This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>Nisha Vora, a Harvard Law grad and former corporate lawyer who founded Rainbow Plant Life, has been there, and knows how to avoid 12 common mistakes people often make when transitioning to veganism.
Drawing on her personal experience and extensive work creating accessible plant-based recipes, Vora recently shared a video with strategies for making veganism not just sustainable, but enjoyable. Her advice is rooted in practicality and compassion (not just for animals, but for yourself as well), with an emphasis on building habits that support long-term success.
1. Thinking about what you can’t have
The first mistake many people make is approaching veganism with a restrictive mindset. “If you’re doing veganism right, you’re learning how to make cooking fun,” Vora says. She emphasizes that the transition doesn’t have to feel like a loss. Instead of focusing on what’s off the table, Vora suggests exploring what’s newly available – from cashew-based mac and cheese to creamy lentil stews. Reframing veganism as an expansion, not a limitation, is key to enjoying it.
2. Only eating stereotypical vegan foods
New vegans often fall into the trap of eating what’s seen as “traditionally vegan” in Western media – smoothie bowls, kale salads, and grain bowls. While there’s nothing wrong with these, Vora warns that limiting meals to this narrow selection means missing out. She recommends looking to global cuisines with strong plant-based traditions, such as Indian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Greek. Seeking recipes from people in these communities helps bring more flavor and authenticity to the plate.
Read more: Vegan YouTuber Shares ‘Failproof’ Granola Cup Recipe
3. Not eating enough
Hunger is a common concern. Many new vegans find themselves constantly snacking or feeling fatigued. When this happens, it’s likely that “you’re just not eating enough calories or protein or fat or some combination thereof,” Vora explains. Plant-based foods are generally less calorie-dense, which means larger volumes are often necessary. Vora recommends including healthy fats like avocado, nuts, tahini, or olive oil in meals to stay full longer. Snacks should also be substantial – think fruit with nut butter or a homemade trail mix.
4. Not planning ahead
Planning is essential when shifting to any new lifestyle. Vora says people are more likely to succeed when they plan out what meals to cook, what snacks to have on hand, and when to shop. “Making a grocery list makes a huge difference,” she adds. Having quick meals and convenient snacks ready helps avoid defaulting to old habits when cravings hit.
5. Not building a foundation with go-to foods
Vora recommends adopting what she calls “vegan building blocks”, such as batch-cooked grains, sauces, proteins, and condiments that can easily be mixed and matched. Items like cashew cream, lentils, or baked tofu make meal prep more flexible. “These are flavor boosters… that can bring a whole meal together,” she says. Keeping a few in the fridge or freezer makes healthy, tasty meals easier and faster.
6. Lacking strong motivation
Approaching being plant-based like a diet is a mistake, Vora argues. The reason she’s stuck with it long-term is because her motivations are rooted in ethics and values. “Having a strong personal reason for going vegan shifts your perspective from diet to lifestyle,” she explains. Whether the reason is animals, the climate crisis, or personal health, she believes connecting veganism to one’s identity helps solidify the commitment.
7. Being afraid to use vegan substitutes
Not every meal has to be cooked from scratch. Vora acknowledges that many new vegans still crave familiar flavors like cheese or meat. Vegan substitutes can help during the transition. “You don’t need to be embarrassed that you can’t make everything from scratch,” she says. Although products like plant-based sausages, cheeses, and ice creams would not make up the bulk of a healthy plant-based diet, they can offer comfort and convenience, particularly early on.
8. Not preparing vegetables well
If vegetables taste bland or unappealing, it’s often because of poor preparation or low-quality produce. “One thing you can do that’s going to guarantee that all of your plant-based meals taste better is shop at your local farmers market,” Vora suggests. She also encourages experimenting with preparation methods like roasting, grilling, or sautéing with spices.
9. Aiming for perfection
Trying to be a “perfect vegan” sets people up for failure, according to Vora. Mistakes happen – labels are confusing, restaurants slip up, and not all vegan products are 100 percent ethical. Unless you’re “living off the land and growing everything you eat and consume, it’s impossible to be a perfect vegan,” she says. Instead of aiming for flawlessness, Vora recommends practicing compassion toward oneself. Accidents don’t negate progress, and guilt shouldn’t derail someone’s journey.
10. Lacking support
Going vegan without support can make the transition much harder. Vora encourages talking openly with family and friends and explaining the reasons behind the choice. This can help prevent misunderstandings and foster empathy. If close circles aren’t supportive, online communities or local vegan groups can offer solidarity and advice.
11. Ignoring basic nutrition
Vora points out that a well-planned plant-based diet is often regarded as the healthiest diet you can adopt, but newbies will need to ensure they’re eating the right foods and supplementing where necessary. Even a mostly whole foods vegan diet requires some nutritional planning. Vora points out that it’s important to supplement nutrients like vitamin B12. Learning about plant-based sources of protein, iron, and calcium is also important. She advises scheduling a blood test when starting out and a few months later to ensure that everything is on track.
