The more vegan food consumers buy, the cheaper these products will be, according to Mintel.

Edward Bergen a global food and drinks analyst at the market research company recently spoke to CNBC about changes happening in the vegan market. With higher consumer demand comes more availability, and with more availability comes lower prices, he explained.

The reason vegan food has traditionally been more expensive is that, in the past, the demand just wasnt there. Bergen said, if you go back ten years, the vegan range would have been in the corner of a store. The products available quite bland, not necessarily exciting packaging.

In the last couple of years, however, things have changed. There has been a rise in demand for plant-based products. Health is a big factor, Bergen explained, as well as the environmental risk of high meat consumption and the animal welfare impact.

The largest growing consumer base is the flexitarian market, where people are reducing their meat intake significantly. According to recent research, more than two million Brits now regularly try to have meat-free days.

In the UK, major supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, and Sainsburys have responded accordingly to this new, increased demand from consumers.

Now, we have dedicated ranges and major aisles, said Bergen. [We have] things like Plant Kitchen, Wicked Kitchen from Tesco, where theyre exploring cuisines, different flavors, various different meat-free proteins are being used. Sometimes, theres no meat at all, just exciting vegetables.

Mintel is consumer-focused rather than financial-focused, but the market research company has observed that vegan food prices are dropping.

For fruit and vegetables, the more availability there is, the more opportunity there is for the market. Ten years ago vegan food was quite expensive, explained Bergen.

But the more competition there is, we should see those margins improve over time and we see that [vegan] prices vs meat is very competitive, he added. Sometimes [vegan food is] less now with these big ranges available.

Summary

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The More Vegan Food You Eat, the Cheaper It's Going to Be

Description

The cost of vegan food is getting cheaper. Availability is going up, which means the price of products is getting less expensive, says Mintel.

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Charlotte Pointing

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LIVEKINDLY

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The More Vegan Food You Eat, the Cheaper Its Going to Be - LIVEKINDLY

In an era where a lot of people have allergies and other dietary restrictions, a sparkling and still water bar may strike just the right tone so all of your guests can feel included.

Everyone needs water, no doubt about that, but you cant only serve your guests H2O at a vegan and gluten-free holiday party.

However, Sally Squires, from theLean Plate Club blog, notes that in an era where many people have allergies and other dietary restrictions, a still and sparkling water bar may strike just the right tone so all of your guests can feel included.

Put out sparkling and still, ice, berries, herbs and spices with a mortar and pestle and people can make their own drinks, Squires said. There can be some festive and fun options for people who dont want to drink alcohol.

Beyond water, it gets a little tricky to plan a holiday party menu when so many people either have allergies or another kind of dietary restriction. However, the basics, like fruits and vegetables, are seldom wrong.

Theyre things most of us dont eat enough of anyway, Squires said.

In addition, once you have your guest list in mind, make it a point to ask your invitees whether they have food restrictions, otherwise, you might wind up with a lot of leftovers.

I learned this the hard way, Squires said. I had a dinner party once and served a lovely salmon, only to find out one of the guests didnt eat seafood, so it was a little bit embarrassing. The first thing you need to do is ask people do you have any food allergies or preferences we should be aware of?'

The other thing thats important these days, with 32 million Americans dealing with food allergies, is to keep track of all the ingredients used in a dish. If youre serving your guests buffet style, consider making note cards and placing them in front of each dish so guests can be aware of what theyre eating.

In addition, with many people choosing to eat as vegetarians or vegans, consider making some of your staples meat- and dairy-free. In most cases, people will be happy to try something plant-based.

Theres all kinds of plant-based meat, milk, yogurt, Squires said. There are products for people who are lactose intolerant.

She also notes that a number of festive dishes and desserts can be made with alternative flours such as chickpea flour. I made vanilla wafers and I put them into bourbon balls. There are so many different types of options, like flourless chocolate cake.

And finally, Squires suggests embracing the seasonal vegetables that fill your supermarket at this time of year. Not only are almost all of your guests able to eat something like a butternut squash soup thats made with vegetable broth, its just another way to celebrate the season by offering something thats only available once per year.

There are so many wonderful vegetables out these days that can be roasted, Squires said. So many types of squash and whole grains that can appeal to everybody.

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Tips on hosting a holiday party in the vegan and gluten-free era - WTOP

When news broke that iconic Manhattan institution Candle 79 was closing its doors for business this New Years Eve, I was certainly not the only long-time vegan to spill my oat latte and cry off my Kat Von D mascara. Since 2003, this upscale Upper East Side eatery has been an anchor for vegans and non-vegans alikeattracting a diverse and hungry global fan base whose trips to the Big Apple were not complete without a stop at Candle 79 for some piping hot polenta fries and infamous seitan piccata. The news of its closing is not only collectively breaking our big vegan heart, but its also totally infuriating; this beloved restaurant is just the latest victim of big-investor greed, an affliction that has swallowed countless businesses, especially in giant metropolises such as New York. But, Candle 79? That was supposed to be there forever, opening its doors to first-daters, business partners, wide-eyed tourists, dark glasses-clad celebs, and the ongoing cacophony of devoted regularsthe sneaker-wearing city-dwellers who frequent this special spot, requesting the same place at the bar like it was an extension of their living room. For many of us, it was.

