A knock-down, drag-out battle between Los Angeles and Portland. A social media favourite crossing over to bona fide star standing to nab the “Favourite Superstar” title. An growth of Past Meat’s post-burger empire. This 12 months’s survey of the very best vegan merchandise, individuals, and locations has revealed one factor: the plant-based panorama is hotter than ever. You voted, and listed below are your 2022 Veggie Award winners.
FOOD
Past Burger by Sarah Sloane
Finest Vegan Burger: Past Meat
This beefy vegan burger has gone the place no plant-based burger has gone earlier than: the Golden Arches. After infiltrating 600 US McDonald’s eating places, it’s clear the Beyond Burger is on the helm of the way forward for meals.
Finest Vegan Sausage: Past Meat
In relation to including an additional little bit of oomph to pasta or fajitas, VegNews readers are turning to Beyond Meat’s plant-based hyperlinks in Authentic, Sizzling Italian, and Candy Italian flavors.
Finest Vegan Seafood: Gardein
Crispy, golden-fried crab truffles dipped in saucy vegan remoulade and flaky fish filets excellent for baja tacos? Oh yeah, sea life as seafood is so over. Pescatarians, time to level up!
Finest Vegan Bacon: Candy Earth
Subsequent time somebody says “however bacon,” merely present them these hickory-smoked strips which are ushering in a greater breakfast revolution. Between mile-high BLTs and large brunch platters, one query stays: crispy or chewy?
Finest Vegan Rooster: Gardein
Vegan rooster is all the fad, and Gardein’s cluck-free offerings are fueling the frenzy. Need in on the development? Select from the model’s traditional tenders, Mandarin orange rooster, gochujang wings, and, most just lately, additional meaty filets.
Finest Vegan Jerky: Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
Ten years after founder Stanley Chase III by chance overcooked his barbecue soy protein, this company has quietly grow to be the vegan king of jerky. And now, it has its first Veggie Award to show it.
Finest New Vegan Product: Past Rooster Tenders
When your vegan rooster tenders get picked up by KFC, you already know you’re doing one thing proper. And Veggie Award voters agree: Past Meat’s make-at-home model deserves this 12 months’s win.
Miyoko’s Creamery cheese wheels by Sarah Sloane
Finest Vegan Artisanal Vegan Cheese: Miyoko’s Creamery
Between elegant cashew cheese wheels, strong pub cheese spreads, and one-of-a-kind liquid mozzarella, this gone-mainstream vegan creamery is proving that something dairy can do, crops can do higher.
Finest Vegan Staple Vegan Cheese: Violife
Parmesan wedges for pasta night time, Mexican-style shreds for Taco Tuesday, and Mediterranean cheese blocks for weekend grilling—yep, there’s a Violife cheese for each delicacies and day of the week.
Finest Vegan Milk: Oatly
Six years after its US debut, this oat-based alt milk nonetheless reigns supreme. From a billion greenback IPO to a nationwide Starbucks launch, Oatly’s plant-based energy is proving to be oat of this world.
Finest Vegan Butter: Earth Stability
This buttery spread first appeared on grocery retailer cabinets within the late ‘90s, and 24 years later, Veggie Award voters agree: this tub of vegan spreadable gold remains to be on everlasting rotation.
Finest Vegan Yogurt: Silk
Whether or not or not it’s traditional soy, nutty almond, additional creamy oat, or coconut Greek, in terms of yogurt, this dairy-free OG leaves no stone unturned (or foil lid unopened).
Ben & Jerry’s vegan ice cream by Sarah Sloane
Finest Vegan Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s
The flavour gurus at Ben & Jerry’s have churned out dairy-free pints since 2016. And with next-level mix-ins like fudge-covered waffle cones, salted caramel cores, and gooey marshmallow swirls, one factor is definite: we’ve by no means met a Ben & Jerry’s pint we didn’t love.
Finest Vegan Cookie: Uncle Eddie’s
Don’t be fooled by the standard paper bag, these homestyle cookies from this family-owned bakery rival nearly any fresh-baked deal with made by Grandma … even the oatmeal raisin is to die for.