12. Not having fun with food
Finally, Vora warns against falling into a food rut. “Don’t fall into a rut of making the same thing over and over again,” she says. She encourages new vegans to treat cooking as a creative activity by experimenting with spices, trying new recipes, and exploring different cuisines. The more variety and excitement someone brings to their meals, the more likely they are to stick with it.
Vora’s video is a reminder that veganism is not about deprivation but about discovery. By avoiding these common missteps, building a plant-based lifestyle can be nourishing, joyful, and sustainable.
Find more of Nisha Vora’s videos on her YouTube channel, Rainbow Plant Life.
Read more: ‘4 Oil-Free Vegan Recipes I Can’t Stop Eating’
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Reece Hignell on the PBN Website.
]]>This vegan cherry pie is bright, fruity, and pairs beautifully with vegan whipped cream. It’s ideal for weekend baking, sharing with family, or just treating yourself. It’s nostalgic and simple in the best way, with a plant-based twist that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor. Serve with a few extra cherries on top and let everyone dig in.
Read more: How To Make This Vegan Easter Plait
How to make cherry pie
Ingredients
1 batch Vegan Flaky Pastry
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (250 g) firm vegan butter diced
- 2¼ cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (55 g) caster sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1–3 tbsp (20–40 ml) cold water
Filling
- 3 cups (685 g) sour cherries in juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ⅓ cup (75 g) caster sugar
- 4 tbsp (32 g) cornstarch
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) water
Topping
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp (12–15 g) sugar
- Vegan whipped cream
- Cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegan Flaky Pastry; divide the pastry into two. Grease and line an 8 to 10–inch (20 to 25–cm) fluted tart tin.
- Roll out half of the pastry until it is about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Carefully roll the pastry onto a rolling pin to transport it onto your tin. Unroll the pastry over the pastry tin and lightly ease the edges into the bottom corners of the tin, ensuring there are no pockets of air under the pastry or in the flutes. Using a small sharp knife, trim the excess pastry from the edges of the shell. Chill the pastry in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until it is firm; this will help prevent shrinkage.
- To make the filling, place your cherries and juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger and sugar in a small saucepan and heat to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to your heating cherries. Cook this mixture for approximately 2 minutes. We are looking for the mixture to begin to thicken; however, we do not want to thicken the liquids too much, as this will happen in the oven. Cool the mixture to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Roll out the remaining pastry into a rectangle. Cut out 20 strips, each ⅓ inch (1 cm) wide, ensuring they are the length of your tart tin.
- Lay the pastry strips in a lattice over the cherry filling. Begin by laying 10 strips going in one direction, then weave the other 10 in and out, leaving the loose ends of the strips hanging over the edge of the tin. Run a knife around the outskirts of the tin to trim away any excess.
- Brush the top of the tart with some plant-based milk, then sprinkle the sugar over the pastry. Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the tart is a rich, golden brown. Serve with cream and cherries.
To make the Vegan Flaky Pastry
- To start, I place my diced butter and the food processor bowl and blades in the freezer until the butter is rock solid.
- To begin the pastry, place the flour, sugar, salt and cold butter in the cold food processor and pulse until it is roughly mixed and has a large crumb-like consistency. Add the cold water and continue to pulse until it is just combined, maintaining large streaks of butter. I normally pulse until the dough has formed into little pebbles the size of lentils.
- Remove the dough from the food processor and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Working quickly, gently press the dough between your fingertips so that it comes together. Now shape it into a rectangle. Wrap it with cling wrap and place in the fridge to rest for 10 minutes.
Roll 1
- Once rested, unwrap the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Dust a rolling pin with flour and roll out the dough into an 8 x 16–inch (20 x 40–cm) rectangle. Fold the short ends into each other so they meet in the middle. Fold the two short ends over again to create a book fold. Give the rectangle of dough a quarter turn, 90 degrees to the left.
Roll 2
- Lightly dust the dough with flour and roll it out again to approximately 8 x 16 inches (20 x 40 cm). Repeat the folding process, ensuring the dough is turned a further 90 degrees to the left once again. Wrap it with cling wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Roll 3
- Repeat the previous step. Wrap with cling wrap and rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Now the dough is ready to be rolled out in whatever way you wish.
Reprinted with permission from Cakeboi Goes Vegan by Reece Hignell. Page Street Publishing Co. 2024. Photo credit: Zoe Lonergan.
Read more: Vegan Apple And Blackberry Tart
This article was written by Reece Hignell on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>The protein content of each yogurt pot ranges from 16g to 23g per 350g. All are free from both dairy and soy, and are suitable for vegans. The yogurts come in six flavors: strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla fudge (a brand-new addition), and natural.
The natural flavor packs the highest protein content, while raspberry contains the lowest. All yogurt pots are now available to buy from Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Marks & Spencer, Planet Organic, Whole Foods Market, and select independent health stores. They are priced at £3.25 for a 350g pot and £1.90 for a 120g pot.
Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands
The UK’s ‘first-ever’ high-protein, soy-free yogurt?
