Enjoying the rain? I always tell my partner—who’s not a fan—that it’ll bring all the green and flowers. Not much consolation in the moment, I’m afraid.

Anyways, thanks for joining me again for the Insider. You’ll see more below, but the big headline this week is that Odd Burger just landed a national deal with 7-Eleven, which means you’ll soon be able to grab their Smash Burger, Chickpea patty, and more at convenience stores across Canada.

There’s also some interesting research out of the University of Illinois on vegan diets and strength training, plus a bunch of events this weekend—from a sapphic vegan mingle to a potluck and walk along the Doris McCarthy Trail.

 🎉 Birthday Shoutouts 🎉

This week, we're celebrating some amazing members of our vegan community! Wishing you all a joyful, plant-powered birthday filled with love, compassion, and vegan cake. 🍰🌱

Birthdays This Week:

• 🥳 Michelle Mather – May 25

💚 Thanks for being part of our community — enjoy your special day!

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 22 - 28:

News:

• A new study from the University of Illinois adds to growing evidence that plant-based diets can match omnivorous diets in supporting muscle protein synthesis during strength training. The trial, led by researcher Nicholas Burd, involved 40 young adults and found no difference in muscle-building potential between those on vegan and omnivorous diets when total protein intake was matched. Earlier research often favoured animal proteins due to their amino acid profile, but more recent studies, including this one, show that a balanced and adequate intake of plant proteins can be just as effective. While animal protein is more concentrated, a mindful plant-based diet combining different sources (like rice and beans) can deliver all essential amino acids. The researchers emphasize that consistent resistance training is more critical than protein source for muscle growth. Longer-term studies are still needed, but the findings challenge long-held assumptions about the superiority of animal protein for building muscle.

• Odd Burger has announced that four of its retail products—the Crispy ChickUn Fillet, Chickpea Burger, Smash Burger, and Breakfast Sausage—will be available at over 500 7-Eleven locations across Canada starting mid-June. The company has agreed to a six-month exclusivity deal with 7-Eleven for distribution within the convenience-store category. The partnership marks a major step for Odd Burger in expanding access to plant-based foods, with the added convenience of microwave-ready packaging. 7-Eleven Canada says the move aligns with its goal to offer more vegetarian options and support sustainability initiatives.

Events:

• Plant-Based Canada Conference
  📅 Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
  🕒 Time: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  📍 Location: Virtual or limited in-person (in-person ticket sales now closed)
  🎟️ Tickets: Sadly sales have ended if you didn’t get one already

  The 6th Annual Canadian Plant-Based Nutrition Conference offers a full day of programming centred on plant-based health from a Canadian perspective. Attendees will gain access to two keynotes, four thematic presentations, a panel discussion, yoga stretches, recipes or onsite meals, a note-taking workbook, and a preview of an upcoming publication. Virtual attendees will also receive access to a three-month replay of all presentations.

• Sunset Sessions: Sweet Cuts
  🎶 Featuring: Sweet Touch Foundation
  📅 Date & Time: Saturday, May 24, 2025, 10:00 PM – Sunday, May 25, 2025, 2:00 AM EDT
  📍 Location: 13 Suns Café & Eatery, 74 Hymus Rd, Unit 4, Toronto, ON M1L 2C9
  🎟️ Admission: CA$35.00 (General Admission)
  🍴 Perk: Appetizers included (while supplies last)

  An energetic late-night music event presented by Sunset Sessions, showcasing Sweet Touch Foundation. Expect good vibes, live music, and complimentary appetizers for early arrivals.

• Vegan Sapphic Mingle – Dating Event for Sapphics (18+)
  📅 Date & Time: May 24, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  📍 Type: In-person, community event
  💸 Cost: Pay what you can (donations go to Wishbone charity)

  This is a casual, inclusive dating event for vegans who identify as sapphic—that is, queer non-men who love queer non-men. Open to individuals 18 and older, it offers a safe and affirming space to connect with like-minded people. All proceeds support Wishbone, a charitable cause.

  Let me know if you'd like a version formatted for social media or a local event listing!

• Vegan Potluck and Walk to Doris McCarthy Trail
  📅 Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  📍 Location: Scarborough Village Community Centre, 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.

Activism:

• Toronto Animal Rights March Video Truck Fundraiser
  The Toronto Animal Rights March is raising funds to support impactful visuals and materials for this year’s event. Donations will go toward renting a video truck to display footage of animal exploitation, as well as covering the costs of sound equipment, printed leaflets, and smoke bombs. As of now, the fundraiser has reached $805 of its $2,600 goal. Contributions of any amount are appreciated to help deliver a strong message for animal rights during the march.

World Vegan News:

• Mr. Charlie’s—often dubbed the “anti-McDonald’s”—is a fast-growing, fully vegan fast-food chain redefining the quick-service model with purpose and creativity. Founded in 2022 by chef Taylor McKinnon and creative Aaron Haxton, the chain mirrors McDonald’s iconic red and yellow branding but offers an all-plant-based menu, including Mr. Frowny Meals, Not a Chicken Sandwiches, and dairy-free soft-serve. With locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, it’s now expanding rapidly, starting with 18 new Arizona locations through a partnership with Access Capital Group.

  The founders say their success stems from intentional growth, a menu focused on craveability, and a deep brand mission rooted in compassion, inclusion, and sustainability. Backed by investors like Mike Tyson and guided by a team of experienced operators, Mr. Charlie’s is positioning itself not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural shift in fast food. Their goal is to make plant-based eating feel joyful, accessible, and emotionally resonant—without sacrificing taste or fun. As the brand scales, it aims to become a trusted global name in food that does better for people, animals, and the planet.

In the Near Future:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• 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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