USA: One of the Best Vegan Treats of the Summer Is, Randomly, Thanks to the Minions

From vegnews.com 

Moviegoers can now enjoy limited-edition dairy-free Minions-themed ice cream from Klimon at select theatres, alongside a vegan-friendly Banana Blast ICEE

Minions and Monsters has officially hit the big screen, and if you’re heading to the theatre to watch it soon, you might be in for an extra special, dairy-free treat. Plant-based ice cream brand Klimon has partnered with Universal to offer limited-edition Minions-themed ice creams in select theatres across the country.

The new flavours include Banana Ooh Na-Na (which features banana ice cream, fudge brownie chunks, and fudge swirl); Bello Politon (vanilla ice cream with chocolate cookie crumbles and strawberry swirl); Ooey Gooey! (salted chocolate ice cream with walnuts, marshmallows, and caramel swirl) and Maple Mayhem (with maple syrup, graham cracker crumbles, and hickory-smoked sea salt).

Klimon’s Banana! Scream Pie, which launched last year, will also be available in regular and mini versions.

                                                                                                                                  Klimon

Making vegan ice cream mainstream

Klimon (which, fun fact, reads “no milk” backward) launched back in 2022, with a major Walmart debut of five different almond-based flavours: Morning Brew, Caramel Brûlée, Cherry Bomb, Mint Condition, and Sunrise Bang.

At the time, founder Alex Cotraviwat said: “We are so proud to be partnering with Walmart for the launch of our brand, and to continue to leave our mark on the plant-based food revolution.”

Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, it hit Costco shelves, and then in 2024, it expanded into 7-Eleven. In 2026, it partnered with Tacotarian to serve up dairy-free ice cream sandwiches at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas. 

“Together, we’re proving that indulgence doesn’t need dairy – and that plant-based desserts can be the star of the menu,” said Cotraviwat.

                                                                                                                                        Klimon

More Dairy-free Minions treats

Klimon’s new ice creams aren’t the only dairy-free treats available to Minions and Monsters fans. ICEE has also launched a new dairy-free Banana Blast ICEE for the occasion.

“Summer movie season and ICEE go hand in hand, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring fans a flavour inspired by one of the most beloved franchises in theatres,” said Kimmra Hingher, vice president of Marketing at ICEE. 

“Banana Blast is a fun nod to the Minions’ favourite treat, and we can’t wait for moviegoers to enjoy it while experiencing the joy, laughter, and mayhem of Illumination’s Minions & Monsters on the big screen.”

The new Banana Blast ICEE is available at several movie theatres across the country, including Regal Cinemas, Cinemark, and Marcus Theatres. You can find Klimon’s dairy-free frozen desserts at Coming Attractions Theatres, Starlight Cinemas, Regency Theatres, Metropolitan Theatres, and other participating movie theatres across the country.

https://vegnews.com/minions-summer-treats

Dairy-Free Cheesecake Bites: Decadent, Snackable Bites with Oat Cream

From trendhunter.com

Daiya's Dairy-Free Cheesecakes are a favourite for their decadent filling and artisanal crust, and now, for snackers who are looking for a sweet treat that's more convenient to enjoy on the go, the company specializing in plant-based alternatives launched Dairy-Free Cheesecake Bites. Available in Original, Chocolate and Strawberry Flavoured varieties, these poppable bites come in at just 100 calories per serving, and wrap the brand's signature, free-from cream cheese featuring Oat Cream in a decadent dark chocolatey coating.

Little treat culture has become a genuine wellness ritual for many, rooted in the belief that small, intentional indulgences are not a guilty pleasure but a necessary act of self-care in an otherwise demanding day. Straight from the freezer, Daiya's dipped bites instantly create a micro-moment of joy.

Trend Themes

1. Dairy-free Indulgence — Plant-based dessert formats are expanding beyond compromise products into decadent treats that mirror premium dairy experiences through oat cream, chocolate coatings, and artisanal textures.
2. Snackable Self-care — Small frozen sweets are becoming wellness-adjacent rituals, creating space for portioned indulgence that fits into busy routines without the guilt associated with full-size desserts.
3. Freezer-to-go Treats — Convenient bite-sized formats are reshaping frozen desserts by making traditionally sit-down products more accessible for quick snacking, sharing, and controlled calorie occasions.

Industry Implications

1. Plant-based Foods — Alternative dairy brands have room to differentiate through richer ingredient systems and familiar dessert formats that appeal to both vegan consumers and flexitarian snackers.
2. Frozen Desserts — Premium frozen treats are shifting toward miniaturized, ready-to-eat portions that combine convenience, indulgence, and flavour variety in formats suited to everyday consumption.
3. Snack Foods — The rise of little treat culture positions sweet snacks as emotional comfort products, opening space for brands to blend indulgent flavours with dietary inclusivity and portion awareness.

https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dairyfree-cheesecake-bites 

Veganuary 2026: 10 common items you didn't know were vegan

From dorsetecho.co.uk

Whether you're taking part in the annual Veganuary pledge or you're just looking to cut down on your meat consumption, finding some vegan alternatives can have huge health benefits. 

