The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide (Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many are doing take-out and/or delivery now):

Flourish Café, 5476 Broadway St., Lancaster, NY 14086

All of their products are homemade, like their famous peanut butter fruit juices/smoothies. They have small snacks like chocolate hummus, to hardy lunches like lentil bean soup.

Fons, 850 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60642

Fons offers an array of completely vegan empanadas! Choose from unique flavor options such as Lumpia, Margherita, or Smoky Mushroom! They also have a dessert empanada choice, the Apple Cinnamon Empanada. Delivery only! Check out their Instagram (@havingfons) for updates on the opening of their first physical location! 

Spoiled Vegans Café, 440 16th St., San Diego, CA 92101

Spoiled Vegans Café offers an array of fully vegan breakfast dishes! Try the Chimichurri Breakfast Sandwich or the Buffalo Chick’n Breakfast Sandwich to start your morning off on a great note! Side dishes include the Air-Fried Hashbrown, the Let Go of My Diego (a vegan apple sausage wrapped in a crispy waffle on a stick) and Lemon Poppyseed Scones! Check out their Instagram (@spoiledvegans) to keep up with their latest specials.

Sprouty Pie, 797 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Pizzas and calzones include BBQ Jackfruit, Italian “Sausage,” Pepperoni, and their classic Veggie pizza. Sprouty Pie also specializes in Hoagies – including the Veggie Ball Hoagie, California hoagie with bean burger, and the Hummus Veggie hoagie. For a lighter option, fresh smoothies are also available!

The Green House, 212 N. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054

The Green House serves up a variety of vegan breakfast options, sandwiches, salads, and desserts to the Oceanside community. Bagel-shop style sandwiches with vegan eggs are one of the standouts here, so be sure to try the “Today, Is a Good Day” (Your choice of bagel with “egg”, vegan cheese, and either ham or sausage). Delectable desserts include gluten-free donuts and chocolate hazelnut truffles. The shop also sells an assortment of vegan lifestyle items such as skin and hair care products from small businesses!

Vegan Delights, 2201 Palm Ave., Unit 104, Miramar, FL 33025

Try out a variety of globally inspired vegan pastries, both sweet and savory! They also serve sandwiches in the afternoons, along with candies, beverages, and more. Reviewers have especially loved their vegan cream horn and savory empanadas.

Yello, 2495 E Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Yello is a quaint vegan café. It is open for anyone who needs to get some studying done. Not only do they have an extensive menu, but they are also practically a small bookstore. You can grab a vegan palm cake, wraps, sandwiches, and even flatbread pizzas.

By Amy Burger, VRG Intern

Quebec is one of the prettiest provinces in Canada, and vegan travelers who want to see its sights can dine increasingly with ease. This article explains some traditional dishes and offers information about vegan choices.

     Maple syrup, a very popular sweetener, is essential to Quebec cuisine. It is an ingredient in many desserts. At its simplest, the syrup is eaten at sugar shacks in its traditional form of “taffy on snow.” In summer, without snow, ice is used. Other traditional desserts are maple sugar pies and a summer garden delight: berries, especially Ile d’Orleans strawberries.

     When it comes to more savory dishes, poutine is still popular, and there are versions of this vegan dish! In Quebec, there are many restaurants where it is served.

     Also in Quebec (and the rest of Canada), there are a few completely vegan chain restaurants, like Copper Branch and LOV. In addition, fast food restaurants have vegan options. A&W, for example, serves the “Beyond Meat burger” at all locations. Other restaurants where vegan burgers are available include Harveys and Hero Certified Burgers.

     If you prefer pizza, Pizza Pizza is a good choice where pizzas can be made with vegan cheese and there are several choices of vegetables too. For Mexican cuisine, one can dine at Quesada, where they serve burritos, bowls, and tacos with vegetables or with Beyond Meat.

     The essentially Canadian chain, Tim Hortons, has a few choices for its vegan customers: you can eat oatmeal, bagels, or choose a vegetable sandwich. A vegetable sandwich is also available at Subway restaurants. The U.S. import Starbucks has some vegan options like Tim Hortons, and they offer non-dairy milks as well.

     Do you want something healthier? The restaurants of the Freshii chain have several vegan options. For breakfast, there is chia pudding or a Cali bowl (a smoothie bowl with fruit and granola), and for lunch or dinner there are many choices, like salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, and soups.

