The top of January is closing in, which implies it’s formally time to begin excited about spring. Sorry, February, however we’ve obtained our eyes firmly set on lighter days and hotter evenings (we’ll make an exception for the day of affection, although—test out our favourite heart-shaped chocolate cake recipe right here).
In case you’re additionally waiting for the change of season, Salt & Straw is following its Vegandulgence collection with a brand-new soda shop-inspired taste for February. Under, we’ve obtained a number of of the main points you possibly can anticipate. Plus, there’s information of one more new vegan taste from Salt & Straw, a giant replace on plant-based shrimp, and a serious announcement from Amy’s Kitchen.
Salt & Straw is following up its Vegandulgence collection with a brand new, soda-inspired vegan taste. | Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw simply introduced a brand new vegan taste
Salt & Straw isn’t one to stint on vegan choices, and for that, we’re grateful. Earlier this month, the favored ice cream chain debuted a dairy-free, gluten-free Black Forest ice cream cake, together with its limited-edition Vegandulgence collection for January.
Now, it’s introduced that one other plant-based deal with is coming on the finish of January: the Cocoa Nib Root Beer Float. The sorbet, a part of The Chocolatiers Collection, is made with indulgent darkish chocolate from San Francisco-based model Dandelion Chocolate. We will’t wait to dig in.
Bayou Greatest Meals’ vegan shrimp could possibly be coming to an eatery new you. | Bayou Greatest Meals
The following nationwide cafeteria possibility: vegan shrimp
For some time, the plant-based protein market was closely targeted on burgers and nuggets—however now, it’s seafood’s flip. By 2031, the plant-based seafood market is anticipated to achieve a price of $1.3 billion, in line with stories. In case you’re craving plant-based shrimp, Bayou Greatest Meals is poised to widen the vegan meat’s availability. The vegan seafood model specializing in pea protein shrimp has partnered with Sysco, US Meals, and Efficiency Meals Group (PFG)—nationwide foodservice distributors that service venues like impartial and chain eating places, hospitals, faculties and universities, inns, casinos, company cafeterias, sports activities stadiums, conference facilities, and comfort shops.
“Nationwide availability is a serious milestone for Bayou Greatest Meals,” Kelli Wilson, Bayou Greatest Meals’ CEO, mentioned in an announcement. “By partnering with the distributors cooks already depend on, we’re making it simpler than ever to supply plant-based shrimp that cooks, tastes, and satisfies identical to ocean shrimp.”
Mr. Charlie’s first San Diego location will maintain its grand opening on February 7. | Mr. Charlie’s
Los Angeles’ ‘Vegan McDonald’s’ opens in San Diego
Viral vegan fast-food restaurant Mr. Charlie’s has formally opened its first location in San Diego, CA. That includes a menu of plant-based McDonald’s dupes (just like the Huge Mac facsimile Mr. Chuck, “Not Hen Nuggets,” and breakfast egg muffin sandwiches), the chain is now open with restricted hours for a smooth launch earlier than a grand opening on Febuary 7.
The brand new location marks Mr. Charlie’s fourth location (and its first franchise location), following two in Los Angeles, one in San Francisco, and worldwide outpost in Sydney, Australia. The model says a second San Diego location is up subsequent, adopted by a large growth into Arizona.
Amy’s Kitchen has formally earned Non-UPF standing.
Eat up: Amy’s Kitchen is now licensed non-ultraprocessed
It’s been onerous to disregard the rising dialog round ultra-processed meals (UPFs). A rising physique of analysis means that relying too closely on meals on this class—comparable to potato chips, sweet bars, and TV dinners—could also be damaging to human well being. Because of this, many shoppers are in search of out extra minimally processed choices.
Excellent news should you’re amongst them: Amy’s Kitchen is now a part of the UPF-free membership. The vegetarian meals model is a brand new pilot participant within the Non-UPF Verified program from the Non-GMO Mission, which goals to certify manufacturers that keep away from sure components and overly industrial food-processing strategies.
“For almost 4 many years, Amy’s has believed that how meals is made issues simply as a lot as what goes into it,” Paul Schiefer, president of Amy’s Kitchen, mentioned in an announcement. “Collaborating within the Non-UPF Verified pilot displays how we’ve all the time operated—prioritizing considerate processing, transparency, and long-term integrity over shortcuts.”
Ardour Flour’s baked items might quickly begin transport nationwide. | Ardour Flour
Well-liked vegan bakery closes in Utah, however will quickly go nationwide
Ardour Flour, a vegan bakery in Salt Lake Metropolis, UT, has closed its doorways after greater than a decade. In keeping with proprietor Jessica Davies, the closure is because of her choice to maneuver out of Utah, which implies she will be able to now not run the bakery in particular person.
Nonetheless, Davies isn’t giving up. She confirmed {that a} “new chapter” for Ardour Flour is on the horizon, and it’s one that might enable the model to achieve much more folks. She hopes to make use of a industrial kitchen house to ship her beloved vegan baked items nationwide.
“As soon as I’m settled, I’ll start engaged on transport and sharing these updates right here,” Davies wrote on Instagram. “Till then, we’d love so that you can cease in and seize your favorites whilst you can, assist our unbelievable workers, and rejoice these remaining days with us.”
The bakery’s remaining day can be February 1.
For extra plant-based tales like this, learn:
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