Back when I interviewed owners Joy Pierson and Bart Potenza, I was chuffed to learn that not only did they start Candle Caf East (79s sister restaurant and the first of the chain) after the couple won the lottery, but years later, they won it againthis time bringing in just enough money to install a desperately needed new air-conditioning system to Candle 79, without which the restaurant would have had to close way back then. This surreal stroke of luck resulted in the business thriving so much that they soon opened a third Candle sisterCandle Caf West, this time on the Upper West Side, which quietly shut its doors earlier this year due to unresolved safety issues with the building (at first temporarily and then, apparently, for good). For old-school vegans, this rapid disappearance of two of the three Candlesmost primarily, community hub 79has created a slow-roll of shock and bewilderment as the word has spread that the flame is burning out.

Candle in the windWhen I posted the news to my Facebook page, the first comment was someone pointing out the dozens of new vegan restaurants popping up in Manhattan and encouraging me to look on the bright side. And of course thats true; from the West Village expansion of Canadian chain Copper Branch to the multiple locations of much-buzzed-about Jajaja (good luck getting a table), the city that never sleeps might as well also be dubbed the city that never stops offering vegan food, because its truly everywhere. One could certainly get behind the out with the old, in with the new mentality and tip our wool-free hats to Candle as they blow out the flame and get the hell out of Dodge. But this goes deeper than that.

As a longtime New Yorker-turned Angeleno, I pretty much cant travel a block in the city without stopping to remember what once was there. That Starbucks used to be an adorable barber shop (but what was it called again?). That boarded up building used to be vegan restaurant Soy & Sake, which had the best fresh spring rolls in town. The historic Ear Inn on Spring Street all the way by the river is now oh wait, its still The Ear. Thank God. The point is, all things shift (except the Ear), and due to the unrelenting sky-high rents in Manhattanplus the onslaught of money-hungry developersfor those of us who came of age with these family-run establishments as our go-to spots, the fact that they are now no more can be a hard pill to swallow.

Would you light my candle?On that same Facebook thread, countless people weighed in with their favorite memories at Candle 79, which officially closes its doors on December 31. People reminisced about first dates, wedding celebrations, marriage proposals. I was emailed tons of here-come-the-tears memories of vegans taking their meat-eating friends and family to Candle 79 to win them over to the plant side and invite even the most skeptical meat-and-potatoes lover in their lives to enjoy the menus notorious seitan chimichurris, spaghetti and wheat balls, and raw lasagna. Meat eatings got nothing on Candle.

A night out to Candle 79 was fun and energizing. It was the fancy date night where you wore that nice sweater you were holding onto for something special. It was a scene, a laugh, a good time. Youd spend hours there before braving the blistering cold or stubborn heat of this ever-changing city and then hop on the crosstown bus or get on the nearby 6 trainor youd walk off your double-chocolate cake with a lazy stroll in Central Park, where youd scoff at the horribly oppressive horse-drawn carriages and thank your lucky stars that vegan restaurants such as Candle 79 were changing things for good.

Fire up the grillAs for me, the closing of Candle 79 is the end of an era I didnt ask for nor anticipated. I went vegan around the same time Candle 79 opened its doors, and in those early days when my fellow animal-rights activists took me under their wings, it was Candle where we met for a meaningful meal and a check-in. Nowadays, I live clear across the country in West Hollywood (where it was just announced that nearby vegan mainstay Flore is closing for similar capitalistic reasons). I also just turned 40, so being 24 (the year I went vegan) feels like it happened in some movie I once sawwhich it kind of did, and in fact, that movie was shot at Candle 79. A young, brand-new vegan me made an appearance in the documentary Vegucated by Marisa Miller Wolfson which was shot in an upstairs corner booth at Candle 79, where I ignored cameras as they captured me and fellow young activist Moni Woweries offering advice to Tesla Carrasquillo on how to stay vegan (spoiler alert: she did).

It was that very booth that became my regular spot. Id scooch in and smile big at the person across from me, both of us excited to catch upwith the best vegan food in this town spread out in front of us like the world was suddenly on our side. In those early days when I first started frequenting Candle 79, it was with the company of my first vegan mentor, Mary Max, who would call me Jazz like it had multiple syllables, and find great joy in ordering half the menu for me to sample. I had been vegan for 10 minutes when Mary arranged for me to fly down to PETAs headquarters to do some volunteer workan experience which pretty much sealed the deal that Id devote my life to this cause (this was no surprise to Mary, who cleverly manipulated the whole thing that way).

Later, I would sit in Candle for Saturday night dates with my then-longtime partner. Wed run into everyone we knewgroups of friends huddled into their own booths enjoying various parts of their meals and telling us what we simply had to order; or peppered downstairs at the cozy bar trying to warm up with an espresso martini before heading back out into the world that was waiting for them. Candle 79 was a community hub, oftentimes the chosen meeting place for board meetings, second job interviews, or meet-up gatherings. Im sure Ive been to a hundred get-togethers there, and during those times, I became good friends with many people on the staff (Benay, Francesca, Joy, Bart), my extended family who became the backdrop for some of the most pivotal parts of my life.

