If you’re all about juicy, refreshing fruit, now’s your moment, because peach season is here. Time to whip up everything from cobbler to homemade popsicles. Need some inspiration? We’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to the best peach recipes for summer.
More of a watermelon fan? We’ve rounded up the tastiest topping ideas, too. Sure, watermelon is great on its own, but add dairy-free feta or a sprinkle of chili, and it’s a whole new level.
And while you’re snacking on your summer favorites, we’ve got the perfect reading material. Catch up on the biggest vegan news of the week below—from vegan crab burgers and Ikea’s vegan bacon hot dogs to spicy mayo and more.
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s protein bar brand launches first vegan flavors
Mosh, the protein bar brand founded by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, has launched its first-ever vegan products. The new protein bars come in three flavors: Hazelnut Chocolate Chip, Peanut Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate Chip Cookie.
All contain Cognizin Citicoline, a patented form of citicoline, a naturally occurring compound that plays a crucial role in brain health. Up until now, all of Mosh’s products have been formulated with whey. “We’ve always believed brain health nutrition should be for everyone,” said Schwarzenegger in a statement. “These vegan bars aren’t about replacing what we have—they’re about inclusion. Now people who couldn’t try Mosh before can experience what we’re all about, and our loyal customers get even more delicious choices.”
Pecana
Pecana is the first organic pecan milk on the market
Texan pecan milk brand Pecana has received an official organic certification, making it the first organic pecan milk brand on the market. “Going organic has always been part of the vision since day one,” founder Kortney Chase said in a statement. “Developing Pecana has been a deeply personal journey for me as I discovered my own health needs and what works for me. So it’s an amazing thing to now be able to share it with the world. Pecana Organic is a true reflection of my roots, values and commitment to offering something truly pure and purposeful.”
Pecana is currently available in more than 400 stores across the US, including H-E-B, Erewhon, select Albertsons locations, and Whole Foods in the Southwest.
Mind Blown and Plnt Burger team again on vegan crab burger
Vegan fast-food chain Plnt Burger has teamed up with vegan seafood brand Mind Blown to offer its beloved crab-free burger, The Happy Crabby Sandwich, for the third time across its 13 locations.
The new menu item, launched in honor of World Ocean Month, will be available until September 1. “What started as a seasonal special has become a true celebration of flavor, sustainability, and the power of partnership,” Mind Blown CEO Monica Talbert said in a statement. “There’s no better way to honor World Ocean Month than by offering something delicious that makes a real impact.” Mind Blown has an ongoing partnership with the Coral Restoration Foundation.
Viva! is giving out free vegan burgers in the UK
In a bid to encourage more Brits to reduce their meat consumption, animal rights charity Viva! will be giving out free vegan burgers in cities across the UK throughout June. The new campaign, called the Halfway Heroes Tour, will visit Bristol, Bath, Leeds, Manchester, and Oxford to give out 300 free burgers.
“This is a campaign about action, not perfection,” reads a statement from Viva! “It’s about helping people take that all-important first step: swapping out meat and dairy for delicious, planet-friendly plant-based options. It’s for the climate-conscious but not-yet-vegan, the curious but overwhelmed. And it’s here to show that every bite counts.”
The Chicago Diner
Chicago named the most vegan-friendly city in the US
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Chicago is the most vegan-friendly city in the US. “The Windy City has blown away the competition, nabbing the top spot on the list with its plethora of plant-powered choices,” the animal rights organization stated, highlighting plant-based eateries like Kale My Name, Buona, and The Chicago Diner. Philadelphia, PA came second on the list, while Washington, DC nabbed third place.
Ikea now offers hot dogs topped with vegan bacon
Ikea’s UK customers can now order its Plant Dogs with a Korean Style Topping, which features La Vie vegan bacon, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce. The best part? The topping option is less than $1.50. “It’s officially the cheapest way to try La Vie,” La Vie posted on Instagram. “And the only time you’ll say ‘mmmmmmm’ while assembling something with bits.”
Doritos’ new Korean BBQ flavor is vegan
Doritos has a handful of flavors that are free of non-vegan ingredients, like Spicy Sweet Chili and Salsa Verde, and per Big Box Vegan, a new flavor has joined the pack: Korean BBQ. Want to sample it for yourself? You can find it in Walmart stores right now.
Planted
Planted launches new vegan steak bites
Swiss brand Planted has launched its new vegan steak bites in Coop stores across Switzerland. Made via fermentation, the bites are umami-rich, juicy, meaty, and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamin B12. Planted describes the new product as “a delicious, ready-to-eat innovation designed to make plant-based eating easier, more flavorful, and endlessly inspiring.”
Cadence to host Juneteenth celebrations
In honor of Juneteenth, Cadence is hosting a special six-course dinner featuring dishes like fried pickled okra, summer Cobb salad, and barbecue maitake skewers. Part of Cadence’s exclusive Dinner Club series, the event will be curated by Chef Haley Duren and promises an “intimate evening of culinary storytelling, culture, and community.” Find out more and reserve your seat here.
The Kraft Heinz Not Company launches new vegan chipotle mayo
We recently reported that the Kraft Heinz Not Company had launched Kraft NotMac & Cheese Cups in retailers, but that’s not the only new product to come out of this innovative joint venture. Kraft and NotCo have also developed NotMayo Chipotle Squeeze for spicy mayo-lovers across the US. “The Kraft Heinz Not Company, the joint venture which aims to create mouthwatering, plant-based foods for all, is delivering all three with [these] new launches,” reads a press release.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
