Hey everyone!

A bit of a quieter week for events this week, but there’s still a lot happening around the city and beyond.

Go Plant Based 2025 is on this Sunday with vendors, demos, and family-friendly activities, while Planted Expo is just around the corner next weekend.

In the meantime, there’s no shortage of vegan news—from Toronto being named the top Canadian city for meat-free dining to updates on local favourites like Bunner’s, Tenon Vegan Sushi, and Taqueria Vegana.

Plus, this week’s product pick is a daily staple I personally use for omega-3s.

Green Zebra delivers fully vegan, ready-to-eat meals across the GTA, with new menus every week. Meals arrive fresh, never frozen, and are made with whole food ingredients—no shortcuts. It's a convenient option if you're looking to eat plant-based without the prep.

Week of May 1 -7 :

News:

• A recent report has crowned Toronto the best city in Canada for meat-free dining, with 1,221 vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free-friendly restaurants—more than any other city in the country. The study, cited by Streets of Toronto, assessed major North American cities for plant-based and allergen-friendly food options. Toronto offers 47 such spots per 100,000 residents, making it a leader in both volume and accessibility. The same report also ranked Toronto seventh on its list of the “coolest cities in Canada,” factoring in things like hidden gem restaurants, record stores, and live music events.
  

• OK! Magazine recently spotlighted The Vegan Fashion Show as a standout example of clever, joyful activism that’s reshaping the fashion industry from within. Founded by model and activist Vikki Lenola, the show blends high-style runway events with strategic animal rights messaging, offering a welcoming and educational experience for both vegan and non-vegan participants. It’s not just about showcasing cruelty-free fashion—it’s about creating dialogue and bridging communities. With growing national partnerships, including Planted Expo and VegTO, and a reputation for inclusivity, the show is gaining recognition as a powerful platform for sustainable change.

• In a recent Top 5 Brownies in Toronto roundup by Amy Carlberg, Bunner’s landed the number five spot as the city’s go-to for a vegan option. Known for its Kensington Market location, Bunner’s double chocolate brownie stands out with a unique round shape—resembling a giant vegan two-bite treat. The brownie was praised for its rich, punchy chocolate flavour and soft, balanced texture, serving as a delicious reminder that chocolate doesn’t need dairy or eggs to shine.
  

• Near-Toronto news; beloved Hamilton vegan spot The Hearty Hooligan has announced it will close its doors on October 30, 2025, after nearly a decade of serving up “vegan junk food” favourites like pizza pockets, loaded fries, and all-day breakfast. The woman-owned, LGBTQ2SIA+ positive business shared an emotional message on social media, emphasizing that the closure was a planned personal decision—not due to financial hardship. While the restaurant will continue operating normally through the end of the year, the owner also left open the possibility for someone new to take over the business. The Hearty Hooligan has drawn fans from across Southern Ontario, including many Toronto vegans who’ve made the trip for its comfort food and inclusive vibe.

• Tenon Vegan Sushi, a longtime favourite for plant-based Japanese cuisine, has officially moved to a new location at 486 Bloor Street West. If you haven’t been in a while, this is your reminder to check out their updated space and enjoy their signature vegan sushi rolls, tempura, and more.

• Taqueria Vegana just got a well-deserved feature in Toronto Life, spotlighting what many in the community already know: it’s one of the best spots in the city for vegan food. The article dives into the backstory of co-owners Karla Hernández and Abel Páez, their journey from pop-ups to a permanent home in the Junction Triangle, and their commitment to authentic flavours using fully vegan, nut-free ingredients. If you haven’t been in a while, consider this your reminder—plus their patio will be opening again soon.

• A new addition to Dupont Street's growing vegan scene is Gleam & Sip, a café and bakery offering a selection of vegan and gluten-free treats. Located at 238 Dupont Street, this spot has been noted for its cozy atmosphere and aesthetically pleasing interior. While specific menu details are limited, it's known for its focus on plant-based offerings.

Events:

• Go Plant Based 2025
  📅 Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
  🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: JC's Banquet & Convention Centre, 1686 Ellesmere Road
  🎟️ Tickets: Free for kids 12 and under; $5, available via Eventbrite

  Hosted by Energy Shack Juice Bar, this all-ages expo will feature cooking demos, expert talks, local plant-based vendors, and free parking. Highlights include live demos from Mediterranean Sisters and Chika Foods, plus a nutrition talk on popular diet trends. Expect kid-friendly activities, door prizes, and a wide variety of vegan products—from food to skincare.

• Vegan Pastry Pop-Up with Snax.nguyen
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4, 2025
  🕒 Time: 9:00 AM until sold out
  📍 Location: 1607 Dupont St.

  Vegan dessert creator Chi Nguyễn (@snax.nguyen), known from The Great Canadian Baking Show, is teaming up for a one-weekend-only collab featuring two special pastries: a Mango Pandan Sticky Rice Danish and a Vietnamese Curry Croissant. Both are fully vegan and will be available in limited quantities, in-shop only.