And with the sweet memories come the sad ones, too. Im not alone in feeling the knee-jerk joy and then quick sting of knowing that those I loved the most who are no longer with us held onto Candle like it was lighting their way, too: my much-beloved grandmother, who had gone vegetarian at 86 and enjoyed nothing more than being doted on and delivered an impeccable dinner; my sweet stepfather, who died two years agoand always ordered whatever was chocolate; and my old friend Mary Max, who tragically passed away earlier this year, leaving a trail of activists like me who also credit their careers to her mentorship, and hold tight to their own many memories of sitting across from her at that same corner table upstairs. A group of us got together shortly after she died and swapped stories and shed tearsnaturally, we met up at Candle 79.

Eternal flameThis past weekend, I visited Candle 79 for the final time, arranging business in New York really so that I could sit in my booth one last time, order the iconic seitan piccata that is pretty much an entire character in my memoir, and share with my fellow New Yorkers in the sadness of what is almost just a memory of a time when one darling restaurant became our safe space and its players our kin. During my final visit to Candle 79, I ran into five or six old friendsregularly interrupting my appetizers to give long hugs, short updates, and then finally, to share a furrowed brow and a head shake. How could Candle 79 be closing?

It fed us as only family could. It changed us as only community will. And it warmed us as only a candle does.

My dining matean old friend who flew out from Northern California just to eat there one final timealso invited along a friend of hers whom I had never before met. But my buddy was late, so her other guest and I found each other thanks to the busy hostess who showed me to my seat. This stranger and I shared a few minutes together, quickly discovering we had a lot in commonand over the next few hours we swapped appetizers and laughs, future hopes and Instagram handles. We also wound up splitting a taxi back to the Upper West Side, and just before it was time for me to hop out, I looked at my new friend and I told him how wonderful it was to meet him on this of all nights, in this way, at a place that had been so special to each of us over the years. Though we had only known one another for a few hours at that point, we had Candle in common, and we therefore shared an important through-line that I have no doubt will carry on well into the future.

This is the magic that always showed up at Candle 79. You saw old friends. You made new ones. You ate and drank and laughed and cried and, just like in 80s sitcom Cheers, you forgot about life for a while.

We were there for all of it, amongst the forever flicker of Candle 79a place that built and shaped an entire community, and a light that will never dim.

Senior Online Features Editor Jasmin Singer is the author of the memoir Always Too Much and Never Enough and the co-host of the Our Hen House podcast.

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A Tearful Goodbye to a New York Vegan Institution - VegNews

When youre stumped on finding the perfect last-minute gift for your loved ones, ask the stars for a little guidance and they shall answer. From vegan leather boots for adventure-seeking Sagittarians to bold, cruelty-free lipsticks fit for a spotlight-loving Leo, theres a gift out there for every sign. Using the powers of astrology, weve compiled an otherworldly list to predict just what each sign would love this gift-giving season. Happy shopping!

Unreal Fur Madam Butterfly Jacket, $339

AriesGrab your coffee cups and buckle up, because adventure awaits with your fiery Aries! These action-oriented, energetic Rams are bubbly, outgoing, and usually heading to a party or entertaining their many friends. This wine-colored, faux fur Unreal Fur jacket will be the best companion to ensure the spotlight is shining bright on them when this daring fire sign arrives at their destination.

Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Long Sleeve PJ Shirt in Cloud Pink, $60

Taurus

When youre in the mood for a cozy night in, you almost always call up your Taurus BFF. So why not gift these homebodies something luxuriously comfy like this plush, hypoallergenic PJ shirt and matching pants from sustainable bedding company Ettitude? To top it all off, one-percent of its revenue from its organic Lyocell bamboo products go towards environmental nonprofits.

Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $78

GeminiIn an effort to feed their ravaging curiosity and razor-sharp wits, intellectual Gems delight in devouring book after book and with their communicative nature; chances are, theyre also somewhat of a gadget geek. Grab an iTunes Books or Kindle app gift card and an embossed, emerald green faux-crocodile iPad case so they can read to their hearts content.

Comparts Organic Vegan Paleo Luxury 8-Bar Gift Set, $89.95

CancerFor the sentimental romantics of the zodiac, a box of these thoughtful, unique vegan chocolates from artisan chocolatier Comparts will warm the sensitive Crabs souls. Make the emotional Cancer well up with happy tears as they examine beautiful superfood-infused gourmet bars wrapped in hand-designed patterns. Bonus: The owner writes a sweet poem on the back of each bar.

Axiology Lipstick in Worth, $30

LeoWhen thinking of the fiery, dramatic Lions, one word comes to mind: bold. This 10-ingredient, cruelty-free Axiology lipstick is attention-grabbing, celebratory, and well, bold. Your head-turning Leo will spruce up any outfit with the accompaniment of this beautiful, highly pigmented red-hot shade.

Corc Yoga Breathe Custom Engraved Yoga Mat, $205

VirgoHelp your perfectionist, workaholic Virgo calm their hundred-miles-a-minute mind with this biodegradable yoga mat made with hypoallergenic cotton and cork. Utilize the engravable personalized message option for bonus points with your detail-oriented loved one. Plus, the minimalist mats slip-resistance gives the control freaks of the zodiac reassurance during their daily practice.