Finest Vegan Chocolate: Hu Kitchen
Chocoholics, unite! New York-based Hu Kitchen takes residence its first Veggie Award because of its indulgent bars in flavors like Hazelnut Espresso, Vanilla Crunch, and Cashew Butter Raspberry.
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups by Sarah Sloane
Finest Vegan Sweet: Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups
All of us rejoiced when these vegan peanut butter cups first hit retailer cabinets. And immediately, we’re nonetheless in nut butter bliss because of additions like tremendous darkish chocolate, crispy quinoa, and espresso.
Finest Vegan Power Bar: Clif Bar
For 30 years, Clif Bar has been fueling high-octane exercises, leisurely hikes, and every little thing in between—all with 20 completely different flavors and nil animal merchandise. Discuss elevating the bar.
Finest Crispy Vegan Snack: HIPPEAS
What’s it about these chickpea puffs we simply can’t resist? Their airy-yet-crunchy texture, the large dose of plant protein, flavors like Sriracha Dawn and Vegan White Cheddar? Sure, sure, and sure—now move the bag.
Finest By chance Vegan Snack: Oreo
Boasting flavors like apple cider doughnut, blueberry pie, and tiramisu, these six-time Veggie-Award-winning cookies maintain us on our toes, and guarantee we all the time have a fridge stocked with oat milk.
Finest Vegan Protein Powder: Orgain
With new launches starting from a creamy oat milk protein powder to sport and keto formulations, Orgain is guaranteeing we by no means get bored once we want a plant-based increase to gas our exercises.
Finest Vegan Meal Supply Service: Purple Carrot
Providing each readymade and cook-it-yourself kits, this all-vegan company makes a speciality of gorgeous, chef-crafted dishes (Miso Carrot Cavatappi With Toasted Breadcrumbs & Gremolata! Tamarind Curry Noodles With Grilled Tofu!)—no reservations required.
Magnificence & Model
LUSH
Finest Vegan Pores and skin Care: LUSH
Specializing in on a regular basis substances like avocado, chamomile, and sesame, LUSH goals for transparency so you already know precisely what’s going in your pores and skin. Extra of the package-free, oat milk-lavender-shea butter cleanser, please!
Finest Vegan Lipstick: KVD Vegan Magnificence
It’s possible you’ll know this line for its super-long-lasting, full-coverage basis that went viral on TikTok. Nevertheless it’s the smudge-proof liquid lipstick in 18 shades that’s on VegNews readers’ lips—actually!
Finest Vegan Drugstore Model: e.l.f. Cosmetics
Stroll via any drugstore make-up aisle, and also you’re certain to seek out absolutely vegan magnificence treasures starting from hydrating concealers to glittery eyeshadows because of this affordable vegan brand. Getting a magnificence counter beat whereas choosing up some vegan cheese puffs? We’re in!
Finest Vegan Haircare: Aveda
In 2020, cruelty-free haircare model Aveda introduced it could veganize all of its formulations. In 2022, its efforts have paid off: you’ve given the model’s shampoos, conditioners, and forehead serums an A plus.
Finest Vegan Make-up: Pacifica
What’s extra dependable than a 26-year-old vegan model that’s developed with the traits and thrived in a sea of competitors? Nothing, which is why you’re loving Pacifica’s collagen-infused mascaras, light-as-air blushes, and versatile eyeshadows.
Finest Vegan Magnificence Subscription Field: Vegancuts
Due to this monthly subscription box, beauty-obsessed subscribers are stunned and delighted by expertly curated cosmetics, skincare, nail merchandise, candles, and extra, incomes Vegancuts its second consecutive Veggie Award.
Finest Vegan Footwear: Dr. Martens
Ever since iconic leather-based shoe firm Dr. Martens launched a vegan assortment 11 years in the past, it’s been the discuss of the city—and now the Veggie Awards. If we might solely simply choose a mode …
Finest Vegan Attire Model: Herbivore Clothes Co.
