• Ipswich - Bury Road
• Kidderminster - Stourport Road
• Lancaster - Penny Street
• Leeds - Kirkstall Road
• Leicester - Narborough Road
• Lincoln - High Street
• Liverpool - Chaloner Street
• London - Gloucester Road
• London - Kings Cross
• London - Southampton Row
• London Waterloo
• Manchester - Ashton Retail Park
• Manchester Arndale
• Manchester Fort Shopping Park
• Margate - High Street
• Northampton - Riverside Retail Park
• Norwich - Mile Cross Lane
• Nottingham - Milton Street
• Old Kent Road
• Plymouth - Marsh Mills
• Poole - Wessex Gate Retail Park
• Portsmouth - Pompey Centre
• Preston - Ashton on Ribble
• Purley - Purley Parade
• Romford - Colchester Road
• Sheffield - Barnsley Road
• Sheffield - Penistone Road
• Sheffield - West Street
• South Mimms - M25 Services
• Southend - Greyhound Trading Park
• Stourbridge - St Johns Road
• Sunderland - Thomsen Retail Park
• Swansea - Morfa Shopping Park
• Swindon - Delta Park
• Tyburn - Kingsbury Road
• Walsall - Junction 10 M6 Services
• Wolverhampton - Penn Road Retail Park
• Wrexham - St Georges Crescent

https://www.linlithgowgazette.co.uk/read-this/kfc-bringing-back-its-vegan-burger-heres-when-and-where-get-one-3081666

Will 2021 be the year of the vegan?

From metro.co.uk

The organisers of plant-based diet pledge Veganuary are gearing up for 2021 to be its biggest year yet since its launch seven years ago.

The UK-based campaign, which encourages people to follow a vegan diet in January, has set a target of 500,000 signatories worldwide and expects to reach 350,000 today. 400,000 people signed up to the campaign last year.

In a year when many of us have had more time to think and reflect, it’s no surprise that people have been more willing to confront their eating habits. For some, a move towards veganism may be driven by personal health concerns during the pandemic. Many health experts have made links between a diet that includes plenty of vegetables, grains and beans and a healthier immune system.

     For many, the pandemic has prompted a change in eating habits (Picture: Getty/iStockphoto)

While a vegan diet can’t make us any less likely to contract Covid-19, ‘it can treat the underlying conditions that can exacerbate its severity,’ claimed Susan Levin of Barnard Medical Centre.

Meanwhile, many people are waking up to the global dangers of consuming animal products. Earlier this year, Plant Based Health Professionals (PBHP) said the connection between major disease outbreaks and factory farming is being ‘swept under the carpet’ amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and urged people to go vegan.

It was for this reason that Adelaise, a vegan blogger, committed to a plant-based diet during the first lockdown. ‘The fact that we had another disease that was spread via the selling of animals was the impetus I needed to make the change, and now I can’t imagine not being vegan,’ she says. ‘Because of the lack of delivery slots during lockdown, it was certainly more challenging sourcing vegan alternatives – but on the plus side, more time at home gave me the chance to experiment with different recipes.'

Despite the renewed interest in plant-based eating, however, most people in Britain still don’t intend to go vegan in 2021. Research published today by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) and YouGov reveals that 61% of British people say they’re unlikely to follow a plant-based diet in the New Year.

‘For me, cheese and other foods like that are some of the only joys left in lockdown life,’ says Cathal, a student. ‘I know that’s not a very good reason, though, and I probably should go vegan. Maybe if all this wasn’t going on, I’d have more mental willpower to do something like that. At the moment, it’s taking all the mental willpower I have just to keep going. There’s been so much change in the world recently already – adding a personal change is probably a step too far.’

Zara, a mum of two who runs a skincare brand, agrees. ‘I’m definitely so tempted, and would love to, but food is my main comfort right now,’ she says. ‘I run a small business, plus I have two little ones at home all the time now, so I look forward to my meals!’

Recognising both the growing appetite for vegan eats and the desire to cling to our old favourites in times of crisis, food brands and restaurants are unveiling new plant-based versions of comfort-food classics.

https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/30/veganuary-will-2021-be-the-year-we-all-go-vegan-13821384/

These 21 ‘Veganuary’ Tips From PETA Prove Going Vegan Isn’t Only a January Thing

From peta.org

It’s the best year in history to celebrate “Veganuary”! Not only are exciting new vegan products and vegan food trends making it easier than ever to be vegan in 2021, PETA is also giving you a Veganuary cheat sheet. There are actions to take for every weekday in January—they’re all fun and feasible (not to mention lifesaving). It’s your time to shine this Veganuary, and we’re here if you need us.

January 1: Get Started With a Vegan Starter Kit

Did you know that you could save nearly 200 animals per year just by going vegan? That’s right—being vegan saves lives. So order yourself a free vegan starter kit, which will guide you through making the transition to a healthier, happier, longer life.

January 4: Discover How Good Vegan Takeout Is

Support a local vegan restaurant by ordering takeout and leaving a positive review online. If you’re in Los Angeles, we highly recommend Shojin or Compton Vegan. But you may be surprised how many vegan paradises can be found in small towns, too—check out HappyCow to discover them all.

January 5: Try Vegan Meat

Eating animal flesh means that a thinking, feeling cow, pig, bird, or fish—an individual who was someone’s family member or friend—was killed. But from local co-ops to big-box stores (including Target and Walmart), retailers are stocking more vegan meat options, such as Beyond Meat, than ever before, making it really easy to spare sentient beings. So head to your local grocery store and opt for one of these vegan meats.

January 6: Persuade Your Local Store to Stock More Vegan Products

In just a few easy steps, you can help get more vegan food in a local grocery store. All you have to do is ask. Follow our simple step-by-step guide.

January 7: Treat Yo’ Self to a Vegan Treat

When you opt for vegan ice cream and other dairy-free desserts, you’re treating cows, too. And since shops like Dairy Queen as well as brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs offer exciting vegan ice cream options, your January 7 action may just be the easiest, tastiest one on this list.

January 8: Donate Vegan Food to Those in Need

You’re giving yourself a gift by going vegan, so consider paying that gift forward: Donate vegan food to a local food bank. Food banks distribute donations to communities and individuals in need—and contributing vegan non-perishable items is a great way to include animals in your charitable giving.

January 11: Try Vegan Fish

Fish are smart, social animals with their own unique personalities—they’re not here for us to hook, net, or eat. But vegan fish is good eatin’ eight days a week. Visit a local supermarket and pick up Gardein Fishless Filets, Sophie’s Kitchen Vegan Crab Cakes, or Good Catch Fish-Free Tuna. Check out the other vegan seafood products available in stores.