Hourglass Cosmetics Equilibrium Day Fluid, $115

LibraAs one of the easier signs to find a gift for, Librans love balance and harmony, but they also enjoy beauty in all forms and like to indulge in the finer things in life. This Equilibrium Day Fluid with broad spectrum SPF 30 from luxury cruelty-free beauty brand Hourglass features plant-derived lipids to rebalance skin and promote natural cell turnover, so the youthful spirit of the air sign can carry over to their appearance, too.

Base Coat OG (8-Free) Polish in Scorpio, $20

ScorpioWhen gifting anything for the seductive Scorpion, think dark, bold colors and sleek design so their enigmatic nature can really shine. And this vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic nail polish aptly named Scorpio from woman-owned beauty brand and nail salon Base Coat is sure to excite the passionate sign with its shimmery red hue.

Good Guys Dont Wear Leather Miley High Heel Motorcycle Boots, $215

SagittariusLively travelers, the wild Sagittarius loves new experiences and anything that will stimulate their curiosity. If you cant book them a trip to a thrilling vegan excursion, gift them these badass vegan leather motorcycle boots originally made for vegan celeb and fellow Sag Miley Cyrus so they can wander the world in high-quality style.

Angela Roi Cher Mini Tote in Ash Brown, $225

CapricornFunction is key when thinking of the ultimate gift for the on-the-go Ram, but that doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style. This ethically made, timeless vegan leather bag from woman-owned Angela Roi is as luxurious as it is functional (it can even fit a 12-inch MacBook) which means your ambitious Capricorn can buzz from meeting to meeting in true fashion.

Free People Cynthia Rowley x IMPALA x FP Movement Roller Skates, $120

AquariusOne-of-a-kind presents speak to this quirky air sign, so give yourself extra time to find the ultimate gift. Arty Aquarians appreciate colorful, fun gifts such as these retro-inspired vegan leather roller skates. Practical? No. Unique? Yes. Encourage their spontaneity and take em out to the roller rink in these pastel, floral wheels for a night youll always remember.

Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask, $210

PiscesYour imaginative, head-in-the-clouds Piscean appreciates thoughtful gifts and thrives when theyre near water so take them on a daycation to the nearest beach filled with sunbathing, indie music, and this aqua-hued, botanical mask. The versatile, soothing pot from organic, wild-crafted, and sustainably procured luxury brand Kypris can be used as a deep-hydration mask or after-sun treatment to match all your water signs needs.

Aruka Sanchir is an Assistant Editor at VegNews and a sassy Sagittarius that takes everyones astrological signs into account before every gift purchase.

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Finally, There's a Vegan Gift Guide for Every Zodiac Sign on Your List - VegNews

You dont have to be a veggie lover to experience tasty vegan food. Published on Thursday, Dec 19th, 2019

The holidays are a tricky time: With all of the heavy food that seems to be passed around the family table, its hard to find healthy things to eat. From Thanksgiving until the end of the year, all bets are off as far as sticking to any kind of healthy eating regime goes. Throw in a couple of holiday parties and midnight turkey sandwiches, and youve gotten to a point where youre craving something on the lighter side. Sweet Soulfood, located at 1025 N. Broad, is serving up delicious vegan soul food, cafeteria-style, to put you back on track this holiday season and all year long.

Owner Chetwan Smith decided to go vegan after suffering from hypertension and migraines. Feeling a bit isolated after changing her eating habits, she decided to open Sweet Soulfood and serve up vegan versions of the soul food that she loves. The goal of Sweet Soulfood is to serve all of your favorite foods with a vegan twist in a way that everyone will enjoy them not just veggie lovers.

Im always trying to eat well myself, but I seem to sometimes gravitate toward heavier food, especially during the holidays. Im not averse to vegan food and I think that it has come a long way since the early days of tofu and rice cakes. I was eager to stop in and try some homemade vegan cuisine for myself at Sweet Soulfood. I like that the food is laid out cafeteria-style, giving you the opportunity to look over the offerings and find something that appeals to you. At the hot bar, you can get up to four items, so I decided to go all out and really treat myself. I got the mac and cheese, chicken fried cauliflower, okra gumbo, and greens.

I have to mention the portions here are extremely generous my four items were $15, and this was easily enough for two meals or even to share. I dug into the chicken fried cauliflower first, mainly because I was so intrigued and I had never had anything like it in my life. WOW. Any hesitation I had about being able to enjoy fried cauliflower went right out the window! This was fantastic big pieces of cauliflower lightly battered and fried. Theres no mistaking that it isnt chicken, but if youre craving that yummy fried crunch, this is a must.

Next up was the mac and cheese. Im not sure how they get it so creamy, since real cheese isnt involved, but I loved it. It had that good chew that you expect from mac and cheese and it was so good that I actually forgot that it was vegan.

The okra gumbo was excellent and even had some non-meat sausage in it, which was quite tasty and reminded me of a leaner meat sausage. The roux was on the milder side, but it was packed with flavor and, after a few bites, I didnt miss the meat. I really like okra, but if it isnt your thing, you might want to skip this, as this dish is packed with okra as its main bulk.

Finally, I dug into the greens, which were seasoned well and flavorful. At first, I was afraid that I was going to miss having bacon and ham in the greens to add that extra fat, but Sweet Soulfoods version was so good that I didnt even think about the fact that it was meat-free.