Vegan foods aren't all cocoa balls and tofu - you'll be surprised to know that some of these everyday items actually contain no animal products. 

Here are 10 items you'll be surprised to know are vegan: 

Marmite

The entire Marmite range is vegan, and certified by the European Vegetarian Union (EVU), except for the 70g jar.

The 70g jar is currently only vegetarian – though Marmite are in the process of moving towards vegan approval from the EVU.

It is made primarily from yeast, and though this isn’t a plant, it isn’t an animal either. As such, with no other animal-derived ingredients added.

McVitie's Hobnobs

All Hobnobs are vegan, including most own-brand oat biscuits. 

However, the chocolate biscuits are usually not vegan - although the McVitie's Choc Chip are surprisingly vegan.

They use soya lecithin, cocoa mass and fat-reduced cocoa powder, but no milk or milk proteins.

Oreos

The makers of Oreos state on their website that they cannot categorise these popular cookies as vegan because of the possibility of cross contact with milk products.

However, Oreos do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and are safe to eat for vegans.

Guinness

Since 2015, Guinness has been 100 per-cent vegan.

The beer manufacturers, Diageo changes the filtration process so that it no longer includes isinglass (a kind of gelatine obtained from fish). 

Starburst

Many Stabursts across the globe contain gelatine, made from animal collagen, however UK manufactured Starbursts do not. 

Vegans should be careful to ensure they are eating Starbursts from the UK as many shops surprisingly sell important sweets from the UK that contain animal products. 

Crumpets

Although for some people this could seem obvious, many of us will be surprised to learn that most shop-bought crumpets are vegan.

The quintessentially British snack contains no dairy products, contrary to popular belief. 

Cream crackers

One of the most surprising revelations is that this buttery and creamy cracker actually contains no dairy. 

The word 'cream' is derived from the manufacturing process so the crackers are completely vegan friendly. 

Ice Cream

In recent years there have been lots of vegan ice cream brands appearing in the supermarket freezers, they are so good in fact that it's hard to tell the difference.

Including Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cookie Dough by Ben and Jerry's as well as Swedish Glace by Walls.

Lotus biscuit spread

Not only are Lotus Biscoff biscuits vegan, their Biscoff spread is also vegan and makes a delicious vegan cheesecake. 

Pasta

Most dry pasta is not made using eggs, instead it's made with durum wheat and semolina - making it fine for vegans.

Fresh pasta however usually contains eggs, so if you're not eating foods containing animal products you should be sure to check the packaging on fresh pasta. 

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/25718931.veganuary-2026-10-common-items-didnt-know-vegan/

33 Vegan Halloween Candies & Treats That Are 100% Dairy-Free and Cruelty-Free

From vegansbaby.com

By Diana Edelman

Halloween is sweeter when it’s cruelty-free 

Don’t let Halloween scare you if you’re vegan or want to give out vegan Halloween candy. And, forget giving out packets of raisins or apples. This year, there are tons of candies that are accidentally vegan or made intentionally. Which means … more sweets to enjoy this spooky season.

Whether you’re building the perfect trick-or-treat bowl or want to keep your snack stash fully plant-based, this guide breaks down 33 of the best vegan Halloween candies and treats for 2025 you can feel good about giving out.

As always, please double-check as ingredients can change faster than Mike Johnson swears someone in. Or, ya know, faster than breaking news.

Hard, Sour or Chewy Vegan Candies

These classic candies are typically dairy-free and gelatine-free. Plus, they’re  perfect for filling up a Halloween candy bowl that everyone can enjoy.

