It might sound too good to be true, but a study has linked regular consumption of chocolate with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. 

According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health—which examined data from 192,000 people from the Nurses Health Studies I and II and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study—the biggest health benefits come from consuming dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate. 

Lindt

In fact, researchers suggested that consuming at least five servings of dark chocolate per week (at around one ounce per serving, which is about one small piece or a square) contributed to a 21-percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. It also noted that consuming five servings a week of any type of chocolate contributed to a 10-percent lower risk of the disease compared with people who didn’t eat chocolate. 

However, researchers also found that consuming milk chocolate regularly could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

“Our findings suggest that not all chocolate is created equal,” said lead author Binkai Liu, a doctoral student in Harvard’s Department of Nutrition.

“For anyone who loves chocolate, this is a reminder that making small choices, like choosing dark chocolate over milk chocolate, can make a positive difference to their health.”

According to the researchers, the health benefits of dark chocolate likely come from its polyphenol content. Polyphenols are potent plant compounds with antioxidant benefits; this means that they help to tackle free radicals in the body and in turn, reduce the oxidative stress that, over time, can contribute to the risk of disease. They also help to reduce levels of inflammation, which is another disease risk factor.

“Even though dark and milk chocolate have similar levels of calories and saturated fat, it appears that the rich polyphenols in dark chocolate might offset the effects of saturated fat and sugar on weight gain and diabetes,” added Qi Sun, PhD, another author on the study and an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  “It’s an intriguing difference that’s worth exploring more.”

The many health benefits of dark chocolate

This study adds to the growing body of research that suggests chocolate is chock-full of plant compounds that can seriously benefit our health. As well as polyphenols, it also contains flavonoids, for example, which are also associated with significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

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Another study from Queen’s University Belfast noted that eating more foods rich in flavonoids, like dark chocolate, could reduce the risk of dementia by 28 percent. Flavonoid-rich foods have also been linked with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, too. “In your body, flavonoids help regulate your blood pressure, prevent plaque buildup in your brain, and reduce inflammation in your brain,” Christine Byrne, MPH, RD, and owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition in Raleigh, NC, explained to VegNews.

Alongside dark chocolate, Byrne notes that leafy greens, like cabbage, kale, and herbs, as well as berries, herbal tea, and citrus fruits, are good sources of flavonoids.

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One more study found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa (flavonols are a type of flavonoid) when eating fatty foods could help to protect the body from cardiovascular stress. Researchers at the University of Birmingham examined a group of healthy participants who ate a fatty breakfast with flavanol-rich cocoa and compared them to another group who enjoyed a fatty breakfast but skipped the cocoa. They ultimately found that those who drank the drink had better blood vessel function.

“This research shows that drinking or eating a food high in flavanols can be used as a strategy to mitigate some of the impacts of poorer food choices on the vascular system,” said Catarina Rendeiro MSc, PhD, per Women’s Health. “This can help us make more informed decisions about what we eat and drink during stressful periods.”

Generally, experts note that chocolate should be 70 percent cocoa or higher to reap the health benefits. 

Chocolate is also associated with better mood, and could even benefit the gut, too, research suggests. In fact, Tim Spector, MD, FRCP, OBE, and the founder of Zoe Nutrition, is a keen advocate for dark chocolate consumption because of its fiber content. 

Per The Mirror, Spector said: “A normal portion of dark chocolate has over double the equivalent slice of whole grain bread in terms of fiber. So chocolate is a great thing to have as a little treat at the end of the day, knowing that as well as being super tasty, it’s also really good for you, and I certainly enjoy it.”

A light starter—bright with sharp acidity and tempered by the cooling, creamy foil of cheesy dressing and hearty croutons—this classic Caesar kale salad from The Everyday Vegan Cheat Sheet cookbook is a foolproof start to any meal.

A tangy dressing made from sweet mustard, agave nectar, and fresh lemon helps to caramelize potatoes in this easy roasted recipe from online cooking school Rouxbe. Pair with greens and a plant-based protein for a full meal.

