The Vegan Digest (TVD) continues to observe market participants in the vegan community and beyond. As TVD continues to monitor preexisting and new market entrants, certain market participants are acknowledged, selected, awarded, or officially recommended.
TVD is pleased to include Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria based in Chicago, Illinois (USA) as well as Calaveritas Taqueria Vegana based in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) as Authentic Mexican Cuisine awardees.
TVD is also excited to officially recommend Nori Way based in Milan, Italy as well as Purezza located in Brighton, London, and Manchester. Nori Way is also a TVD Authentic Sushi Menu awardee (menu item pictured above).
In recognition of structural contributions to macro-level logistics decarbonization and mass-market vehicle electrification, The Vegan Digest has awarded Rivian Automotive, Inc. (Rivian) and Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) the TVD Environmental Thought-Leadership award as of July 2026. Rivian is celebrated for pioneering last-mile commercial delivery logistics through high-frequency fleet deployments, headlined by its 100,000-vehicle Amazon partnership. Tesla is honored for establishing the historical foundation of tailpipe-emission-free transit via global infrastructure scaling as well as for millions of mass-market consumer electric vehicle deliveries.
Newest Additions to TVD Beauty Selections
Employing a direct-to-consumer business model for three years since its June 2022 launch, rhode was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. in a transaction valued up to $1 billion that consummated in August 2025, with both companies integrating through 2026. The acquisition, backed by $600 million (USD) in cash alongside stock and earnouts, included a $500 million goodwill premium. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. is a different kind of company that disrupts norms and shapes culture by offering inclusive, accessible, clean, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare products.
Aptera Motors continues to achieve viability of solar-powered vehicles for the average consumer. The Vegan Digest believes that the company has successfully navigated varied strategic decisions that may have observed an even more different vehicle than those on the roads today, and in so doing, may have derailed Aptera Motors from truly pioneering solar electric vehicles (sEV). For instance, Aptera vehicles are designed to rely on industry-standard battery cells when solar-powered charge is depleted. Aptera vehicles are able to plug into the growing network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Despite a very sleek looking aerodynamic build and a three-wheel vehicle design, the Aptera sEV is pragmatically equipped with conventional motor vehicle tires.
Other vehicle projects attempting to improve automobiles and their impact to Earth are yet to navigate regulatory headwinds and lag behind Aptera. For example, far-fetched yet trending concepts such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles require aviation-related regulatory testing and approval. As consumers proactively reserve Apteras, almost all the major legacy automakers are scaling back EV assembly plans in order to pivot their near-term planet-conscious investments into hybrid electric vehicles that still rely on internal combustion engines (ICE) and do not leverage any direct solar energy. TVD’s publication #1 article titled “Humans Must Leverage the Sun” is linked below for a quick read.
Le Botaniste offers plant-based, organic ingredients. Original menu options such as the Tibetan Mama and Spicy Chili Sin Carne prioritize wholesome vegetables over meat substitutes. Their ethos centers on “clean and green” sustainability, serving as the first plant-based restaurant in New York City to be certified CO2-neutral by offsetting 100% of their greenhouse gas emissions. Operationally, the brand maintains a strong international presence with locations across Belgium (Ghent and Brussels) and a growing footprint in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
TVD’s most recent publication includes articles that highlight global farming trends, purchase alerts for UK grocers, and updates to TVD Recommendations. These updates include one official recommendation and highlight TVD Restaurant Selections with a sizeable market presence. This article highlights over 15 restaurant brands in London (featured city above), Paris, LA, NYC, and more.
TVD adds multiple cities in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. These countries’ top cities are the most populous in Scandinavia. While many venues serve dedicated vegan menus, those that also serve meat have been excluded from the TVD Selections. Each identified TVD Restaurant Selection is strictly meat-free and is either a vegan or a vegan-friendly vegetarian restaurant. Selections range from historic institutions to Michelin-recognized establishments. Here are some newly added cities with restaurant brands that are strictly meat-free.
Featured above is Ao 26 Vegan Food Project, an upscale yet intentionally affordable vegan restaurant in Lisbon. It is one of numerous dining establishments selected for the cities of Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid, Porto, Sevilla, and Valencia. Together, these represent the most populous cities in the Iberian Peninsula. While many venues in these cities serve dedicated vegan menus, those that also serve meat have been excluded from the TVD Selections. Each identified TVD Restaurant Selection is strictly meat-free and is either a fully vegan or vegan-friendly vegetarian venue. Selections include cuisines such as traditional Spanish taberna concepts, heritage Catalan flavors, authentic Andalusian flavors, Lisboan flavors, and many globally recognized cuisines. Here are some newly added cities with restaurant brands that are strictly meat-free.
Europe is the leading continent adopting plant-based dining options at a rapid pace. The European hospitality sector features a wide variety of options, including fast-casual restaurants, casual dine-in venues, and fine-dining establishments. Here are some newly added cities with restaurant brands that have caught TVD’s attention.
Veg’d is a fast-casual restaurant with multiple locations in Berlin. Andre Crom, a former internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer, founded Veg’d with a mission to make plant-based fast food both accessible and high-performing using innovative recipes. Since its inception, it has expanded its presence with multiple locations across the Berlin neighborhoods of Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, and Schöneberg. Veg’d has also been recognized with a ‘TVD Authentic Burgers’ culinary award.
