The New Starbucks Vegan Menu Additions: My Thoughts

Perhaps you have heard the news. Vegans have demanded more cruelty-free food products at Starbucks and the coffee shop giant took notice and appropriate action. They have done an excellent job with the vegan milk variety, with most stores offering three types of non-dairy milk options, and now they are expanding their food menu to include more vegan-friendly offerings, with a focus on a new lunch item.

There's going to be a Mediterranean inspired lunch choice that has vegetables and riced cauliflower or something like that. Very fancy schmancy stuff.

You want to know what I think? I think it is great! A swell idea indeed. Want my prediction? It'll fail like the other vegan lunches they offered, on and off, for the past few years. They are too fancy for a coffee shop.

I (as well as many other vegan people that I talk with about topics like this) would be perfectly happy with packets of nut butter to go on bagels (like they used to have), packets of vegan butter to put on bagels or bread (like they should have - they are a coffee shop after all), or a vegan scone or muffin on the menu.

Why get so sophisticated with these jazzed-up menu items when adding some baked goods, sans eggs or dairy, would do just fine? Or how about a tofu and veggie sausage sandwich on an english muffin or bagel that can be enjoyed during breakfast or lunchtime? These heavy-on-the-vinegar vegetable dishes they keep introducing are okay, but they are just, okay. Veganizing one or more of their existing menu items would not only be cost effective to Starbucks, but would also satisfy their vegan customers so much more than their souped up salads.

I appreciate any vegan offerings that any eatery can offer us, but frankly it is long over due and also I think they have the wrong impression of who most vegans are. We aren't all healthy eaters, all the time, because let's face it, if we were we wouldn't even be drinking coffee. You know what I want to see? A vegan cake pop, for crying out loud. It isn't hard, Starbucks. It'll actually be cheaper to make than your existing cake pops and more shelf stable. I can create the recipe and send it to you if you'd like. Or just take something from my vegan cookbook and call it a day, if it will make you stop with these over-the-top veggie dishes that never go past a few months in existence.

I'm just saying, obviously I say this out of love and respect; I'm a Starbucks fan and get all my beverages from there made with soy milk. I am a longtime customer, I just think we can do better here, not just for the consumers but for your business too. I doubt if these new vegan dishes will last more than a year.

Do you want to eat salad and vegetables with your coffee? I don't.

The Dirty Vegan Cookbook

Howdy!

For anyone who hasn't read the news about my vegan cookbook on social media, it is coming along very well and will be released this Fall.

This cookbook is everything you'd expect from me: cheesy, gooey, buttery, sweet, savory, delicious (and everything in between) recipes for any occasion. This book will change the world, I just know it. Veganism has been scientifically proven to be the best lifestyle for the health of humans, the environment and of course for the animals. My cookbook is your one-stop resource for how to eat and cook vegan in the easiest way possible. I've taken the guesswork out of it because it is crucial to be including animal-free products in your diet, and I want everyone to be able to do it. You don't need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to follow any of these recipes; this book is unlike any other vegan cookbook. Put it this way, if you make any one of these recipe for a non-vegan, I bet you'll make a believer out of them.

Here is the link to sign up for e-mail news about The Dirty Vegan Cookbook and you can also pre-order from this page as well. I recommend reserving your copy to ensure you won't have to wait or struggle to find a copy when they sell out, and you'll be able to get your copy when it is released. 

The Dirty Vegan Cookbook is available everywhere books are sold. If you are unable to pre-order online, you can call your local Barnes and Noble or book retailer and reserve over the phone or in person. I've personally called the wonderful folks at B&N to confirm this because I know people like to visit the store to do things in person, I prefer that interaction as well. 

Also, sorry if I have neglected this blog for a couple of months - writing a cookbook is much harder work than I thought it would be. But you know what they say, the best books are the ones that the author absolutely obsessed over, making it an easy and effortless read for the user. Maya Angelou said something like that, about when she wrote her books. Hang on, let me go get the actual quote because I think I absolutely butchered that one - be right back...