Nush Foods is a UK-based dairy-free brand founded in 2016 by former London police officers Bethany and Paul Eaton. Motivated by Bethany’s personal health journey and her background in nutrition, the couple set out to create a plant-based yogurt alternative that matched the taste and texture of traditional dairy products. They began by crafting almond milk yogurts in their kitchen, eventually launching Nush as the UK’s first producer of nut milk yogurts.
The new range is believed to be the first high-protein, soy-free vegan yogurt available in the UK. The products are said to be creamier, tastier, and more nutritious than previous versions.
Read more: You Can Now Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms In UK Supermarkets
This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Brandi Doming on the PBN Website.
]]>This is a high-protein, plant-based meal made with pantry staples – chickpeas, lentils, and a splash of lemon to brighten everything up. Poblano pepper adds a smoky depth without overpowering the sauce. It’s perfect over rice or your favorite grain, and even better when you top it with a handful of greens.
Whether you’re cooking for one or making a batch for the week, this creamy gochujang chickpeas and lentils dish is a great go-to. It’s quick, warming, and full of character. If you’re new to gochujang, this recipe makes a strong case for keeping it stocked in your kitchen.
Read more: Vegan Apple Power Bowl
A protein-packed vegan dinner
Ingredients
- 1 large poblano pepper diced (½ cup/70g)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
- 3 large garlic cloves (12g), minced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ¼ cup (60g) tomato paste
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened “lite” coconut milk (or another really creamy plant-based milk like unsweetened high-fat oat milk)
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium lentils drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh lemon juice
- Cooked rice or other grain for serving
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh spinach or another green of choice for garnish
Instructions
- In a large deep saucepan, combine 1⁄4 cup (60g) water, the poblano pepper, and the salt and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the poblano begins to get tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute. Add another splash of water if the pan is dry. Add the gochujang, tomato paste, coconut milk, and paprika and stir well until mixed thoroughly.
- Add the chickpeas and lentils and mix well.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the sauce has slightly thickened and the chickpeas are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and add more salt, if needed. (I added another 1⁄4 teaspoon.)
- Serve as is, or add rice or a grain of your choice to the serving bowls. Spoon servings of the gochujang sauce over the top. Garnish with the fresh greens.
This recipe is reposted with permission from Vegan Wholesome by Brandi Doming. Photo credit: Kim Schaffer Photography. Find the cookbook here, and follow Brandi on Instagram, Facebook, or visit TheVegan8.com for more.
Read more: Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes With Plant-Based Feta
This article was written by Brandi Doming on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>Known for her playful, approachable food content, Mantiri makes plant-based eating feel creative and fun. In this video, she walks viewers through her go-to granola cup recipe and shows how to customize it with different flavor combinations, ranging from fruit and dark chocolate to matcha and spiced apple. The result is a recipe that’s easy to batch-prep and adaptable for any season or taste.
Below is the full breakdown, starting with the base recipe, followed by each of the six topping variations.
Read more: ‘I Used The Ultimate Tofu Hack To Create These 3 Recipes’
The granola cup base
Mantiri starts by mixing rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon. You can also swap in apple pie or pumpkin pie spice. She notes that quick oats will give a softer texture, while rolled oats offer more bite. She also recommends replacing a third of the oats with extras like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
In her version, she uses sunflower seeds to keep the flavor neutral.
The wet ingredients include:
- 1 mashed banana (or applesauce as a substitute)
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup
- Optional: vanilla extract
She mixes everything together until combined, scoops 2–3 tablespoons into each muffin cup, and presses the mixture into a cup shape.
Baking instructions:
Bake at 175°C (345°F) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Let them cool completely before filling.
Pro tip:
Use a silicone muffin tin or grease your pan well to avoid sticking.
Yogurt and fresh fruit
This is the classic combo. Mantiri fills the cooled granola cups with her favorite yogurt and tops them with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and kiwi.
It’s simple, fresh, and easily customizable with whatever fruit is in season.
Chocolate and banana
Mantiri layers banana slices into the cup first, adds yogurt, then drizzles over melted dark chocolate.
Once chilled for 30 minutes, this cup sets into a creamy, crunchy treat.
Read more: Matcha Shortages Expected In 2025 Due To Rising Global Demand
Bounty bar (coconut and chocolate)
Inspired by the childhood candy bar, this version combines:
- 2 parts desiccated coconut
- 1 part yogurt
- A splash of liquid sweetener to balance the tartness
She mixes the filling until it sticks together like the center of a Bounty bar, spoons it into the cups, and tops it with melted chocolate. You can drizzle or cover the whole top.
Matcha and berries
To create this, Mantiri mixes:
- 4 tablespoons yogurt
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- A splash of liquid sweetener
She tops the mixture with blueberries but encourages viewers to try strawberries, raspberries, mango, or pineapple. Nuts or seeds can also be added for crunch.
Pineapple, mint, and ginger
This tropical mix blends grated ginger and chopped mint leaves into yogurt. Mantiri fills the granola cups with the yogurt, then tops them with pineapple chunks and more mint.
“It might sound like a weird combination, but I promise this works,” she says.
For those not into pineapple, she suggests swapping in peaches or nectarines. This flavor was inspired by her pineapple carpaccio recipe.