In France and Belgium, steak frites are a popular dinner choice. But the simple meal (which, as you may have guessed, is essentially steak and French fries) is also a global favorite, found in Belgian-style and French-style bistros all over the world. One-half of steak frites is already plant-based (the fries, of course) but if you want the juicy, tender texture of steak without the actual steak, here are some of our favorite ways to achieve just that. 

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What are steak frites?

Steak frites consist of two core elements: steak and fries. But it’s not as simple as slapping them both on a plate. The steak is usually seared or grilled, while the French fries (or pommes frites, as they’re known in France) should be deep-fried until perfectly crispy. The steak can be a number of different cuts, from rump to rib-eye, but it should always be seasoned well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Often, béarnaise is served on the side, which is a creamy French sauce usually made with egg yolks, butter, white wine vinegar, shallots, and herbs.

How to make plant-based steak frites

All of the key elements of steak frites can be made with plant-based ingredients. Instead of beef fat, French fries can be deep-fried in vegetable or olive oil, for example. There are also several vegan béarnaise sauce recipes out there. This one from Culinary Witch combines ingredients like avocado mayonnaise and coconut cream to achieve the same consistency and texture. 

And then there’s the steak. Thanks to ingredients like seitan, mushrooms, beans, lentils, and tofu, you can achieve the same tender texture and juicy taste of steak without any animal products. 

The best vegan steak recipes for steak frites

Intrigued? Check out some of our favorite vegan steak recipes, perfect for steak frites, below.

Rabbit and Wolves

1 Vegan Portabello Steak Frites

In this vegan steak frites recipe, Lauren Hartmann of Rabbit and Wolves swaps the usual beef for juicy marinated portobello mushrooms with delicious results. The key is to season the mushrooms with umami-rich ingredients like liquid smoke, vegan steak sauce, and soy sauce, before leaving them to marinate overnight and baking them in the oven for up to 25 minutes. On the side, Hartmann opts for roasted red pepper chimichurri. “These mushroom steaks get so crazy yummy in the oven after being marinated,” writes Hartmann. “I like to marinate them overnight. Which makes this the quickest, easiest recipe ever.”
Get the recipe

The Cheeky Chickpea

2 Seitan Vegan Steak

If you want a seriously meaty steak, seitan is your best bet. This is because the plant-based protein, which is made with wheat gluten, has a naturally chewy, tender texture similar to steak. Again, the key to the flavor is all in the marinade. In this recipe, Vera Morgan of The Cheeky Chickpea opts for ingredients like vegan beef stock, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, and tamari. “A crazy good protein-rich meal for vegetarians, and if you want to impress meat eaters, serve them this,” says Morgan. “It’ll blow their mind!”
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School Night Vegan

3 Cannellini Bean Vegan Steak

As well as seitan, the not-so-secret ingredient in this “succulent vegan steak” from School Night Vegan is cannellini beans, which provide protein, a good dose of fiber, and help achieve that juicy, meaty texture. A key contributor to the essential umami taste is Marmite (also known as yeast extract). Recipe developer Richard Makin describes this steak as having “100 percent the meatiest flavor I’ve ever managed to conjure up.”
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Plantifully Based

4 Vegan Tofu Steak

When fried or grilled, extra-firm tofu can have a deliciously meaty texture, similar to steak. In this recipe from Plantifully Based, the dark steak-like color and umami flavor come from the marinade, which consists of just four ingredients: pomegranate juice, steak seasoning, vegan steak sauce, and soy sauce.
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Loving It Vegan

5 Seitan Chickpea Vegan Steak

Again, this juicy vegan steak recipe from Loving It Vegan comes together with the help of seitan and an umami-rich marinade, but it also features chickpeas for some added plant-based protein. According to recipe developer Alison Andrews, all of this helps create a steak-free steak that is “perfection.” She adds: “They are massively filling, too. I served myself a plate with one of these steaks and a few sides. I ate one of the steaks and couldn’t eat any of the sides, I was so full.”
Get the recipe

We love to bake these scones on a Sunday to enjoy all week long. They freeze perfectly, so pop into the oven, smother with vegan butter or Devonshire cream, and your day will be a little extra special.