January 12: Get Cookin’ and Get Social

PETA offers tons of free vegan recipes—we have options for everything from breakfast to dessert! Whip one up and post about it on Instagram, and be sure to tag @peta.

January 13: Get a Vegan Mentor

By now, you’re two weeks into your vegan journey. Congrats! But if you still have questions or could just use a little more assistance, consider getting one-on-one support from a personal vegan coach. Learn more about PETA’s free Vegan Mentor Program and find out how to sign up.

January 14: Swap Congealed Cow Secretions for Delicious, Pus-Free Vegan Cheese

For mac ’n’ cheese, homemade pizza, a charcuterie board, or any other grub involving cheese, try one of the many delicious, dairy-free cheeses that grace supermarket shelves today. Because stealing calves away from their mothers is never OK.

January 15: Give the Gift of Helping Someone Going Vegan

Giving is as good as receiving! So help spread the cheer: Give a vegan gift basket to a neighbour, friend, or family member—anyone who’s not yet made the compassionate switch. Fill it with items like vegan wine, vegan snacks, compelling books, and vegan chocolate boxes.

January 18: Urge Your Favourite Eateries to Go Vegan, Too

Let the management at a local café or restaurant know how you feel about their vegan options. (Politely, of course!) PETA makes it easy with our vegan restaurant comment cards.

January 19: Host a Vegan Cooking Party

Yes, even during the pandemic, you can throw a vegan “cook with me” party. (Thank you, Zoom and FaceTime!) Give your friends a list of supplies and some time to shop, then cook or bake your vegan recipe of choice together.

January 20: Throw a Netflix Party

Speaking of virtual parties, consider hosting a film screening with your nonvegan friends. Choose a movie like Earthlings, Dominion, Okja, or What the Health—and use Netflix Party, Zoom, Teleparty, or a similar app so you can all watch and discuss it together.

January 21: Inspire Your Neighbours

Even while most of us are staying at home, you can display a colourful sign in your front yard to remind folks that there’s no place and no excuse for speciesism or any other form of discrimination. For a free option, display a PETA poster in your window—all you need is a printer!

January 22: Improve Your Local Magazine Racks

Next time you’re stocking up on vegan goods at the grocery store or 7-Eleven, leave a stack of vegan starter kits in the magazine rack. (Don’t have any on hand? E-mail ATeam@peta.org for free supplies.)

January 25: Give Egg Cartons the Labels They Deserve

“Cage-free” means absolutely nothing to the hens who are stuffed on top of each other in filthy warehouses and made to overproduce eggs until their bodies give out and they’re killed. Help set the record straight: Order free egg carton enhancer stickers, visit some local grocers, and get decorating.

January 26: Tell the World (or at Least Your Followers) You’re Vegan

Use a PETA photo frame on your Facebook profile photo (such as the “I’m a Friend to Animals” one), or try our animal-friendly Instagram filters when recording stories about how much you love being vegan.

January 27: You Woke Up and Smelled the ‘Decalf’ Coffee—Urge Starbucks to Do the Same

Now that you’re vegan, you’re probably as mad as the rest of us at Starbucks, the largest and one of the few that still upcharges for animal- and planet-friendly plant-based milk. So use your newfound vegan muscle to urge Starbucks to nix its vegan milk surcharge.

January 28: Tell Your Family, Tell Your Friends

You’re a vegan pro now, which means it’s time to enlighten your loved ones, too. Remember the free vegan starter kit that you ordered for yourself on January 1? Order a copy for your friends and family—help them enjoy a healthy and humane vegan life, too.

January 29: Make a Lasting Difference for Animals

Veganuary is a great initial motivator, but to make positive changes for animals, the planet, and your own health, your vegan journey shouldn’t last only a month—being vegan should be a lifelong commitment. And we’re here to help. Sign up for e-mails containing recipes, tips, and more—and follow PETA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for a steady stream of vegan and animal rights tips and content.

https://www.peta.org/living/food/veganuary-go-vegan/

Chicago Town Launches 2 New Vegan Pizzas: ‘Cheezeburger’ And Stuffed Crust Smoky Bacon

From plantbasednews.org

'The vegan mince tastes so good and with the gherkins, it really does have a cheeseburger taste'

Chicago Town has launched two new vegan pizzas in the UK. 

The frozen pizza brand will launch its new pies – Stuffed Crust Smoky Bac’n and Deep-dish ‘Cheezeburger’ – in Tesco, Morrison’s, and Iceland. Both retail at £2.50.

‘Tastes so good’

Food blogger Jess, better knows as Love From A Vegan, broke the news on Instagram.

“I am so happy [Chicago Town has] released a vegan version of their deep dish pizzas because I used to love them, this one is incredible, the vegan mince tastes so good and with the gherkins, it really does have a cheeseburger taste.

The new pizzas will be available in several UK supermarkets Credit: Love From A Vegan / Instagram

“I already loved the bbq jackfruit pizza they originally released but this one is a step up for me with these toppings, it’s so so good.

“As a pizza lover, it’s always exciting to see new vegan pizzas, and as Chicago Town were one of my favorites before going vegan. I love that I can have them again! “

Vegan pizza

Last year, Chicago Town debuted its first-ever vegan pizza in the UK. 

The Sticky BBQ Jackfruit pizza, which has a tomato stuffed crust, launched in Tesco, Asda, and Iceland at the beginning of this year. 

The pie, which is topped with a range of veggies including jackfruit, retailed at £3.50. 

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/chicago-town-launches-new-vegan-pizza/

Heinz Launches Vegan Mayo And Salad Cream – Hints At New Plant-Based Food Range

From plantbasednews.org

Food giant Heinz has launched vegan alternatives to its iconic mayonnaise and salad cream.

The egg-free condiments are already available in England from supermarket giant Tesco, retailing at £2.80 a bottle. 

‘A lot of research’

Speaking to Checkout, Head of Ireland, Kraft Heinz David Adams said: “Veganism is a trend that we are seeing across the board in so many grocery retail categories and it is being driven by vegans, but also by flexitarians who want to eat less meat and have a more balanced diet.

“These consumers are looking for a broader range of food and for more excitement in categories. Our range of vegan mayonnaise and salad cream will be launched in Ireland in January 2021. 

“A lot of research went into the development of that range because we had to maintain the same product taste and we are proud that we have managed to do that.”

‘A new plant-based range’

The brand also aims to have 85 percent of its products compliant with global nutrition guidelines by 2025 – and says plant-based is the ‘next step’ for achieving this target.