Apple crisp
Perfect for cooler months, this variation stirs cinnamon and raisins into yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. She tops it with chopped apples raw or softened in the microwave.
Mantiri finishes each one with extra raisins and encourages viewers to make them visually appealing. “We eat with our eyes first,” she says.
You can find more vegan food content on The Fruity Jem YouTube channel.
Read more: Plant-Based Diets Represent ‘Significant Opportunity’ To Address Global Challenges, Says Study
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Brandi Doming on the PBN Website.
]]>The sandwich has everything you want in a quick lunch: crunch from red onion, richness from the dressing, and a protein boost from the chickpeas. Doming even makes extra dressing so you can spread more on the bread or save some for salads. You can also add toppings like cherry tomatoes, greens, or even seeds for more texture.
These caesar smashed chickpea sandwiches are the kind of plant-based recipe you’ll want to make ahead and eat all week. Perfect for packed lunches, picnics, or lazy weekend bites.
Read more: High Protein Lasagna Roll Ups
Making the sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans low-sodium chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup (180g) Caesar Dressing (recipe follows) plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ cup (120g) finely diced red onion
- 16 slices bread of choice
- Optional toppings: any that you like I used cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and hemp hearts/sesame seeds
For the Caesar Dressing
- ¼ cup (60g) brine from a can of water-packed artichoke hearts
- ¼ cup (60g) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30g) Dijon mustard
- 1 cup raw cashews 140g; see Note or ¾ cup sunflower seeds (112g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, dressing, and salt and mash until the dressing is evenly incorporated and the chickpeas are mashed but still have texture.
- Add the red onion and stir until mixed. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
- Depending on how salty (or not) your chickpeas were, it will affect how much salt you’ll need.
- Spread the chickpea mixture over half of the bread slices. (When assembling the sandwiches, I like to spread extra Caesar dressing on the bread like a “mayo” and as an extra boost of Caesar flavor.)
- Add any toppings you like and close the sandwiches.
For the Caesar Dressing
- In a high-powered blender, combine the artichoke brine, lemon juice, 1⁄4 cup (60g) water, the mustard, cashews, garlic powder, pepper, and salt and blend until completely smooth.
- It is a thick dressing, so you will have to scrape down the sides a couple of times to get it all to blend. Keep going until completely smooth.
- The dressing should be thick and creamy. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
This recipe is reposted with permission from Vegan Wholesome by Brandi Doming. Photo credit: Kim Schaffer Photography. Find the cookbook here, and follow Doming on Instagram, Facebook, or visit TheVegan8.com for more.
Read more: 30-Minute Vegan Buttery Black Dhal
This article was written by Brandi Doming on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>UK-based company Vegan Food Group (VFG) has collaborated with San Francisco food tech brand Eat Just to secure exclusive European rights to its flagship product, Just Egg. The product, which is currently seeing skyrocketing sales in the US, will be manufactured at VFG’s site in Lüneburg, Germany, later this year. VFG, which also owns Meatless Farm, VFC, Tofutown, and Clive’s Purely Plants, will be investing £11.5M (USD $15.2M) into manufacturing and distributing Just Egg.
VFG chairman Matthew Glover said he was “thrilled” to be bringing this “game-changing” product to the UK and EU for the first time. “This partnership is a huge leap forward in transforming plant-based food across Europe,” he added. “Welcome to the future of eggs. No chickens required.”
Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands
What is Just Egg?
Just Egg is a realistic egg alternative product made from mung beans. It’s free from cholesterol and is typically sold in liquid form, allowing it to be poured directly into a pan and cooked like traditional eggs. It’s designed to replicate the texture and function of scrambled eggs, and is commonly used in breakfast dishes, baking, and other recipes that call for eggs.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Just Egg is becoming increasingly mainstream in the US due to rising prices of traditional eggs. The bird flu outbreak has caused egg shortages and record prices in recent months. This led Just Egg sales to soar at five times the rate of the year before.
Europe has a large plant-based market, so it’s likely that Just Egg’s arrival on the continent will see sales rise even further. “European consumers clearly desire innovative, sustainable food options, and collaborating with VFG is key to meeting that demand effectively,” Eat Just co-founder Josh Tetrick told The Grocer. “This investment in the Lüneburg facility represents a crucial step towards making high-quality plant-based egg alternatives widely accessible to our global audience.”
Read more: Pinky Cole Hayes Announces Buy-Back Of Slutty Vegan
This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Romina Callwitz on the PBN Website.
]]>The marzipan filling steals the show. You blend marzipan, aquafaba, and lemon juice into a smooth paste, and toasted almonds add a lovely crunch. After rolling up the dough, you braid it into a beautiful plait and bake it until golden brown.
