Root veggies are good cold weather vegetables to prepare meals. Debra Daniels-Zeller offers a variety of recipes featuring root vegetables in her previous article titled Vegan Roots. Enjoy these recipes: Rosemary Roasted Roots; Orange-Marinated Beets; Carrot-Rutabaga Coleslaw; Tomatoes and Lentils with Carrots, Turnips, and Kale; Mashed Celeriac-Potatos with Roasted Garlic; Jerusalem Artichokes with Caramelized Onions; Curried Parsnip Soup; and Sweet Potato Dip. Find the article here:

https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2008issue4/2008_issue4_vegan_roots.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA, see: https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

We recently reported on plant milks not fortified with vitamin B12.

Based on website information and product labels collected in Fall 2024, the following original and unsweetened milks are fortified with vitamin B12:

5.8-5.9 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Milkadamia Macadamia Milk Original, Unsweetened, or Creamy

3 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Silk Unsweet Oatmilk (shelf-stable); Original Soymilk (refrigerated or shelf-stable); Organic Unsweet Soymilk (shelf-stable)
• So Delicious Organic Unsweetened or Original Coconutmilk Beverage (refrigerated or shelf-stable)

2.9 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Edensoy Original Extra, Organic Soymilk

2.5 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Plantstrong Unsweetened Oat Whole Plant-Based Milk; Unsweetened Almond Milk; Oat & Walnut Milk; Oat & Almond Milk
• Silk Organic Unsweet Soymilk (refrigerated)

2.4 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Silk Original, Extra Protein, or Extra Creamy Oatmilk (refrigerated)

2.2 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving

• Silk Original Oatmilk (shelf-stable)

2 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Lidl Foods Organic Soymilk Original

1.5 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Pacific Foods Original Ultra Soy Milk

1.4 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Niuke Peanut Plant Milk

1.3 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Good Karma Unsweetened Flaxmilk or Unsweetened Flaxmilk + Protein

1.2 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Bettergoods Plant-Based Original Soymilk
• Friendly Farms Original Oat Milk
• Good Karma Kids Original Oatmilk+
• Kirkland Signature Organic Soy Non-Dairy Beverage, Original; Almond Non-dairy Beverage, Original, Unsweetened
• Oatly Original, Unsweetened, Low-fat, or Full-Fat Oatmilk (refrigerated)
• Simple Truth Original or Unsweetened Oat Milk (refrigerated); Dairy Free Original or Original Unsweetened Almond Milk (refrigerated)
• 365 by Whole Foods Original Oatmilk; Organic Unsweetened Original or Unsweetened Soy Non-dairy Beverage (refrigerated); Organic Original Unsweetened Soymilk (shelf-stable); Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk
• Wegmans Original, Extra Creamy or Zero Sugar Oatmilk; Organic Original Soymilk
• Wild Harvest Organic Original Soy Milk

1.1 micrograms vitamin B12 a 1-cup serving:

• Califia Farms Kids’ Complete Plant-based Milk (pea protein)
• Dream Ricemilk Original with Calcium & Vitamin D , Unsweetened Original with Calcium & Vitamin D , 2%, and “Whole”; Soymilk Original with Calcium & Vitamin D; Coconutmilk Unsweetened Original with Calcium & Vitamin D; Almondmilk Unsweetened Original with Calcium & Vitamin D
• Kikkoman Pearl Organic Soymilk, Smart Original, 8 oz carton
• Ripple Original or Unsweetened Original Pea-based Milk (refrigerated or shelf-stable)
• Silk Kids Oatmilk Blend
• Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Rice Beverage, Organic Original; Organic Non-Dairy Coconut Beverage Unsweetened

1 microgram vitamin B12 a 1-cup serving:

• Bettergoods Plant-Based Original and Extra Creamy Oatmilk
• Manitoba Milling Co. Original Unsweetened Flax

0.9 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Oatsome Original Organic Oat Drink
• Silk Original or Unsweet Coconutmilk
• Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Oat Beverage with Vitamins A, D, & B12