Eleven Madison Park (EMP) went fully plant-based in 2021 and worked well to promote plant-based dining. Each of TVD’s three visits to EMP was exceptional. Although certain dishes enjoyed by fans prior to 2021 have been reintroduced to the menu at this world-class institution, EMP continues to offer a dedicated plant-based tasting menu. In 2026, EMP highlighted the carrot tartare featured above. Be sure to opt for a plant-based menu when dining at EMP.
Based in LA, Pura Vita is an established restaurant and a pioneer for high-quality, plant-based Italian cuisine. Owner and executive chef Tara Punzone is an Italian American from New York with decades of experience formulating traditional Southern Italian plant-based recipes and flavors.
Based in Philadelphia, 20th Street Pizza is well-established in Center City and offers high-quality staples such as pepperoni and white pizzas alongside a variety of seasonal 18-inch pies and 14-inch squares. Owner and executive chef Mark Mebus, a seasoned vegan restaurant operator, founded 20th Street Pizza to focus on the art of sourdough crust.
Based in Portland, Norah is a known destination for authentic Thai cuisine in the Sunnyside and Vernon neighborhoods. Co-founders Ketsuda “Nan” Chaison and Prae Nobnorb apply their Southern Thai heritage, and its aromatic complexity, through house-made fermentations. With executive chef Thakrit Phimmanon at the helm, Norah’s kitchen employs traditional foundations and high-heat wok techniques to offer award-winning plant-based Thai food.
Featured above is a signature color scheme from the Octopus Collection by the high-couture luxury brand, Benedetti Life. While the brand incorporates recycled ocean plastics in various lines, this specific collection emphasizes plant-based luxury by utilizing innovative wood silk and pineapple leather to prevent microplastic shedding into our waters. Named as a dedicated tribute to the octopus, the collection is visually designed to celebrate the unique intelligence and grace of these sea creatures. Founder Matea Benedetti and her team draw inspiration from the waters that make life on Earth possible while honoring the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Explore more articles from TVD publications that highlight the vital importance of Earth’s oceans.
A gloomy conclusion from an article in TVD’s Publication #2 reveals that without consumer support for pure-play firms, these firms may cease to exist. Another article points out that if an electric vehicle (EV) is produced by a firm that isn’t pure-play, that firm continues to leverage sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Changes at TVD-Listed EV Manufacturer
Landmark Cities in the United States
A tour of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston offers an immersive journey through America’s revolutionary roots. In Washington D.C., explore the Smithsonian, Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and MLK memorials alongside Georgetown and George Washington University. Philadelphia invites you to the Liberty Bell and University of Pennsylvania. Boston rounds out the circuit with its world-famous universities. Together, these iconic landmarks and historic institutions provide a high-energy experience where early American history and academic excellence intersect. Linked below are TVD Restaurant Selections for each city.
NextGen Leather Products Are Vegan
High-quality leather alternatives now indistinguishably imitate the texture and durability of animal hides, offering a premium experience that far surpasses basic pleather. These innovative materials are rapidly gaining traction in the global marketplace, providing a cruelty-free and environmentally sustainable solution by eliminating the heavy resource demands of traditional livestock production. While some major fashion houses have been slow to pivot, these high-performance, non-animal options are increasingly proving that traditional leather is an unnecessary input in modern luxury.
Consumer purchase alerts cover varied product categories within TVD Selections, including consumer grocery markets. The plant-based industry’s current approach to launching consumer-packaged foods is proving successful across many product types. To help grow market share for these items, here are TVD’s purchase alerts for widely accessible grocers and specific product tiers.
Featured above is Miomojo, a fashion company officially recommended by The Vegan Digest. Click below for Miomojo’s official TVD Recommendation as well as for more TVD Selections in the beauty and fashion categories.
Northern California is a popular destination for technology advancements, academic excellence, and iconic landmarks. Silicon Valley, anchored by San Jose and Palo Alto, is the global capital of technology and is home to the prestigious Stanford University. The San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland and Berkeley, is a cultural and intellectual hub defined by the Golden Gate Bridge and UC Berkeley. Also in Northern California, Sacramento serves as the historic Capital of California and a global leader in the sustainable agricultural movement. Browse these carefully curated TVD Restaurant Selections that are based on menu, venue, and service quality.
New York City is deemed to be a top-tier city to dine at fully vegan restaurants. Many options are available to diners. From white tablecloth venues with vegan tasting menus to comfort food restaurants. Here are TVD’s NYC selections for residents and tourists alike.
“As of March 2026, The Vegan Digest has prioritized recycling for ‘TVD Alerts’ concerning consumer practices. ‘TVD Consumer Practice Alerts’ are to be used along with ‘TVD Consumer Purchase Alerts.’ While there have been several purchase alert areas covered by TVD, consumer practice alerts have solely focused on Recycling, for emphasis. Be on the lookout for any new practice alert subject areas. Recycling transcends end-user consumption and also concerns manufacturers’ production cycles. Refer to the links below for an article from Publication #6 that focuses on processes manufacturers use to recycle plastics and for TVD’s recycling practice alerts.”