The Vegetarian Resource Group Blog

Enter The Vegetarian Resource Group’s 2024 Video Contest: Deadline July 15th

Posted on May 29, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

The Vegetarian Resource Group is once again sponsoring a video contest. We will be awarding several $100 awards. The deadline for entries this year is July 15, 2024.

Create and submit a video relating what you want to tell others about veganism. Some possible topics: food, nutrition, your feelings about veganism and/or vegetarianism, water usage and veganism, veganism and animal rights, or other veggie topics which appeal to you. Humor and feelings are appreciated. All videos should be positive, not be critical of anyone, and not include any footage of animal cruelty. You may submit a video you have already made.

Aspects of judging include accuracy and judges wanting to share the video with others. Entrants give permission to The Vegetarian Resource Group to post and share the video, to link to and from the video, and share the video with the media.

To see the video contest rules, visit: http://www.vrg.org/videoscholarship.php

Previous wining videos can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/veg_videos.php

Review of La Tourangelle Truffle Oil

Posted on May 28, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the most recent issue of Vegan Journal, we reviewed La Tourangelle’s truffle oil including their Black Truffle Infused Oil and White Truffle Infused Oil. Read the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue2/2024_issue2_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only here: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Today is International Burger Day–Here’s Delicious Vegan Burger Recipes

Posted on May 28, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo by Zel Allen

Zel Allen wrote an excellent recipe piece on making your own veggie burgers and condiments at home in a previous issue of VRG’s Journal. She offers a wide variety of burgers including Mediterranean Portobello Burgers, Open Sesame Nut Burgers, Spiced Green Burgers, Nutty Buffalo Burgers, Whoppin’ Big Lentil Burgers, Moroccan Chickpea Burgers, Falafel Burgers, and Passionate Pecan Pecan Patties. Burger condiment recipes include Smoky Chipotle Mayonnaise, Creamy Avocado Sauce, Mediterranean Relish, Vegan Ranch Dressing, and Tangy Tahini Sauce. Enjoy!

To read the entire article, visit: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2016issue2/2016_issue2_veggie_burgers.php

To subscribe to Vegan Journal, visit: http://www.vrg.org/member/2013sv.php

Konscious California Roll

Posted on May 27, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Each issue of Vegan Journal includes reviews of products we especially like. We recently highlighted Konscious. They offer sushi that comes frozen and it is delicious! See the entire review here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue2/2024_issue2_veggie_bits.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only here: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Creative Grilling Ideas!

Posted on May 27, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Vegan Journal (formerly Vegetarian Journal) has ran two articles on vegan grilling that you might find helpful:

Gourmet Grilling by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD includes grilling tips as well as recipes for Grilled Eggplant, Mediterranean Grilled Portobellos with Pine Nuts, Curried Barbecue Tempeh, Roasted Pepper and Eggplant Dip, Pineapple Peach Salsa, Japanese-Style Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Sweet Peaches, and Roasted Corn. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/2002issue3/2002_issue3_gourmet.php

Nancy also wrote another article titled Outdoor Feast and it includes vegan recipes for the grill including Tofu and Potatoes Kebobs, Vietnamese “Beef” Salad, Lime and Chili “Steaks,” and Grilled Pineapple. See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2015issue2/2015_issue2_outdoor_feasts.php

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

WIC Program Updates: Do They Reflect Changes Supported by VRG?

Posted on May 24, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from USDA Food and Nutrition Service

By Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

The WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program serves millions of low-income  pregnant and post-partum people, infants, and children up to age 5 in the United States.  In November 2022, the Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA, which administers the WIC program on the federal level, published their proposed revisions to the WIC program in the Federal Register.  Interested parties were asked to submit comments on the proposed revisions. The Vegetarian Resource Group submitted comments on the proposed revisions with an eye to the need for foods included in the program to be acceptable to vegans and other vegetarians. The final updated revisions were published in April 2024.

How did we do? Did the changes made to the WIC program agree with the comments that VRG made? In many cases, they did. Let’s take a look at VRG’s comments compared to the new regulations.

VRG commented: We support the increase in the fruit and vegetable benefit. We also support an increase in the variety of fruits and vegetables that are available for WIC recipients to choose from.

The new regulations: Permanently increase the fruit and vegetable benefit so that the dollar amount of vouchers to purchase fruits and vegetables increases up to 4-fold. Require that WIC State agencies allow fresh and at least one other form (canned, frozen, dried) of fruits and vegetables.