Got it! I'm not going to admit how long it took me to find this excerpt:

"Will I write a sentence that will just float off the page? Easy reading is damn hard writing. But if it’s right, it’s easy. It’s the other way round, too. If it’s slovenly written, then it’s hard to read. It doesn’t give the reader what the careful writer can give the reader." -Maya Angelou

I have been agonizingly particular about every tiny detail of this book. It is very important to me that, for animals, for the cause, this cookbook is perfect. I wanted it to be such fun to read and with instructions so detailed but simple and easy to understand, that anyone can go vegan, and they'll be absolutely compelled to. Please check it out: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557574/the-dirty-vegan-cookbook-by-catherine-gill/

Also, there is another reason for my brief hiatus on this page - well two actually. One: they deleted the Blogger app, which made it so easy for me to post anywhere or anytime. Two: I discovered the new plant-based social app, Vegan Amino, which is void of politics or trolls and is all vegan, all the time. Here's a link to my Amino page, you should definitely check it out; this is where I've been microblogging (besides on Twitter, which is where I hang out most): http://aminoapps.com/page/vegan/2520449/thedirtyvegan

But no worries, I will be posting here on thedirtyvegan.com regularly once again, going forward. I've been told by many people that they use this website as a recipe archive and resource due to how well I labeled the posts, so I'm happy that even when I took a little time off from blogging to write this book, this site is still a useful vegan source.

Ok, that's all for today. You know how I can go on-and-on. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Peace and love.

Hello, From BabyVille!

Hello Everyone! I wanted to check in and let you all know that mom, baby, (and dad too) are all well! I am recovering from a c-section. Baby was in a breech position, one that would have made it potentially dangerous for her if we tried to deliver vaginally, therefore we did a planned cesarean and all went well! I didn't even need any pain meds...well, I refused them, I probably could have used them, but as they say, "Mind over Matter".

I am planning my upcoming blog posts for later this week so keep an eye out for them. Right now we are enjoying our little family, nurturing baby, and I am recovering. We are over-the-moon happy and in love with our wonderful baby!

The baby is healthy, happy, and gorgeous! She is thriving on my vegan breast-milk, and I that is working out really well for us. I am eating like a maniac, I actually have a huge appetite even more so than when I was pregnant. I am still taking my vegan prenatal vitamins and I am also drinking Mother's Milk tea, which really has the milk pouring out like mad. Sorry for the details, but if it helps other mothers out there who are breastfeeding, I'm glad I shared. This tea is organic, vegan-friendly, herbal, caffeine-free, kosher, and safe for mom and baby.

Okay Folks, I'm going to get back to my little angel now. Teaser: the next blog post will be my special trick on how to get rid of postpartum bloat. Works like a charm! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Lots of love and sweet baby smiles to you!

Having a baby! Wish us luck!!!

 

Just In Case You Were Wondering...

Hello Everyone! Just in case you were wondering why I haven't posted anything in a while, it is because me and Mr. Dirty Vegan are expecting our first baby! And we have been busy, busy, busy! Trust me, you don't want any of the recipes of some of the weird vegan concoctions I've been putting together...

However, now that my weird food aversions (who has an aversion to Tofurky "sausage"??!? This girl! Well not anymore, I can finally eat them again) are starting to subside, I can post the yummy things that I have been eating. You don't have to be pregnant to eat like me, just don't feel guilty about it afterwards and you're golden. When I post my prego recipes, I will give you a few options to cut back the calories since not all of my readers are required to eat an additional 300- 400 calories daily (or more, who's watching?).

Keep an eye out for my upcoming posts. They will include tips, tricks, and pictures (hello to the most illegal looking food out there!). I have been enjoying veggie nachos loaded with things like beans, salsa, hummus, guacamole, vegan "sour cream", and LOTS of Daiya cheese. I have also discovered new vegan food finds that are so Dirty you wouldn't believe them. So I will be sharing that stuff too. And I will throw in a few belly shots so you can scope out the adorable bump I've been sporting these days. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Hope you have a sun-shining-like-vegan-cupcakes-and-babies-day!

My Birthday and the Dirty Awards

My birthday is this week. I plan on eating plenty of vegan cake (and pretty much anything else I want - doesn't seem out of the ordinary at all actually). In honor of this joyous occasion, I have decided to start the annual Dirty Awards. These are the products that keep a gal being Naughty, because you know I wouldn't be able to do it without a little help. Only few earn this prestigious award, so you should feel honored happy. Let the Dirties begin!

You may be thinking the Dirties seem a little like these awards...

...well at least we are humorous like the Dundies and not pretentious too formal about our awards here at the Dirty Vegan. It is about having fun and not taking yourself life too seriously.

Congratulations to this year's award recipients! You have received recognition on this esteemed blog and the title as one of the Dirty Vegan's Enablers Favorite Foods/ Products!