Once baked, you finish the plant-based plait with a marmalade glaze, giving it a sweet, glossy shine. This vegan Easter plait serves up to 10, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Whether for breakfast or dessert, it’s a great addition to your Easter celebrations. Easy to make and impressive to serve, this treat will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
Read more: Vegan Raspberry And White Chocolate Muffins
Vegan Easter plait
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 teaspoon dried active yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm soy milk
- 75 g melted butter
- 75 g raw organic sugar
- 3 tablespoon aquafaba frothed chickpea water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 500 g plain flour
For the marzipan filling:
- 300 g marzipan
- 100 g chopped almonds or almond flakes
- 5 tablespoon aquafaba
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the coating:
- 1 tablespoon marmalade apricot orange or mandarin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Add the yeast to a large bowl alongside the sugar and about 3-4 tablespoon of the lukewarm soy milk, gently stir and set aside for about 10 minutes.
- In the meantime melt the butter and combine it with the remainder of the soy milk, 3 tablespoon of aquafaba and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture before gradually adding the flour.
- Combine the dough with a spatula or wooden spoon and continue to knead the dough by hand on a floured surface once it becomes to dense to mix in the bowl.
- After about 5 minutes of kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth and leave it to rise in a warm location for about an hour. Within this time the dough should double in size.
- Whilst the dough is proving you can prepare the filling: Start by breaking up the marzipan into small chunks and adding it to a bowl. Pour in the aquafaba and lemon juice and use a whisk or fork to blend until the marzipan has broken down and you have a smooth paste.
- Toast the almonds in a pan without oil until golden and set aside.
- After the hour has elapsed roll out the dough into a rectangular of about 2cm thickness. Spread most of the marzipan mass onto the top, leaving about 3 tablespoon for later. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.
- Start on the longer edge of the rectangular and gently roll up the dough, finishing with the edge on the bottom size. Place the roll on a non-stick baking sheet.
- Using a knife, cut the roll along the long middle, leaving about 3 cm uncut at the top.
- Plait the 2 ends making sure the cut layers remain on the top. Once you get to the end, gently press the dough ends together to finish off the plait.
- Place the plait in the oven for about 25 minutes, check on the plait and brush it with the remaining marzipan mixture. Sprinkle more almond flakes across the top (optional) and place it back in the fridge for another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the plait from the oven. In a small har mix the marmalade with a little bit of water and brush it across the plait. Let it cool down almost entirely before attempting to cut the plait.
This recipe was republished with permission from Romy London. You can view the original recipe here.
Read more: How To Make These 3-Ingredient Vegan Oreo Balls
This article was written by Romina Callwitz on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>He also shares tips for workout recovery, favorite supplements, go-to snacks, and how he balances training with rest. Throughout the video, Simnett focuses on home-cooked, nutrient-dense meals – plus a few desserts.
“I just want to show that you can eat a healthy vegan diet, and that it certainly isn’t boring,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Here’s how his week looked, day by day.
Read more: ‘The Foods I Eat To Get Enough Iron In My Plant-Based Diet’
Day 1: active rest and flavor-packed meals
Simnett starts the day with warm lemon water and a peanut butter, banana, hemp seed, and cinnamon toast combo. He enjoys coffee while working and later heads out for a light jog. “I don’t want to be sedentary all day. I think it’s good to get up and move,” he says.
For snacks, he brings tamari almonds and a mandarin orange. Dinner includes tempeh in Japanese BBQ sauce with pasta, frozen and fresh vegetables, and leftover tahini dressing. He finishes with a smoothie bowl made from frozen banana, blueberries, protein powder, and granola.
He ends the day with a vegan multivitamin containing B12, D3, and omega-3.
Day 2: more rest, simple meals
On day two, he takes another gym rest day after a seven-day workout streak and starts with avocado toast topped with sprouts and everything bagel seasoning. After uploading a video, he snacks on apple slices with peanut butter.
Dinner is takeout tofu hot pan and yellow curry from a local vegan-friendly restaurant to celebrate a birthday. Dessert is a homemade chocolate ganache cake made with tofu, peanut butter, and a date-nut crust.
Day 3: back to the gym
Simnett takes a new Fuji apple–pear flavored drink pre-workout, then heads to the gym.
“I just hammered some of that on the way to the gym,” he says. “It gives you good focus without a crash.”
Post-workout, he makes a big tofu scramble with vegetables, toast, microgreens, salsa, and avocado. Dinner is baked sweet potato, smoked seitan sausage with onions, kale pesto, and salad topped with tahini and balsamic reduction.
Day 4: protein oats and a two-meal day
Simnett adds beetroot crystals to his lemon water as a pre-workout. After training, he makes oatmeal cooked with dates, apples, cinnamon, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter, and hemp hearts.
He pours over a protein “milk” made from banana, protein powder, creatine, and water.
Dinner is a bowl with tofu in Japanese BBQ sauce, steamed broccoli, rice, fresh veggies, sauerkraut, and avocado.
Read more: Plant-Based Diets Could Reduce Risk Of Certain Blood Clots, Study Finds
Day 5: tacos and curry
After leg day, Simnett makes black bean and rice tacos with corn tortillas, avocado, salsa, and vegan cheese. On the side, he eats salad with tahini dressing.
Dinner is an Instant Pot coconut curry with sweet potato, tofu, yellow split peas, curry spices, and frozen peas. He serves it with rice, spinach, and tomato.
