TASTE TEST

Staff fave

UBE JAM

Philadelphia, PA Step aside, plain ol’ potatoes— ube is the tuber of the moment. The purple yam with origins in the Philippines is popping up in desserts and drinks everywhere thanks to its vibrant hue and signature nutty, vanilla-like flavor. And this brand-new, one-of-a-kind jam, from condiment and simmer sauce company FILA MANILA, blends the yam with coconut for a thick and creamy spread you’ll want to dollop on ice cream, spread over waffles, and even mix into cookie dough. It’s an ube takeover, and we’re all in. CHILI CRISP

Austin, TX From viral TikTok recipes to the shelves of Whole Foods, one thing is clear: we’re living in the age of chili crisp. While the crunchy, oil-infused condiment is a longtime staple in Chinese cuisine, it’s recently developed a cult following in the US. And in Austin, AUSTIN CHILE CRISP is wielding global flavors—like Mexican Morita and Turkish Aleppo peppers—for a smoky, slightly fruity twist on traditional crisp. We’re dolloping it onto our avo toasts, dumplings, and, heck, even vanilla ice cream.

Locally MADE

As plant-based living takes root in cities across the nation, indie entrepreneurs are innovating some stellar vegan products in their hometowns. VegNews editors scoured the plant-based scenes all across the country in search of the tastiest locally made vegan delights (that can be delivered nationally!), and here are our 10 favorites.

photo by SHEENA BATES

FRENCH PASTRIES

Coral Gables, FL On a bright, palm-tree-lined street just outside Miami sits L'ARTISANE BAKERY & BISTRO, an award-winning vegan bakery enchanting customers with melt-in-your-mouth viennoiseries combining classic French pastries with tropical flair. Buttery croissants, flaky dulce de leche cruffins, delicate cassisand-chocolate macarons, and guava-cream cheese danishes will transport you straight to Paris via The Magic City.

Chicago, IL Gelato—that extra dense and creamy Italian ice cream export—is getting a plant-based update in the Windy City thanks to SACRED SERVE. Nutrientdense chaga mushrooms, calming rose water, energyboosting maca root, and heart-healthy saffron are mixed into an electrolyterich coconut base for a functional dessert that makes you feel as good as it tastes. Which means don’t choose between Tigernut Cookies N Creme, Matcha Mint Chip, or Saffron Chai Spice—try them all.

MOONCAKES

Brooklyn, NY This year’s Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t until September 10, but why wait? Eat the celebration’s signature treat now! New York vegan bakery KOZY TOAST's Cantonese-style mooncakes are filled with warming lotus seed, earthy red bean paste, and housemade salted yolky vegan eggs, all baked to golden perfection. Want something more soft and supple? The chewy snow varieties, filled with custard chestnut or matcha red bean, will take you to the moon and back.

CAFÉ DE OLLÁ SYRUP

Los Angeles, CA How do you upgrade your coffee? A little almond milk? Some coffeehouse caramel syrup? Well how about cozy cinnamon, zesty orange peel, aromatic cloves, and Latin American piloncillo cane sugar? That’s the café de olla way, and just a drizzle of this small-batch syrup from family-owned milk and coffee company LECHE will transform your plain cup of joe into a mug of Mexican heaven.

Boulder, CO Summer is about the three B’s: burgers, barbecues, and ‘booch! And in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the ROWDY MERMAID brewers expertly blend foraged roots, botanicals, and mushrooms for a new twist on this centuries-old drink. Enjoy bubbly sips of fragrant hibiscus and smoky chipotle, juicy watermelon and tangy soursop, or soothing lavender and elderflower at your next cookout. And if you add a splash of booze for a sophisticated summer sip, we won’t tell.

L’IL PUDDIN’

Portland, OR Back away from those old-school chocolate pudding cups and say hello to these thick and creamy puddings that combine wellness and indulgence in one splendid spoonful. Kissed with sweet maple syrup and a dash of vanilla, these melt-in-yourmouth, stepped-up puddings from local vegan café chain PIXIE RETREAT are made with cashew cream, blood sugar-regulating Irish moss, and smooth coconut, then mixed with cookie dough chunks, brownie bites, and swirls of raspberry purée.

SWEET GEORGIA BROWNS

Vancouver, BC Buckle up, vegan candy aficionados: chocolate caramel turtles are back, and this time, they’re vegan! We have 115-year-old Vancouver mainstay PURDYS CHOCOLATIER to thank for these rich, bite-sized treats made with crunchy, roasted pecans and chewy, dairy-free caramel enveloped in creamy coconut milk chocolate. This luscious, nostalgic candy makes the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth—if you’re willing to share, that is.

BRIE

Minneapolis, MN You may know THE HERBIVOROUS

BUTCHER, the Twin Cities’ famed vegan butcher shop (the first ever in the US), for their mind-blowing ribs, sausages, and meatloaf, but now they’re about to forever change our vegan cheese boards.

The sibling-owned plant-based meat shop’s soft, buttery soy- and coconut-based brie is a charcuterie hit, pairing perfectly with seeded crackers, meaty deli slices, and sweet jam. Summertime wine-andcheese nights, here we come.