The rest of the menu at the restaurant is extensive with items such as sweet potatoes, red beans and rice, portabella mushrooms and gravy, eggplant lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, corn bisque, jambalaya, bread pudding and more. It also has a salad bar and serves up wraps, soups, fresh juices, vegan ice cream and other vegan desserts. Also, Yelp just declared Sweet Soulfood the best vegan restaurant in Louisiana, so you know that youre in good hands. If youre looking for a big vegan spread at your next party, Sweet Soulfood also does catering!

In a city that is known for delicious, maybe not-so-healthy food, Sweet Soulfood absolutely fits in and stands out. As a gal who does enjoy her meat, I finished my lunch feeling completely satisfied and excited that I had leftovers to enjoy later.

Even if you dont plan on going full veggie anytime soon, Sweet Soulfood is a great place to enjoy a wholesome lunch.

Price point: $15 or less, depending on number of sides.

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Sweet Soulfood puts vegan twist on favorites that usually arent so healthy - Very Local New Orleans

It doesn't matter that it's 2013 and the two action heroes are starring in the underwhelming movie "Escape Plan." This sort of machismo is as timeless as a sword wielding Achilles from Homer's Iliad.

In one scene, the two heavyweights are exchanging punches when Schwarzenegger doubles over in laughter. "You hit like a vegetarian," says the strong man turned actor turned politician.

Six years later, Schwarzenegger appears in "The Game Changers" documentary telling the world he no longer eats meat and espousing a vegan diet for high performance. "It's marketing," he says of the long-held connection between testosterone and T-bone steaks.

Initially, James Wilks, the producer and presenter of "The Game Changers," didn't set out to change anyone's mind, let alone Schwarzenegger's. Back in 2013, the former mixed martial artist and special forces combat trainer purchased a second hand camera off Craigslist simply to document his road to recovery from two injured knees.

Like Schwarzenegger, Wilks had been conditioned to believe that alpha men chowed down on mountains of rib-eye in order to beef up their muscles. His shock led to curiosity.

"That was the start of the journey," Wilks told CNN Sport. "We never expected it to take us where it has."

Today, "The Game Changers," directed by Oscar-winner Louie Psihoyos is a worldwide phenomenon. Alongside Schwarzenegger, co-producers include Hollywood director James Cameron and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

The documentary's premise is simple: eating more vegetables is good for you, eating meat and dairy products increases your risk of health complications. It's hardly ground breaking news. But the way this message is packaged is the source of the popularity of "The Game Changers."

There are the usual talking heads you'd expect to find in a documentary about nutrition -- scientists, doctors, even the odd historian and sociologist. But the film's unique selling point is the way it leans on the success stories of high-performing athletes to convey its philosophy.

Eight-time US cycling champion Dotsie Bausch, record-breaking strongman Patrik Baboumian, NFL wide receiver Griff Whalen and a clutch of bodybuilders and endurance athletes all speak of improved performances since transitioning from an omnivorous diet to one solely based on plants.

"I used to think that vegans were skinny, long haired, hippie tree huggers living in communes," Wilks said. "You know, they just care about the planet and nothing else. There's nothing wrong with that, but that was my perception and I think a lot of people's perception."

It is for this reason that the word vegan is used just once in the film, by Wilks' father, and never by any expert interviewed or Wilks himself.

"There is a stigma attached to the words veganism and vegetarianism," he said. "Those diets tell you what you're not eating but it doesn't tell you what you are eating."

Apart from setting the record straight on terminology, Wilks and his team also sought to dispel myths surrounding plant-based diets and the benefits of eating meat. Across 88 minutes of screen time, several studies and experts challenge the idea that muscle growth is contingent on animal protein.

"We wanted to show the facts, show the science and then people can make up their own minds. We wanted to open people's minds and present the evidence that challenges some myths around nutrition," Wilks said.

But critics have been out in force.

Others have pointed out that some of the film's producers -- like Cameron who is the CEO of Verdient Foods, an organic pea protein company -- have a commercial interest in turning the world vegan. Some just aren't happy about being told how to live their lives and feel "The Game Changers" is wagging a finger in their face.

"I think there's a misconception of the film," Wilks said. "Before the film came out, people who hadn't even seen the film were saying it's propaganda, that the science is cherry picked. How can you make an interpretation of the film if you haven't seen it?"

"People got hung up on the gladiator thing. They claim I said that gladiators were vegan. I never say that. I say they predominantly ate plants. So people then latch on to this and say that if they can discredit the founding reason for my interest in this subject then the can discredit the entire documentary. But it's just not true."

"We're not trying to tell people to go vegan or go vegetarian, we just want people to make up their minds about what they're eating," Wilks said. "I shouldn't be judging other people or telling them what to do."

Some of the film's points are less open to scrutiny.

Since the release of "The Game Changers," more elite athletes have changed their eating habits. Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome is now openly vegan and strongman Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson, who plays "The Mountain" in "Game of Thrones," has said he is open to the idea (but only during off-season).

One documentary cannot change the world. But by speaking to millions of people, and by tapping in to a broader discourse that has already mobilized Extinction Rebellion and fostered an increase in Google searches for the word vegan, Wilks has hit us where we feel it most -- in our stomachs.