     Now are you hungry? If you want to learn more about the options for vegan dining in Quebec, The VRG (The Vegetarian Resource Group) has an extensive guide with information on vegan restaurants in Quebec, and the rest of Canada. There is also information about restaurants in the United States. It can be seen at vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

And here’s the article in French to share:

Mangeant Végan à Québec

Par Amy Burger, stagiaire VRG

Le Québec est un des provinces plus jolie du Canada, et les voyageurs végans qui veulent y faire du tourisme pouvent y dîner de plus en plus avec l’aise. Cet article explique quelques plats traditionels et offert d’information à propos des choix végans.

     Le sirop d’érable, un édulcorant très popular est essential à la cuisine Québécoise. C’est un ingrédient des plusiers desserts. A le plus simple, le sirop est mangé aux cabanes à sucre en forme de “tire sur neige.” En été, sans neige, la glace est utilisé. Autres desserts traditionels sont les tartes au sucre d’érable et un délice de jardin d’été: les baies, surtout les fraises d’Ile d’Orléans.

     Des plats plus sarriette, la poutine est toujours populaire, et il y a des versions de ce plat végan! Aux Québec, il y a de nombreaux restaurants où il est servi.   

     Aussi aux Québec (et aux reste du Canada), il y a quelques restaurants de chaîne completement végan, comme Copper Branch et LOV. En plus, des restaurants rapides ont des options véganes. A&W, par exemple, serve le “burger Beyond Meat” à tous locations. Autres restaurants où burgers végans sont disponible incluent Harveys et Hero Certified Burgers.

     Si vous préferez manger du pizza, Pizza Pizza est un bon choix où les pizzas peuvent fait avec du fromage végan et il y a plusiers choix des légumes aussi. Pour la cuisine Mexicaine, on peut dîner au Quesada, où ils servent des burritos, des bols, et des tacos avec legumes ou avec du Beyond Meat.

     La chaîne essentiellement Canadien, Tim Hortons, a quelques choix pour ses clients végans: on peut manger du gruau, des bagels, ou choisit un sandwich aux légumes. Un sandwich aux légumes est offre aux restaurants Subway aussi. L’import des Etats-Unis, Starbucks, a quelques options végans comme Tim Hortons, et ils offerts du lait d’origine non-animal en plus.

     Voulez-vous quelque chose plus saine? Les restaurants de la chaîne Freshii ont plusiers options végans. Il y a pour petit dejeuner du pouding au chia ou un bol Cali (un bol smoothie avec des fruits et du granola), et pour dejeuner ou dîner, il y a beaucoup des choix, comme salads, roulés, bols, burritos, et soupes.

     Maintenant, êtes-vous faim? Si vous voulez apprendre plus des options pour dîners végans à Québec, Le VRG (Le Groupe des Ressources Végétariennes) a un guide extensive avec informations des restaurants végans à Québec, et au reste du Canada. Il y a d’information aussi des restaurants aux Etats-Unis. On peut le voir à vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

How often have you wanted to make a gift in honor of a loved one or friend but weren’t sure which charities are vegan-friendly, pro-environmental, or pro-animal rights? Please remember The Vegetarian Resource Group. You can make a gift in memory of a loved one or as a living tribute to honor someone you care about on a special occasion, such as a wedding or birth. We’ll send an acknowledgment to you and to the recipient(s) you choose. Your gift will support educational programs and help promote veganism.

Make checks payable to The Vegetarian Resource Group and mail to PO Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203, or donate at vrg.org/donate  

We welcome the opportunity to comment on Labeling of Foods Comprised of or Containing Cultured Seafood Cells. As a consumer organization, we prioritize providing clear, helpful label information that consumers can use to make an informed choice.

     We believe that the name or statement of identity of foods comprised of or containing cultured seafood cells should inform consumers about how the animal cells were produced. Vegetarians do not eat seafood and would want to be aware that a product contains cultured seafood cells. We assume that this would also be the case for those with an allergy to seafoods and for those who avoid seafood due to religious beliefs.

     In 2020, a survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of The Vegetarian Resource Group from June 22-24, 2020 among 2,074 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. We found that more than half of the U.S. adult population (54%) always or sometimes eats vegetarian (including vegan) meals when eating out. We asked if survey respondents would purchase a meat alternative grown from animal cell DNA obtained ten years ago, which does not currently involve the raising of animals. Only 12% of respondents said they would purchase such a product; 19% of vegetarians including vegans would purchase a meat alternative grown from animal cell DNA; 19% of those that sometimes or always eat vegan meals when eating out and 18% of those that sometimes or always eat vegetarian, including vegan, meals when eating out would purchase this type of meat alternative.1 Similarly a 2021 national survey was commissioned by The Vegetarian Resource Group and conducted online by YouGov, of 8 -17 year-olds. This survey found that more than half (53%) of 8-17 year-olds sometimes or always eat vegetarian meals when eating out. As was done in the adult poll, we asked if survey respondents would purchase a meat alternative grown from cells (DNA) from an animal, which was collected years ago which does not currently involve the raising of animals. Only 9% of respondents said they would purchase a meat alternative grown from animal cell DNA.2

     While we do not have results specifically examining seafood cell DNA, we imagine that results would be similar.  Since so many consumers would choose not to purchase such a product, it is important that they be informed about the presence of cultured seafood cells in products.