“Beans are already a vegan product, so we are looking to take beans as a base for a new plant-based range,” Adams added. 

“We are working through a few ideas at the moment and we are excited about the possibilities in the plant-based arena.”

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/heinz-launches-vegan-mayo-and-salad-cream/

A Vegan Vending Machine is Popping up in Las Vegas

From vegoutmag.com

Las Vegas food delivery service, Vintage Vegan Diner, announced plans to launch the city’s first all-vegan vending machine. The pop-up will be stocked with the brand’s most popular menu items, including two kinds of sliders, tofu bites, and edible cookie dough.

The vending machine will pop up in various locations around the city until a permanent home is found. Follow Vintage Vegan Diner on Instagram at @vintagevegandiner for information and locations.

https://vegoutmag.com/losangeles/news-article.php?id=512

Subway launches new TLC vegan option and a vegan cookie

From walesonline.co.uk

"Guests will be surprised it’s not the real thing"

Subway has today unveiled the new additions to its plant-based menu for 2021 – the vegan T.L.C. (Tastes Like Chicken) Sub and Vegan Double Choc Cookie.

The plant-based T.L.C. Sub is made with a bespoke recipe designed to mimic Subway’s roast chicken breast strips, and available with slices of Violife™ vegan cheese.

The T.L.C. is fully customisable and is available as a 6-inch or Footlong Sub, a salad or a wrap for even more choice.

The T.L.C. Sub is made from soy-based protein for the plant-lovers and flexitarians to enjoy and is the result of over 10 years of development – but tastes so much like the real thing that even meat-lovers should give it a try.

For the Subway cookie lovers out there, Subway will be expanding its existing cookie range to include a vegan offering for the first time.

The Vegan Double Choc Cookie will newly join the cookie menu, designed to replicate the flavour of Subway’s original Double Chocolate Cookie, and can be ordered as a single cookie, as part of a pack of 3 or the 12 cookie sharing box.

Vegans and non-vegans alike will now have an even wider choice at Subway. The two new vegan items will be added to Subway’s plant-based menu alongside the Meatless Meatball Marinara - which launched in January this year and won PETAs 2020 award for Best Vegan Sandwich - the Plant-Based Patty, Vegan Toasted Bite and crispy Hash Browns.

Angelina Gosal, Head of Marketing UK & Ireland at Subway said: "Our new plant-based T.L.C. Sub will delight both our vegan and non-vegan fans - we’ve created a product that tastes so much like our flavour-full chicken breast strips, guests will be surprised it’s not the real thing. With our new additions, we now have one of the biggest and tastiest plant-based menus on the high street, to offer you even more choice."

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/subway-launches-new-tlc-vegan-19516625

WHO DARES VEGANS: SAS recruits shunning meat for vegan diets after switching to avoid food poisoning

From thesun.co.uk/news

SAS recruits are shunning meat for vegan diets to avoid being struck down with food poisoning while on duty.

Members of the crack military unit are also turning vegetarian - like the burly host of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Ant Middleton told the Mirror: "I start the day with fresh vegetable juice, eat plenty of protein, and avoid dairy.

"I went vegan for a year and have since stuck to a predominantly vegetarian lifestyle.”

And the 40-year-old is not alone, as 30 per cent of those joining the crack unit are now either vegetarian or vegan.

The Hereford-based service has even ditched meat on operations in some overseas locations.

One source revealed: “The last thing you want on operations is food poisoning and experience has shown that is less likely to happen with a plant-based diet.

“Guys started coming back from a six-month tour of duty where they haven’t eaten meat and have decided to stick with a veggie diet.”

Meat-free diets are increasingly popular with those who have just joined the elite fighting group.

The source added: “Messes at Hereford now even serve coffee and tea with soya milk or other non-milk substitutes.”

The Ministry of Defence said all dietary needs are catered for - including vegan meals.

Earlier this month we revealed how former SAS trooper Middleton's bank balance is as healthy as he is.

The latest accounts of Middleton Global Ltd show that he paid £447,930 in corporation tax, which would mean he’d earned approximately £2.24 million last year. 

This would make him one of the most well-paid fitness gurus on our TV screen with only Joe Wicks earning more. 

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13581503/sas-recruits-shunning-meat-vegan-diets-ant-middleton/

Vegan Cheese Biscuits are a Delicious Way to Use Up Dairy-Free Shreds

From godairyfree.org

Years ago, Sara Culbertson submitted a dairy-free cheese biscuits recipe for our March Recipe Madness Contest. She used pepperjack cheese alternative, but I could tell her recipe would be tasty with most dairy-free cheese shreds. So I decided to try it with some leftover Cheddar shreds I had on hand. It resulted in some rather delicious vegan cheese biscuits.

Vegan Cheese Biscuits are a Delicious Way to Use Up Dairy-Free Shreds

While you can open a fresh package just for this recipe, these dairy-free cheese biscuits are an easy way to use up leftover vegan cheese shreds, or cheese shreds that you and your family didn’t love. We were trying out some Moocho cheese shreds. We truly liked them – the fiesta blend is gooey and delicious in quesadillas! But we’re not big cheddar fans, and I never really have great ideas for using cheddar. So I decided to try it in these dairy-free cheese biscuits, and we loved them!

I prefer recipes like this that use the cheese alternative in the recipe rather than baked on top. Most dairy-free cheese alternatives dry out more than melt when used as a topping or garnish. But when baked in a recipe, there is usually enough moisture to keep them tender.

You might have noticed that some of my dairy-free cheese biscuits look a little like mini hamburger buns – more risen in the middle. I didn’t have any biscuit cutters, so I used a small glass. The rim of it was a little too thick and rounded, so it pressed down the sides. I even heard a little deflate with each one! If you use biscuit cutters, straight down, without turning, yours will look more traditional.

That said, these make AWESOME little slider buns. We split them open and sandwiched some holiday leftovers. They were scrumptious!

Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free Cheese Biscuits

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

This recipe is slightly adapted from one submitted by Sara Culbertson. We found her recipe to be flexible with cheese alternatives, and also liked it with a lesser amount of nutritional yeast.

Author: Alisa Fleming

Recipe type: Bread

Cuisine: American

Serves: 12 biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 to 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast, to taste
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dairy-free buttery sticks or spread
• Up to ¾ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk beverage
• 1 cup dairy-free cheese alternative shreds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, nutritional yeast, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dairy-free buttery spread or sticks and whisk until relatively even, coarse crumbs form.
Stir in the cheese alternative and enough dairy-free milk beverage to get a slightly sticky, but still manageable dough. I use about ⅔ to ¾ cup.
Pat the dough out on a floured board to about 1-inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutters, and transfer to your prepared baking sheet. Gather the scraps and repeat.
Bake the biscuits for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden.

