Toronto’s vegan community showed up in full force this past weekend at the Planted Expo—did you make it out? I was there on Sunday and noticed the crowd felt a bit lighter than usual—maybe due to Mother’s Day or the Sporting Life 10K—but the energy was still great. We had a good time, and the highlight for us was definitely the Vegan Fashion Show.

This week’s Insider brings a blend of indulgence and reflection from the vegan world. Lindt has officially launched its much-anticipated LINDOR Vegan Truffles in Canada, while Cheetos has unveiled its first-ever vegan flavour—a dairy-free White Cheddar snack hitting shelves nationwide.

In more sobering news, the beloved vegan restaurant chain Planta has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Thankfully, its Toronto locations remain open and unaffected—for now.

Looking ahead, the local vegan scene is buzzing with events: enjoy a refined Afternoon Tea at Avelo, a laid-back lunch meetup at Hawker, or an active social session at Joe Rockhead’s climbing gym.

And globally, a rock icon enters the vegan chat—Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has launched Jolene, a cold brew coffee brand that’s fully vegan and ethically sourced.

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Week of May 15 - 21:

News:

• Lindt has launched a new line of LINDOR Vegan Truffles in Canada, aiming to satisfy a common craving among vegans for milk chocolate. A national survey commissioned by the brand found that 78% of Canadian vegans miss milk chocolate, with nearly half admitting to occasionally consuming dairy-based versions. The new truffles, available in Original Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, use an oat-based formulation to mimic the smooth, creamy texture of traditional milk chocolate. The products are sold in 120g bags and individually wrapped, reflecting Lindt’s focus on both quality and indulgence. The survey also highlighted that 73% of vegans would be excited to find a dairy-free chocolate that replicates milk chocolate taste, and 76% see indulgent vegan treats as part of their self-care routine.
  

• And unfortunately now for some very sad news. Planta, the upscale vegan restaurant chain with locations in Toronto, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S., citing pandemic-related losses, rising costs, and a drop in demand for plant-based meat. Founded in 2016, the Miami-based company expanded rapidly to 18 locations across North America and reported $46 million in sales last year. But heavy reliance on third-party delivery, pandemic-related closures, and a packed expansion schedule led to financial strain. CEO Steven Salm pointed to consumer slowdowns and inflation as major challenges. The bankruptcy filing applies to the company’s U.S. operations, and as of now, there is no indication that the Canadian locations—including those in Toronto—will close. Planta’s two Toronto locations, in Yorkville and Queen West, remain open and fully operational. Salm and co-founder David Lee have not indicated any plans to shutter their Canadian restaurants, and there is no sign of Chapter 11 filings north of the border. Let’s hope Toronto’s locations won’t get affected.

• Cheetos Debuts First-Ever Vegan Flavour in Canada
  Cheetos has introduced its first official plant-based product: Vegan White Cheddar Flavoured Corn Snacks. This limited-edition release is entirely dairy-free and made without artificial colours or preservatives. The product is currently available exclusively in Canada at major retailers including Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Zehrs, Fortinos, and Maxi. The vegan Cheetos will remain on shelves until June 14, 2025. The launch reflects growing demand for vegan snacking and marks a significant milestone for a traditionally dairy-heavy brand.

Events:

• Vegan Afternoon Tea
  📅 Dates: Saturday–Sunday, May 17–18 & 24-25
  🕒 Time: Various seatings
  📍 Location: Avelo
  🎟️ Tickets: Reserve your table

  A plant-based take on traditional afternoon tea, this seasonal offering includes a carefully crafted menu of savoury and sweet selections served with a pot of tea. Highlights include wild leek scones, croissants with camembert cheese and smoked kojify carrots, cucumber sandwiches with almond boursin cheese, and tomato phyllo tarts. Sweet options feature a variety of macarons (strawberry, mango, hazelnut), opera cake with raspberry and vanilla, almond cranberry cake, blueberry scones, and sable butter cookies.

• Lunch Meetup at Hawker Vegan Restaurant
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
  📍 Location: Hawker, 291 Augusta Ave
  🎟️ Tickets: Not required, RSVP mandatory

  Join a small group for lunch at Hawker, an all-vegan spot in Kensington Market known for its good reviews and reasonable prices. Attendance is capped at 10 due to the restaurant’s size, and RSVPs are only encouraged for those fully committed to attending, to avoid no-shows that can impact the business. Host Sid K. notes the meetup often includes casual chats about music and culture — and may even include an impromptu 12-string guitar performance, weather and inspiration permitting.