Day 6: leftovers, noodles, and late-night snacks
Simnett uses leftover curry for lunch, adding sautéed spinach, rice, vegan sausage, and sauerkraut.
For dinner, he upgrades a frozen noodle meal from Costco with fava bean tofu, frozen broccoli, cabbage, and homemade sprouts.
“That’s how I change a frozen pack of noodles into a pretty healthy and delicious dinner.”
Late-night, he snacks on granola with banana, raspberries, soy milk, and creatine.
Day 7: smoothie fuel and tortilla pizza
Before heading into the mountains with friends, Simnett blends a smoothie with banana, dates, flax seeds, spinach, sprouts, protein powder, and creatine.
He snacks on trail mix and peanut butter banana sandwiches during the off-roading trip.
Dinner is tortilla pizza made with tomato sauce, pesto, smoked tofu, vegan cheese, and salad with tahini and balsamic glaze.
“Something I always love to do when I have pizza is put a whole bunch of fresh sprouts on it. Don’t knock it till you try it.”
Simnett wraps the video with a reminder that plant-based eating is flexible and flavorful.
“You can still have all the foods that you used to love – just veganized.”
You can find more videos from Simnett Nutrition on Derek’s YouTube channel.
Read more: The 5 Most Nutritious Seeds To Add To Your Diet
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>The base is a simple shortcrust pastry made with plain flour, vegan butter, and a splash of cold water. If you’re short on time, a shop-bought vegan pastry works just as well. The filling is equally unfussy: sliced apples, juicy blackberries, caster sugar, cinnamon, and a little water to help everything cook down into a soft, jammy center.
Despite its rustic look, this tart always makes an impression. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and brings is an excellent, family-friendly dessert.
Read more: This Vegan Chocolate Mousse Has A Protein-Packed Secret Ingredient
How to make the tart
Ingredients
For the shortcrust pastry:
- 220 g plain flour
- 100 g vegan butter
- 3-4 tbsp of water
For the filling:
- 4 JAZZ apples – cored, peeled, and but into chunks
- 70 g caster sugar
- 80 g blackberries
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F
- To make the pastry, sift plain flour into a large bowl, add diced vegan butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Then add 3-4 tbsp cold water and mix firm dough. Knead the dough briefly and gently.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill while preparing the filling.
- For the filling, put the apples in a saucepan, add sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tbsp of the water and cook over a medium-low head for 12-15 minutes with a lid on, stirring occasionally. Then add the blackberries, stir gently, and cook for another 3-4 minutes with the lid off. Set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, remove the pastry from the fridge. Dust the worksurface with flour, cut the pastry in half, and, using a floured rolling pin, roll one of the pieces out until it's just under 1cm thick. (Rolling the dough between two layers of greaseproof paper will also stop it sticking to your rolling pin). Butter a shallow 20cm pie dish and line with the pastry, trimming off any excess around the edges using a sharp knife.
- Spoon the cooled apples and blackberries into the lined pie dish so that you have a mound in the middle. Spoon over the juice in the pan. Roll out the second piece of pastry and lay it over the top of the pie. Trim the edges as before and crimp them together with your fingers. Cut a cross in the middle of the top and decorate the pie with the remaining pastry if you like. Brush the top of the pie with the plant-based milk.
- Place the pie on a baking tray and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Read more: 4-Ingredient Vegan ‘Snickers’ Bars
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>The limited-edition capsule, unveiled at Milan Design Week earlier this month, features hoodies, t-shirts, and shorts made entirely from regenerative plant-based materials – and they’re even fully compostable.
Each piece is made without synthetics or plastics. Once worn out, the garments can be buried in the earth without leaving behind microplastics or toxic residues.
“This is just the beginning – the next evolution of sportswear made for athletes and built for the planet,” the two brands said in a joint statement.
Read more: Fur Production Has Plummeted To Lowest Level In Years
This marks the first major product launch from UNLESS since it was acquired by Under Armour. Founded in 2020 by former Adidas executive Eric Liedtke, UNLESS is thought to be the world’s first plant-based, zero-plastic regenerative fashion brand. In line with its commitment to a plastic-free future, it creates clothing and footwear using natural materials that can be safely returned to the environment after being worn.
The collection
The collection draws inspiration from skate, surf, and outdoor cultures, according to Under Armour. Despite being biodegradable, the garments are built to meet everyday durability standards.
The plant-based capsule collection is available exclusively at the Under Armour Brand House in Baltimore. Prices range from $30 to $160. We don’t yet know if or when the products will be available to buy online or elsewhere.
Read more: UGG Announces Launch Of Vegan Boots
This article was written by Polly Foreman on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>The salad is a mash-up of spicy crispy chili oil, creamy caesar-inspired dressing, and fresh leafy greens tossed with pasta. It’s vegan, beginner-friendly, and designed for meal prep or sunny day gatherings. “This is going to be the pasta salad of the season,” Felice says.
She breaks it all down step by step – from selecting the right pasta to balancing heat and acidity in the dressing. Let’s look at how it comes together.