1. Skittles (original) – Fruity, chewy, and made without gelatine or dairy. 

2. Sour Skittles / Shriekers – Tangy and tart versions of the original vegan favourite.

3. Dots – Gumdrop-style candies made with starch instead of gelatine.

4. Smarties (U.S. tablets) – Tart, bite-size sugar candies made entirely from plant-based ingredients.

5. Jolly Ranchers – Hard fruit candies that come in a rainbow of flavours.

6. Atomic Fireballs – Hot cinnamon hard candies with a fiery kick.

7. Brach’s Cinnamon Hard Candy – Classic cinnamon disks that are vegan-friendly.

8. Brach’s Root Beer Barrels – Nostalgic root beer-flavoured hard candies.

9. Airheads (select flavours) – Stretchy, fruity taffy without animal-based ingredients.

10. Charms Blow Pops – Lollipops with bubblegum centres (check ingredients by flavour).

11. Dum Dums – Mini lollipops that come in dozens of vegan-friendly flavours.

12. Ring Pops – Playful, wearable hard candy rings that are dairy-free.

13. Sour Punch Twists / Monster Melon – Tangy, chewy candy ropes without gelatine.

14. Red Vines Liquorice – Classic twisty liquorice made with plant-based ingredients.

15. Swedish Fish – The OG accidentally vegan gummy fish. My personal favourite.

16. Fuzzy Peach / Swedish Berries – Chewy, gelatine-free gummy candies.

17. Twizzlers / Pull-n-Peel – Iconic liquorice ropes that are vegan in most varieties.

18. Laffy Taffy – Soft, chewy fruit taffy (avoid flavours with milk).

19. Fun Dip – The classic candy powder and stick combo — vegan and nostalgic.

20. SweetTarts (hard version) – Tangy candy tablets that are dairy-free and gelatine-free.

21. Cry Baby Candy – Super sour vegan candies with a fruity punch.

22. Tasty Mates – Sweet and sour vegan candy brand with fun flavour combos.

Vegan Chocolate & Candy Bars (Dairy-Free & Cruelty-Free)

These vegan chocolate bars and treats deliver all the flavour and fun, minus the milk.

1. No Whey Chocolate – 100% vegan, nut-free, and allergen-friendly chocolate brand perfect for Halloween minis.

2. Hershey’s Plant-Based / Oat Milk Bars – Dairy-free versions of the classic chocolate bar made with oat milk.

3. Reese’s Plant-Based Mini Cups – The vegan peanut butter cup you’ve (I’ve) been waiting for.

4. Unreal Chocolate – Vegan, fair-trade chocolate bars and nut butter cups with simple, clean ingredients.

5. Enjoy Life Mini Bars – Allergen-friendly chocolate minis made without dairy or soy.

6. Go Max Go Bars – Vegan takes on candy classics like Snickers and Milky Way.

7. Break Free Candy – Smooth vegan chocolate bars with no animal-derived ingredients.

8. Nelly’s Organics – Organic vegan chocolate bars with creamy centres.

Seasonal & Specialty Vegan Halloween Treats

1. Chick-O-Stick – Crunchy peanut and coconut candy that’s surprisingly vegan.

2. Halloween-shaped vegan gummies – Ghosts, pumpkins, and bats from vegan gummy brands like YumEarth.

3. Vegan popcorn balls or caramel corn – A fun homemade or small-batch option using vegan butter or syrup.

Vegan Halloween Tips

• Double-check labels: Look out for gelatine, beeswax, shellac, carmine (red dye), and dairy derivatives like whey or lactose.

• Mark your candy bowl: Label your goodies “Vegan Treats” so trick-or-treaters know they’re safe.

• Offer non-food goodies: Stickers, glow sticks, or toys for allergy-friendly trick-or-treaters.

• Buy early: Many vegan chocolates and gummies sell out quickly around Halloween.

Happy Trick-or-Treating

Whether you’re setting out treats for little ghouls or stocking up for your own sweet stash, this list of vegan Halloween candies and treats proves you can enjoy all the Halloween fun. And, without dairy, gelatine, or compromises.

From chewy Skittles to creamy plant-based chocolates, there’s a vegan option for every craving.

Looking for more vegan guides? Explore:

• Best vegan Thanksgiving recipes

• Vegan snacks for travel

• Make your own Halloween treats

https://vegansbaby.com/33-vegan-halloween-candies-treats-2025-dairy-free-gelatin-free-delicious/

Holland & Barrett Adds Vegan Marshmallow 'Puffs' To Its UK Stores

From plantbasednews.org

'I tried these at an exhibition, they were unbelievable! Delicious is an understatement!'

High-street retailer, Holland & Barrett, has welcomed vegan marshmallow 'puffs' to its UK stores.
Created by Belgium brand, Mallow Puffs, the new plant-based products come in two flavours: salted caramel and vanilla bean.
Priced at £3.49 for a 100g bag, both flavours feature a 'supper puffy and gelatine free' marshmallow covered with a dairy-free dark Belgium chocolate.

                                             'There's no huff, just puff!' (Photo: Instagram)

'The perfect vegan snacking treat'

"Mallow Puffs are the perfect vegan snacking treat. Conveniently packed in re-sealable sharing pouches," the brand states.
"Relax! It's not a super-food. It's just a yummy, super-puffy mallow that happens to be vegan. There's no huff, just puff!"

'Delicious is an understatement'

User 'Laurelcanyonvibes' wrote on the brand's Instagram: "I tried these at an exhibition, they were unbelievable!! Delicious is an understatement!!!"
Mallow Puffs contain carrageenan - a substance extracted from red and purple seaweeds - and rice protein to obtain a chewy texture without the use of gelatine, which is commonly made from boiling animals' skin, cartilage, and bones.

The vegan treats are also available in France, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden and other shops in the UK - including The Vegan Kind Supermarket and Balance Wholefoods.

https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/holland-barrett-vegan-marshmallow