Proud vegans all over the place flip to message-wear model Herbivore Clothing Company for colourful T-shirts (“Eat Like You Give a Rattling”), stickers, and even socks that present a delicate nudge to each onlooker.
Finest Vegan Style Label: Boyish
Los Angeles-based Boyish focuses solely on moral and sustainable practices to create timeless denims, attire, and jackets which are pretty much as good for the planet as they make you are feeling.
Finest Vegan Purses: Matt & Nat
From backpacks to duffels to totes, the collection of vegan leather-based items from Canada’s Matt & Nat is unmatched, a lot in order that it’s receiving its seventh Veggie Award.
PLACES
Finest Vegan Ice Cream Store: Whipped – City Dessert Lab
What’s higher than an oat milk soft-serve shop within the coronary heart of New York Metropolis? A second location in Los Angeles! Search for this cult-favorite, Black-woman-owned dessert store’s drool-worthy cups and cones on each coasts this 12 months.
Finest Vegan Doughnut Store: Doe Donuts / Donut Good friend (tie!)
Doe Donuts for creative specials like ranchy Nashville sizzling jackfruit rooster? Or Donut Friend for reliable classics like its strawberries-and-whipped-cream-stuffed Strawberrylab? You mentioned each, and we agree.
Finest Vegan Bakery: Vegan Treats
Since 1998, this fan-favorite bakery has been giving numerous sweet-toothed vegans purpose to trek to Bethlehem, PA. Fortunately, nationwide transport means everybody can get pleasure from its cannoli, cookies, and chocolate bins.
Finest Vegan Pizzeria: Screamer’s
Selection is the spice of life. And Brooklyn’s Screamer’s—with a menu starting from conventional Sicilian-style sq. pizzas to chimichurri-drizzled, carne asada-topped pies—is pizzalicious proof.
Finest Vegan Restaurant Chain: Veggie Grill
With 30 areas spanning California to Massachusetts—and a drool-worthy menu that includes blue cheese-topped steakhouse burgers, orange rooster bowls, and chocolate pudding trifles—it’s no marvel Veggie Award voters can’t get sufficient Veggie Grill.
Finest Vegan Burger Joint: Slutty Vegan
Pinky Cole’s empire has grown to a vegan cocktail bar, a cheesesteak eatery, and even a philanthropic basis. Nevertheless it’s her burger joint slinging indulgent, messy grub that’s her crown jewel.
Finest Vegan-Pleasant Quick-Meals Spot: Chipotle
Chipotle’s plentiful plant choices—from vegan chorizo and tofu sofritas to yes-we’ll-pay-extra-for-it guacamole—all make the quick-stop burrito spot a godsend for VegNews readers.
Cena Vegan
Finest Vegan Taqueria: Cena Vegan
Absolutely loaded carnitas burritos, large pollo asado nacho boats, fluffy tortas full of birria, and crispy barbacoa tostadas—Los Angeles’ premier Mexican pop-up does all of it and takes the Finest Taqueria title due to it.
Finest Vegan Sushi: Past Sushi
Dumplings, bao, satay, and even nori tacos are only a few of Beyond Sushi’s tempting choices … past sushi. However in terms of clever, top quality rolls, this Manhattan chain can’t be beat.
Finest Vegan Soul Meals: Soiled Lettuce / Vegan Mob (tie!)
The Portland-California conflict involves a head in our first soul meals award. However one style of Dirty Lettuce’s golden fried rooster and the Mob’s brisket-mac-and-cheese burrito, and two crowns make whole sense.
Finest Vegan Positive-Eating Restaurant: Crossroads Kitchen
The place to go for A-list celeb sightings (the likes of Beyoncé and Joaquin Phoenix), all whereas consuming gorgeously plated vegan meals beneath the twinkling Hollywood stars? Chef Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads Kitchen, in fact!
Finest Vegan Italian: Pura Vita
Prime-notch vegan Italian by the use of Brooklyn by the use of Rome within the coronary heart of West Hollywood? That’s what New York-born, Italian-trained chef Tara Punzone is serving up at Pura Vita—together with an ingenious avocado “egg” carbonara and a perfected vegan lasagna.
