Vegan Food News of the Week: Pumpkin Spice Red Vines, Apple Pie Milk, and More

It seems that every week in the world of vegan food news is more exciting than the last and this week is no exception. It’s becoming easier to get your hands on convenient vegan meals thanks to Iron Chef Ming Tsai and meal delivery company Rootberry. Apple Pie is now a milk flavor that you can add to coffee and cocktails. Plus, pumpkin spice found its way into our favorite movie theater snacks. Read on.

1Handheld meals made by an Iron Chef

With back-to-school season in full swing, busy weekdays mean a handheld quick bite (maybe in the car with a lot of screaming kids) is sometimes the only way to go. Thanks to MingsBings, that convenient meal can be made by an Iron Chef and purchased at a grocery store near you. 

MingsBings

That’s because, this week, MingsBings—the plant-based and gluten-free frozen food company founded by award-winning chef Ming Tsai—has announced its expansion into more than 5,000 grocery stores across the United States. The company’s growth includes entering more than 150 new Whole Foods Market locations, following a successful trial in 32 stores in New England.

Whole Foods Market will offer two breakfast items from MingsBings: the Plant-Based Sausage, Egg & Cheese Bing, and the Plant-Based Egg & Cheese Bing, both made with Just Egg. 

“As one of our first, and now our top performing national retailer, we’re thrilled that Whole Foods Market is bringing MingsBings to over 150 more stores across the eastern half of the United States,” Tsai said in a statement. 

“They’re a sophisticated retailer with an incredibly loyal customer base who expects the best, so we’re proud to have earned this spot,” Tsai said. 

These two flavors of MingBings will be available in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods Market locations across 15 states including Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, and more.

2Ready-made fettuccine alfredo and more 

These days, we’re looking for convenience wherever we can find it. Enter: Rootberry, a plant-based and allergen-friendly food brand that recently announced its meal delivery service is now available across the 48 contiguous states. 

Founded in 2021 in St. Louis, the company started by delivering its meals by van before expanding distribution across the Midwest. Its latest expansion significantly broadens its reach, allowing more consumers to access its array of plant-based meals.

Rootberry

Customers can choose a minimum of eight items from Rootberry’s diverse menu, which includes comfort foods, globally inspired dishes, and an assortment of snacks and desserts. All products are crafted using fresh ingredients, often sourced from local suppliers. 

Priced from $8.99 to $14.99 each (plus shipping costs), menu highlights include Tikka Masala, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Kung Pao Cauliflower among others.

“From the beginning, our mission was clear: create ways for more people to eat more plants more often,” Marc Connor, Rootberry co-founder and President, said in a statement. 

Unlike many meal delivery services, while subscriptions are available, Rootberry does not make them obligatory. The company provides an à la carte ordering system, along with a “subscribe and save” option that grants a 5 percent discount on all items, which can be paused at any time without losing the discount. 

“We are grateful and excited to serve our plant-rich, delicious meals—that just happen to be gluten-free and allergen-friendly—to both the plant-curious and committed across the country,” Connor said.

Apart from its home delivery option, Rootberry’s meals are also available in select grocery stores, universities, hospitals, and corporate offices in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia, with further expansions in the pipeline.

3Apple pie-flavored milk

When it comes to pie, we have just one philosophy: yes, please. That’s why we have our eye on Elmhurst 1925’s new Apple Pie Spice Blend.

The new seasonal vegan milk offers notes of baked apple and pie crust and is more than just a beverage add-in. It has been formulated to foam to barista standards for plant-based lattes and is also functional in hot applications like baking. It can even be spiked with liquor to seasonal craft cocktails. 

Elmhurst 1925

The Apple Pie Spice Blend joins Elmhurst’s other seasonal offerings (Pumpkin Spice Oat Creamer and OatNog), which are available for a limited time.

“We believe that the fall and winter months are a time for cozy gatherings and indulgent treats—so we set out to craft better-for-your, clean-label takes on holiday classics, giving plant-based and vegan consumers permission to indulge without the added sugar or junk ingredients,” Heba Mahmoud, Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Innovation at Elmhurst, said in a statement. 

“We are excited to bring back some fan-favorite seasonal offerings and introduce the unique and nostalgic flavor experience of our Apple Pie Spice Seasonal Blend,” Mahmoud said. 

The Apple Pie Spice Blend is available in select stores nationwide, including Sprouts, Fresh Thyme, World Market, Earth Fare, and Wegmans, as well as online for a suggested retail price of $6.99 for a 32-ounce package. 

4Pumpkin spice Red Vines

This is the season when pumpkin spice dominates everything from lattes to cakes to vegan caviar (yes, it’s a thing). Yet, we didn’t have Pumpkin Spice Red Vines in our fall bingo card. Luckily, The American Licorice Company had a little surprise in store this season with the release of the beloved accidentally vegan candy in the most iconic fall flavor.

The American Licorice Company

The new Pumpkin Spice Red Vine twists offer consumers a way to experience a beloved fall flavor either as a standalone treat or an innovative edible straw for cold beverages. 

Red Vines was established in the ’50s and is recognized for a variety of flavors such as Original Red, Black, Grape, and Strawberry Sugar-Free, among others. These flavors and the new Pumpkin Spice option are available in Twists, Bites, and Ropes at retailers nationwide. 

This fall, find us at Starbucks, sipping an Iced Apple Spice Oatmilk Macchiato through a Pumpkin Spice Red Vine wishing the coffee giant would finally launch a vegan PSL. 

5Joe & The Juice does pumpkin spice differently 

Are pumpkin spice lattes just too basic for you? Well, you’re in luck, because beverage chain Joe & The Juice is giving that basic drink a new spin with a limited-time product range called “Not Your Basic Pumpkin Spice.” 

Available starting Monday, September 4, the new line will feature three items: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the Pumpkin Spice Vegan Shake. The beverages aim to offer a balanced sweetness and earthy undertones from genuine pumpkin juice, all with carefully sourced natural sugars and flavorings.

Joe & The Juice

What’s different about these drinks? It comes down to the ingredients. For one, the Pumpkin Spice Vegan Shake is a blend of avocado, banana, dates, pumpkin juice, protein powder, and coconut cashew milk. This limited-edition shake distinguishes itself through its unique combination of ingredients and will be available exclusively at all Joe & The Juice locations nationwide.

The line will be available through Sunday, November 5.

Anna Starostinetskaya is the Senior News Editor at VegNews and is always keeping an eye on all things vegan in her home city of San Francisco, CA and everywhere else.