Notes

Drop Biscuits Option: Use the full ¼ cup nutritional yeast and increase the milk beverage to 1 cup and drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet to make 12 biscuits. It will be much stickier dough. Bake as directed. They'll look more like the photo below.

https://www.godairyfree.org/recipes/dairy-free-cheese-biscuits

5 top tips for Veganuary in Edinburgh

From edinburgh.org

After the over indulgences of the festive season, many of us look to January as the month to get fitter and healthier. For many, that might look like joining a gym, taking up jogging or going on a diet. 

For many others, January is a chance to reset their healthy habits by eating in a more ethical and sustainable way by taking part in the month long Veganuary initiative. 

Read on to find out more about Veganuary, how to get involved and how to start your vegan adventures in Edinburgh. 

Background of Veganuary

Unless you live in a shack in the woods with no wifi, you will have heard of Veganuary. If not, then this is a great place to start. 

The initiative was started by Jane Land and Matthew Glover as a way to promote the health and environmental benefits of a plant based diet. It’s been going since 2014 and has seen over 1million people pledge to go vegan for the full 31 days of January. 

Participants are made up from over 190 countries worldwide and the non profit organisation has been monumental in shifting attitudes toward vegans and veganism. 

How to get involved 

Of course, you can do Veganuary without going down the formal route of registering, but if you like feeling part of a movement then pledging your Veganuary intention means you’re strengthening the data and statistics Veganuary relies on for it’s activism and reach around the world. 

Simply pledge here at the Veganuary website and you’ll receive a free ‘getting started’ pack in your inbox. The team send you regular emails of support in the shape of encouragement, useful information, recipes and meal planning. 

Going vegan in Edinburgh

It’s never been easier to be a Vegan in Edinburgh. Here are 5 brilliant sources for help for your Veganuary adventures in the city.

Veganuary in Edinburgh tip 1:  Missing your favourite chippy?

There’s nothing quite like a fish supper, which isn’t very useful when you’re going vegan. You’ll find lots of ‘fish’ options in the vegan restaurants around the city, but not many in a good old chippy. 

Enter Bertie’s Fish & Chips on Victoria Street, Edinburgh. As well as all the usual traditional (and not so traditional) options on the menu, they offer a vegan fish supper - which is thick slabs of aubergine, wrapped in seaweed and deep fried in batter. Served with chips and mushy peas, it’s absolute heaven.

They do home delivery throughout the city so you don’t have to leave your house to buy it!

Veganuary in Edinburgh tip 2: What about the cheese? 

Many people wouldn’t consider going vegan because they love cheese so much. If that’s been a concern of yours, then take a look at Edinburgh-based Earthy Vegan Cheese. 

Their mission is to create delicious vegan cheeses that taste, look and feel better than dairy cheese! You can get your hands on some at the Beetroot Police box in the Meadows, or check their website to look up local stockists, or order directly.

Veganuary in Edinburgh tip 3: Where to eat out?

Edinburgh has so many amazing vegan restaurants, cafes, delis and bars, it can be hard to know where to start!

We've shared a few favourites in the past which you can explore here

Top Vegan Meals in Edinburgh >

Top Vegan & Vegetarian restaurants in Edinburgh >

For other recommendations and tips, the Vegan Edinburgh Facebook group is a great source of information. Run by the Edinburgh vegan food blogger Emma Bathgate, she regularly updates the group with her latest vegan finds, tips, recommendations and news.  

Veganuary in Edinburgh tip 4: Where can I buy ingredients? 

Supermarkets have long cottoned on that there’s money to be made in the vegan movement, and it’s so much easier now to buy all the vegan ingredients you could ever need. 

If you want to support small, local business here’s our two favourite vegan supply stores. 

Real Foods is a real Edinburgh institution and has been serving the city’s vegan, vegetarian and health food fans for over 50  years. 

You can find Real Foods on Broughton Street, EH1 and Brougham Street, EH3 and you can order online, too.

Easter Greens is the city’s only 100% vegan supermarket. As well as stocking everything (and we mean everything) you would normally add to your weekly shop, they have an online shop, and offer weekly fruit and/or veg boxes - delivered to your door. 

You’ll find Easter Greens on Easter Road, EH7 and Morningside Road, EH10.

Veganuary in Edinburgh tip 5: Worried about special celebrations?

If you’ve got a big celebration in January, you might be worried about sticking to your goals, especially if you’re celebrating with non vegans. 6 by Nico could be the answer. They’ve been keeping fine diners happy at home since early 2020 and have a wonderful selection of meals to order for collection or delivery that stand out from traditional ‘at home’ dining options. 

https://edinburgh.org/blog/5-top-tips-for-veganuary-in-edinburgh/

Vegan Marketplace PlantX Expands Into Israel

From vegnews.com

Canadian company PlantX—which offers 10,000 plant-based products in North America—is embarking on an international expansion

Plant-based marketplace PlantX is expanding its e-commerce platform to Israel where it will offer shoppers a variety of services, including plant-based meal delivery, indoor plant delivery, and access to plant-based products. Currently, PlantX offers 10,000 plant-based products on its platform across North America. The Israeli plant-based offerings will include an assortment of products including pantry essentials, groceries, vitamins, cosmetics, and pet food. 

Brick-and-mortar vegan store
The expansion efforts in Israel will be led by PlantX Vice President of Israel Operations Mili Ben-David and Vice President of Global Expansion Michael Blicher who will scout a suitable location for a brick-and-mortar location of the plant-based superstore, establish partnerships in the region, and introduce United States-based brands in Israel. Once opened, the brick-and-mortar PlantX store will feature wide-variety of plant-based products, a plant-based café, a restaurant with plant-based pre-made meals and an education centre for consumers to learn more about plant-based living

“Israel overall has a strong leaning towards plant-based products due both to emerging trends and dietary laws that many Israeli Jews follow that prohibit meat or dairy following eating one or the other,” Blicher said. “We are thrilled and excited to expand our e-commerce platform to another international market, to provide Israeli consumers with enhanced choice, widen our product offerings with Israeli brands, and offer the unique PlantX shopping and customer service experience to Israel.”

PlantX will also offer franchise opportunities in Israel through its partnership with Iris Construction Management. 