• Toronto Vegan Climbing at Joe Rockhead's
  📅 Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
  🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: Joe Rockhead's Indoor Rock Climbing, 29 Fraser Avenue
  This vegan-friendly social climbing session welcomes vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious—no climbing experience required. Participants can choose from bouldering, top roping, or using autobelays, with guidance available for beginners. Admission is $27, with optional gear rentals ($7.50 each for shoes and harnesses). Note: rental shoes contain leather, so bringing clean indoor shoes is an alternative, though climbing shoes are recommended for the best experience. Waiver required.

World Vegan News:

• Anthony Kiedis Launches Vegan-Friendly Cold Brew Brand, Jolene
  Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis has co-founded Jolene, a ready-to-drink cold brew coffee brand featuring two fully plant-based flavors: Black and White (made with oat milk). The ethically sourced beans come from an all-female co-op in Peru, aligning the brand with both sustainability and vegan values. Jolene is now available at Live Nation venues, select retailers in LA and NYC, and online.

In the Near Future:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• 6th Canadian Plant-Based Nutrition Conference 2025
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
  🕒 Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  📍 Location: Ontario Bar Association, 20 Toronto Street
  🎟️ Tickets: Available via Eventbrite

  Hosted by Plant-Based Canada, this full-day hybrid conference will feature expert-led presentations on the role of plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine in preventing and managing chronic disease. Aimed at both healthcare professionals and the public, the event will include keynote talks from Dr. Chris Gardner (Stanford) and Dr. Tushar Mehta, as well as a plant-based breakfast, hot lunch, snacks, and a closing networking session. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with organizations like the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank, Plant-Based Treaty, and Forward Food. Talks will be accessible for three months post-event for all ticket holders.

• Vegan Potluck and Walk to Doris McCarthy Trail
  📅 Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  📍 Location: Scarborough Village Community Center, 3600 Kingston Rd
  🎟️ Tickets: Not required

  Organized by Scarborough Vegans, this monthly community event begins with a vegan potluck at 12:30 PM, with food served promptly at 1:00 PM. Attendees are asked to bring their own reusable dishes and ensure any shared food is fully vegan. Weather permitting, the group will eat outdoors. After the meal, participants will take a relaxed walk to the scenic Doris McCarthy Trail and Gates Gully. All are welcome, including vegan-curious individuals, and the walk will proceed at an easy pace with breaks.

• Do West Fest 2025
  📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8, 2025
  📍 Location: Dundas Street West (Shaw St to Lansdowne Ave)
  🎟️ Admission: Free

  Toronto’s annual Do West Fest returns to Little Portugal this June, spanning 16 blocks of music, art, and food. While not exclusively vegan, the festival includes plant-based offerings. Notably, Good Rebel will be serving their vegan BBQ chicken legs this year . Additional vegan options may be available; attendees are encouraged to inquire directly with vendors.

  For more details, visit the Do West Fest official website

• 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.

• Plant-Based Wine & Food Experience at Stratus Vineyards
  📅 Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  📍 Location: Stratus Vineyards, 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
  🎟️ Tickets: $150 per person

  Hosted by Priya Rao (The Social Herbivore), this curated event features vegan-friendly wines from Stratus Vineyards paired with plant-based dishes by Lauren Toyota of Hot for Food. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting, a stroll through the winery and vineyard, and learn about Stratus’ environmental initiatives. The afternoon wraps up with a plant-based grazing station including cheeses and sweet treats, plus time to mingle with Priya, Lauren, and fellow guests.

  Note: Although the event is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, not Toronto, it may interest readers open to short travel for unique vegan experiences.

• 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.

• Toronto Black Vegan Festival
  📅 Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  📍 Location: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst Street
  🎟️ Admission: Free

  Organized by Black Vegans of Toronto, this annual festival is a celebration of plant-based living through a Black cultural lens. The event features a diverse lineup of Black-owned vegan food vendors, offering dishes inspired by African and Caribbean traditions. Attendees can also explore a variety of plant-based products, including skincare, wellness items, and fresh produce from Black farmers. The festival aims to promote health, sustainability, and community empowerment within the Black community.

• 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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