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Macho vegans: The documentary that's changing the script on plant-based diets - CNN International

Ready, set, recipes! Here are our just published, fresh-out-the-mill recipes in one convenient place! These are the top vegan recipes of the day, and are now a part of the thousands of recipes on ourFood Monster App! We have vegetable tarts, savory pumpkin hummus, and a Christmas bundt cake, so if youre looking for something new and delicious, you are sure to find a new favorite!

Source: Black Eyed Pea Patties

Black Eyed Pea Patties by Lydia Filgueras can be served anytime of the day. Theyre at their best when warm, but retain a lot of texture at room temperature which makes them a great choice to carry with you for a meal on the go. They can be eaten plain as shown, or served up sandwich style with your favorite fixings.

Source: Savory Pumpkin Hummus

This Savory Pumpkin Hummus by Mitra Shirmohammadi is a delicious and creamy alternative to the traditional version inspired by seasonal ingredients and flavors. It makes the perfect high-protein and nutrient-dense snack or side dish that happens to be vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free. It works so well in wraps and sandwiches and also as a spread on toast or pizza.

Source: Vegetable Tart

This Vegetable Tart by Lenia Patsi is wonderful and delicious! Its full of vegetables and makes a great brunch!

Source: Lemon Poppyseed Cake Balls

If you like the traditional lemon poppyseed cake, youre going to LOVE these Lemon Poppyseed Cake Balls by Nikki and Zuzana. To make these balls youll only need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home and about 15 minutes of your time. They are raw (so no baking required, vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar free, but the flavors are the real thing! With ingredients like cashews, coconut, maple syrup and healing spices, these little treats are not only going to satisfy your sweet cravings but also nourish your body.

Source: Almond Coffee Pudding

This Almond Coffee Pudding by Avenue is an easy and delicious breakfast that will kickstart your day!

Source: Christmas Bundt Cake

This vegan Christmas Bundt Cake by Lena Novak is delicious and so easy to make, and to top it all off looks absolutely beautiful! It also uses applesauce, xylitol (instead of refined sugar), and whole wheat flour, so it is a much healthier dessert. Give it a try this holiday season, your family will love it!

Source: Tempeh Meatball Subs with Roasted Veggie Marinara and Homemade Buns

Homemade meatballs, homemade sauce, and homemade buns what could be better! This is an amazing recipe for Tempeh Meatball Subs by Travis Piper that is sure to impress.

Source: Root Vegetable Tart with Candied Nuts

This beautiful Root Vegetable Tart with Candied Nuts by Kirsten Kaminski is the perfect combination of sweet and savory and a showstopper for your Christmas brunch or dinner! These colors truly pop and there is a variety of textures in this dish: flaky puff pastry, melted cashew mozzarella, chunky root vegetables and crunchy candied nuts.

Source: Spinach Artichoke Quesadillas

These Spinach Artichoke Quesadillas by Rene Barker are hot, cheesy, and comforting. What if you put those flavors and feelings into a tortilla? BOOM, thats what these quesadillas are! These are ooey, gooey, and super delicious.

Source: Fudgy Coconut Glazed Mini Doughnuts (No Donut Pan Needed!)

These Mini Doughnuts by Shannon Leparski are special. They do not require a doughnut pan. Just a regular baking sheet or muffin tin. If you have a doughnut pan, thats cool too. The coconut glaze is everything! Super decadent and sweet, so no need to drown the doughnuts in the glaze unless you want a major sugar high. Drizzle just enough to lightly coat the mini doughnuts. Sprinkle some shredded coconut over top and be proud that you succeeded at vegan doughnuts!

We also highly recommend downloading ourFood Monster App, which is available foriPhone, and can also be found onInstagramandFacebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

For more Vegan Food, Health, Recipe, Animal, and Life content published daily, dont forget to subscribe to theOne Green Planet Newsletter!

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Read more from the original source:

From Almond Coffee Pudding to Tempeh Meatball Subs: Our Top 10 Vegan Recipes of the Day! - One Green Planet

Alright, youve done the Thanksgiving dinner. You spent hours dicing onions, chopping sweet potatoes, creaming spinach, stewing mushroom gravy and your vegan feast was a total success!

All of sudden Christmas is right around the corner, youve still got your shopping to do, not to mention those work deadlines that youre putting in extra hours for, and theres at least one more holiday party youre planning to attend.

Whos got the time to make yetanotherfeast?

Luckily, if youre crunched for time, but still have family and friends to provide for, there are a slew of wonderfully tasty and vegan-friendly pickup, delivery, or even shipped options that you can choose. Save yourself time, headache, and even a bit of moola and try one of these pre-made Christmas dinner options!

The Purple Carrot/purplecarrot.com/plant-based-recipes

If you went with a Thanksgiving delivered feast this year, then you may recognize this company! Purple Carrot believes that when you eat plant-based foods, good things happen. Along with offering Thanksgiving pre-made meals, Purple Carrot is also offering a shippable Christmas feast the week of December 22nd. One hundred percent vegan with a slew of gluten-free and soy-free options, Purple Carrot offers eight different recipes to choose from for your Christmas box including Beet & Coconut Bacon Flatbread, White Lentil Risotto, Herb Sausages, Peanut Vegetable Buddha Bowls, Tofu Scramble Tacos, Walnut Crusted Artichokes, Pumpkin Coconut Curry, and Buffalo Tempeh Quinoa Bowls.