Finding convenient and tasty frozen burritos at your local supermarket is easier than ever. But have you ever thought about making them yourself? These easy and satiating burritos in this recipe from the Compassionate Cuisine vegan cooking program make it a breeze.

Do not underestimate the power of the doughnut. During WWI, simple balls of fried dough were said to raise the morale of US troops. You can read more about the history of this delicious day here, but if you’re in less of an educational mood and more of a “how fast can I find a vegan doughnut?” craze, keep reading.

Traditionally, doughnut recipes involve eggs and milk, which aren’t vegan, of course. But as these spots below prove, it is possible to make doughnuts without animal ingredients. While recipes vary, many bakers choose to swap dairy milk for soy milk and eggs for banana, egg replacer, or silken tofu. But whatever the ingredients, the result is just as delicious. To find out for yourself, head to one of the shops below. You won’t be disappointed!

From coast to coast and everywhere in between, here are some of the best vegan doughnuts to start the day off on the right foot (in no particular order).

Donut Friend

1 Donut Friend 

Los Angeles, CA

This vegan doughnut micro chain, with locations in Highland Park and DTLA, is a must-visit in Los Angeles. Since 2013, it has specialized in seriously good plant-based doughnuts, all made fresh in-house every day.

Devi’s Donuts

2 Devi’s Donuts

Long Beach, CA

Devi’s Donuts offers an impressive selection of fresh vegan doughnuts, including filled favorites like Crème Brûlée and Boston Creme, as well as plenty of options topped with fresh fruit. Diners praise this Long Beach spot for its sheer variety, reasonable prices, and welcoming atmosphere. “Absolutely, unequivocally one of the best donut shops I have ever been to,” says one customer.

What we’re ordering: You can’t go wrong with the shop’s chocolate selection, but the Oreo-topped Cookies and Cream caught our eye straight away.

Cake Girl

3Cake Girl

Los Angeles, CA

Stop by Cake Girl in Los Angeles for a vegan feast of sweet treats, including cookies, cupcakes, and, of course, the reason we’re all here: doughnuts. They’re moist, fresh, and packed with flavor, and everything on the menu is gluten-free. One tip if you’re struggling to find it: Cake Girl is actually located inside a pharmacy.

Kimberly Deflores

4 Vegan Donut Gelato

Oakland, CA

This old-school, Oakland-based doughnuttery serves up affordable, accessible pink-box doughnuts in the Bay Area without skimping on flavor. “We love the donuts so much we had them for our wedding, and it’s the main thing people talk about our wedding now,” says one regular. Still hungry? This spot also offers vegan banh mi. It just gets better and better.

What we’re ordering: The Old Fashioned. Each bite of this crinkly, maple-glazed doughnut is utter perfection. 

Doe Donuts

5 Doe Donuts

Portland, OR

This vegan doughnuttery specializes in yeasted, fried doughnuts, including plenty of filled options. The result is a slightly denser texture than some other varieties, but if you like your sweet treats with a satisfying chew, it works perfectly. Everything is made fresh with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and loaded with flavor. One fan even described the menu as “endless scrumptiousness.”

What we’re ordering: The Portland Fog donut is a best-selling treat topped with Earl Grey glaze, whipped topping, and specks of vanilla bean. We’re also ordering a double espresso to wash it down.

Dough Joy

6Dough Joy

Seattle, WA

Even Seattle locals can get a bit down when the weather is exceedingly dreary and they haven’t seen the sun in 10 days. That’s where Dough Joy comes in. While we don’t recommend eating your feelings for every cloudy Seattle day, treating yourself to any one of these yeasted, filled, and frosted treats always lightens the mood.