VRG commented: We support the addition of more non-dairy substitution options for dairy milk, such as plant-based cheese and plant-based yogurt, provided they meet nutrient requirements. We support the addition of plant milks in addition to soymilk, provided they meet nutrient requirements, as options to replace dairy milk. We support the removal of restrictions on the amount of dairy milk that can be substituted.

The new regulations: Plant-based yogurt and plant-based cheese that meets requirements set by USDA for protein and calcium can be used in place of the entire allowance of dairy  milk. Plant-based milk that meets nutrient requirements can be used in place of the entire allowance of dairy milk.

VRG commented: We are concerned that few brands of tofu are currently on the market which meet the proposed requirement that tofu contain a minimum of 200 mg of calcium per 100 grams of tofu. We were only able to find one brand of tofu which met this requirement. We propose a modification of this requirement to better reflect the calcium content of currently available calcium-set products.

The new regulations: Reduce the amount of calcium required to be in tofu to 100 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams of tofu.

VRG commented: In the interest of health of vegans, we propose that non-dairy milks, cheese, and yogurt be fortified with vitamin B12.

The new regulations: No requirement was established for vitamin B12 to be added to plant-based cheese or yogurt. Plant-based milks must contain at least 1.1 microgram of vitamin B12 per cup.

VRG commented: We urge that children be able to receive soy products without “consultation with the participant’s health care provider, if necessary as established by State agency policy.”

The new regulations: Medical documentation generally cannot be required to provide a milk substitution option.

VRG commented: We support the use of an added sugar limit in place of a total sugar limit for yogurt and soy-based milk. Since flavored soymilks are available which contain little or no added sugar, we support the continued inclusion of both flavored and unflavored soymilk provided requirements for added sugars are met.

The new regulations: Limit added sugar in plant-based yogurt and plant-based milk. These products may be flavored or unflavored provided the limits on added sugars are met.

VRG commented: We propose that vegan options be provided in place of infant meat for infants age 6-11 months.

The new regulations: Reduce the amount of infant meat provided through the WIC program but do not allow for a vegan replacement for infant meat. The USDA stated that they appreciated suggestions such as tofu and legumes to replace infant meat but wanted to do additional study and will consider these comments in the future.

VRG commented: We support the proposed expansion of whole grain options to include foods like quinoa, teff, wild rice, millet, corn meal (including blue), and whole wheat naan, which support wider personal and cultural food preferences and can accommodate wheat allergies.

The new regulations: Expand whole grain options to include quinoa, wild rice, millet, triticale, amaranth, kamut, sorghum, wheat berries, tortillas made with folic acid-fortified corn masa flour, cornmeal, teff, and buckwheat. Whole wheat pita, English muffins, bagels, and naan were also added as whole grain options. In addition, WIC State agencies are allowed to authorize other whole grain options that meet WIC standards.

VRG commented: We support the proposed change to require State agencies to authorize canned legumes in addition to dried legumes. We propose adding frozen unflavored dried legumes to the list of authorized foods.

The new regulations: Require that both dried and canned legumes be authorized.

VRG commented: We support the proposed change which requires authorization by State agencies of peanut butter and legumes as substitutes for eggs.

The new regulations: Require states to allow peanut butter and legumes to substitute for eggs.

We would like to see vitamin B12 fortification required for plant-based cheeses and plant-based yogurts that replace dairy milk and to see non-meat options for infants and to have plain frozen legumes allowed in addition to canned and dried legumes. Still, many of our (and others) suggestions were incorporated in the final regulations, making them more vegan-friendly. In addition, even for those who are not 100% vegan, the number of plant-based options has increased.

The USDA received 17,731 comments on the proposed changes to the WIC program. Of these, 15,863 were form letters. There were 1,795 unique comments, of which 993 were deemed substantive. USDA states that importance was given to the substance or content of comments, rather than the number of times a comment was submitted. This is something to keep in mind when submitting comments on proposed regulations–try to be original rather than simply copying and submitting a form letter.

To read more about the WIC program see: The Vegetarian Resource Group Sent in Testimony on the Proposed Revision in the WIC Food Package (2023)

USDA Proposes Updates to the WIC Program (2022)

WIC Programs Offer Foods For Vegans (2020)

WIC Farmers Market Program (2020)

Revisions to the WIC Food Package Make Sense (2014)

Vegetarian Resource Group Vegan Networking Dinner During The Annual Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE)

Posted on May 24, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

Summer Pad Thai photo

Where: Sawatdee Thai Restaurant, Minneapolis, Minnesota

When: Sunday, October 6, 2024, 6 PM

Come meet dietitians from the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group as well as VRG members. The public is invited. You must preregister. You can pay at www.vrg.org/donate and write in the names of attendees and that this is for the Networking dinner.

