Vegan News Recap: Week Ending on December 22nd 2023

It's been a great week everyone!

TOP 5 VEGAN NEWS AROUND THE WORLD (DECEMBER 22, 2023):

1. Major Restaurant Chains Make Vegan Moves:

  • Lidl Takes a Stand in Germany: Lidl supermarkets in Germany are offering select plant-based meat alternatives at the same price as their conventional counterparts. This bold move aims to make vegan options more accessible and encourage consumers to try them.

  • Burger King Expands Vegan Nuggets: Following their success in the US, Burger King is now testing plant-based Impossible Nuggets in 10 other countries, including Canada, Brazil, and Spain. This expansion indicates the growing popularity of vegan fast food options.

2. Food Innovation Heats Up:

  • World's First Vegan Eggs Crack Open a New Era: US startup Every™ launches the first commercially available animal-free egg whites, made from fermented mung beans. This innovative product opens new possibilities for baking and cooking without eggs.

  • Next-Gen Vegan Sushi Makes Waves in London: Aqua Verde restaurant in London is pushing the boundaries of sushi experiences with its innovative plant-based seafood dishes. Imagine tuna nigiri made with watermelon and salmon maki crafted from beetroot!

3. Sustainability and Ethics Take Center Stage:

  • Water Woes of Meat Production Exposed: A new report highlights the significant water footprint of animal agriculture, sparking discussions about environmental impact. Every kilogram of beef, for instance, requires an estimated 15,000 liters of water!

  • Animal Advocacy Groups Raise Concerns about Lab-Grown Meat: While some see lab-grown meat as a potential solution, concerns remain about animal testing and ethical implications of the technology. Transparency and responsible development are crucial.

4. Government Policies Sprout Change:

  • Dutch Government Invests in Plant-Based Future: The Dutch government is investing €70 million in plant-based protein research, aiming to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable food alternatives.

5. Education and Outreach Bloom:

  • Veganuary Campaign Sees Record Sign-Ups: This global campaign encouraging people to try veganism for a month has seen a surge in participation, reaching over 825,000 pledges in 2024 so far!

Bonus: Vegan Celebs Lend Their Voices:

  • Billie Eilish Launches Vegan Perfume Line: The popular singer is adding to her vegan lifestyle brand with a new line of cruelty-free fragrances.

  • Lewis Hamilton Partners with Plant-Based Meat Brand: The Formula One champion is using his platform to promote plant-based alternatives and encourage sustainable living.

Challenges and Calls to Action:

  • Lentil As Anything Faces Financial Difficulties: This popular chain of pay-as-you-feel vegetarian and vegan cafes in Australia is struggling to stay afloat and needs community support.

  • Global Alliance for Animals Demands Stronger Protections for Wild Animals: This organization highlights the threats posed by habitat loss and exploitation and urges stricter wildlife conservation measures.