What we’re ordering: The inventive Everything But The Bagel, featuring a fluffy yeasted dough, everything bagel seasoning, and a cream cheese center. 

Mighty-O Donuts

7Mighty-O Donuts

Seattle, WA

Whack Donuts

8 Whack Donuts

San Francisco, CA

Six years after getting its start in a San Francisco apartment, Whack Donuts now has its own storefront in the city’s downtown Embarcadero neighborhood. Founded by dancer-turned-baker Vandor “Whacko” Hill, the spot has become a beloved local staple thanks to its soft, fluffy baked vegan doughnuts and fun selection of rotating flavors. But it’s more than a doughnut shop; it’s also a community hub, hosting everything from coffee pop-ups and vinyl sales to dance competitions and other events.

Holey Grail Donuts

9Holey Grail Donuts

Multiple locations , HI

Most of the taro doughnuts at Holey Grail Donuts are vegan; just keep an eye out for honey or bee pollen in a few flavors. There are plenty of creative options to choose from across the chain’s three Hawaii locations, and best of all, every doughnut is fried to order, so you can enjoy it fresh and hot, just as it should be.

What we’re ordering: Strawberry Fields, made with local strawberries and green tea.

Little Vessels Donut Co

10 Little Vessels Donut Co

Honolulu, HI

If you’re in Honolulu, don’t miss Little Vessels’ handmade vegan doughnuts. Born during the pandemic, the business is known for its exceptionally soft, pillowy creations, thanks to a signature recipe made with coconut milk and coconut oil. Just make sure to get there early: it’s a small operation, and once the doughnuts are gone, they’re gone.

What we’re ordering: The Miso Caramel Furikake Donut, which makes occasional appearances on the menu. It combines brown sugar caramel, miso glaze, and furikake for an irresistible sweet-and-savory treat.

Donut Farm

11Donut Farm

Berkeley, CA

Donut Farm has been serving up vegan, organic doughnuts to the Berkeley community since 2006, and thankfully, it shows no signs of slowing down. The menu is always changing, but a few things are guaranteed: creative flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and organic ingredients.

What we’re ordering: The ever-popular Lavender Earl Grey. It’s sweet and floral, with just the right amount of earthy flavor from the black tea.

Babes

12 Babes

Sacramento, CA

If you’ve got allergies, Babes in Sacramento is officially your new go-to. As well as being entirely vegan, everything on the menu—yes, everything—is gluten-free. The doughnuts are delicious, the vibe is friendly and fun, and the prices are reasonable. Honestly, it might be sweet treat heaven. “This place is a dream come true for anyone who loves dessert without compromises,” declares one super fan.

What we’re ordering: Chocolate Sprinkles. With smooth chocolate frosting and a satisfying sugary crunch, it’s pure indulgence.

Ronalds Doughnuts

13Ronalds Doughnuts

Las Vegas, NV

Vegan Doughnut Company

14Vegan Doughnut Company

Lakewood, OH

Based in the Cleveland area, this specialty bakery offers a rotating selection of inventive doughnut flavors, each carefully prepared, filled, and decorated by hand. Made with locally sourced organic ingredients, these doughnuts are always fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Beacon Doughnuts

17 Beacon Doughnuts

Chicago, IL

It’s hard to pick a favorite doughnut at Beacon in Chicago, thanks to its impressive selection of creative vegan flavors. Everything is made in small batches each day, ensuring every doughnut is fresh and pillowy soft. “These may be the greatest doughnuts in the entire world,” claims one fan. Want to see if you agree? There’s only one thing to do.

What we’re ordering: The Blueberry Pancake, a vanilla cake doughnut filled with blueberry jam and finished with a drizzle of maple icing and powdered sugar.

18 Peaceful Provisions

Beacon, NY

Dun-Well Doughnuts

19 Dun-Well Doughnuts 

Brooklyn, NY

Vegan shop Dun-Well Doughnuts does an excellent job of keeping Brooklyn well-stocked with delicious, freshly made plant-based doughnuts, and we’re grateful for its service. Pair any of its sweet treats with a cup of locally roasted organic coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.