Read more: ‘The Huge Plant-Based Costco Deals You Don’t Want To Miss’
The pasta and greens
Felice uses fusilli pasta for its ridges, which holds sauce well. She recommends using “anything that has curves, ridges,” or is “coily” and adds that a high-protein pasta is ideal if you’re not adding another protein source to the salad. Romaine and kale form the green base, and she reminds viewers to massage the kale: “You can tell that it already kind of went down in size, and that’s because we massaged it.”
The caesar-style chili crisp dressing
This is where the salad stands out. The base is hummus (or vegan mayo), with capers, Dijon mustard, vegan Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan. Then comes the twist: chili crisp. “If you like chili crisp, I recommend two tablespoons, but if you are new to chili crisp… I would say dial it back to maybe one teaspoon,” she explains.
Felice warns the spice has a kick and to “be selective on the chili crisp” you use to ensure “true authenticity”. After whisking, she recommends thinning it with warm water as needed and tasting for adjustments.
Assembly
Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, Felice tosses it with the greens and dressing. She finishes the dish with grated vegan cheese, but says it’s totally optional: “It still tastes delicious without it.”
Read more: ‘I Used The Ultimate Tofu Hack To Create These 3 Recipes’
Optional extras
For more protein, Felice suggests crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas. “I just tossed the chickpeas in a little bit of olive oil, seasoned them, and popped them in the oven… until they were crispy.”
A pasta salad worth repeating
Felice describes the chili crisp caesar pasta salad as “really, really good” and emphasizes how easy it is to make. If prepping ahead, she suggests storing the dressing on the side to keep everything fresh.
You can find more videos by Shakayla Felice on her YouTube channel.
Read more: Where To Find Vegan Dubai Chocolate Bars
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>Costello has built a community around her practical, whole food cooking style. Her focus is on meals that nourish without complication. In this video, she shares three savory dishes and a high-protein dessert. These four vegan recipes are all easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to eat more plants without overthinking it.
You can find all the recipes below:
Read more: ‘I Tried Natalie Portman’s Favorite Vegan Weekday Dish’
Chopped salad with rice and chickpeas
Costello opens with a chopped salad that she says is so finely diced, she eats it with a spoon.
“You might think you’ve had a good salad before, but you haven’t had a good salad until you can eat it with a spoon,” she says in the video.
She chops spring lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and carrot using a salad chopper, then adds chickpeas, rice, and “everything but the bagel” seasoning. The finely chopped texture makes it easier to eat and helps all the flavors combine. It’s rich in fiber, plant protein, and minerals.
One-pot broccoli, peas, and tofu
Next, she shares a one-pot dish made with broccoli, peas, tofu, and brown rice. She seasons it with low-sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, then adds a bit of vegetable broth to help it cook evenly. She then drizzles tahini on top when it’s cooked.
The combination of tofu and grains offers protein and staying power, while broccoli and peas bring fiber and nutrients. The tahini adds richness and flavor without needing oil. It’s simple, filling, and easy to prep in bulk.
Read more: ‘6 Plant-Based Meals I Cook for My Family’
Southwest burrito bowl
Costello’s third recipe is a fast, no-fuss burrito bowl. She combines canned black beans, frozen corn, and frozen rice, then warms everything in the microwave. After that, she tops the bowl with tomatoes, avocado, and a creamy vegan southwest sauce.
“My son actually asks for this, and my husband too, so that makes my mama heart really happy,” she says.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes the dish both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a flexible option that works well for busy weekdays or packed lunches.
Cinnamon roll mug cake
To finish, Costello shares her favorite dessert: a high-protein cinnamon roll mug cake that clocks in at just 200 calories. She says it’s yummy and filling, and she sometimes has it for lunch alongside broccoli.
“This is so good… Everyone in my family absolutely loves this,” she says.
The recipe, which is linked in her video description, is a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat while staying within your nutrition goals. For Costello, it’s a regular part of her routine.
You can find more of Tia Costello’s videos on her YouTube channel.
Read more: Where To Find Vegan Dubai Chocolate Bars
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.
]]>The new locations include the Kroger-backed Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Smith’s, and this brings TiNDLE to stores on the West Coast and Mountain Region of the US for the first time. The expansion also brings TiNDLE’s total number of grocery stockists to more than 1,300.
“Our launch with Kroger, one of America’s largest retailers, is a major milestone for our young company,” said TiNDLE CEO and co-founder Timo Recker, in a statement sent to Plant Based News. “With this expansion and introduction of Stuffed Chicken in their store, we are able to reach more customers than ever before while remaining deeply committed to offering the best-tasting, nutritious, and quality plant-based proteins we can create.”
The full TiNDLE range now includes Boneless Wings, Nuggets, Tenders, and a dual-flavor Stuffed Chicken line available in Parmigiana and Tikka Masala. According to the brand, the products feature more than 10g of protein per serving and are a “good source of fiber.”
Read more: Tiba Tempeh Launches New Smoky Block As Distribution Expands
Nearly a quarter of US shoppers eat plant-based alternatives daily
Experts predict that the alternative protein market will grow in the next few years, with plant-based meat expected to “more than double in value” by 2030. As of 2022, around 65 percent of Americans have consumed plant-based alternatives, while 22 percent eat them daily.