0.6 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Kirkland Signature Organic Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
• Living Harvest Tempt Hemp Original or Unsweetened Original Hemp Milk
• Sproud Plant-based Original or Unsweetened (pea-based milk)
• 365 by Whole Foods Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Trader Joe’s Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage (shelf-stable)

0.4 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Oatly Original Oatmilk (shelf-stable)

0.2 micrograms vitamin B12 in a 1-cup serving:

• Planet Oat Original, Unsweetened Original, Extra Creamy Original, Unsweetened Extra Creamy Original Oatmilk

This is not an exhaustive list so be sure to check the label of your favorite product to determine whether it supplies vitamin B12.

We gratefully acknowledge the work of VRG interns Aashay Mody, Ren Patel, and Neha Vivek and VRG volunteer Mae Y. Soon who collected information for this article.

We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS

In September 2024, The VRG received an email from pharmacist Jasmine Uchi at VeganMed about our 2022 article on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). In that article, we stated that beef-derived magnesium stearate and stearic acid used as inactive ingredients in pharmaceuticals could produce symptoms, some of them life-threatening, in people with AGS, but were not commonly found in them today. This conclusion was based on interviews with major manufacturers of magnesium stearate and stearic acid and with several drug manufacturers. We learned from them that plant-derived ingredients were more common but not guaranteed in all cases and made this clear in our article.

As a result, we emphasized in our article that concerned individuals – such as AGS sufferers, people with dairy allergies, and vegans – should investigate the ingredient sources used in each and every bottle of medication that they are prescribed before purchase. Some ingredient sources frequently change based on supply availability without prior notice. To prevent misunderstanding and potential legal liability, pharmaceutical makers will often state that either plant- or animal-derived ingredients may be used. Labels – including package inserts – may not specify the source. The only way to find out is to contact the manufacturer and hope the information you receive is accurate and up-to-date.

Uchi wrote about our article: “While the information presented is valuable, it is crucial to recognize that pharmaceutical manufacturers can change their formulations or suppliers at any time. This year, we have received confirmations from several manufacturers indicating that their magnesium stearate does contain animal-sourced components.” We asked for the names of manufacturers who use beef-derived inactive ingredients in their products. We were then told: “After careful consideration and discussion with our team, we have determined that providing the names of manufacturers who use animal-derived stearic acid is not advisable, as formulations can change over time. We recommend regularly verifying this information with the manufacturers or utilizing trusted sources…”

VeganMed Pharmacy List for “Alpha-Gal-Friendly” and “Vegan-Friendly” Medications

For this article update, The VRG wanted to provide additional information, so we turned to the VeganMed website. We found a list of ten pharmacies designated as “alpha-gal-friendly” and “vegan-friendly.”

We contacted each of them by phone in search of three of the medications we had researched in our previous article: lisinopril, vicodin, and clonidine at various dosages.

Three pharmacies did not respond. Of those that did respond, except for one pharmacy, they were all aware of VeganMed and their listing on that site as a source of “alpha-gal-friendly” medications. A few immediately said they’d contact VeganMed for “alpha-gal-friendly” makers of the three pharmaceuticals. Others stated they compound (i.e., formulate) their own medications as a way to guarantee that their products are vegan. To compound, they purchase the active ingredient and mix it on site with plant-derived inactive ingredients to make tablets.

As noted in the table below, all pharmacies except one are licensed to sell medications – including online sales – only in their state.

The VeganMed website has a brief description about how they certify medications as “alpha-gal-friendly” or “vegan-friendly.” It appears they require written documentation from manufacturers. It’s unknown whether VeganMed independently tests drug samples to determine if animal ingredients are present. It appears they certify dozens, if not hundreds, of companies spanning pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.

Yet, even with certification, it’s unlikely there will be an absolute guarantee that the medication in the bottle you’re holding in your hand is vegan unless the manufacturer had previously declared that they never use animal ingredients. To the best of our knowledge, no drug manufacturer has ever made such a vegan declaration. People with AGS or dairy allergies need to be aware of this.