What we’re ordering: The Almondine, a nutty treat with a classic almond glaze and a sliced almond topping. It’s equal parts pillowy, rich, and irresistible.

Angelhearts Donuts

20 Angelhearts Donuts

Ithaca, NY

You don’t need to be in the Big Apple to enjoy top-quality vegan treats in New York. Angelhearts Donuts is holding down the fort in upstate Ithaca with its creative selection of vegan doughnut flavors. And if you’re craving something savory, you can even grab a breakfast sandwich served on an unglazed doughnut.

Bitchin Donuts

21 Bitchin Donuts

Albany, NY

There are plenty of reasons to visit Albany: the history, the architecture, the wildlife, and, of course, the vegan doughnuts. They’re high on our list. Head to Bitchin Donuts for an ever-changing but consistently delicious selection of fun, creative flavors. A little tip: if you hold your nerve until the end of the day, you might even score a buy-one-get-one-free deal when there’s a surplus.

What we’re ordering: The Orange Creamsicle, a nostalgic summer classic in doughnut form. 

Fry Baby

22 Fry Baby

Buffalo, NY

You’ll want to arrive at Fry Baby with an empty stomach—consider this your warning. Start with a vegan pizza, then move on to the doughnuts. Good luck choosing between the timeless classics and creative seasonal flavors. You might need to plan a few visits to this Buffalo staple, which has been serving up plant-based treats for a decade.

Just Fine Donuts

23 Just Fine Donuts

Alexandria, VA

Just Fine Donuts, tucked inside The Dairy Godmother ice cream shop on Mount Vernon Avenue, serves a tempting mix of cake and yeast doughnuts. And if the reviews are anything to go by, they’re far more than just fine. In fact, one very happy Google reviewer suggested the name “Absolutely Stellar Donuts That Your Family Who Thinks Vegan Things Are Gross Loved.” It might be a little long for a storefront sign, but we totally get the sentiment.

What we’re ordering: The Maple with Vegan Bacon, because meat-eaters shouldn’t get to gatekeep this glorious sweet-and-savory combination.

Cloudy Donut Co

24Cloudy Donut Co

New York, NY, and Baltimore, MD

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Cloudy Donut Co. There are classics like Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cinnamon Sugar, but the brand is best known for pushing the boundaries with its inventive, unexpected flavors. Keep an eye out for its weird and wonderful creations the next time you’re in Nolita or Brooklyn in New York City. The brand also hosts pop-ups in Baltimore.

What we’re ordering: The Grapefruit Mimosa, which comes with a tiny pipette of champagne.

Vegan Treats

25 Vegan Treats

Bethlehem, PA

The clue is right there in the name, but if you’re in the mood for a vegan treat, head straight to this phenomenal bakery in Bethlehem. Alongside cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, brownies, whoopie pies, and cannoli, you’ll find an impressive selection of doughnuts. “It’s impossible to walk out without trying to buy one of everything,” says one regular. You have been warned.

What we’re ordering: The Vegan Chicken and Waffle. A light, fluffy doughnut is dipped in maple glaze, then topped with two pieces of homemade crispy fried “chicken” and miniature Belgian waffles. This sweet-and-savory mashup only appears at the baker’s discretion, so if you spot it in-store, grab it while you can.

26Dotties Donuts

Philadelphia, PA

The flavors change daily at this acclaimed vegan doughnut shop, so while we’d love to recommend the Blueberry Pop Tart-topped option or the spicy chocolate cheesecake-filled Chef Special, there’s no guarantee they’ll be around when you visit. What you can count on, however, is fresh, delicious doughnuts—and that’s the most important thing.

