Our weekly column rounds up the latest sustainable food innovation news. This week, Future Food Quick Bites covers Elmhurst 1925’s new protein shakes, Fitgreenmind’s vegan documentary, and Japan’s new cell ag communication guide.
New products and launches
Plant-based milk pioneerElmhurst 1925hasenteredthe protein wars withClean Protein, a line of protein shakes with 27g of mung and pea protein per 11oz carton. They’re available in pistachio crème, strawberries and cream, vanilla, and sea salt chocolate flavours on its website for $9.98 for a pack of two, with a Sprouts Farmers Market rollout set for April-end.
Courtesy: Elmhurst 1925
US plant-based egg start-up Crafty Counter has expanded its Wundereggs line into the hot food space, launching a ready-to-heat vegan chorizo and egg scramble made with hemp hearts and fava beans. It’s available at Whole Foods Market for $7.99, and supplies 36g of protein and 14g of fibre per cup.
Vegan influencerMaya Leinenbach, who leads theFitgreenmindblog and social channels, has featured inBetter Than Beef, a newdocumentary filmbyARD Mediathek, which entails the 21-year-old veganising the favourite tapas of former German footballerRené Adlerin Mallorca.
Courtesy: ARD Mediathek
And Denmark’s Matr Foods has rolled out its mycelium meat products at the stores of Coop subsidiaries Kvickly and SuperBrugse across the nation.
Company and finance news
Dutch startup Time-Travelling Milkman, which makes a sunflower-seed-based dairy fat, has appointed Matthijs Sillevis Smitt as its new CEO. He has previously held marketing roles at Johnson & Johnson and Reckitt.
Building on its sustainability goals,Lidl GBhasseta new ambition to cut food waste by 70% by the end of the 2030 financial year, since it’s on track to achieve its 2025 goal of a 50% reduction.
New York-based plant protein bar brand Aloha has kicked off a national Taste That Grows campaign to spotlight its ingredient-first approach and distance itself from the ultra-processed narrative.
Research, policy and awards
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has officially proclaimed March 20 as MeatOut Day, encouraging state residents to eat plant-based food for the day, as part of an initiative with the Farm Animal Rights Movement. But the move has faced backlash from farmers and some Congress members.
Courtesy: Macel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli
Finally, Los Angeles vegan eatery Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher & Deli has been named the best sandwich shop in California by Only In Your State.
The Japan Association for Cellular Agriculture has established a communication policy for cell-cultivated foods in the country, outlining recommended terminologies for the industry to battle potentially misleading consumer language.
A new study ranked the best U.S. cities for vegetarians and vegans, based on factors such as affordability, accessibility, and plant-based dining options.
Portland, Oregon, took the top spot for its thriving vegan community, abundance of organic farms, and diverse plant-based restaurants.
Los Angeles and Austin rounded out the top three, thanks to their growing number of vegan eateries, cooking classes, and community gardens.
Approximately 5 percent of Americans identify as either vegetarian or vegan, according to Gallup. That may seem like a small percentage, but it stacks up to more than 16 million people across the nation—and they certainly deserve a chance to have a great meal on their travels, too. That's exactly why WalletHub put together a list of the best cities for vegetarians and vegans in 2025.
In September, the personal finance website revealed its list, which it determined by comparing the 100 most populated cities across three key metrics: affordability, diversity, accessibility, quality, and "vegetarian lifestyle." That included looking at everything from the average cost of groceries for vegetarians and vegans, the number of restaurants with vegetarian and vegan offerings, and for the vegetarian lifestyle, the availability of vegan and vegetarian festivals.
After doing all this digging, it named Portland, Oregon, as the top spot for those who want their meals without meat.
"One contributing factor is that it has the second-largest number of affordable restaurants with vegetarian or vegan options that have at least 4.5 stars on Yelp," the team explained. "In addition, the city has a very high number of organic farms, community gardens, farmers' markets, and vegetable nurseries per capita."
It also noted that if you do visit Portland as a vegetarian, know you'll be in good company as residents of Portland order "this type of cuisine 148 percent more often than the U.S. average. Portland also has the ninth-highest percentage of people who consume vegetables daily."
As chef Aaron Adams at the upscale vegan restaurant Astera explained to Travel + Leisure, it should come as no surprise that Portland was named No. 1. "[The people here] are deeply concerned with ethics and the environment," he says. "Animal welfare is a big part of that, and veganism is represented here probably to a higher percentage than I've experienced anywhere else in the country. We have dozens of dedicated vegan restaurants and food carts operating here, and most of them are thriving." His go-to favourite restaurants in the area include Mis Tacones, the Orange & Blossom patisserie, and Obon Shokudo.
