Got the January blues? You’re not alone. The weather is gloomy, the evenings are dark, and the festivities are firmly behind us—we’re all in the same boat. But January isn’t all bad.
Thanks to Veganuary, it’s also the time of year when a wave of exciting plant-based treats hits menus and shelves. There is light in the darkness after all. Read on to discover some of the most exciting vegan launches this month—and don’t forget to check out our guide to the best restaurant deals for Veganuary 2026, too.
Salt & Straw’s new Black Forest ice cream cake is one of the chain’s latest vegan launches. | Salt & Straw
You can now get a vegan ice cream cake from this national chain—or have it delivered
Salt & Straw is embracing Veganuary in delicious fashion. The beloved ice cream chain has launched a new vegan, gluten-free Black Forest ice cream cake made with chocolate cake, Cocojune coconut frozen yogurt, tart cherry jam, and crystallized cacao nibs.
And that’s just the beginning. Salt & Straw has also unveiled its new Vegandulgence series for January, featuring dairy-free flavors like peanut butter brittle caramel fudge, bananas foster with candied pecans, chocolate pistachio milk and cookies, Death by Chocolate Chocolate Cake, and Blood Orange Froyo Creamsicle.
Mouth watering yet? Ours definitely is.
Peet’s Coffee hops on the pistachio trend with its new pistachio milk drinks. | Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s debuts first-ever pistachio milk beverages
Peet’s Coffee isn’t one to be left behind. The popular coffee chain has introduced several new dairy-free offerings for January, including two seasonal lattes made with Táche pistachio milk: pistachio rose and pistachio matcha. The launch also marks Táche’s first partnership with a coffee chain.
“Táche was created to show what’s possible when you start with real pistachios and refuse to compromise on flavor,” Roxana Saidi, founder and CEO of Táche, said in a statement. “Peet’s shares that same commitment to craftsmanship, which made this partnership feel natural from the start.”
“Our pistachio beverages are rich and nuanced, balanced, and crafted without shortcuts — designed to elevate everyday coffee and matcha rituals without overcomplicating them.”
Falafel joins the plant-based lineup at Ikea. | Ikea
Ikea rolls out new plant-based menu option across the US
Eyeing up some Ikea furniture? Here’s an argument for venturing in-store rather than ordering online: falafel balls. The menu option was first announced in September, but, according to Ikea, it is now officially on all of its restaurant menus across the US. The falafel is made with chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and spices, and is served with couscous, aioli, and a lemon wedge.
“Following the many different meatball variations introduced over the years, once we started testing recipes, we felt the falafel would be the perfect addition to the menu,” said Daniel Yngvesson, Global Food Designer at Ikea. “The falafel has become a staple in Swedish food culture over the years, and the aromatic and nutty flavor is a beloved favorite all over the world. It’s also an exciting new flavor profile for Ikea.”
Caribou Coffee is the latest chain to drop it’s vegan milk surcharge. | Caribou Coffee
Another coffee shop has officially eliminated its surcharge for plant-based milk
Charging extra for dairy-free milk? That’s so 2010s. Caribou Coffee has become the seventh major coffee chain in the US to eliminate its upcharge for vegan milk options. Customers can now order a dairy-free latte without an additional cost at any of the brand’s nearly 800 locations across the country.
The move has earned Caribou praise from animal rights advocates. “Caribou is helping set a new industry standard for kindness and inclusivity,” said Jennifer Behr, director of plant-based initiatives at Mercy For Animals, which worked with Caribou to make the change. She added that coffee chains who still upcharge for vegan milk are now looking “increasingly out of step with consumer expectations.”
Voodoo Doughnut celebrates Veganuary with a new plant-based treat. | Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut unveils a new vegan doughnut
New year, new vegan doughnut. Voodoo Doughnut has debuted a brand-new limited-edition dairy-free treat for January: the Vegan Rock ’n’ Roll Doughnut. The indulgent creation is filled with banana cream, coated in peanut butter and chocolate frosting, and topped with vegan bacon bits and a crunchy banana chip. And here’s the sweet bonus: order a vegan dozen by January 31 and you’ll score a free Vegan Rock ’n’ Roll Doughnut with your purchase.
Little Moon Bakeshop’s Asian afternoon tea service promises an indulgent spread of vegan pastries. | Little Moon Bakeshop
San Francisco landmark hosts first vegan Asian high tea pop-up series
San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building will host a vegan Asian afternoon tea in February 2026 in celebration of Lunar New Year. The event marks the fourth afternoon tea hosted by Bay Area favorite Little Moon Bakeshop and the second at the Ferry Building. Guests can expect a thoughtfully curated spread of sweet and savory pastries alongside, of course, plenty of tea.
If that sounds like your cup of tea (not sorry), you can find details on how to reserve your ticket here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