International expansion
PlantX is currently working to open its first store in the United States in San Diego, CA where it will offer 5,000 products, including its own private-brand items such as PlantX water, as well as Stay Wyld Organics vitamins and supplements, Mid-Day Squares chocolate bars, and other grocery items from popular brands. The San Diego store will also include amenities such as a plant-based education centre, coffee shop, a restaurant with plant-based meals made by Los Angeles chef Gregg Drusinsky, and grab-and-go meals from PlantX’s meal delivery menu.

The company is also working on a brick-and-mortar location in Squamish, British Columbia, with plans for future franchises across North America. “Seeing our company grow around the world so quickly is very exciting and we could not be more pleased with our expansion,” PlantX Founder Sean Dollinger said. 

https://vegnews.com/2020/12/massive-vegan-superstore-to-open-in-israel

Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for root vegetable pachadi

From theguardian.com

Belly-warming but fresh, this Indian ‘bubble and squeak’ is just what you want after over-indulging on Christmas Day

Pachadi, a south Indian dish, has become my answer to many a lone vegetable lying at the bottom of the fridge. It is my Indian “bubble and squeak”. Although there are no mashed potatoes here, there are plenty of leftover Christmas root vegetables, which have been given a big, bold flavour makeover using mustard seeds, ginger and chillies, before being doused in coconut yoghurt. It is belly-warming but fresh, enlivening but also comforting, and exactly what I want after eating far too much, as always, on Christmas Day.

Enlivening and comforting: Meera Sodha’s root vegetable pachadi. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food styling assistant: Susanna Unsworth

Root vegetable and sprout pachadi

Julienning or grating 600g vegetables will take some time if you do it by hand. I speed things up by using the grater blade on my food processor or a julienne peeler (the Oxo one is simply the best). Beetroot tastes great in this dish, but using that alone will turn everything bright pink.

Prep 15 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4 as a side

2 tbsp rapeseed oil
1½ tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or grated
2.5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1½ finger chillies, finely sliced
10 fresh curry leaves
600g mixed root vegetables (parsnip, carrot, swede, beetroot, etc), julienned or grated
200g brussels sprouts, shredded
250g coconut yoghurt, plus 50g extra to serve – I like Coconut Collaborative
50g desiccated coconut (or 10 tbsp)
1½ tsp fine sea salt
Chapatis and dal, to serve

Put the oil in a deep frying pan for which you have a lid and set over a medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard and cumin seeds, stir for a minute, then add the garlic, ginger, chilli and curry leaves, and cook, stirring, for two minutes more, until the garlic browns and the curry leaves crisp up.

Stir in the vegetables and a couple of tablespoons of cold water, cover the pan and leave to cook for five minutes. Lift off the lid, stir in the coconut yoghurt, desiccated coconut and salt, then pop the lid back on and cook for another five minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not soft.

Serve topped with a swirl of extra yoghurt, with chapatis and dal alongside.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/dec/26/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-for-root-vegetable-pachadi

Vegan food doesn't contain protein, makes you lose weight: LA-based culinary expert Mariko Amekodommo busts myths

From economictimes.indiatimes.com

As vegan food becomes more mainstream, it creates endless options for those choosing a plant based life. You can find almond milk and coconut yoghurt on the shelves of most markets throughout India, and dining and delivery options are now featuring vegan dishes and plant focused restaurants.

Before making the switch to a vegan diet, people will rightfully have questions as they take the leap. There are conflicting messages on social media about the benefits and risks, as well as uncertainty of how to actually start and still get required nutrients.

International culinary expert Mariko Amekodommo tells ET Panache, “Over the past 6 months, I've been inundated with messages from people wanting to switch to a vegan diet. As an international culinary expert who studied vegan diets and recipes around the world and owned a vegan catering company in Los Angeles serving celebrity clients and brands - I've seen and heard everything when it comes to vegan food.”

International culinary expert Mariko Amekodommo says vegan food can actually make you gain weight when you eat packaged foods

Here she busts some common myths about going vegan.

I’ll lose weight

Vegan food can actually make you gain weight when you are eating packaged foods. Most are high in carbohydrates and sugar, without the added protein to stabilize your blood sugar. You'll have an easy time finding vegan breads, sweets and snacks. “Over the years I've received messages from people wondering why they are gaining weight on a vegan diet, so I told them to journal everything they ate (and the quantities) and get back to me in a week. As I suspected, they found delicious vegan snacks at the stores and were eating tons of sweets and potato crisps,” says Amekodommo.

If you are choosing a vegan diet to lose weight, then stick to whole unprocessed foods like fruits, veggies and legumes. If you have a sweet tooth, then make your own fruit based vegan ice cream or chocolate date truffles.

Vegan food doesn't contain protein
People are always concerned that they won't get enough protein when switching to a vegan diet. Amekodommo says that's far from the truth. “For most vegans, the go-to source of protein will be pulses and legumes. You'll soon find these the cornerstone of a vegan diet, but don't worry that you'll be eating dal and rajma chawal for the rest of your life. I love making chips and crackers from lentils, and making incredible chocolate cake with besan flour. If you are open to experimenting in the kitchen, you'll have no trouble making delicious (and unique) vegan recipes high in protein,” shares Amekodommo.

Vegan food is healthier than animal counterparts

Have you read the labels of those 'faux meat' products? Scrolling down the label of 20 ingredients that’s supposed to replace a chicken burger (which has 1 ingredient) you'll find genetically engineered soy and highly processed additives to name a few. With higher sodium levels, saturated fat and calories than traditional chicken, you might be eating vegan - but at what cost? “If you can't live without a nice juicy burger, I've made fantastic versions that involve grains, vegetables and spices. The texture and taste will stand up against those pre-packaged products and you'll be able to pronounce the actual ingredients in what you are eating,” advises Amekodommo.

And finally...should I make the switch

“Whether you want to switch to vegan food or continue non-veg....my advice is the same. Be diligent about reading the labels of what you eat and understand the ingredients you are putting into your body,” say Amekodommo. Fresh prepared at home will always be a preferred option and if you do decide to indulge in sweets and packaged snacks, keep it in moderation. “There are plenty of benefits to vegan diets such as increased energy, boosted immunity, losing weight and fighting disease. If you want to give it a try, make sure you are eating whole foods, getting proper nutrition, testing out new recipes at home and enjoying the process,” adds Amekodommo.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/vegan-food-doesnt-contain-protein-makes-you-lose-weight-la-based-culinary-expert-mariko-amekodommo-busts-myths/articleshow/79936375.cms

Hellmann’s to launch vegan bacon mayonnaise in UK for Veganuary

From veganfoodandliving.com

The UK's leading mayonnaise manufacturer is launching a trio of flavoured vegan mayos for Veganuary, including a Vegan Baconnaise.