TeroVesalainen/Pixabay

Another familiar name from the Thanksgiving list! Whole Foods is wildly popular and not just for their high-quality, super tasty meals, but they are one of the only grocery store chains offering pre-made vegan-friendly meals.This Christmas choose from a slew of vegan options for your feast including Mixed Mushroom Soup, Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, Roasted Garlic and Parsnip Gravy, Creamiest Winter Squash with Raisins and Sage, Celery Root Mash, Coconut Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Tahini-Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Raw Cranberry Sauce. Build your own box, choose a date to pick it up, and simply re-heat at home!

Veestro/veestro.com

Take a walk down the super healthy side this Christmas with a curated vegan box from Veestro! Veestro offers 100 percent plant-based, organic, preservative-free, and fully prepared meals delivered directly to your doorstep.Plus, you get to choose from a variety of delicious and masterly created recipes including Pulled Jackfruit Turky, Golden Chickpea Stew, Beluga Lentil Braise, Portobella Steak Dinner, Spinach Pie, Kale and Quinoa Salad, Cauliflower Milanese Dinner, Lentil Meatloaf, Mushroom Stroganoff, and Quinoa Bake, just to mention a few of the options.

Image Source: George Sheldon/Shutterstock

If youre looking for that perfect easy dinner for Christmas day, why not call in an order to a local favorite hot spot Buca di Beppo? With over 70 locations in the states, youll definitely be able to find one! Plus theyve got options for everyone. Vegan alternatives include the bruschetta (hold the cheese), mixed green salad (substitute Italian dressing for oil and vinegar), special order the pasta puttanesca, go with garlic olive oil over marinara sauce and get a side of steamed green beans and broccoli.Plus, make it super easy by ordering online and picking up hot and ready to eat!

Make, Believe Bakery/makebelievebakery.com

Make, Believe Bakery, located in Denver, Colorado, is a 100 percent vegan bakery that also specializes in allergy-free baking. They not only believe in compassionate cooking that meets the needs of as many people as possible but they also use quality, organic, GMO-free products whenever they can.

If you live in the area, you can stop by one of their locations Make, Believe Bakery, Watercourse, or City, O City and pick up a preordered box of goodies or have your baked desserts shipped. Make sure to order by December 20th to get your goodies by Christmas!

Get pastries, such as sweet potato cinnamon rolls, babka, and ho-ho cake, cookies, such as chocolate, ginger-molasses, and sugar, or delicious bread, such as banana bread, rye, or pretzel.

Vegan Treats/vegantreats.com

So, weve got Christmas dinner covered on the list. Whether its shipped or delivered in a prepared box or picked up steaming hot. What about dessert? Maybe youve got a few a holiday parties coming up or a family that fiercely loves their holiday goodies.Either way, weve got the perfect place for you to get those baked desserts shipped right to your door!

Vegan Treats, founded by Danielle Konya 20 years ago, is an ethical vegan bakery that promises to provide desserts that not only taste good, but actually [taste]betterthan any other cake, vegan or otherwise.

What treats will you find for the holiday season? Holiday variety packs, Traditional Cannoli, Swiss Chocolate Encased Cannoli, or even a Gluten-Free Cannoli.

Pumpkin Chocolate Boat Loaf/wholesomebakery.com

Didnt quite find what you want or need from Vegan Treats?

Luckily Wholesome Bakery is here to fill whatever baked goods void is left! Wholesome Bakery, located in San Francisco, wants to inspire and provide high quality, sustainably made, allergy-friendly products that everyone can enjoy while servicing our environment, the small working farmer and ecological habitats.

Plus, they have a slew of vegan baked goods that are perfect for the holiday season and can be shipped directly to your doorstep; from the Pumpkin Chocolate Boat Loaf to the Cookie Sandwiches to the Holiday Gift Box. If youre in the San Francisco area, you can drop by to pick up a Holiday Pie, a Custom Tiered Cake, Seven Layered Bars, or a box of cupcakes.

Make sure to order well in advance for shipping or place an order to be picked up by Christmas Eve, as they are closed on Christmas Day.

The Butchers Son/thebutchersveganson.com

You may be thinking that this one looks familiar thats because the Butchers Sonalsomade the Thanksgiving holiday list! This absolutely wonderful, 100 percent vegan delicatessen and bakery in Berkely, California, has just posted their Christmas pre-order menu and it looks amazing!

Build a vegan Christmas box from their menu items complete with Smoked Turkey Roast with a Pear Honey Glaze, Sausage Stuffing, Small Shepherds Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Whole Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Apple Pie, and Classic Eggnog. Take everything or pick and choose the items youd like!

Remember, this is a pickup only option, but, if youre in the Berkely area, you get to choose from four different pickup times including December 21st, 22nd, 23rd, or the 24th!

Reverie Bakeshop/reveriebakeshop.com

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in North Texas, Reverie Bakeshop serves up vegan delights. This Latina woman-owned business provides sweets that are compassionate towards animals, the planet, and our health, with the goal to offer high-quality vegan pastries that are healthier than non-vegan counterparts and just as tasty!

