The Fourth of July may be behind us, but the celebrations don’t have to end just yet. Why not keep the party going with National Hot Dog Day? It falls on the third Wednesday of July, which this year is July 16, and it’s the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and gather your friends for a cookout. Need some plant-based inspiration? We’ve got you covered with our guide to the tastiest vegan hot dogs on the market.
Not a fan of hot dogs? No problem. Maybe great deals are more your thing. It’s not too late to score some Amazon Prime Day bargains. We’ve rounded up our top picks for food, kitchen appliances, cookbooks, and cookware.
Just here for the latest vegan news? We’ve got plenty of that, too. Keep reading for updates on everything from vegan octopus and plant-based salmon to Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill’s exciting new menu.
PLNT Burger
PLNT Burger launches two limited-edition vegan hot dogs for National Hot Dog Day
In celebration of National Hot Dog Day, PLNT Burger is launching two limited-edition hot dogs. The vegan fast-food chain, which has 13 locations across Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, is offering the classic Home Dog (topped with ketchup and mustard) and the Chili Dog (loaded with chili, vegan cheese sauce, and chives).
Revo Foods brings back vegan octopus
Revo Foods is bringing back The Kraken, a vegan octopus alternative made from mycoprotein, complete with “hyper-realistic” tentacles and suckers. The Kraken was first launched in March 2024, but sold out within 48 hours. Now, in response to demand on social media, it’s coming back. Initially, the vegan octopus product will be available directly from Revo Foods, as well as select stores across Austria and Germany.
“The Kraken is visually iconic—a truly creative product that brings a new angle to plant-based foods,” Niccolo Galizzi, Head of Food Tech at Revo Foods, said in a statement. “The Kraken doesn’t take itself too serious—a perfect product to spark debate at a family dinner.”
Catalina Crunch’s protein granola launches at grocery stores across the US
Catalina Crunch’s protein granola is hitting shelves nationwide in three tasty flavors: vanilla almond, peanut butter, and honey cashew (which is actually honey-free). Starting July 15, you can find it at Target, Sprouts, and Walmart locations across the US.
Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill
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Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill launch new “All American” menu with whole-cut Beyond Steak
Vegan chains Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill, which merged in 2024, are rolling out a unified “All American” menu across all 20 locations nationwide. The new menu features comforting fast-food classics alongside protein-packed whole food options, and will feature exciting products like Beyond Meat’s new Whole Cut Beyond Steak Filet, Yo! Egg’s vegan egg, and Oshi’s plant-based salmon. This launch marks the first step in the brand’s integration. Soon, all locations will operate under the new name: Next Level Veggie Grill.
“Our new All American menu brings the best of these powerhouse vegan restaurants together on one menu to satisfy any craving, from burgers and fries to bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and even steaks,” said Next Level CEO and co-founder Matt de Gruyter in a statement. “We’ve listened to our guests and we’re taking fast casual to the next level.”
Malk Organics launches shelf-stable vegan milk with just four ingredients
Malk Organics has launched new vanilla almond milk in Whole Foods Markets and on Amazon. The new shelf-stable milk is made with just four ingredients: filtered water, organic almonds, organic vanilla extract, and Himalayan pink salt. Malk Organics specializes in minimally processed plant-based milk products. Its unsweetened almond variety is made with just three ingredients, while its chocolate almond is made with five.
Fast-food chain Betty’s Burgers partners with Australian plant-based meat company
Australian fast-food chain Betty’s Burgers, which currently operates 60 locations nationwide, has partnered with Aussie Plant Based Co to expand its plant-based menu offerings. Although the company entered liquidation last year, it has since re-emerged in Australia with its Love Buds brand. In addition to the Betty’s Burgers partnership, Love Buds products are also launching in Coles supermarkets.
Oshi
Oshi salmon will soon be available nationwide
Oshi’s vegan salmon is one of the standout additions on Veggie Grill and Next Level Burger’s new All American menu, but its momentum doesn’t stop there. The innovative plant-based seafood brand has partnered with leading US food distribution company Sysco, a move that will significantly expand its reach within the foodservice industry. Through this partnership, Oshi aims to bring its sustainable, fish-free salmon to more restaurants, campuses, and institutions across the country.
Alpro launches new line of vegan milk and yogurt for kids
Alpro has introduced Alpro Kids, a new line of vegan milk and yogurt products created specifically for children. Fortified with essential nutrients, the range contains 30 percent less sugar than similar products currently on the market, according to the brand. “Parents face the challenge of finding foods that are both nutritious and appealing,” said Tom Kerr of Danone, Alpro’s parent company. “Our new Alpro Kids range addresses this dilemma by offering genuinely delicious plant-based options that kids love.” The new products are now available at Asda in the UK, with launches at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose coming soon.
British movie theater giant adds vegan hot dog to menu
UK movie theater chain Odeon Cinemas, which has 120 locations, has added vegan hot dogs to select menus across the country. “Introducing The Plant Dog, our 100 percent plant-based hot dog by Moving Mountains, smoked on beech wood chips for that bold, smoky flavour,” the chain recently posted on social media. “It’s big on taste, not meat.”
Tofurky launches new carne asada steak bites
Tofurky has launched two new Steak Bite products in bold, flavorful varieties: carne asada and teriyaki. According to the Instagram account Big Box Vegan, the new plant-based bites have recently been spotted on shelves at Hy-Vee stores.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