BUFFET

Appetizers: Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Fried Tofu

Main Dishes:

Red Curry with Tofu

Summer Pad Thai

Combination Vegetable Dish with broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, napa, water chestnuts, tomatoes, and mock duck.

Plus: Brown Rice and White Rice and Coffee or tea and water

Dessert: Mango and Sticky Rice

Cost: $30 for VRG and Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group members before September 15, 2024. $35 for others. $20 for two to ten year olds. Other drinks can be purchased from the restaurant separately.

PLEASE PAY at www.vrg.org/donate and write in the Comments: Networking Dinner with the Attendee names.  Or call (410) 366-8343. Or mail payment to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. We look forward to seeing you there.

Vegan Restaurants Added to The Vegetarian Resource Group’s Guide to Veggie Restaurants in the USA and Canada

Posted on May 23, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

photo from Green Wok

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:

page for menu updates and specials. They sometimes offer live music in the evening.

Green Wok, 65 Bath St., Providence, RI 02908

They offer Signature Dishes which change weekly. Many selections are gluten-free and often offer your choice of steamed, pan fried, or deep fried. Some of their many Appetizers are Peking Ravioli–Carrot, cabbage, and woodear mushrooms wrapped in a thick dough, Vegetable Egg or Spring Rolls, kale-based Vegetable Potstickers, Mushroom or Dumpling Soups, Teriyaki Beef Strips, the popular Vegan Sweet Cream Cheese Fried Wonton, and more. There are all sorts of veggie-based Rice and Noodle dishes like Pineapple Fried Rice or mildly spicy Pad Thai Noodle with rice noodles, carrot, cabbage, onion, bean sprouts, and peanuts. Main Courses include General Tao’s Chicken—breaded Seiten with sweet, spicy General Tso’s sauce, Orange Tofu–breaded and firm in sweet, spicy orange sauce, Kung Pao Cauliflower–tempura-battered, mildly spiced, in Kung Pao sauce, Green Wok Noodle featuring chickpeas, corn, edamame, green cabbage, and onion, and Japanese Pickled Ginger “Beef” with green and red pepper and onion in Sweet & Sour Sauce, to note a few. To finish off your meal, there’s Sweet Red Bean Paste Sesame Balls.

Kraves Vegan Foods, 100 Freedom Pl. S., New York, NY 10069

Sample items include “Sweet Chili Bites with Veggie Fried Rice” (crispy soy protein doused in an Asian sweet chili sauce served with vegetable fried rice (corn, purple cabbage and green peas; add oyster mushrooms for an additional cost); “Empanadas” (pastry dough stuffed with soy-based beefless crumbles seasoned with Puerto Rican spices and olives served with housemade sauce); “Kraves Crunchwrap” (soy chorizo, beans, corn, avocado, and vegan cheese wrapped in a tortilla, with a crunchy tortilla inside); and “Oyster Mushroom Sandwich” (crispy fried oyster mushrooms on a toasted bun topped with house-made cheez sauce, tomatoes, pickles, and sprouts). They offer a side of French fries.

PB & J Bar, 1786 E. 3rd St., Williamsport, PA 17701

The PB&J Bar serves a variety of foods ranging from French toast and breakfast burritos to sandwiches and smoothies. Be sure to try their apple sweet potato pancakes for breakfast. These pancakes are topped with decadent sweetened apples. For lunch try the stuffed shells with mushroom, spinach, onion, and vegan cheese. To accompany your meal, try either the fresh pear citrus juice or tropical colada smoothie. The PB&J bar also serves many vegan treats like cupcakes and brownies. Be sure to ask about their weekly specials or check Facebook! Get ready for a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.

