Every year the CNE feels like summer’s last page and quite bittersweet, but a good excuse to squeeze in one more outing. It runs through Labour Day, and I’ve rounded up some vegan options if you’re heading over.

There’s also some sad news: Yves Veggie Cuisine plans to wind down at the end of August. Closer to home this week, Toronto Vegan Drinks is at Lettuce Love Café on Friday, a full-day Vegan Kensington Market Food Tour lines up with Pedestrian Sunday, and Toronto Pig Save & Cow Save are hosting a Friday evening fundraiser.

I’ll share late additions on Instagram (@veggieinthe6ix) between editions, and tomorrow I’ll be posting my top picks for vegan Thai in the city.

Buy Vegan — Your vegan-only catalogue for Canada

Everything listed is verified vegan and orderable in Canada. Compare prices across retailers, see where to buy, and skip the label decoding. It’s a catalogue, not a store—we point you to the shops that sell the products. Updated weekly. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

What it is (and isn’t)

• Vegan-only catalogue: every item verified—no label decoding.

• Canada-ready: listings checked for Canadian shipping or local availability.

• Where to buy & price look-up: we strive to list all retailers so you can compare.

• Not a storefront: we don’t sell; we point you to the places that do.

New listings roll out weekly as we grow toward a comprehensive vegan database for Canadian shoppers. Let’s vote with our dollars—and Buy Vegan.

Week of August 28 - September 3:

News:

• We start off this week with some sad news: The iconic plant-based food leader Yves Veggie Cuisine, originally founded in Canada in 1985, is set to discontinue operations by the end of August 2025. This decision was quietly shared by its parent company, Hain Celestial Group, via Instagram comments and responses to consumer inquiries Instagram. Known for its veggie hot dogs, deli slices, and ground meat alternatives, Yves has been a longstanding staple in the vegan community.

• At this year’s CNE, confirmed vegan eats include Eva’s Original Chimneys in the Food Building (vegan soft-serve plus the Vegan Mac & Cheeze Chimney Cone), Dutch Frites’ “Vegan Supreme” poutine, and The Daily Dumpling Wonton Co.’s vegan wontons, which the vendor notes are available while they’re operating in the Food Building; for dessert, look for fruit-flavoured Dole Soft Serve (pineapple/raspberry), which Dole confirms is vegan and is being served at the fair in a watermelon “boat” ( I have not confirmed any of these personally).

• Eat Nabati in Kensington Market shared a note in June saying that after five years they may be shutting their doors permanently this summer. They thank customers and current and former staff for their support, reflect on the privilege of serving the community, and invite people to stop by and say hi before the potential closure. This one flew under my radar; I’ll dig for more details on the timing of the closure and share an update.

  Events:

  (Please note: Event details are provided as accurately as possible at the time of publishing. We recommend checking directly with organizers or venues for any updates or cancellations before attending.)

• Toronto Vegan Drinks — August Meetup (New Location)
  📅 Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
  🕒 Time: 5:30–8:30 PM
  📍 Location: Lettuce Love Café, 2241 Bloor St W

  Monthly social open to everyone—no cover—at a new venue with an outdoor patio. Drop in for plant-based drinks and snacks, meet new people, and chat; name tags provided. Close to Runnymede Station and High Park. Guests are encouraged to support the host by purchasing a drink or treat.

• Vegan Kensington Market Food Tour
  📅 Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
  🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  📍 Location: Thindi Cafe, 400 College Street
  🎟️ Registration: Required via event page

  This full-day guided tour through Kensington Market coincides with Pedestrian Sundays, making it a chance to enjoy car-free streets, buskers, and local vendors while sampling vegan and vegetarian food. The group meets at Thindi Café for chai and a snack before moving on to brunch at Hawker, juice stops, and a potluck-style lunch with choices like Eat Nabati, Veggie D’Light, or momos. Dessert is planned from Bunner’s, Dolce Gelato, or a pre-ordered vegan pie, with dinner wrapping up at Greens. Attendees are encouraged to order in groups to try more dishes along the way.

Activism:

• Toronto Pig Save and Cow Save Summer Fundraiser
  📅 Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
  🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Location: Bain Co-op Community Centre (entrance off Sparkhall Avenue, west of Logan Avenue)
  🎟️ Tickets: Available via Donorbox

  An evening fundraiser in support of Toronto Pig Save and Cow Save featuring food, music, presentations, a silent auction, and entertainment. All proceeds will go towards animal protection and advocacy efforts. The venue is a short walk from Chester Subway Station, with street parking available nearby.

The Toronto Vegan Restaurants Guide 2025

World Vegan News:

• Taiwan plans to introduce a national “All Plant-Based (VEGAN)” certification label in February 2026, with stakeholder feedback now underway and full adoption targeted by January 2028—aimed at standardizing claims and boosting export competitiveness.

In the Near Future:

*(more info will come closer to the dates)

• 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.

• SUPPER CLUB: Depanniversary by Emily Zimmerman
  📅 Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
  🕒 Time: Not yet listed
  📍 Location: CSI • 192 Spadina Ave., #501
  🎟️ Tickets: Available via The Depanneur website ($79)

  Chef and food justice activist Emily Zimmerman returns to The Depanneur for a one-night Supper Club marking 15 years since her first vegan pop-up at the venue. The entirely plant-based menu includes a creamy green borscht, salt-baked carrot lox, apple-and-sage seitan sausages, and a spiced chocolate custard, among other dishes. The event also serves as the launch of her new project, Spicebox, blending food, performance, and political art.

• 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.

• Animal Law & Advocacy Conference 2025
  📅 Date: Friday to Sunday, September 26–28, 2025
  🕒 Time: Full-day programming; Friday includes a student conference and evening reception
  📍 Location: Toronto Metropolitan University
  🎟️ Tickets: Available at alaconference.ca
  The 7th annual Animal Law & Advocacy Conference, hosted by Animal Justice, returns to Toronto this fall with three days of sessions, networking, and plant-based catering. Formerly known as the Canadian Animal Law Conference, the event has broadened its focus to include advocates and community leaders beyond the legal profession. Programming kicks off Friday with a dedicated student day and a welcome reception, followed by two days of workshops and panels featuring Canadian and international experts in animal law and advocacy. Early bird tickets are now available online.
  

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