Lovebird Donuts

27 Lovebirds Donuts

Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth, NH

Lovebirds Donuts’ menu changes with the seasons, but no matter when you visit, you’ll be greeted with an enticing selection of flavors. If you’re visiting with a group—or you’re feeling particularly hungry—it even offers giant brioche-based doughnuts stuffed with fruit and cream, which can serve up to eight people.

Donut Run

28 Donut Run

Washington, DC

As the country’s capital, it was high time Washington, DC, had a vegan doughnut shop of its own. Established in 2021, the small shop with its light pink exterior specializes in yeasted and glazed creations. By all means, grab your fill of frosted treats, but save room for one of its head-sized fritters, too.

Erin McKenna’s

29 Erin McKenna’s

Multiple locations 

Looking for something gluten-free that doesn’t taste gluten-free? Erin McKenna’s you covered. This bakery’s cake doughnuts are soft, satisfying, and never gritty. And if you live near one of its locations in Orlando or Los Angeles, you can even have them delivered straight to your door.

Are you a tofu fan? If you answered with a big yes (who isn’t, right?), then you need to know about a new recall from the US Food and Drug Administration. It turns out that more than 10,000 cases of Hodo tofu might have been contaminated with ink. Don’t panic—you can find everything you need to know about the recall, including lot numbers and what to do next, here.

Okay, now on to the food news. This week, it’s all about new additions at Sprouts and Whole Foods, so keep your eyes peeled next time you’re grocery shopping. Plus, we’ve also got updates on new dairy-free butter and a PSA about Sunday Supper.

Five of Daring’s new skillet meals will be available in Sprouts. | Daring

New protein-packed Daring meals have landed at Sprouts

Daring has just revealed its biggest launch ever: five new multi-serve skillet meals are coming to Sprouts stores nationwide. The popular vegan chicken brand is launching six new meals in total, but has confirmed that only five will be available on Sprouts shelves.

The new meals are Mediterranean-Spiced Chickpeas & Veggies, Smoky Veggie Chili, Power Grains & Greens, Lemon & Garlic Rotini, Teriyaki Veggie Stir-Fry, and Penne Pomodoro. According to Daring, each meal is packed with protein and fiber and can be ready in around 10 minutes.

“We believe the foods people love can be better, and Daring Skillet Meals are an important next step,” said Chris Coburn, Daring’s CEO. “They bring that idea to life—familiar, flavorful meals made with Daring protein, vegetables, grains and simple ingredients. It’s another step in expanding what Daring can bring to the table, giving people more convenient ways to eat well without compromising on taste.”

The new meals will launch at Sprouts this September, with more retailers set to be announced later this year.

Monty’s new oat butter is made with just five ingredients, including organic oats and organic coconut oil. | Monty’s

Monty’s just launched a new five-ingredient vegan oat butter

The vegan butter market is growing, and one of its most popular players? Monty’s, of course. The brand, which also specializes in velvety dairy-free cream cheese, is already known for its original Cultured Cashew Butter, but now it has added a new option to its lineup: oat butter.

Made with just five ingredients (organic oats, organic coconut oil, filtered water, sea salt, and cultures), it’s “salted, smooth, and buttery,” according to Monty’s. It’s just as versatile as dairy-based versions and can be used for everything from baking and slathering on bagels to thickening up sauces. Right now, Monty’s products are stocked at various retailers across California and New York City, including Gelson’s, Erewhon, and Butterfield Market.

Oshi’s whole-cut salmon fillets are about to be more accessible than ever. | Oshi

Vegan salmon to land on Whole Foods’ shelves in December

Just a few months after launching a billboard in New York City’s Times Square to announce that its products had arrived in stores, vegan seafood brand Oshi has revealed that it is about to land on Whole Foods shelves. Starting this December, shoppers will be able to pick up Oshi’s vegan whole-cut salmon fillets at their local store.

“Landing on Whole Foods shelves is a massive validation of what we’ve built: a revolutionary plant-based whole-cut salmon that delivers the exact taste, flaky texture, and culinary experience people love,” the brand shared on social media.