Planta Cocina, 1460 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20005

Of their several Sushi choices, two are: Spicy Tuna Hand Roll with ahi watermelon, avocado, and toasted coconut or Uunagi Eggplant Nigiri with miso truffle. Chilled, Raw selections include Pumpkin Seed Guacamole with pico de gallo, cilantro, and lime, or take jicama, preserved lemon, pistachio garlic dressing and wrap them all up in baby gem, (bite size lettuce similar to Romaine), and you have Handheld Caesar Cups. There are several Robata/Yakitori (grilled dishes) including Japanese Eggplant with cilantro, hot honey, salsa macha (spicy, nutty, and slightly tangy), or California Artichokes with pistachio remoulade (limited availability). Some Snack, Share, Savor options are Croquetas with mushroom bacon, cashew mozzarella, cilantro, and garlic aioli or Bang Bang Broccoli featuring sweet chili and peanut sauce. Among several Signature Dishes, a couple are Arroz Frito showcasing chorizo, peas, tempeh bacon, cilantro, and pico de gallo, Al Pastor Taco Bowl with cilantro lime rice, grilled pineapple, potato chorizo, avocado & chipotle crema… or Udon Noodles in truffle mushroom cream. Some Dessert choices are: Corn Blondie AKA Dulce de Leche with corn flake crumble, Tres Leches with passion fruit and vanilla buttercream, or Horchata Cheesecake graced with cinnamon sugar and peach compote.

Veganburg Hesperia, 12699 Main St. #130, Hesperia, CA 92344

Offers many different burger choices, such as their best seller “Smoky BBQ” (soy patty with smoky BBQ sauce and lettuce, tomato, vegan bacon, and onion rings in a warm, wholemeal bun) and “Shrooms Burg” (soy patty on lettuce with dairy-free cream sauce, button mushrooms, caramelized onion and zesty pepper on a wholemeal bun). Add-ons at an additional cost include avocado, and vegan bacon, cheese, or egg.  Sides include “Seaweed Fries,” “Sizzlin’ Broccoli,” and “Smoked Vegan Sausages.”

Veg.edible, 2740 N. 61st St., Omaha, NE 68104

This is a “woman-owned take out eatery” in the Benson section of Omaha. Everything is vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. Menu features several burgers and sandwiches, such as “BBQ Jackfruit” (griddled bun with BBQ sauce, creamy slaw, pickles, and hand-battered onion ring); all these are served with choice of fries or salad, or add a cup of soup. Salads and Bowls feature items such as “Buffalo Chick’n Salad” (leafy greens, carrots, cucumber, celery, chickpeas, Buffalo sauce, house ranch, shredded tofu chick’n, and scallions) and “BBQ Tofu Bowl” (white rice, black beans, lettuce, shredded tofu chick’n, carrots, pickles, chickpeas, pickled onion, shredded cheese, and BBQ sauce). Nachos and Tacos, including “Veg Head Nachos” (corn chips, queso, black beans, guacamole, lettuce, pickled onion, cilantro, lime, microgreens, plus a choice of shredded tofu chick’n, jackfruit, or Beyond meat, and choice of sauce of mild salsa, peach habanero salsa, avocado tomatillo salsa, or chipotle ranch). Soup and Sides include a daily soup and French fries. Several desserts include “Chocolate Lava Cake” (warm chocolate cake, hot fudge, scoop of coconut vanilla bean ice cream, and whipped cream). There is a separate kids’ menu, too.

Vita Sana, 19 Sharpe Dr., Cranston, RI 02920

Vita Sana is located in Raffa Yoga. Several smoothies include “Strawberry Basil Detox” (strawberry, fresh basil, goji berries, chia seeds, choice of milk). Toasts include “White Bean Hummus” (hummus, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sprouts, and balsamic vinegar) and “Avocado & Pesto” (lemony avocado, tomato, sprouts, with herby sunflower seed pesto). Meals include “Rainbow Veggie” (quinoa & green base atop tomato, carrot, corn, cucumber, edamame, and purple cabbage with a honey-lime vinaigrette, available as a salad or wrap) and “Edamame Dumplings” (edamame veggie dumplings with black garlic sesame sweet chili). Large variety of “Grab & Go” items including desserts and juices are available.

Nutrition Hotline: Vegan Diets and Risk of Hip Fracture

Posted on May 23, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

In the latest issue of Vegan Journal, Reed Mangels, PhD, RD, answers the question: I’ve seen headlines about vegan diets and hip fracture risk. Should I be concerned? See: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue1/2024_issue1_nutrition_hotline.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only here: https://www.vrg.org/member/

Carbon Footprints vs. Water Footprints

Posted on May 22, 2024 by The VRG Blog Editor

If you’re vegan for the environment, should water footprints or carbon footprints of food matter more to you? VRG’s Research Director responds to this question question here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2024issue2/2024_issue2_note_research.php

Subscribe to Vegan Journal in the USA only here: https://www.vrg.org/member/

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