Our weekly column rounds up the latest sustainable food innovation news. This week, Future Food Quick Bites covers Waitrose’s mushroom wellington, Offbeast’s plant-based ribs, and Typcal’s new mycelium factory.
New products and launches
British supermarket Waitrose has partnered with Australian mushroom innovator Fable Food Co to launch a Christmas Mushroom Wellington featuring chestnut, portobello and the latter’s pulled shiitake mushrooms in a Malbec and port sauce. It’s available for £8.50 and serves two to four.
Courtesy: Michael Fox/LinkedIn
Also in the UK, Richmond has become the latest company to promote meat-free eating through vegetables, having introduced a new range called Veggie Tasty. The first product is a vegan sausage with 42% vegetables (like broccoli, carrot, sweetcorn, and peas), which is rolling out in eight-packs this month.
Across the Atlantic, US food tech start-up Offbeast will launch plant-based ribs on Boxing Day (December 26), with ‘bones’ made from lemongrass. They will be available on the company’s e-commerce store.
Courtesy: Offbeast
And Impossible Foods has kicked off an online QVC-style content series to help buy presents for people who are hard to please. It features gift kits with an array of products, including meatballs, steak bites, corn dogs, chicken tenders and nuggets, and sausages, with a phone number to order the gifts and one free giveaway.
Company and finance updates
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, named one of Chicago’s best vegan restaurants by TimeOut, has announced its closure. Its final day of operations will be February 21, 2026.
Courtesy: Typcal
After raising R$10M ($1.8M) in fresh funding, Brazilian food tech start-up Typcal has opened a large-scale fermentation plant in Pinhais to produce mycelium ingredients for the food industry.
Following last month’s layoffs, the power at mycelium protein maker Meati Foods‘s fermentation plant in Thornton, Colorado has been shut off, with the remaining employees evicted after the building was deemed unsafe.
In more fermentation-related news, the IP dispute between animal-free egg firms The Every Company and Onego Bio has ramped up, with the two companies trading accusations of harassment and false advertising, respectively.
Policy, research and events
Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground will host the UK’s largest free vegan festival, Vegfest Free, on April 25, 2026, with up to 170 stalls and more than 30 speakers.
In a new study, researchers from Germany suggest that feeding the by-products of carrot cultivation to fungi to produce proteins can deliver better-tasting meat alternatives than conventional plant-based options.
Courtesy: Timo Volz/Pexels
The Singapore International Agri-Food Week has announced that it is winding down the Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia event, following a strategic review.
Finally, Vegan Outreach and Abillion have unveiled the winners of the Singapore Vegan Chef Challenge, with Japanese restaurants Veg-An, Goro Japanese Cuisine and Menya Kokoro winning the first, second and third places in the Diners’ Favourite category.
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.