It’s best to use a VeganMed’s “alpha-gal-friendly” or “vegan-friendly” certification as a starting point, – but contact the manufacturer yourself as verification.

We asked several pharmacists interviewed for this article if they knew of – or had done business with – a confirmed vegan drug manufacturer. They all replied that they had not ever heard of a vegan drug manufacturer. Likewise, they knew of no manufacturer that usually or always uses animal-derived ingredients.

One pharmacist said that questions about inactive ingredients have “exploded” since AGS has become more well-known in recent years. He also said researching inactive ingredient sources is “new” for pharmacists and they must trust what manufacturers tell them just like consumers.

The VeganMed site contains a store where you can purchase many over-the-counter medications and personal care items that have been approved by VeganMed as “animal-free.” Once you click the Buy Now button, you are automatically directed to Amazon.com. By the URL that appears in the address bar, VeganMed is an Amazon affiliate, earning a commission on products sold.

Finding Vegan Medications

Inactive ingredients in many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may be animal-derived. Companies are not legally required to list sources on labels. So, what can you do if you are vegan or have AGS or dairy allergies? Here are a few suggestions.

1. When in doubt, contact the drug manufacturer and request ingredient source information in writing. Be specific about the dosage you’ve been prescribed. Provide the NDC number (usually on the front of a package under the brand name) and the lot number if possible.
2. Consult VeganMed website’s helpful list of animal-derived ingredients presented as an infographic in a blog post on their site. Although the list is AGS-related, and may not be exhaustive, those ingredients are used in all sorts of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements. Use that list as a starting point in your own drug research.
3. Repeat this process for every prescription refill, even if filled at the same pharmacy. It cannot be overstated that ingredient suppliers may change without notice.

The contents of this posting, our website and our other publications, including Vegan Journal, are not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. We often depend on product and ingredient information from company statements. It is impossible to be 100% sure about a statement, info can change, people have different views, and mistakes can be made. Please use your best judgment about whether a product is suitable for you. To be sure, do further research or confirmation on your own.

Photo by Hannah Kaminsky

Wintertime is a perfect opportunity to prepare these Asian-Inspired Soups and Stews from Nava Atlas: Hot and Sour Vegetable Soup; Miso Soup with Winter Vegetables; Thai-Flavored Vegetable Stew; Tofu & Soba Noodle Soup; Vietnamese ‘Beef’—Noodle Soup; and Kimchi Soup. Find these vegan recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue1/2024_issue1_asianinspired-soup-and-stews.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only by visiting https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Recent topics brought up include:

– How much protein do vegan children need at various ages?

– Are you searching for vegan shoes for your young children? If so, these online sources might be helpful.

– Some Middle Schools in Portland, Maine now offer vegan lunch options

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRGparentsandkids is intended to be a group that offers support for families raising children on vegan diets and for vegan kids around the world. We envision it as a place to get advice about a wide-variety of topics: pregnancy, birthday parties, school lunches, Halloween, non-leather apparel, cruelty-free products, summer camps, and more. Please use it as a place to share your wisdom, seek advice, or just find a sympathetic ear. The goal is to offer support.

Consequently, any profane, defamatory, offensive, or violent language will be removed. Feel free to disagree, but do so respectfully. Hateful or discriminatory comments regarding race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or political beliefs will not be tolerated. We expect that posts should relate to vegan diets and lifestyles. The Vegetarian Resource Group reserves the right to monitor all content and ban any user who posts in violation of the above rules, any law or regulation, SPAM, or anything otherwise off topic.

Please share this information with any veggie families that you know! Thanks.

by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

Did you know that there are restrictions on when a food product can be labeled as “healthy?” Thirty years ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed standards that products had to meet to have “healthy” appear on their label. Based on the thinking at the time, products had to have less than specified amounts of fat, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol and provide at least 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for one or more of the following nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, and fiber. The problem with these standards was that a highly sweetened breakfast cereal that had vitamin C added to it could be labeled “healthy,” but avocados, nuts, and seeds could not be labeled “healthy” because of their total fat content.