Sunday Supper is now a vegetarian brand. | Sunday Supper

Sunday Supper is no longer plant-based

Popular Italian frozen food brand Sunday Supper is no longer entirely vegan. Instead, the Los Angeles-based company now describes itself as “plant-forward” after adding dairy products to its range. It still offers multiple plant-based options, including Italian Sausage Lasagna, Three Cheeses Lasagna, and Fusi Alla Vodka. According to the brand, it pivoted to a vegetarian approach in a bid to attract more customers.

“We lead with premium, restaurant-quality frozen food,” Sunday Supper co-founder and CPO Richard Klein told Nosh. “We don’t brand ourselves as vegan or vegetarian.”

CEO Spencer Oberg added: “This positioning helps us ride the long-term macro trends very well. At the same time, it allows us to participate in some of the short-term trend spikes, like high-protein.”

Stock up on Harken Sweets’ Halloween-themed candy in Sprouts and Whole Foods ahead of the October holiday. 

Vegan Halloween-themed Snickers- and Twix-style candy heading to Sprouts and Whole Foods

Plant-based brand Harken Sweets, which specializes in nostalgic candy, has launched two new Halloween-themed packs of Snickers-style treats at Sprouts stores nationwide. Sweetened with dates, the new kid-friendly seasonal treats come in Salted Caramel and Peanut & Caramel flavors, contain no added sugar, and are a source of fiber. Keep an eye out at Whole Foods, too, where the products will be launching very soon.

The Bizerkeley Food Fest is back for its sixth run in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Berkeley’s famed vegan festival returns this weekend

If you’re in the Bay Area and looking for a reason to eat your weight in vegan burritos and cookies this weekend, the Bizerkeley Food Fest is back. Hosted by vegan entrepreneur Erika Hazel, aka The Bizerkeley Vegan, the sixth annual festival will bring more than 70 food, beverage, retail, and wellness vendors to downtown Berkeley on Sunday, September 6. Expect plant-based eats from businesses including Los Angeles’ Mexican outposts Cena Vegan and El Compa Vegano, famed San Diego bakery Maya’s Cookies, and the Bay Area’s own Fungi Foods. Live music, cultural performances, wellness demos, chef tastings, and even emotional support alpacas will be available as well. Admission is free for kids 18 and younger, and proceeds will benefit California Pit Bull Rescue.

Check out last week’s food news

Lentils are filling, versatile, inexpensive, and nutritious, so it’s no surprise humans have been eating them for thousands of years. This simple edible legume has been traced back to around 8,000 BC—back then, lentils likely helped to sustain people living on the banks of the Euphrates River. Throughout the following centuries, they were eaten by the poor (in ancient Greece), the rich (in Ancient Egypt), and everyone in between. And it’s the same story today. In 2026, the global market has reached $6 billion.

Nowadays, however, lentils are more than just a simple nutrition source. Their many different varieties (including brown, red, green, and black) are used in a wide range of creative, delicious, and nutritious plant-based recipes—as you can see from our list below. With the vegan lifestyle growing in popularity, simple, plant-based whole foods such as lentils are pushed into the spotlight. A quick search for lentils on TikTok, for example, brings up pages of recipe videos, some with millions of views.

The rising popularity of lentils is good for our health, and it’s good for the planet, too. Before we get to the fun part (the food), here’s a little bit more about this humble legume and its many benefits.

jump to the recipes

Are lentils nutritious?

That’s a big yes. Lentils are low in fat, rich in protein (100 grams of boiled lentils provide around nine grams of protein), high in dietary fiber, and they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body’s cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and in turn, may help to lower the risk of chronic disease. And looking after your blood sugar? These mightly lentils can actually help reverse high levels. “In a study that included 48 healthy adults, replacing half of the carbs from rice or potatoes with carbs from cooked lentils at a meal led to significant decreases in post-meal blood sugars compared with eating rice or potatoes alone,” says Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD and Ruairi Robertson, PhD on Healthline.