     In addition to label information, it is important for companies to have specific information about the source of these cells in their products on their websites since many people look on product websites for information.

     Use of a term such as “engineered using cultured seafood cells” would help consumers understand that the product is based on seafood and that seafood cells are used in production. An educational program would need to be developed to inform consumers about the meaning of “cultured” in this context. This terminology should be prominently delayed on the product’s label so that consumers are aware of the product’s composition.

     Names for conventionally produced seafood products should be included with the phrase “engineered using cultured seafood cells” with the specific seafood whose cells were cultured identified using the common or usual name.  If consumers generally use a specific name for a certain fish or shellfish, this name should be used as long as it is clear to consumers that the products are made using cells of fish. For example, a product might be labeled, “Engineered using cultured catfish cells.” This would allow consumers who avoid certain types of seafood to be aware of the type of seafood used in production. This is especially important for consumers with a shellfish allergy or who keep kosher and do not eat certain kinds of fish or shellfish.

     Creating a new name for a food that is comprised of or contains cultured seafood cells and using it in The Seafood List is likely to confuse consumers. We believe that the use of a descriptor such as “engineered using cultured catfish cells” is more informative than assigning a product a new name.

     In addition, we urge the FDA to forbid labeling products containing cultured seafood cells as “vegetarian” or “vegan.” Although the FDA does not currently define “vegetarian” or “vegan,” these terms are commonly used to imply that products do not contain ingredients from meat/fish/poultry (vegetarian) or from all animal products and by-products (vegan). Having “vegetarian” or “vegan” on a label of a product containing cultured seafood cells would be misleading to consumers.

     Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this issue.

References

1. What vegetarian and vegan products will American adults purchase? Questions asked by The Vegetarian Resource Group in a national poll. https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/harris2020veganadultwriteup2blog.pdf. 2020.

2. How many youth in the U.S are vegan? How many teens eat vegetarian when eating out? www.vrg.org. 2021.

By Nina Lehr, VRG Intern

Before going to college, I was a little nervous about finding vegan options. I was concerned that maybe the only choices would be salads or that I would always have to make my own meals. Thus, I was pleasantly surprised when I started school at Santa Clara University in California and found a considerable variety of vegan foods! Here are several options for vegan meals in the dining hall, in addition to several more from restaurants in the surrounding area!

Dining Hall Choices

The sandwich bar offers several vegan meats, so making your own sandwich is a great option. You can also add vegetables and non-dairy spreads, such as the hummus. Another choice is to make yourself a hearty salad with toppings such as chickpeas, tofu, and beans. There are typically multiple vegan dressings available, as well. You can also find cut fruits, bananas, and Odwalla smoothies (only some of which are non-dairy, so don’t forget to read the labels!) in this general area.

     At the breakfast station, you can make yourself toast with a variety of spreads. Try the fruit jam or peanut butter. If you’re craving avocado toast, you can try asking the sandwich bar for an avocado and spread it on your own bread here!

     Another great option is the Pasta Bar. You can customize your own bowl with different types of pasta and sauces; so try out various combinations until you find your go-to order! Sometimes vegetarian sausage is offered as a protein option, so be sure to give this a try when it’s available.

     Vegans and vegetarians often eat dishes from the Pacific Rim station, which offers Asian fare. Oftentimes, the dishes are tofu-based and come with rice. They sometimes mark whether or not items are vegetarian or vegan, but you can ask the staff if items are not clearly labelled. Some items may contain fish sauce, so be sure to watch out for this and ask staff if an item would traditionally contain it.

     The Sambazon Acai Bowl Machine is very popular. Acai bowls make a satisfying non-dairy treat, especially when topped with fruits and granola! Add bananas to make this a more filling choice.

Surrounding Area Veggie Dining Options

One of the best places to get vegan options nearby is Crepes Bistro. This café is about a ten minute walk from campus. It offers a variety of vegan crepes, in addition to non-dairy smoothies, soups, sandwiches, and cookies. Try the Garden Crepe, which features vegan pesto, eggplant, tomatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, and arugula.