On December 19, 2024 the FDA issued an updated rule that provided new requirements that products had to meet in order to be labeled as “healthy” (1). In general terms, products must contain a certain amount of vegetables, fruits, “protein foods,” whole grains, and/or “dairy” and not have too much saturated fat, added sugars, or sodium. The “dairy” group includes not only cow’s milk, yogurt, and cheese but also “fortified soymilk and plant-based dairy alternatives with similar nutrient composition as dairy.” Thus, plant milks and yogurts “whose overall nutritional content is similar to dairy foods (e.g., provide similar amounts of protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and other nutrients) and are used as alternatives to milk and yogurt” could quality for “healthy” on their label (1). Soymilk but also oat milk, almond milk, and other plant milks that meet these criteria could be labeled “healthy” in the same way that dairy milks could be labeled. This is a change from previous governmental statements which only included soymilk and yogurt in the “dairy” group.

I’ll provide more information about “healthy” on food labels in future posts.

Reference

1. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 101. [Docket No. FDA-2016-D-2335] Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims: Definition of Term “Healthy.” https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-29957/food-labeling-nutrient-content-claims-definition-of-term-healthy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. 2024.

To read more about “healthy” on food labels see:

What Does “Healthy” on a Food Label Mean to You?

The Vegetarian Resource Group Testimony to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Concerning the Use of “Healthy” on Food Labels

Due to the generosity of anonymous donors, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award $50,000 in college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism in their schools and/or communities. One award of $10,000 and six awards of $5,000, and additional runner-up prizes will be given. Entries may only be sent by students graduating from high school in SPRING 2025

We will accept applications postmarked on or before FEBRUARY 20, 2025. Early submission is encouraged.

Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegan diet/lifestyle. Payment will be made to the student’s college (U.S. based only). Winners of the scholarships give permission to release their names to the media. Applications and essays become property of The Vegetarian Resource Group. We may ask finalists for more information. Scholarship winners are contacted by e-mail or telephone. Please look at your e-mail.

If you would like to donate to additional scholarships or internships, go to www.vrg.org/donate

Applications

Please click here to download a PDF of the application. However, applicants are not required to use an application form. A neatly typed document containing the information below will also be accepted as a valid application.

However, applicants are not required to use an application form. A neatly typed document containing the information below will also be accepted as a valid application.

Please send application and attachments to [email protected] (Scholarship application and your name in subject line) or mail to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203.

If emailing, please put your essay in a separate attachment with your first name and last initial. A PDF or Word document is preferred, but if you send a Google document, make sure permission is given so readers can access it. For more information call (410) 366-8343 or email [email protected].

photo from Paradiso Pure.Living

Are you looking to stay in a vegan friendly hotel? Here’s a sampling of hotels around the world offering vegan food:

Acai Plant Based Hotel: They are located in Greece and have a plant-based restaurant on their premises. They offer cooking classes and yoga classes and are near a beach. Note they are opening in summer 2025. See: https://acairhodes.com/the-acai-hotel/

Fivelements Retreat: Located in Bali, offers vegan meals, a wellness program and spa, plus more. See: https://fivelementsbali.com/

Koukoui Hotel: Situated in Greece, this hotel offers vegan cuisine, a spa, and fitness center. See: https://www.koukoumihotel.com/

La Vimea: Located in Italy, offers organic vegan meals, yoga sessions, and more. See: https://www.lavimea.com/

Mother Earth Vegan Hotel: Located in Costa Rica, this hotel offers a poolside vegan restaurant (room rates include breakfast for two), yoga studio, and more. Please note that children under 12 are not allowed and pets are not allowed. See: https://www.meveganhotel.com/

Palmaïa, The House of AïA: This Mexican establishment offers vegan cuisine, spa and wellness program, activities for kids, and more. See: https://thehouseofaia.com/