This holiday season Reverie Bakeshop will be offering up gingerbread houses, sugar cookie assortments, candy cane cake, red velvet shortbread cookies, coconut macaroons, snowball cookies, and a variety of gluten-free options.

Orders are open through December 21st, so dont waste any time and get your vegan desserts pronto!

Very Good Butchers/verygoodbutchers.com

Very Good Butchers set out to redefine and create a better, less-processed plant-based meat alternative. Created by trained chefs, this plant-based butcher team, loving called bean butchers, have been selling out across British Columbia.

This holiday season get your very own holiday box of plant-based goodies!

If you miss the holiday deadline or youre just not into a holiday box, try getting one of their regular meat boxes such a this Big Box of (Vegan) Meat that includes two Very Good Burgers, one pack of Smokin Bangers and Very British Bangers, two packs of Taco Stuffer, one pack of BBQ Jackfruit, two packs of Ribz, and two packs of Pepperoni. This box will help you create a Christmas feast that will knock the socks of off all your family and friends!

We also highly recommend downloading ourFood Monster App, which is available foriPhone, and can also be found onInstagramandFacebook. The app has more than 15,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

For more Vegan Food, Health, Recipe, Animal, and Life content published daily, dont forget to subscribe to theOne Green Planet Newsletter!

Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Pleasesupport us!

Originally posted here:

10 Vegan Christmas Meals and Desserts You Can Pickup or Have Delivered to Your Doorstep - One Green Planet

Last week, Reebok, owned by Adidas (ADDDF) since 2005, unveiled the design for its first plant-based running shoe, the Floatride GROW, which is expected to hit store shelves in the fall of 2020.

The upper part of the shoe is made primarily from eucalyptus. Its soles are made from castor beans and natural rubber. The scheduled debut comes two years after Reebok started selling a "vegan" version of its famed Newport (NP) Classic shoes made with cotton and corn. The more sustainable version of the NP Classics are "lifestyle" footwear not designed for athletic performance.

In contrast, Reebok brand president Matt O'Toole says the Floatride GROW is sturdy enough to handle the wear and tear from intense and constant use by athletes.

"One of the challenges for the innovations team was [the Floatride GROW] had to be equal to or better to" the vegan NP Classics, O'Toole told CNN Business. "We actually have our own testing machines. The shoe holds up just as well as our other [athletic] shoes."

Reebok and Adidas are just two of the major athletic retailers vying to get in on the ground floor of what experts expect to eventually be a booming plant-based sneaker market, as discarded footwear fills up US landfills.

Most shoe waste is comprised of non-biodegradable plastic, leather and petroleum-based rubber, materials that take an average of 25 to 80 years to decompose naturally, multiple shoe companies told CNN Business.

In recent years, calls for climate change reform and for major corporations to engage in more sustainable business practices have created a niche market among young people who are interested in shoes that are more biodegradable.

A 2019 "future of footwear" study commissioned by the market research firm NPD found that Millennials and Generation Z, the primary consumers of athletic footwear, are "very concerned" about the environment.

"Our survey shows that consumers were concerned about where their shoes were made and whether or not they were made ethically," NPD senior sports industry advisor Matt Powell told CNN Business. "About 35% of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for a shoe sustainability made. While it isn't the entire market, that's certainly a category for growth."

The shoes have been resold for as much as $1,446 per pair on second-hand retail sites.

Maharashi sales associate Miles Chick said the promotion's organizers were inundated with requests to enter the online raffle for Nike's vegan sneakers. "When word spread, it just started kind of ringing alarms in the vegan community," he said.

Nike says sustainability has been at the core of its business for decades, but noted that recent research about climate change has compelled the company to change the way it makes and sells its shoes.

"We exist to serve athletes. ... We know that if there is no planet there is no sport," a Nike spokesperson told CNN Business in an emailed statement. "Advancing a more sustainable future requires companies of all sizes to think holistically, innovate solutions and adopt the principles of circularity."

Powell, the sports industry advisor, says the jury is still out on how many Americans will purchase shoes made from more sustainable materials over the versions they know and love.

"I think there's a whole lot of other things that go into what makes a shoe successful," he said. "The style has to be right and the shoe has to perform. Reebok knows how to make shoes. I'm pretty convinced this shoe will do well."

Read more:

Vegan sneakers set to be next sustainable plant-based craze in 2020 - CNN

The Vegan Nest in Worcester is kicking off 2020 with a mini film and food festival to promote healthy eating and community.

On Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m., the Waldo Street restaurant will show a film along with a special pop-up menu. The festival will go throughout Veganuary, which encourages people to eat vegan through January.

Whether folks are plant-based, vegan or just looking for healthier options, this is sure to be an opportunity for our entire community to thrive, said owner Nicole Broushet.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. Admission includes food, drink and the film screening. Attendees will also have access to recipes, meal plans, resources and materials for the month of January and health consultations for 2020 wellness goals. Seating is limited.

The film lineup is Vegucated on Jan. 4, H.O.P.E What You Eat Matters on Jan. 11, SEED: the Untold Story on Jan. 18 and Ancient Health on Jan. 25. Additionally, Jan. 18 will be The Vegan Nests kickoff date for its community garden initiative.

The Vegan Nest opened about two years ago and offers a menu of vegan breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

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Worcesters The Vegan Nest hosting a food and film festival for Veganuary - MassLive.com