If Japan is on your travel bucket list, you’re in good company. Every year, millions of visitors flock to the island nation for its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned food scene—including an abundance of exceptional plant-based dishes. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply traveling vicariously, our editor’s account of eating their way across Japan is well worth a read. Fresh mochi, chewy soba, matcha tiramisu? Count us in.
But before you start planning your getaway, let’s get into this week’s food news. With one exception, all of these launches are happening in the US, so there’s no need to book a flight to get a taste of what’s new.
Daiya’s new cheesecake bites are available in three flavors. | Daiya
Daiya is launching chocolate-dipped cheesecake bites
We recently reported that Daiya’s new vegan taco-shaped mac and cheese had hit shelves, but it turns out the popular dairy-free brand had even more exciting news in store. Daiya has unveiled creamy oat milk cheesecake bites in three flavors: Original, Strawberry, and Chocolate. Each 100-calorie serving is designed to deliver “dessert indulgence without the discomfort,” according to the brand. For now, the bites are only listed on Daiya’s website, but keep an eye out for updates on retail availability coming soon.
Subway has a new smoky, sweet vegan option, but it’s not in the US (yet). | Subway
Subway has a new vegan option, but there’s a catch
Subway has stepped up its vegan offerings for the summer with the launch of its new BBQ Pulled Plant Sub. The limited-time sandwich is a vegan-friendly take on the chain’s slow-cooked BBQ Pulled Pork Sub, featuring plant-based protein coated in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. There’s just one catch: the new sub is currently available only at Subway locations across the UK. Will it make its way to the US next? We can only hope.
Dotcake has been going viral, thanks to New York bakery The Dotcakes. | Eight Forest Lane
This popular bakery is making the viral dot cake for vegans and gluten-free eaters
If you have a sweet tooth and spend any time online, chances are you’ve already come across dot cakes. Created by New York bakery The Dotcakes, the viral treats feature layers of vanilla sponge and buttercream covered in a colorful coating of hundreds and thousands. Now, West Coast fans can get in on the trend, too. Erin McKenna’s Bakery in the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, is serving up its own vegan take on the viral dessert. The colorful cakes are also gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher—and they’re proving so popular that they’ve been flying off the shelves.
Don’t live in LA? Consider whipping up your own from home with this dairy-free recipe from Eight Forest Lane.
Tom Holland’s new line of shandies was designed for Zendaya. | Bero
Tom Holland is launching vegan shandies
Tom Holland’s popular alcohol-free brand, Bero, is branching out with the launch of a new line of shandies. The refreshing beer cocktails are made with 30 percent of the brand’s Kingston Golden Pils and 70 percent lemonade, and come in four flavors: Daybreak Lemon Lime, Golden Hour Grapefruit, Sunset Elderflower, and Midnight Blackberry Yuzu.
According to Holland, the idea was inspired by his partner, Zendaya.
“She’s never been a beer drinker, so I wanted to bring something new to the table that she could enjoy,” he said. “I’ve always loved shandies, so exploring that style with BERO felt like the perfect next step.”
The limited-edition shandies are available now through Bero’s website for Club Bero members and will be released to the general public on June 8. They’ll also hit Target stores on June 14, with a broader retail rollout planned afterward.
Purple Carrot’s new meal kits are perfect for the summer months. | Purple Carrot
How to get vegan kimchi and New York City street dogs this summer
Purple Carrot and Better Balance Foods are teaming up just in time for summer with two new vegan hot dog meal kits: Kimchi Dogs and NY Street Dogs. Both recipes feature Better Balance’s smoky, umami-rich hot dogs, made with pea protein and avocado oil, and come with all the ingredients needed to prepare a quick and satisfying meal at home.
For those who want to keep the cookouts going, Purple Carrot is also stocking Better Balance hot dogs in its grocery section.
Elavi’s high-protein brownies pack in 10 grams of protein per serving. | Elavi
High-protein vegan brownies launching at Whole Foods Market nationwide
Elavi’s high-protein vegan brownies are reaching even more shoppers with a nationwide expansion at Whole Foods Market. After launching its chocolate, date-sweetened fudgy brownies in Southern Pacific stores last year, the brand saw such strong demand that Whole Foods is now rolling them out across the country.
The nationwide expansion also includes Elavi’s high-protein Peanut Brownies, alongside a brand-new Blueberry Muffin Blondie, giving shoppers even more plant-based, protein-packed treats to choose from.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