Diana Edelman, a vegan food and lifestyle expert, concurred. "What makes Portland so great for vegans and vegetarians is the community," she says.
She pointed to local content creator Waz Wu, who is helping lead the charge in making veganism more accessible for those living and visiting the city. "She founded Veganizer PDX, which focuses on plant-based events, and launched Circle V Portland last year, a vegan food and drink festival," Edelman says. "She also organizes an annual World Vegan Month event in the city and brings together restaurants, food carts, and pop-ups that have vegan specials for the month."
But Portland isn't alone in offering great vegan and vegetarian options. Los Angeles, California, came in a close second, with WalletHub noting that L.A. residents eat plant-based meals 187 percent more often than the U.S. average. It added that the "city has the second-highest number of affordable restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options that have at least 4.5 stars on Yelp." Rounding out the top three is Austin, Texas, thanks to having the seventh-most juice and smoothie bars, the fourth-most vegetarian cooking classes per capita, and the ninth-most community gardens per capita.
Finding a city that truly supports plant-based diets can make life far easier for vegans and vegetarians.
More than just offering a handful of token meat-free dishes, the best cities embrace plant-based living with diverse eateries, vibrant farmers markets, and welcoming communities.
Ten American cities stand out as havens for those committed to a lifestyle free from animal products.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. City and restaurant descriptions reflect general trends in plant-based dining and are not endorsements of specific businesses or dietary practices. Availability of vegan and vegetarian menu items may vary over time. Always confirm restaurant offerings and food preparation details directly with establishments to accommodate personal dietary preferences or allergies.
Portland, Oregon is a dream destination for vegans and vegetarians, and its pizza scene is no exception. The city is home to an impressive range of vegan pizzerias and restaurants that cater to plant-based eaters without compromising flavour.
From wood-fired sourdough crusts topped with cashew mozzarella to creative combinations featuring seasonal vegetables and house-made vegan meats, the options are both inventive and satisfying. With its strong food culture and commitment to sustainability, Portland makes it easy for anyone, vegan, vegetarian, or otherwise, to enjoy a slice that’s as delicious as it is compassionate.
Austin, Texas is a hotspot for vegan comfort food, and its vegan cheeseburgers are proof that plant-based can still be indulgent. Juicy, flavourful patties made from beans, veggies, or innovative meat substitutes are topped with perfectly melted dairy-free cheese and piled high with fresh fixings.
Many spots get creative, adding smoky vegan bacon, house-made sauces, and locally baked buns for a burger that satisfies both vegans and die-hard meat lovers. In a city known for bold flavours and food innovation, Austin’s vegan cheeseburgers hold their own as a must-try.
Towering flavour and creativity define New York City’s veggie burger scene, where chefs turn meatless patties into gourmet statements. Lentil-mushroom blends, beetroot creations, and quinoa-packed versions share menus with jackfruit “pulled pork” styles, each paired with artisan buns and vibrant, house-made sauces.
Crisp greens, roasted vegetables, and inventive toppings like pickled onions or vegan aioli elevate every bite. In a city that thrives on culinary innovation, these veggie burgers prove plant-based dining can be bold, satisfying, and unforgettable.
Setting the standard for flavour-packed, meat-free indulgence, Los Angeles turns the plant-based burger into an art form.
Patties are crafted with care, layered between fresh, fluffy buns, and finished with vibrant toppings that balance texture and taste. Every bite captures the city’s mix of health consciousness and culinary creativity, making these burgers as satisfying as they are mindful. In true LA fashion, they prove that going plant-based never means sacrificing indulgence.
In Chicago, vegetarian sandwiches aren’t an afterthought, they’re a showcase of the city’s knack for bold, satisfying food. Bakers turn out crusty loaves and pillowy rolls that become the foundation for inventive, flavour-packed fillings.
Every element, from the fresh produce to the seasoning, is layered with purpose, creating a balanced bite that feels hearty without relying on meat. It’s proof that in a city built on big flavours, plant-based sandwiches can easily hold their ground.
Creamy, comforting, and completely dairy-free, Seattle’s vegan mac and cheese delivers indulgence without compromise. Local kitchens craft silky sauces that coat each bite, layering in rich flavour that rivals the classic version.
Thoughtful seasoning and perfectly cooked pasta keep the dish satisfying from the first forkful to the last. In a city that thrives on innovation and conscious dining, this plant-based comfort food fits right in.