Missing bacon? No worries, Hellmann’s have got you covered this Veganuary with their new trio of vegan mayos including the star of the show: Vegan Baconnaise.

According to new research, 30% of Brits are tempted to break their Veganuary pledge for bacon. But now, Hellmann’s are offering the taste of bacon in mayonnaise form – completely vegan.

Considering that Christmas is a time where many families traditionally indulge in copious amounts of pork, the new vegan bacon-flavoured mayo from Hellmann’s aims to tempt even flexitarians and meat-lovers away from the animal flesh.

The new Vegan Baconnaise is launching alongside two other flavoured mayos, Chipotle and Garlic. This tempting trio is sure to change the landscape of vegan condiments for the better, and we can’t wait to try them all.

Delivery for Mr Bacon?

As part of the launch, Hellmann’s will be sending out a total of 250 jars of their Vegan Baconnaise to anyone who has the surname Bacon. Furthermore, another 80 jars will go to the residents of streets with the word Bacon in.

This is a clever way to market the new product, and hopefully will show Bacon’s across the country that they don’t need the real thing!

‘Telling porkies’

In a statement sent to Vegan Food and Living, Hellmann’s Senior Marketing Manager Rachel Chambers told us:

“We know just how bacon-hungry our nation is, so we figured we couldn’t hide this one from our British fans any longer.

“We can’t wait for UK consumers to taste it for themselves – especially at a time when the bacon cravings might be hitting little piggies’ homes the most. It might be rash to say it tastes just like the real thing – but we wouldn’t be telling porkies if we did.”

The new trio of vegan mayonnaise will be available from the 1st January at Asda stores, Ocado and Amazon Fresh for £2.50 per jar.

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/news/hellmanns-launch-vegan-bacon-mayonnaise-veganuary/

Recipe: Vegan mince pies

From chronicle.gi

This simple vegan mince pie recipe is ideal for a task to do with the kids, ideal for filling your home with delicious Chrismassy smells, ideal for gifts for those awkward to buy for people, but mostly ideal for eating at any time even at breakfast if you want, it is Christmas after all.

You could make this recipe even easier and buy prepared rolled out vegan pastry but where is the fun in that?
Make sure the mincemeat you buy is vegan, some contain animal suet. If you would prefer to replace the vegan butter with coconut oil you can do so.

Ingredients:

225g plain flour
100g vegan butter (I personally like Flora’s Esencia available in Eroski)
1/2tsp vegan butter for greasing
1/8tsp table salt
10g icing or caster sugar
2tbsp water (or 1tbsp water and 1tbsp brandy)
200g vegan mincemeat

Method.

1. In a bowl mix the flour, salt, sugar and vegan butter together and rub in with your fingertips until it
looks like breadcrumbs
2. Add the water and mix until the dough is firm
3. Remove from the bowl and knead it on a floured surface
4. Wrap it in cling film and chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes
5. Grease you bun tray/silicone bun moulds with butter
6. Preheat your oven to 200degrees
7. When the 20 minutes is over, remove it from the cling film and start rolling it out over a flat floured
surface
8. Once you have the pastry rolled out start cutting the base shapes out, I used a glass for this. Use
whatever you want and this determines how big your mince pies will be and how many you will get from the
mixture. I got 12.
9. Fill, but not to the brim, the pastry with mincemeat
10. Cut out different shapes using other items such as a top of a small bottle, knife or just roll little
balls of pastry in your hands and place on top of the mincemeat
11. Bake in the oven at 200degrees for 15-20 minutes, until golden
12. Let them cool down before eating as the mincemeat can burn your mouth
13. Serve as is or with vegan crème fraiche or vegan ice-cream

https://www.chronicle.gi/vegan-mince-pies/

Vegan opportunity ramps up ahead of Christmas

From specialityfoodmagazine.com

The rise of the vegan diet has been well-documented this year, and the trend has only continued accelerating in the run-up to 2021

Vegan food is set to be on the menu this Christmas, with one in four Brits planning to eat more plant-based foods over the holiday, according to research conducted by market research company Opinion Matters. Retailers that had prepared for this influx in vegan eating over the holidays will now be cashing in as consumers head out to the shops to pick up supplies for the big day.

Large grocery chains, which have made hefty investments in plant-based foods in recent years, have even reported that new vegan lines are selling out early. Waitrose said pre-orders of vegan Christmas foods were up 700% compared with last year, according to the Guardian.

What’s more, the popular January vegan eating challenge, Veganuary, is on course for its biggest year yet in 2021. More than 250,000 people have already officially signed up to take part, marking the halfway point to the group’s target of 500,000.

Veganuary’s international head of communications Toni Vernelli, told Speciality Food that the surge in demand for plant-based foods opens up the door to a significant sales opportunity for fine food retailers who are prepared to invest in exciting, innovative vegan food and drink.

“The rising popularity of vegan food provides an opportunity for independent retailers to stock more exclusive vegan products, such as artisanal nut-based cheeses, as well as products from new vegan companies that are just launching,” Toni said.

“These types of items generate a lot of excitement, and January is when there is the biggest audience experimenting with plant-based food.”

Wholesalers and catering businesses are also cashing in on consumers’ increasing appetite for vegan food. Vegetarian food supplier Vegetarian Express says growth in demand for plant-based food has helped boost the group’s total sales by 60% between 2017 and 2020.

“Responding to customer demand, we’ve rapidly been shifting the focus of our new product development and wider range towards vegan products, for example we’ve launched 253 new vegan products since the start of 2019, and 93% of the +1200 products in our total range are now vegan,” says David Webster, managing director.

Brakes, the UK’s leading wholesale foodservice provider, has seen a 550% increase in searches for vegan products on its website in the past two years. “The growth in vegan products has been exponential and it shows no signs of stopping, so we’ve developed a fantastic range of vegan products, which do not compromise on taste or quality and will help our customers take advantage of this increasingly lucrative sector,” says Matt Lake, senior product development manager for innovation.

“It’s important, particularly in these difficult times, that we help our customers to capitalise on as many opportunities as possible and having a great vegan range is a vital part of that,” he adds.

For retailers, the key to successful stocking for the plant-based trend lies in versatility. Gone are the days when vegans were limited to salads – today, a wide range of options are available to cater to consumers who come to veganism for a range of different reasons, from a desire to cut down on their environmental impact to health concerns to animal welfare.

“We understand that food is a very personal journey.” says Gem Misa, co-founder of Fullgreen. “As consumers we’re constantly figuring out what we like to eat and what works for us – it’s an ever changing experience and one that’s very much based around dietary preferences, needs and experiences.

