This week, McDonald’s introduced a new veggie burger, but once again, not in the US. The McVeggie just launched in Canada, and with a few simple tweaks, it can easily be made vegan. That’s great news for Canadian fast-food fans (and unlike the US, the fries there are vegan, too!).
While we’re still waiting for McDonald’s to roll out a plant-based option stateside, there’s no shortage of exciting launches elsewhere. From new dairy-free desserts at Trader Joe’s to plant-based balls at IKEA, and even chocolate crafted with carbon-based vegan butter, there’s plenty to keep our taste buds happy. Keep reading for all the details.
Trader Joe’s unveils new desserts, including an Italian classic made vegan
Trader Joe’s has long been a go-to spot for vegan sweet treats, offering everything from dairy-free ice pops and frozen dessert sandwiches to oat chocolate bars and dark chocolate butter cups. Now, the chain is taking its dessert section to the next level with the launch of two new dairy-free options. The first is a vegan vanilla coconut milk ice cream, available now. The second is a dairy-free spin on the classic Italian affogato (espresso poured over ice cream), which is expected to arrive in late November.
Step aside veggie balls, IKEA rolls out new plant-based option across the US
It’s been four decades since IKEA first introduced its now-iconic meatballs. To celebrate the milestone, the Swedish retailer is adding a new option to the lineup—this time, made with falafel. The falafel balls are crafted from chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and spices, and will be served on a Middle Eastern–inspired platter with couscous, aioli, and lemon at IKEA locations across the US. This isn’t IKEA’s first foray into plant-based alternatives; the chain also offers Veggie Balls (also made with chickpeas and vegetables) and its meaty Plant Balls.
“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,” said Daniel Yngvesson, Global Food Designer at IKEA.
Former ‘Top Chef’ contestant is bringing vegan taco delivery to these cities
Former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn has unveiled a new delivery-only restaurant concept: Knockout T@KO. Available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub, and the Tako app, the digital taqueria serves up meaty plant-based tacos made with Beyond Steak, alongside taco bowls, taquitos, and burritos. Currently, Knockout T@KO is operating in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and the DMV area (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC). The platform also offers catering, with orders available for pickup at Whole Foods Market locations or through local pickup partners.
“T@KO is a delicious taqueria concept specifically designed for the age of online ordering,” said Mendelsohn. “Rooted from craving more veggies in my life, tortillas presented themselves as the best vessel to hammer home deliciousness.”
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Babybel celebrates the final season of ‘Stranger Things’ with new spicy ‘Hellfire’ vegan cheese
The highly anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things is set to hit Netflix this November, and Babybel thinks the best way to celebrate is with a little heat. The Bel Group–owned brand has just launched Babybel Hellfire, a plant-based cheese infused with chili, inspired by the Hellfire Club (the series’ Dungeons & Dragons crew). For now, the spicy new snack is available exclusively at UK retailers.
Savor
Handcrafted chocolate made with carbon-based vegan butter debuts … and promptly sells out
The world’s first handcrafted chocolate bonbons made with Savor’s carbon-based vegan butter have officially debuted—and they’re already a hit. Launched at a special event in San Francisco, the chocolates were sold through French patisserie and boutique ONE65, where they sold out within just a few hours, drawing hundreds of eager customers. Now, fans nationwide can get a taste for themselves: Savor’s bonbons are available online in three flavors: Butter Ganache Dark Chocolate, Earl Grey Milk Chocolate, and Raspberry Dark Chocolate.
This coffee chain is the latest to drop the vegan milk surcharge
The last few years have seen a wave of coffee shops ditch their dairy-free milk charges, from Starbucks to Peet’s. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the latest to join the club is PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, which has around 200 locations across the US.
“PJ’s Coffee’s kind move is a win for cows, the planet, and conscientious consumers, who can now make animal- and eco-friendly choices without paying extra,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a statement. “Change is percolating in the coffee business, and PETA is calling on the few remaining holdouts, including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, to get on board with the new industry standard.”
Add this protein chocolate shake to your Costco shopping list
If the idea of hitting your protein goals while sipping on a chocolate shake sounds appealing, then we have good news: Ka’Chava’s best-selling, plant-based Chocolate Whole Body Meal Shake has just landed at Costco stores. Each shake contains 25 grams of protein, as well as fiber, probiotics, and adaptogens.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