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches has many sandwiches with vegan meats and spreads featured on the vegetarian section of its extensive menu! The offerings include 6 sandwiches which can be made fully vegan.

Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos has several rotating non-dairy ice cream flavors! If you’re feeling adventurous, try one in a waffle taco shell!

The recently opened Santa Clara location of Happy Hooligans is a 5 minute drive away from campus. This entirely vegan eatery is known for its comfort food, with standout menu items including the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries, and Double-Decker Burger!

For information about dining options in other colleges and universities, see: https://www.vrg.org/teen/#college

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS

In this article, The VRG highlights several recent (2015 to the present) scientific reports that reveal the relationships between dietary choices and our climate crisis. See: https://www.vrg.org/blog/2021/02/24/vegan-and-vegetarian-diets-and-our-climate-emergency-scientific-updates-2015-2021/

Be sure to follow The Vegetarian Resource Group on Instagram: @vegetarianresourcegroup

By Odette Olivares, VRG intern

If you have questions about calcium in the vegan diet, take a look at this selection of the best websites which include information geared towards Latinos. This article can be especially useful for you if you have a Latin American heritage or are curious about Latin American gastronomy. In this article, you can also find websites with many Latin American dishes high in calcium! Look at the description of each site to find the one right for you!

See: https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/Best-Websites-in-English-with-Information-on-Calcium-in-the-Vegan-Diet-for-Latin-Americans.pdf In Spanish, see: https://www.vrg.org/nutshell/los-mejores-sitios-de-internet-en-ingles-con-informacion-sobre-calcio-para-veganos-latinoamericanos.pdf

Last year, The Vegetarian Resource Group finished a lengthy research project with the goal of creating a Low-Cost Vegan Menus Based on USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Budget. Little did we know how important this piece became during the pandemic. With so many people out-of-work there’s even greater need for food budgeting.

The piece states, “How inexpensive can a vegan diet be and still provide health-supporting food without requiring hours of travel to different stores and lots of meal preparation? Sometimes vegan diets are perceived as expensive. Our experience has been that they can be pricey if we choose lots of convenience foods and out-of-season produce, and mainly shop at specialty stores. We’ve also found that vegan diets can be incredibly inexpensive and can be planned using foods that are readily available in supermarkets and big-box stores. We decided to plan a week of vegan menus whose cost would not exceed the food cost allotment from the United States Department of Agriculture’s food assistance program.”

The article includes a SNAP Weekly Low-Cost Vegan Menu, as well as several vegan recipes.

You can read the entire article that ran in the most recent Vegetarian Journal here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2020issue2/2020_issue2_vegan_menus.php

To support this type of research, please donate to The Vegetarian Resource Group here: www.vrg.org/donate

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

Picture this – A freezer stocked with containers of homemade vegan entrées, soups, and side dishes. It also holds bags of frozen vegetables, several pints of frozen desserts purchased on sale, and a half dozen packages of strawberries from last summer’s trip to the you-pick farm. Sounds like you’re in a good place, right?

     Now imagine waking up at 1 AM and realizing that the house is dark and getting cold. The power is out for an indefinite amount of time. What can you do to increase the odds that you won’t have to pitch everything in your freezer?

     If your freezer is full, odds are better that foods will stay frozen than if the freezer only has a few things in it. If you are concerned about the possibility of a power loss – say, the forecast is for high winds later in the week – and your freezer is only partially full, you can fill containers with water and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, they’ll help keep the food in the freezer cold if the power goes out. You can take the water-filled containers out when you need more room for food in the freezer.

     According to the FDA, a full freezer will keep food cold enough in a power outage for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. The FDA suggests buying dry ice, if possible, which will keep food cold for a few days. When the power goes on, the food in the freezer can be eaten (or refrozen) if the food still has ice crystals or if the freezer temperature has remained at or below 40 degrees F. “If at any point the food was above 40^o F for 2 hours or more (or 1 hour if temperatures are above 90^o F) — discard it,“ says the FDA.

     If the power outage is in the winter and the outdoor temperature is consistently below 40 ^o F and if animal scavengers are not a problem, some foods can be kept cold by placing them outside in an ice chest. Try to keep them out of the sun to help keep the food at a low enough temperature.

     Remember, if the food is thawed, it’s not worth the risk of getting sick – discard it.

Reference:

FDA. Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safety-during-power-outages-and-floods?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

For more information see: Disaster Planning for Vegetarians