Finest Vegan Bar: Charlie was a sinner.
If this Philadelphia bar’s intriguingly darkish and moody environment isn’t sufficient to lure you, its menu of vegan bites and world-class cocktails (the farro-infused bourbon, amaro, and absinthe Bullseye is a should) undoubtedly will.
Finest Informal Vegan Restaurant: Kale My Identify
Pancakes and sausages, Venezuelan cheese sticks, and fried oyster mushrooms take heart stage at this brand-new Encino, CA restaurant co-owned by Veggie Award winner and “America’s Mother” Tabitha Brown.
Spicy Moon
Finest Vegan Asian: Spicy Moon
In case your palate favors fiery chili oil, smoky cumin, and tingling Szechuan peppercorn, then New York Metropolis’s Spicy Moon—and its tongue-numbingly good mapo tofu—is the place for you.
Finest Vegan Espresso Store: Timeless
Sure, the oat milk cortados and chocolate ganache mochas at this Bay Area establishment are divine. Nevertheless it’s the vegan frittatas, cream cheese danishes, and chocolate truffles which have VegNews readers hooked.
Finest Vegan Grocery Retailer: BESTIES Vegan Paradise / Meals Battle! Vegan Grocery (tie!)
No must fight, we are able to all be vegan besties! It’s one other tie between Los Angeles and Portland with each cities’ important vegan grocers nabbing this 12 months’s title.
Finest Vegan Metropolis: Los Angeles
From full-fledged PB&J eateries to Japanese European bakery-cafés to real-life Fairly Patties—there’s one thing vegan for everybody within the City of Angels.
Individuals and Media
Individuals
Favourite Vegan Superstar: Tabitha Brown
Whether or not she’s starring in Showtime’s gritty drama The Chi or instructing life classes alongside a speaking avocado on her personal youngsters’s present, we’ll always remember this bona fide celeb-started as (and nonetheless is) a vegan celebrity.
Favourite Vegan Activist: Greta Thunberg
Since 2018, this vegan Swedish teenager has taken the world by storm together with her local weather change activism and motivating speeches encouraging politicians and the general public alike to get severe concerning the environmental disaster.
Favourite Vegan Athlete: Serena Williams
With 23 Grand Slam wins beneath her belt, it’s a serious deal that one of many best athletes of all time turns to plant-based meals to gas her dominance on the courtroom.
Favourite Vegan TikToker: @AlexisNikole
Maybe urban forager Alexis Nikole Nelson’s 3.4 million followers aren’t really making foraged garlic mustard pesto and acorn boba alongside her, however one factor’s for certain: they’re all obsessed together with her encyclopedic nature information and infectious humor.
Favourite Vegan Instagrammer: @badassvegan
He could also be no-nonsense in terms of his work as a public speaker, documentary director, and creator. However John Lewis’ Instagram feed full of make-you-think vegan movies and hilarious memes maintain his 346,000 followers smiling.
Favourite Vegan YouTuber: Low cost Lazy Vegan / Candy Potato Soul (tie!)
With a collective 1.5 million subscribers, these YouTube channels helmed by Rose Lee and Jenné Claiborne straddle the nutritious and indulgent line of Korean and Southern vegan meals.
Favourite Vegan Podcast: Brown Vegan
Launched to assist those that say “I might by no means go vegan,” this approachable podcast hosted by Monique Koch balances enjoyable vegan conversations with insightful knowledgeable recommendations on every little thing from meals to entrepreneurship to household.
Favourite Vegan Cookbook: The Korean Vegan Cookbook
When your storytelling is so compelling that you just make each Korean delicacies and veganism really feel utterly relatable to thousands and thousands, it’s no marvel your cookbook about each turns into a runaway success. Joanne Lee Molinaro’s debut title takes residence this 12 months’s win.
Learn our 2022 Veggie Awards function within the Better of Vegan Subject, obtainable within the VegNews Store.
For extra vegan awards, learn:
VegNews Best of LA Awards
2021 Veggie Awards
2020 Veggie Awards