Taste remains a key motivator for US consumers, and blind taste tests have seen plant-based chicken, in particular, outperform both other meat-free options and meat itself.
“We are seeing that consumers are looking for plant-based products that go beyond the basics – delivering on unmatched taste, convenience, and versatility – and we feel inspired to continue innovating to meet the needs of modern shoppers,” said TiNDLE’s director of sales and marketing, Billy Whalen.
In addition to the newest range of Kroger-affiliated stockists, TiNDLE is available from grocery stores such as Bristol Farms, Wegmans, GIANT, MARTIN’s, and Giant Eagle in the US. In the UK, TiNDLE products are available from Morrisons and Whole Foods Market.
Read more: Heura And Swap Collaborate For New Realistic Vegan Chicken Whole-Cut
This article was written by Liam Pritchett on the PBN Website.
]]>This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
]]>Many people believe that iron only comes from meat, but this isn’t true. There are plenty of plant-based iron sources that you’re probably already eating without realizing. “I did not have to go far out of my way to get enough iron,” Claiborne says. “It was just in the simple foods that I eat every single day.”
The video highlights how a variety of common vegan foods – including grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds – can help boost iron levels. Claiborne also explains the difference between heme iron (found in animal products) and non-heme iron (found in plants), noting that the latter is less easily absorbed by the body. She encourages eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables alongside iron-rich meals to improve absorption. Throughout the video, Claiborne stresses that eating a variety of iron-rich plant foods is key to getting your RDA.
Please note that this article is intended as a guide only. You should always consult your doctor if you have specific questions about your own iron intake.
Read more: Meet Blackstrap Molasses: The ‘Best Source’ Of Plant-Based Iron
Teff porridge
Claiborne cooks teff in an Instant Pot and tops it with soy milk, ground flax seeds, pecans, and chopped mango. The full breakfast totals around 5.8 milligrams of iron.
“Teff is a rich source of iron, calcium, fiber, and protein,” she says. She describes it as a nutty-tasting grain that also appears in Ethiopian injera.
This breakfast includes multiple iron-boosting ingredients: flax seeds (0.4 mg), pecans (0.3 mg), mango (0.3 mg), and soy milk (0.8 mg), all contributing to a strong start to the day.
Oatmeal
Although she eats teff porridge that day, Claiborne often opts for oatmeal for breakfast. One cup, she notes, can provide a significant 13 milligrams of iron.
“Oatmeal – like everybody eats oatmeal – so that’s an easy way to get enough iron,” she says.
Oats are also high in fiber and B vitamins, making them a common staple in plant-based diets.
Almonds
Claiborne regularly snacks on tamari-flavored almonds, which she recently featured in a dedicated recipe video. In her serving – about a quarter of a cup – she consumes 1.5mg of iron. “They’re crunchy, they’re salty, they’re umami,” she says.
Almonds also offer protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E, making them a nutrient-dense snack choice.
Rice and beans
Claiborne keeps lunch simple with leftovers: white rice, black beans, and roasted cauliflower. Despite its simplicity, the meal is relatively high in iron.
“Beans are a great source of iron, which I did know,” she says. While she typically opts for brown rice which is particularly high in iron, she still manages to get a meaningful iron boost from the combination of white rice, legumes, and vegetables. She states that the meal contains around 4.3mg of iron.
Figs
Figs are Claiborne’s go-to dried fruit. She describes them as “not too sweet” with a satisfying crunch, and they provided another 0.3mg of iron in her daily total.
Dried fruits like figs, raisins, and apricots are known to offer small but meaningful amounts of iron, especially when combined with other iron-rich meals.
Lentils
For dinner, Claiborne prepares a lentil salad packed with fresh herbs, dates, and a tangy dressing. The dish contributes over 7mg of iron.
“Lentils are a fantastic source of iron,” she says, and adds: “They’re just a perfect food.”
In addition to iron, lentils offer fiber, protein, folate, and other key minerals. Claiborne says she eats them multiple times a week.
Turmeric latte
Before bed, Claiborne makes her daily turmeric latte with soy milk, turmeric, and a touch of agave. The drink adds 1.6 milligrams of iron to her total.
“It helps calm my body down so that I can fall asleep,” she says. She describes the latte as part of her nightly ritual, similar to how many people treat morning coffee.
Vitamin C and iron absorption
Claiborne emphasizes the importance of vitamin C in helping the body absorb non-heme iron. She includes multiple vitamin C-rich foods throughout her meals, including mango, apple, and figs.
“Eat a varied, healthy, plant-based diet, and you will get all the nutrients you need,” she says.
Claiborne estimates that she consumed more than 20 milligrams of iron, showing that it is possible to meet iron needs through a whole-food vegan diet.
She concludes with a reminder for those who may have an iron deficiency: “Speak to your doctor and follow their advice.”
You can find more of Jenné Claiborne’s videos and recipes on her YouTube channel.
Read more: 17 Iron-Rich Vegan Recipes
This article was written by Editorial Team on the PBN Website.
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