“For us, it’s about being transparent with our products with clear and concise information like macros and portions of veg so customers always have quick and easy access to nutritionals and can make informed decisions based on that,” Gem adds.

Whatever their reason for eating more plant-based foods, consumers have a clear and growing interest in vegan options, and retailers that can cater to these wide range of tastes will make a success of the vegan opportunity.

https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com/news/vegan-opportunity-ramps-up-ahead-of-christmas

‘Veganuary’ campaign to combat climate change and future pandemics with vegan diets gains celebrity support

From inews.co.uk/news

Celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, Ricky Gervais and Johnny Marr are supporting the campaign

A host of musicians, actors and sporting stars have joined a campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet next month to help combat climate change and prevent future pandemics. 

A joint letter, signed by celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney, Ricky Gervais and Lily Cole as well as Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, called on people to change their diet for “Veganuary” next month by avoiding meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. 

Sir Paul McCartney signed the letter encouraging a vegan diet (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

The letter said there was a “very clear connection between climate change, global pandemics and our consumption of animal products,” with animal agriculture estimated to be “responsible for 14.5 per cent of all human-generated greenhouse gas emissions.”

‘Overcrowded, squalid conditions’

“We cannot tackle climate change while we farm and eat animals on an industrial scale,” the letter continued, adding that “overcrowded, squalid conditions, factory farms – especially chicken farms – are breeding grounds for the next global pandemic.”

Scientists have previously linked outbreaks of both swine flu and avian flu to chicken farms.

The letter also said that meat-eating contributed to deforestation around the world, stating that “in recent years, more than 80 per cent of deforestation in Brazil was to graze farmed animals, and still more forests are destroyed to make way to grow crops to feed animals on farms around the world. 

“Deforestation is serious for lots of reasons. It pushes wild species to extinction. It displaces indigenous peoples. It drives climate change. And it brings us in ever closer contact with wild animals and any viruses they may harbour, raising the risk of another pandemic.”

The wildlife presenter and Veganuary ambassador Chris Packham said: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser, with a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, its inhabitants and our own futures. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to live sustainably.” 

Other signatories to the letter included Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, cricketer Jason Gillespie, and the comedians John Bishop, Sara Pascoe and Jon Richardson.

Next year is set to be the biggest Veganuary campaign yet, with more than 260,000 people already signed-up, double the number as at the same time last year.

https://inews.co.uk/news/environment/veganuary-campaign-climate-change-future-pandemics-vegan-celebs-802543

Vegan Seafood Is Going To Be Big In 2021 According To Reports

From uk.sports.yahoo.com

The UK is the largest consumer and purchaser of plant-based milk, meat, cheese and ready meals in Europe. In fact, 25% of evening meals in the UK are now vegan or vegetarian, and one in three people in the UK have reduced or completely stopped their meat consumption, according to The Vegan Society.

Takeaways are following suit too: in 2020, Deliveroo reported a 115% increase in demand for plant-based meals.

Now, we’ve all heard of vegan ‘meat’, cheese and even eggs, but what’s on the horizon for plant-based food in 2021? Louise Palmer-Masterton, founder of award-winning vegan restaurant chain Stem & Glory, has given us her predictions for the biggest vegan trends in 2021.

Vegan seafood

Vegan seafood has become a fast-moving trend all over the world, and it seems to be following a similar trajectory to vegan 'meat' in that seafood comfort food – like deep fried vegan scampi, deep fried vegan prawns, vegan fish burgers and vegan fish goujons – has been popular for a while. But we are now also starting to see better quality attempts at vegan seafood, with greater attention to health and natural ingredients.

Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni from Vegan Capital is one of the best-known and most active investors in the plant-based space. Vegan Capital is an early investor in seafood company Good Catch and Sebastiano has observed rapid growth in this area. Sebastiano also notes that some companies that are still involved in animal seafood are now venturing into plant-based products as well. Nestlé, for example, recently released the first plant-based tuna in Switzerland.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/vegan-seafood-going-big-2021-122100412.html

5 Vegan Charities To Donate To This Christmas

From plantbasednews.org

You can donate to a variety of vegan charities this Christmas as a gift to a loved one. Here's how

Not every gift you give this year has to come in glossy wrapping or from a large corporation.

One in ten charities in the UK alone faced bankruptcy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a report in The Guardian found, and funding fell short for charities across the rest of the world as well.

Now is a better time than ever to show your support, or gift that support to a loved one.

Switch4Good

Spawn from anger over a ‘misleading’ dairy advert, a group of Olympians formed Switch4Good to campaign about the problems with the dairy industry. They also promote the health benefits of ditching dairy for good.

Support them here – any funds sent before December 31 will be matched by Mioyko’s Creamery.

Vegan Outreach

The worldwide non-profit Vegan Outreach delivers their ’10 weeks to vegan’ booklets to aid people as they move to a vegan diet – on the premise of ending animal suffering for all.

Vegan Outreach also joined up with the Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles to deliver food to those who need it.

To donate, visit this fundraising page.

Farm Sanctuary

You could go one step further this Christmas and adopt a turkey from the Farm Sanctuary, a rescue centre based in the U.S. which provides a new home for ‘survivors’ of the animal agriculture industry.

You can also donate here.

Food For Life

Paul McCartney-endorsed Food For Life is the world’s largest vegan food relief charity, committed to providing plant-based meals to the ‘disadvantaged’, including victims of disaster.

To donate, visit the website where there is the option of signing up to monthly donations.

Viva!

The ‘U.K.’s leading campaigning vegan charity’, Viva! conducts vital investigations into farming. Activists working for the charity uncovered ‘appalling’ conditions on turkey farms which were certified by Red Tractor.

You can donate here to ensure Viva! can keep up this vital work.

https://plantbasednews.org/culture/5-vegan-charities-to-donate-to-this-christmas/

Vegan fuel-up

From newindianexpress.com

If you’re looking for something hearty, try sweet potato waffles with a spread of avocado and baby spinach

Mix some salad leaves with hummus and a bit of Cajun seasoning and wrap it into a vegan taco. Accompany this with a glass of soy milk post a run or a workout. It’s packed with good bacteria and protein. Or simply boil chickpeas, add raw mango, raw papaya and some curried cauliflower, and make yourself a bowl of vitamins and antioxidant-rich salad. If you’re looking for something hearty, try sweet potato waffles with a spread of avocado and baby spinach.