Paradiso Pure.Living: Vegan hotel in the Dolomites of Italy with vegan cuisine. See: https://paradiso-pure.com/?lan=ENG

Stanford Inn & Resort: Located in the United States in Mendocino, California, offers a variety of room accommodations including family suites. Ravens Restaurant on their property serves organic vegan meals. They offer spa services and are pet-friendly. See: https://stanfordinn.com/

Vegan Agrivilla I Pini: Located in Tuscany, Italy, near vineyards, olive groves, and gardens. They offer vegan cuisine, saltwater pool, and more. See: https://www.ipinitoscana.com/

 Villa Vegana: Situated in Spain in a designated conservation area, you can enjoy vegan meals, yoga classes, plus more. See: https://www.villavegana.com/

Chickpea Bites photo by Hannah Kaminsky

Check out these vegan bites from Hannah Kaminsky that you can enjoy with a pot of tea this winter: Cucumber Tapenade Tea Sandwiches; Cheesy Dill Scones; Lentil Sausage Rolls; Blueberry Chia Jam; Blueberry Jam Drops; and Chickpea Egg Bites. Find these vegan recipes here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2023issue1/2023_issue1_time_for_tea.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only by visiting https://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

photo from Swap Out The Swine

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: www.vrg.org/restaurant

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:

BOOMCHIA, The Madison Building, 427 Bloomfield Ave., Ste. 101, Montclair, NJ 07042

BOOMCHIA’s “magic in a bowl” was enough to earn this superfoods café a place in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2024. What is also magical is that their menu is fully customizable, with no additional charges for extra bases or toppings—options are unlimited as long as it all fits in the bowl (with small, medium, and large bowls available). Bases include the traditional acai and pitaya, as well as more exotic options like matcha, blue coconut (coconut with blue spirulina), and BOOMCHIA pudding (chia pudding with blue spirulina). There are four types of granola to choose from, including a gluten-free dark chocolate granola made with oats and quinoa. The next options to layer include fruit; toppings like sunflower seeds, toasted coconut, cacao nibs, and Goji berries; nut butters (almond, peanut, dark chocolate almond, and sunflower), and syrups and powders. If you can’t decide between the date honey and the apple honey, or between the espresso powder and the maca powder, add them all—or come back the next day to try a new combination! Other menu options include snack-sized grab & go BOOMCHIA puddings; Paper Plane Coffee Company cold brew; and Kombucha on tap.

Brekkie Bowls, 100 Wailea Ike Dr. #4, Wailea, HI 96753

A cute, leisurely food trailer specializing in build-your-own breakfast bowls and smoothies. Some popular menu options include the Half Açai Half Pitaya Bowl and the Açai Dragonfruit Superfood Bowl, which both feature generous helpings of fresh fruit. If you’re in the mood for something to drink, then the cold brew coffee or the kombucha might be up your alley.

DurVo, 5255 S. Decatur Blvd. #107, Las Vegas, NV 89118

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, DurVo offers an elevated vegan dining experience—an escape from the more typical Vegas eateries. With a classy, elegant décor, DurVo’s fusion menu offers options such as crab cakes made from jackfruit and served with a celery slaw and pistachio pesto rigatoni. For a spicier entrée, try the Indian coconut curry served with tofu and white rice. Whether you’re on a date night or not, it will be hard to resist their Three Layers of Love dessert, which is made with a top layer of matcha mousse, a middle layer of mango ganache, and a bottom layer of walnut ice cream. Whether you are a local resident or just in town for the weekend, giving DurVo a try is probably the best bet you can make in Vegas.

