Earlier this week, the MTV VMAs brought unforgettable performances, standout fashion moments, and plenty of memorable speeches. One highlight came from Ariana Grande, the singer, actor, and longtime advocate for vegan living, who also stars in the upcoming Wicked sequel hitting theaters later this year. In honor of the film, Van Leeuwen has whipped up a special dairy-free flavor inspired by the movie and its vegan leads.
Read on for the scoop on this wickedly good ice cream, plus more plant-based news, including pumpkin-packed treats, vegan raw tuna poke bowls, game-day hot dogs, and more.
Van Leeuwen
Nationwide ice cream shop Van Leeuwen teams up with ‘Wicked’ to launch vegan strawberry matcha ice cream
It’s almost time for Wicked: For Good to hit theaters, but fans will have to wait just a little longer, as the highly anticipated sequel is due to arrive on November 21. In the meantime, you can get into the witchy spirit with Van Leeuwen’s new Wicked-themed treat: a green-and-pink strawberry matcha ice cream. Fittingly named Defying Gravi-Tea (see what they did there?), the flavor is dairy-free in honor of stars Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both of whom are vegan.
Cinnaholic
Cinnaholic launches new vegan pumpkin spice roll and pumpkin bread for fall
With more than 70 locations across North America, Cinnaholic is a go-to spot for a quick, satisfying treat. But the best part is, the entire menu is 100 percent plant-based. This fall, the bakery is rolling out seasonal specials like the Pumpkin Spice Roll, topped with pumpkin spice frosting, homemade pumpkin bread, a cinnadoodle cookie bite, and pumpkin spice drizzle. You can also grab a freshly baked, one-pound loaf of pumpkin bread, or mix and match toppings to create your own custom pumpkin-inspired indulgence.
Impact Food
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Vegan raw tuna now available at popular poke chain
Washington state poke chain Just Poke has teamed up with women-led food tech brand Impact Food to bring plant-based raw tuna, dubbed Impact Tuna, to its menu. Customers can add the new protein to any bowl, including the vegetarian crispy tofu bowl, or swap it in for animal-based options. “With Just Poke, we can make sustainable choices that are still authentic, nostalgic, and delicious,” Stephanie Claudino Daffara, COO of Impact Food, said in a statement.
The Dallas Cowboys bring back vegan chili dogs and dairy-free nachos for the 2025 football season
Heading to Arlington, TX to catch the Dallas Cowboys (and their world-famous cheerleaders) in action this season? Good news: AT&T Stadium is once again serving up plenty of vegan options. First introduced in 2021, the Plant-Based Touchdown menu has been a fan favorite, and this year it’s back. Highlights include game day staples like vegan hot dogs and nachos alongside fresh greens and herbs grown through Paul Quinn College’s hydroponics system in Dallas. “Our Plant-Based Touchdown is always successful each season, and we are thrilled to bring back favorite offerings: our Vegan Ultimate Nachos and our Vegan Hot Dog/Chili Dog,” said George Wasai, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Legends at AT&T Stadium.
Forks Over Knives launches new frozen, whole-food plant-based meals
Forks Over Knives has launched a new line of frozen, whole-food, plant-based meals, created to make healthy eating more convenient for busy lifestyles. The lineup includes options like tofu saag, penne bolognese, fajita burrito bowl, cauliflower tinga, and Cheezy Mac ‘n Greens—all designed to be high in fiber and protein while low in fat.
Novameat
Plant-based pulled lamb coming to foodservice
Spanish food tech brand Novameat has unveiled two new plant-based meats for the foodservice market: Pulled Lamb Style and Pulled Pork Style. The lamb variety is being hailed as a “pioneering” innovation, given the challenge of replicating lamb’s distinct flavor and texture. “By expanding our Pulled category with two new, less common plant-based meats, we are providing a toolkit for chefs to explore a lot further than before,” said Giuseppe Scionti, founder and CEO of Novameat. “These products are a testament to our commitment to relentless innovation and a promise that the plant-based future doesn’t have to compromise on taste, texture, or culinary experience.” Both products will also be available to manufacturers and distributors.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