Minneapolis pushes the limits of plant-based indulgence with its towering vegan double burgers. Layers of juicy patties, crisp produce, and flavourful sauces stack high between perfectly toasted buns, creating a bite that’s both hearty and balanced.
Each component is crafted to complement the others, from the texture of the bread to the richness of the fillings. This is comfort food reimagined, proving that vegan dining in the Twin Cities can be every bit as bold as its meaty counterparts.
In Denver, vegan chicken and waffles strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Crispy, golden plant-based “chicken” delivers a savory crunch that plays beautifully against the soft, fluffy waffles beneath it.
Sweet maple syrup drizzled over the top ties the flavors together, creating that iconic sweet-and-savory harmony. Served in a city that embraces both hearty fare and plant-based innovation, it’s a dish that satisfies without compromise.
Vegan sushi rolls in San Francisco reflect the city’s flair for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences.
Rolls come alive with layers of crisp vegetables, silky avocado, and carefully seasoned rice, each arranged for maximum colour and balance. The flavours are clean yet nuanced, often pairing refreshing crunch with a hint of richness for depth. It’s a style of sushi that doesn’t try to imitate tradition, it redefines it in a way only San Francisco can.
Asheville’s vegan tamales capture the city’s love for soulful, handcrafted food with a plant-based twist. Soft masa wraps around a flavourful filling, steamed until tender and infused with spices that bring depth without relying on meat.
Fresh salsas or vibrant toppings often add a bright, zesty finish, enhancing the tamale’s comforting warmth. True to Asheville’s creative food culture, it’s a dish that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern.
Setting the standard for flavour-packed, meat-free indulgence, Los Angeles turns the plant-based burger into an art form.
Patties are crafted with care, layered between fresh, fluffy buns, and finished with vibrant toppings that balance texture and taste. Every bite captures the city’s mix of health consciousness and culinary creativity, making these burgers as satisfying as they are mindful. In true LA fashion, they prove that going plant-based never means sacrificing indulgence.
In Chicago, vegetarian sandwiches aren’t an afterthought, they’re a showcase of the city’s knack for bold, satisfying food. Bakers turn out crusty loaves and pillowy rolls that become the foundation for inventive, flavour-packed fillings.
Every element, from the fresh produce to the seasoning, is layered with purpose, creating a balanced bite that feels hearty without relying on meat. It’s proof that in a city built on big flavours, plant-based sandwiches can easily hold their ground.
Creamy, comforting, and completely dairy-free, Seattle’s vegan mac and cheese delivers indulgence without compromise. Local kitchens craft silky sauces that coat each bite, layering in rich flavour that rivals the classic version.
Thoughtful seasoning and perfectly cooked pasta keep the dish satisfying from the first forkful to the last. In a city that thrives on innovation and conscious dining, this plant-based comfort food fits right in.
Minneapolis pushes the limits of plant-based indulgence with its towering vegan double burgers. Layers of juicy patties, crisp produce, and flavourful sauces stack high between perfectly toasted buns, creating a bite that’s both hearty and balanced.
Each component is crafted to complement the others, from the texture of the bread to the richness of the fillings. This is comfort food reimagined, proving that vegan dining in the Twin Cities can be every bit as bold as its meaty counterparts.
In Denver, vegan chicken and waffles strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. Crispy, golden plant-based “chicken” delivers a savory crunch that plays beautifully against the soft, fluffy waffles beneath it.
Sweet maple syrup drizzled over the top ties the flavors together, creating that iconic sweet-and-savory harmony. Served in a city that embraces both hearty fare and plant-based innovation, it’s a dish that satisfies without compromise.
Vegan sushi rolls in San Francisco reflect the city’s flair for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences.
Rolls come alive with layers of crisp vegetables, silky avocado, and carefully seasoned rice, each arranged for maximum colour and balance. The flavours are clean yet nuanced, often pairing refreshing crunch with a hint of richness for depth. It’s a style of sushi that doesn’t try to imitate tradition, it redefines it in a way only San Francisco can.
Asheville’s vegan tamales capture the city’s love for soulful, handcrafted food with a plant-based twist. Soft masa wraps around a flavourful filling, steamed until tender and infused with spices that bring depth without relying on meat.
Fresh salsas or vibrant toppings often add a bright, zesty finish, enhancing the tamale’s comforting warmth. True to Asheville’s creative food culture, it’s a dish that feels both traditional and refreshingly modern.