Le Basque, 15 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003

Aiming to braid classic techniques with creative innovation focused on seasonality, Le Basque fuses French and Spanish cuisine with plant-based flare. Pintxos (Northern Spain’s word for small snacks) include Mint Grilled “Lamb” with cumin, asparagus purée, and pistachio mint crust; Wild Mushroom showcasing Chanterelle, oyster, wood ear, crimini, and hen of the woods mushrooms, tarragon porcini cream and aged balsamic; or Chorizo with Ñora chili flakes, smoked pepper “goat” cheese, pickled fennel, apples, black olives, and dill. Ready to begin in earnest? For Starters, there are Faux Gras made with smoked lentils, sage infused butter, white wine, poached apples, and toasted sourdough; lemon cured Saffron “Tuna” Crudo with citrus marinade, pickled fennel, chervil, nasturtium, and shaved marcona almonds; or Escargot—Wood ear mushrooms, shallots, parsley, butter, garlic, gruyere with toasted baguette, and more. A sampling of several Entrée choices include Port Beef Bourguignon—Braised “beef,” port wine sauce, carrots, pearl onions, crimini mushrooms, and Yukon potatoes; Mushroom Paella with Bomba rice, chorizo, king oyster and chanterelle mushrooms, saffron, white wine, and dulse flakes; or Blue Oyster Mushroom Steak with smoked lemon orzo, grilled asparagus, red wine gastrique, and spring onions. Some of the Desserts are Entremet aux Noisettes—Hazelnut mousse, chocolate cake and salted fig caramel, or “Le Basque” Cheesecake with Quince Chantilly, wild berry lavender compote, and raspberry tuile.

Starving Vegan, 1865 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210

Hungry for a plant-based menu with Asian and Latin American influences? Appetizers feature lots of Empanadas (Mushroom, Jerk Mushroom, Chick’n, and Beef), Battered Broccoli, and more. There are Yellow Split Pea and Lentil Soups. Patties include Kale, Lentil, and Chick’n. Some of the many Dinner entrées are Honey BBQ Mushroom Burger; Spinach or Tomato and Basil Burrito filled with your choice of Chicken, Fish, or Mushroom, and rice, beans, lettuce, red cabbage, tomato, red onions, Bell peppers, carrots, and House Sauce; Citrus Chick’n—soy protein in sweet, tangy sauce; Curry Fish soy protein in curry sauce; Tofu Sautéed with Spinach and Carrot in curry sauce; or Sesame Chick’n with white rice and broccoli. Most Dinner entrées come with your choice of Sides: Rice and Peas, Veggie Rice, String Beans with Carrot, Steamed Mix Veggies, Fried Plantains, Salad, Potato Salad, Callaloo and Okra Mix, Stew Peas, Chick-peas and Chana, or Spinach or Macaroni Salad. For Dessert there’s Banana Bread, Carrot Cake, Red Velvet, and more.

Swap Out the Swine, 5604 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212

Keeping pigs safe, one plate at a time! Many dishes are listed gluten-free. They offer scratch-made sides including Smoky Baked Beans slow cooked in a slightly tanged hickory sauce; Ginger Glazed Whole Green Beans sautéed with soy, sweet onions, and bell peppers; and Miss Pat’s Vegan Potato Salad. Some platters are Chicken Shrooms, mesquite smoked, dry rubbed chicken fingers–choose “noney” mustard or ranch dipping sauce; Shroomacon BLT crispy mushroom bacon with salad fixings on country white or whole grain bread; and Pulled Mushroom Sandwich showcasing BBQ pulled shrooms on a vegan brioche with fresh coleslaw.

The Lemon Tree, 395 Ontario St. A1, St. Catharines, ON L2N 7N6 Canada

The Lemon Tree Bistro serves vegan Mediterranean and Italian food. Appetizers include deep-fried “calamari” made with breaded root vegetable and served with tzatziki sauce; bruschetta topped with house-made feta; and a hot mezze platter with coconut shrimp, “calamari”, “steak” bites, and falafel. The lunch menu includes vegan chicken and falafel wraps as well as a crispy eggplant sandwich topped with roasted red peppers, spicy feta, and melted mozzarella. The dinner menu includes a vegan steak dinner of grilled steak, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled asparagus; lasagna with layers of pasta, alfredo sauce, marinara, and cheese; stuffed portobello topped with artichoke and spinach dip; and a pickle pizza topped with sliced pickles and cheese.