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Are lentils sustainable?

Lentils are not only good for us, but they’re good for the environment, too. For one, they require significantly fewer resources, like water and land, than meat to produce, and they also help to promote biodiversity and soil health, thanks to their nitrogen-fixing properties.

Lentils are also a pretty resilient food source, too. They can grow in semi-arid and arid regions, as they don’t need huge amounts of rain to survive. This means they can tolerate significant amounts of drought stress (an important quality, as the frequency of extreme weather events increases with the climate crisis). 

How to cook with lentils: 12 plant-based recipes 

If you want to learn more about how to prepare this versatile, sustainable, healthy ingredient, we’ve compiled some of our favorite vegan lentil recipes below.

1 Easy Lentil Bolognese Spaghetti Squash Boats

Filled with a red lentil Bolognese sauce, these Italian-inspired roasted spaghetti squash boats are best topped with vegan parmesan and fresh basil. This dish is delicious comfort food with a unique, plant-based twist.
Get the recipe

2Creamy Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup

This hearty recipe combines carrots, onions, celery, and red lentils to create a flavorful, nutritious creamy soup. Garnish with cilantro for a comforting, nourishing meal, and make sure to pair with plenty of rustic bread.
Get the recipe

Charity Morgan

3 Meaty Lentil Chili Con Chili

Made with a hearty combination of green or brown lentils, beans, and vegetables, this nourishing, easy chili is perfect for game day. You can even allow guests to customize their bowls with a variety of toppings (plenty of vegan cheese, please).
Get the recipe

4French Lentil and Kale Stew

This delicious French lentil and kale stew recipe combines tangy balsamic vinegar and luscious coconut cream for a flavorful, comforting weeknight dish. It’s best served with vegan parmesan and some hearty homemade meatballs.
Get the recipe

5 Easy, Smoky Bean and Lentil Chili

For an easy, nourishing midweek dish, you can’t go wrong with this smoky vegan bean and red lentil chili, which also packs in fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a tasty blend of chili powder and cinnamon.
Get the recipe

6Warm Lentil, Sweet Potato, and Arugula Salad

This nutritious, satisfying salad balances sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness with protein-packed green lentils. The dressing, which combines soy sauce, maple syrup, and whole-grain mustard, adds the perfect blend of tangy, salty, and sweet.
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Dreena Burton

7 Savory Lentil and Sweet Potato Meatloaf

Sweet potatoes, lentils, and Italian herbs come together to create this delicious and filling vegan meatloaf recipe. Serve with mashed potatoes and garlicky green beans, for a nutrient-packed, comforting weeknight meal.
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Ashley Madden

8Red Lentil Marinara Spaghetti

Served with red lentil marinara, this simple, gluten-free spaghetti dish makes for a quick, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal—especially when it’s complemented by salad or crusty bread.
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Sam Turnbull

9 Sweet Korean-Inspired Lentils

This easy, versatile plant-based dish can be served with rice, tacos, or wraps, and comes together in just under 20 minutes. It’s also packed with flavor and protein, thanks to the rich soy-sesame sauce and red lentils.
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10 Herb-Roasted Autumn Harvest Bowls 

In this autumnal dish, roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and green lentils are topped with tahini dressing and pumpkin seeds—it’s a simple, nutritious weeknight delight.
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Kenden Alfond

11 Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

Made with a mix of oats and cooked brown lentils, these meatballs are hearty, nutritious, and delicious, especially when served in a tangy pineapple juice-based sweet and sour sauce.
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12 French Lentil Soup With Herbes de Provence

Made with green French lentils, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a drop of dry sherry, this soup is a comforting, nourishing, lunchtime delight. Serve with a warm, toasted baguette, smothered in vegan butter.
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Wow your Instagram followers when you share a snap of these dreamy pancakes from the Orchids + Sweet Tea: Plant-Forward Recipes with Jamaican Flavor & Southern Charm cookbook.