Activism:

• African Lion Safari – Opening Day Protest
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  🕒 Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  📍 Location: African Lion Safari entrance, 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton

  Animal Rights Toronto is hosting a peaceful protest on the opening day of African Lion Safari to raise awareness about the treatment of animals at the facility. The demonstration will also highlight the CBC documentary Lucy – The Stolen Lives of Elephants, which features segments on African Lion Safari.

Product of the week:

This week’s pick: Freshfield’s Vegan Omega 3
One supplement I personally take daily is Freshfield’s Vegan Omega 3 DHA, a Canadian-made, algae-based capsule that’s carrageenan-free, sustainably sourced, and tested to ensure it’s free of heavy metals. It’s designed as a clean, plant-based alternative to fish oil and includes both DHA and DPA, which support brain, heart, and joint health.

Omega-3s are especially important for vegans, since plant sources like flax and chia provide only ALA — a short-chain fatty acid that our bodies convert inefficiently. As Dr. Michael Greger recommends, vegans should consider taking 250 mg of pollutant-free, yeast- or algae-derived long-chain omega-3s daily to ensure adequate EPA and DHA intake.

*If you decide to purchase this product I do receive a commission which helps support this newsletter and is very much appreciated 🙏🌱

World Vegan News:

• Big congrats to the team behind Matilda and the Brave Escape for winning the 2025 Webby People’s Voice Award in the animation category! 💚🥳 Huge thanks as well to everyone who took the time to vote and support—your voices made it happen. 🙏🏼

• Neat Burger, the vegan fast food chain backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Sir Lewis Hamilton, has closed all its UK locations after six years in operation. Launched in 2019 with the goal of offering ethical, plant-based fast food, the chain initially drew praise but struggled to maintain customer interest, particularly around its processed offerings. Despite raising over $25 million and opening locations in London, Milan, and New York, the brand faced mounting financial losses and shuttered its New York outlet in 2023. Around 150 jobs are expected to be lost with the UK closures, marking a significant retreat for the once-hyped vegan chain.

In the Near Future:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• Planted Expo Toronto 2025: Canada's Largest Plant-Based Event
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00 AM
  📍 Location: Enercare Centre, Toronto
  🎟️ : Planted Expo Tickets
  Planted Expo Toronto is confirmed for May 10, 2025. Note: There will be no BC edition this year. Discover over 200 plant-based, vegan, and sustainable exhibitors, brands, and services at this family-friendly event. Hear from insightful speakers and explore a variety of products and services.
  Please note: Clicking the link above supports us with a small commission, which helps fund our work.

• Focaccia Bread Art Class
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
  🕒 Time: 1 PM to 4 PM
  📍 Location: Wishbone AR Lab - 600 Bay St Suite 308
  More info: Here
  Learn how to create your own quick-rise, medium tray-sized focaccia bread masterpiece at this hands-on vegan bread art class led by Czarina. The cost is $55 per person, and participants are asked to bring their own baking tray.

• Mother’s Day High Tea at Animal Liberation Kitchen
  📅 Date: Sunday, May 12, 2025
  📍 Location: Animal Liberation Kitchen, 100 Broadview Avenue
  🎟️ Reservations: Email [email protected] Liberation Kitchen is offering a special vegan High Tea for Mother’s Day, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury bites served in their signature wholesome, plant-based style. Reservations are required via email, and seating is limited.

• Plant-Based Toronto TTC Ad Campaign Launch Party
  📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
  📍 Location: The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard Street East,
  ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite (Early bird discount until May 18)
  🌱 This event celebrates the launch of the Plant-Based Toronto ad campaign, which will run across Toronto’s two main TTC subway lines throughout June. The campaign features 22 local leaders from the food industry and non-profit sector advocating for a more plant-based Toronto.
  The launch party will bring together members of the plant-based community, including foodies, creators, and influencers.

• 2025 Toronto Animal Rights March
  📅 Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM
  📍 Location: Queen’s Park.
  🔗 Event link
  The annual Toronto Animal Rights March returns this July as part of a global movement demanding justice and legal protection for animals. Organized by local activist groups including No Low – Plant Powered, the event invites participants to unite in solidarity for animal liberation. Full details to be announced—participants are encouraged to save the date and invite others.

• Vegandale Toronto 2025
  📅 Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
  📍 Location: Woodbine Park
  🎟️ Tickets available: Here ($$ increase after today)
  Vegandale returns to Toronto for another full day of food, music, art, and ethical consumerism—all 100% vegan. While specific vendors and performers have yet to be announced, past events have featured global plant-based brands, bold branding, and an unapologetically vegan atmosphere.

• VegTO Fest 2025
  📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) & Sunday, September 21, 2025 (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
  📍 Location: Nathan Phillips Square.
  🎟️ Free admission
  🌱 VegTO Fest announced it will return for its 40th anniversary with the theme Eat. Innovate. Transform. Expect two full days of plant-based food vendors, guest speakers, and community-driven experiences focused on the future of sustainable and compassionate living. More details to come closer to the date.
  

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