Vegan News for February 2026
No animals are abused or killed for vegan meals, and for people who want a robust Maui vegan restaurant scene, this is not a good time. Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen has departed. Rainbow Kitchen will close permanently by March 1, 2026. This will leave only six fully vegan restaurants on Maui. These wonderful cafes and food trucks should be supported. They’ve made the decision to go all the way to ensure that every meal is free from animal suffering and death.
When you’re in the mood for upscale dining, see our 2026 Maui Guide to Vegan Fine-Dining.
EVENTS
Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 PM. The Vegan Society of Hawaii presents a free lecture, “Meet all Your Nutritional Needs — On a Plant-Based Diet”, featuring Vesanto Melina, MS, RD. J Walter Cameron Center, 95 Mahalini Street, Wailuku. Includes book signing and refreshments. More details here.
Ongoing: Moku Roots hosts vegan farm-to-table events at its Kula farm. Add your name to the mailing list by sending email to: mokuroots@gmail.com.
NEWS AND TRENDS
New US Dietary Guidelines Flip the Food Pyramid in Favor of Meat and Dairy
Why plant-forward diets are the key to global food security
Nourishing Our World: The Power of Plant-Based Diets in Addressing Hunger and Obesity
Is veganism declining? …. Demand for Plant-Based Food Hasn’t ‘Gone’, It’s Shifted
The Top Vegan Food Trends of 2026
Plant-Based Power: How Veganism is Changing the Way Americans Eat
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Plant-based foods are healthier - even when they're processed
Based Diet May Improve Heart Health, Lower Cancer, Kidney Disease Risk
Well-Planned Plant-Based Diets Aid Childrens' Growth and Heart Health, Says Study
This Plant-Based Diet Can Lower Chronic Kidney Disease Risk
Doctor Summarizes the Top Science Papers of 2025 that Support Plant-Based Diets
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Six plant-based meals for building muscle that my trainer actually signed off on
RESOURCES
Top Plant-Based Experts and Doctors
Six Best Plant-Based Cookbooks & References from 2024–25
48 Unexpectedly Great Vegan Recipes to Get More Plants on the Table
7 vegan pantry staples that immigrant families have relied on for generations
The vegan grocery list for beginners who don't know what to buy first
THIS MONTH IN VEGAN HISTORY
FoodFacts Launches to Fight Nutrition Misinformation (February 11, 2025)
Freedom Food Alliance launches FoodFacts.org, a fact-checking and public education platform aimed at countering food and nutrition misinformation, including misinformation that targets plant-based diets and alternatives.
Big Meat Busted (February 29, 2024)
Freedom Food Alliance publishes its Disinformation Report, documenting how animal agriculture groups, campaigns, and allied messaging (including #YesToMeat) have worked to discredit plant-based diets and slow dietary change.
Veganism Protected as a Belief in Danish Court (February 8, 2024)
A Danish court rules that vegan convictions are protected under the European Convention on Human Rights framework, finding unlawful discrimination in a case involving a vegan child denied access to vegan food and also blocked from bringing a packed lunch.
Pulses Get a UN Holiday (February 10, 2019)
The UN begins observing World Pulses Day on February 10, elevating legumes as a core pillar of sustainable, plant-forward food systems, and mainstreaming a key category of staple vegan proteins.
Oprah Spared Lawsuit (February 26, 1998)
A Texas jury rejects cattle industry claims against Oprah Winfrey and Howard Lyman over a broadcast discussion of BSE risks, a high-profile victory for outspoken critique of meat systems and a warning shot to “food disparagement” litigation strategies.
Veganism Wins Human Rights Recognition in Europe (February 10, 1993)
The European Commission of Human Rights recognizes veganism as protected under freedom of belief in C.W. v United Kingdom, an early anchor point for later vegan rights arguments across Europe.
The Vegan Trademark Is Announced (February 1990)
The Vegan Society formally introduces the Vegan Trademark, creating what becomes the most widely recognized third-party vegan certification system for products and accelerating consumer trust in vegan labeling at scale.
New Organization Established (February 1960)
Jay Dinshah founds the American Vegan Society, helping institutionalize vegan advocacy in the United States and linking veganism explicitly to ahimsa and nonviolence
Fruitarian and Vegan Pioneer Is Born (February 7, 1884)
Dugald Semple is born in Scotland; he later becomes an influential early advocate of fruitarianism, animal welfare, and simple living, and is often cited among the movement’s key precursors and pioneers.
Milk Mania Denounced; Early Vegan Society Rule Proposed (February 1945)
In Vegan News No. 2, early vegan organizers sharpen their critique of dairy dependence and outline a proposed “one rule” basis for vegan membership, an important step toward formalizing veganism as a distinct ethical practice.
Medical Pioneer Goes Vegan (February 1806)
Physician Dr. William Lambe adopts a plant-based diet, later becoming a major medical voice arguing for plant-based eating as both a health and ethics issue.
Father of Vegan Nutrition Is Born (February 26, 1765)
Dr. William Lambe is born in England; he is later remembered as a foundational figure in the medical case for plant-based diets.