It’s been a big week in food news. Reese’s Pieces just underwent a major ingredient overhaul and are now completely dairy-free. But there’s a catch: due to the use of shellac, the candy still isn’t vegan. (Curious why Reese’s is using bugs in its products? You can read more about that here.)
The good news? There are plenty of new treats that are 100 percent vegan. Think candy corn–flavored creamer, apple pie Oreos, and pourable vegan eggs. Get the full scoop on these launches, and much more, below.
Apple Pie a la Mode Oreos are here
Oreo never fails to deliver on fun, vegan-friendly flavors. Just recently, for example, the beloved cookie brand teamed up with Selena Gomez on a new horchata-inspired flavor. Now, just in time for fall, the brand has released Apple Pie a la Mode, a limited-edition flavor that features the brand’s vanilla cookies, vanilla ice cream-flavored creme, and apple pie flavoring. According to Oreo, it’s a “delightful combination of a classic American dessert and milk’s favorite sandwich cookie.”
Doritos launches vegan-friendly Sweet Chili Minis in honor of ‘Stranger Things’
Most Doritos flavors aren’t vegan, but one you can always count on is Spicy Sweet Chili. Now, to mark the upcoming fifth and final season of Stranger Things, the brand is introducing a Minis version of the fan-favorite flavor. Just like regular Doritos, but bite-sized and packaged in a Pringles-style can, these limited-edition Spicy Sweet Chilis also come in a glow-in-the-dark container.
Candy corn vegan creamer is on the shelves
Have you tried Nutpods’ candy corn creamer yet? The new special edition flavor, made with almond milk, coconut milk, and cane sugar, hit the shelves last month, but it’s especially suited to fall, of course. In fact, the flavor is described as “a sweet and creamy nod to your favorite Halloween candy.” Other seasonal creamer flavors from Nutpods include sugar-free Pumpkin Pie Zero and pumpkin spice.
Donna Jean
Los Angeles vegan restaurant to be featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
Food Network’s hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has spotlighted several vegan restaurants over the years, including San Diego’s Kindred, Nashville’s Graze, and others. On August 22, another plant-based spot is joining the lineup: Donna Jean, a vegan Italian restaurant in Sherman Oaks, CA. Viewers will see host Guy Fieri stop by to sample the menu. “We’ve been dying to share the news,” the restaurant shared on Instagram last week. “What a ride it was having Guy Fieri at the Sherman Oaks restaurant!”
Free Good Planet Foods vegan cheese coming to multiple states
Vegan cheese lovers, rejoice: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is hitting the road with 50,000 free samples of Good Planet Foods’ vegan pepperjack cheese. The animal rights group kicked off its giveaway tour in Denver, CO, and will make stops in cities including Boulder, CO; Philadelphia, PA; and Rochester, NY. “We’re spreading compassion—and tasty snacks—one bite at a time,” PETA said in a statement.
Mr. Charlie’s is franchising
Mr. Charlie’s is striving for US domination. The vegan fast-food chain, known for its Mr. Frowny Meals and Mr. Chuck burgers, currently has two spots in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco, but now it’s franchising. “Anyone, anywhere in the country, can now open their own Mr.Charlie’s and be part of this movement,” the chain shared on Instagram. “This is a call to build with us, to create real partnerships with humans who care about community, compassion, and the future of our planet.”
Crackd
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British plant-based egg brand Crackd now available in stores across Chicago and Texas
As the conventional egg industry grapples with bird flu outbreaks and volatile prices, the plant-based egg market is on the rise and projected to reach $1 billion by 2028. Eat Just may be the most recognizable name in the space, but British brand Crackd is ready to challenge for the crown. Made with pea protein, Crackd’s No-Egg Egg liquid replacer is designed for everything from omelets to pancakes. The product has already landed on shelves at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Tom Thumb, and Randalls across Chicago and Texas.
“We are excited to bring Crackd to US consumers, especially as they navigate the wildly fluctuating availability and pricing of animal eggs,” Jonathan Traub, President of Plant Heads Inc. US (the owner of Crackd), said in a statement. “When they try Crackd, consumers will find superior taste and texture in a healthier, all-natural, freezable, microwaveable version of America’s breakfast staple.”
The Better Meat Co. raises $31 million for mycelium meat
Sacramento, CA-based food tech company The Better Meat Co. has secured $31 million in Series A funding to scale and commercialize its patented Rhiza mycoprotein. Made from mycelium, the versatile protein can be used in a variety of plant-based meats and other alternative protein products. “We’ve invented and patented our tech, received regulatory approval, scaled to a demonstration plant, and proven demand exists for Rhiza mycoprotein,” CEO Paul Shapiro said in a statement. “It’s now time to fully commercialize and introduce our new crop—one that can help the protein industry cut costs, boost nutrition, and dramatically reduce its footprint.”
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