You’ll get in tonnes of protein, good carbohydrates, fibres, Vitamin C, and potassium— everything you need post an intensive exercise session. “Gone are the days when vegans were left to protein powers as their source of post-workout replenishment. Today, there’s plenty of choice,” says Dr Archana Batra, a dietitian, diabetes educator and physiotherapist, who shares some of the best vegan meal options one can take post that rigorous hour at the gym.

Grilled tofu salad with hemp and flax seeds: A great source of iron, this meal is rich in protein too. Fortified tofu is packed with calcium. Quinoa and chickpeas stir fry with fortified nutritional yeast sprinkled over it: Besides tasting good together, quinoa is high in fibre and minerals that help your gut health. Chickpeas, on the other hand, bring excellent reserves of protein, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus to a vegan plate. Sprinkling nutritional yeast adds Vitamin B12, which usually lacks in a vegan diet.

Vegan Greek yoghurt parfait with nuts and seeds: Simple to put together, this packs in all the probiotic goodness that helps in muscle recovery post a workout and also in the better absorption of nutrients.

Edamame and kidney beans salad: Edamame beans are considered complete proteins as they provide all the essential amino acids. A salad like this is rich in magnesium, iron, zinc and Vitamin C… all the things that maintain hormonal health and keep you motivated to keep up your fitness goals.

Kombucha: A fermented health drink made from tea is an excellent source of probiotics that helps boost immunity. You should have it after a workout everyday to keep joints mobility and recovery.

Pineapple and lime smoothie: Milk is not needed to prepare this smoothie. Using a base of spinach, throw in cilantro, fresh pineapple chunks, one kiwi and a few lime drops. This is especially great for runners or people who jog regularly as it combats inflammation that occurs due to the rigorousness of the exercise. It also gives you that added benefit of iron, Vitamin C and folic acid.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/health/2020/dec/20/vegan-fuel-up-2237687.html

Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for fried tofu with spinach and tomato sambal

From theguardian.com

Crisp, fried tofu in a spicy, sweet tomato sauce with wilted spinach

Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay

One brilliant thing to have come out of this year’s restrictions are the many restaurants that have pivoted to set up delivery businesses. One of the best things I ordered was Mandy Yin of Sambal Shiok’s tomato sambal: a jar of hot, sweet tomato sauce that I proceeded to pour over everything. It inspired me to make my own using ancho chillies – and it’s what today’s recipe hangs on. Here, I’ve suggested serving it warm, mixed with spinach, so the leaves wilt, and topped with fried, crisp tofu. But, really, you take the sambal as the starting point for your own kitchen adventure.

Fried tofu with tomato sambal and spinach

Instead of making your own sambal, you could just buy Mandy’s tomato sambal from pezu.com and throw this meal together in a near instant.

Prep 10 min
Cook 40 min
Serves 4

Rapeseed oil
3 ½ tbsp ancho chilli flakes
6 fat garlic cloves, peeled and minced
500g passata
1 tbsp caster sugar
Fine sea salt
2 x 280g packs tofu – I like Tofoo
5 tbsp cornflour
½ tsp five spice
250g baby spinach leaves
20g coriander leaves and stems, chopped
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

Put 80ml oil, the ancho chilli flakes and the minced garlic in a saucepan and set over a medium heat. When the garlic turns a pale gold and the chilli flakes crisp and sizzle, add the passata, sugar and a teaspoon and a half of salt, cover with a three-quarter cocked lid and leave to bubble away over a gentle heat, stirring every now and then, for about 10-15 minutes, until rich, thick and delicious.

To make the tofu, first press it to remove the water, then cut it into roughly 2cm x 2cm cubes. Mix the cornflour, five spice and half a teaspoon of salt on a flat dish with a lip. Put a handful of tofu cubes in the cornflour mix, roll around to coat, then transfer to a second plate. Repeat with the remaining tofu.

Put 2mm oil in a wide frying pan over a medium heat until very hot. Line a plate with kitchen paper and have to hand a slotted spoon or fish slice. Lower a handful of the tofu into the hot oil, leave it alone until it is fried enough to be lifted cleanly off the surface of the pan, then rotate the pieces and repeat until it’s lovely and golden on all sides – this should take about four minutes in all. Lift out of the pan, drain on the prepared plate and repeat with the rest of the tofu.

Put the spinach and coriander in a bowl, mix in half the sambal, ideally using your hands, so the leaves wilt a little. To serve, tumble the spinach out on to a serving plate and layer the tofu over the top. Dot with more ancho sambal, scatter over the sesame seeds and serve.

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/dec/19/meera-sodha-vegan-recipe-fried-tofu-with-spinach-and-tomato-sambal

Krispy Kreme Launches Its First Vegan Doughnut

From plantbasednews.org

'We are excited to extend our range of iconic irresistibly original doughnuts with the launch of our first ever vegan offering'

Krispy Kreme has revealed it will be launching a glazed vegan doughnut in the UK – its first animal-free offering.

According to the donut giant, its new offering – the Original Glazed Vegan – has the same texture and flavour as its iconic Original Glazed option, which it launched in 1937.

The Original Glazed Vegan will launch for pre-orders from December 21 and for nationwide orders from January 5 next year. A box will cost £10.45 + delivery charge.

Part of the Irresistibly Original range, the Original Glazed Vegan Dozen will be exclusively available only for pre-orders from December 21 and orders for delivery from January 5, 2021 for UK nationwide delivery priced at £10.45 + delivery.

The new vegan doughnut is said to have the same taste and texture as the original glaze (pictured)

Credit: Adobe

“We are excited to extend our range of iconic irresistibly original doughnuts with the launch of our first ever vegan offering, available exclusively in the UK,” said Louise Direito Krispy Kreme UK and Ireland’s head of innovation.

“We know January is a time that many are trying out new lifestyles and set ourselves the challenge to create a plant-based doughnut that is equally delicious as the original, with absolutely no compromise.”

‘So happy’

Leading UK vegan food outlet Vegan Food UK shared the news on its Instagram account – garnering largely positive feedback. The organization wrote: “ITS OFFICIAL: @krispykremeuk announced today that they will launch a Vegan Glazed Donut (much like their original).

“The new doughnut will be launching very soon so keep your eyes open. We are so happy as we have been bugging KK for ages to launch a vegan doughnut.”

Vegan Krispy Kreme reaction

One of the organizations followers wrote: “OMG I was literally thinking about this yesterday.”

Another said: “Yeeeees! Love a Krispy Kreme.”

One was less impressed. saying: “About f***ing time Krispy Kremes. And where are your other flavors?! Fillings, toppings? Not really good enough, have moved on to Doughnut Time and Crosstown.”

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/krispy-kreme-launches-its-first-vegan-donut/