Winner of Best Desserty Cereal goes to.... Nature's Path, Peanut Butter Granola

Winner of Best Vegan Junk/ Snack Food goes to... Dirty Vegan Foods, all of it

Winner of Best Vegan ButteryNess goes to... Earth Balance, Original Buttery Spread

Winner of Best Vegan Friendly Hemp Products goes to... Hippie Butter, Soaps and Lotions

Winner of Best Cruelty Free Hair Products goes to... Nature's Gate, Tea Tree Shampoo & Conditioner

Winner of Best Vegan Cream Cheese as Dirty as I remember it to be... Galaxy, Original & Chive Garlic

Winner of Best Health Food In Disguise goes to... Bragg's Liquid Aminos

Winner of Making My Coffee Naughtier than it already is goes to... Silk Creamer, Original

I would like to once again congratulate the winner's of this distinguished award. When choosing my Naughty products there are a lot to choose from out there, but I chose you. Consider yourself lucky awesome. It takes a team of excellence to make this Dirty Vegan (fake cheesy stuff and anything that's NOT fat free). 

This concludes this evening's Dirty Awards. Drive home safely. Stay Dirty. Salutations. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Happy Birthday to Me!

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Mister Winky's Sweet Giveaway: Announcing the WINNER!

The last blog post introduced Mister Winky and his super sweet giveaway. I am excited to announce the winner in today's post. We asked you guys to be creative with a photo with Mister Winky for a chance to win $30 worth of Dirty Vegan Foods goodies. This was such a hard decision to make; all of the entries were so good, funny, and imaginative! The chosen winner is the entry we felt to be the most original in use and creativity. Thank you D.J. Hops for this awesome picture and Congratulations! Please e-mail your mailing address and we will send out your prize! info@dirtyveganfoods.com

Again, thank you everyone for your entries; they were so all amazing! And don't worry, there will be more fun and exciting giveaways to come very soon! Don't forget that for the rest of May, if you order $30 or more of product (before tax and shipping) from www.dirtyveganfoods.com/ you will receive $5 off!

And for now, Mister Winky the Dirty Vegan is signing off!

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Mister Winky's Sweet Giveaway!

Introducing Mister Winky! This adorable and creme-filled cartoon wants to make your acquaintance in style - by giving you free dessert! The Dirty Vegan and Dirty Vegan Foods are announcing Mister Winky's Giveaway! Please read on to find out how you can win a box of sweet goodies from www.dirtyveganfoods.com!

Dirty Vegan Foods - Home of the Original Winky!

The Prize: 

Sweet treats from Dirty Vegan Foods!

HOW TO ENTER

Send me a picture of you and Mister Winky (using the above picture) or show me the funniest, coolest, unique Mr. Winky somewhere (click on the picture of Mister Winky to print him out). The chosen winner will be the one with the most creative and original photo. You can send the photo to me:

Via E-mail: thedirtyvegan.blogspot@gmail.com OR info@dirtyveganfoods.com

Via Twitter for ex. by Twitpic: @theDirtyVegan and/or @DirtyVeganFoods (don't forget to follow us!)

Via Facebook wall: The Dirty Vegan Facebook Page OR Dirty Vegan Foods Facebook Page (and don't forget to "Like" us on Facebook!)

DEADLINE TO ENTER: Entries must be received by Thursday, May 19th at 9:00 PM EST.

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AND ANNOUNCED ON Friday, May 20th!

*by entering you are agreeing that we can announce your name and share your photo if you win* the Dirty Vegan reserves the right to change the prize in the unlikely event that the prize is no longer available* - Good luck!

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Homer Simpson, Vegan Donuts, Farmer's Markets, and Sugary Fun!

Donuts are fun! Just ask Homer Simpson...



Unlike Homer's situation, Dirty Vegan Foods donuts are not forbidden, they are just so good that they taste like they are.

This is the *Butter Cake Donut with Chocolate Frosting dusted in Coconut*!

Other varieties of Vegan Donuts include:

*Chocolate Glazed Donut*

*Strawberry Glazed Cake Donut*

*Strawberry Glazed Hemp Cake Donut*

*Hemp Cake Donut with Chocolate Frosting dusted in Coconut*

*Chocolate and Coconut Dipped Cake Donut*

Honestly these are the best donuts I've had in my life...gone are the days where vegans had to be without donut shop style donuts!

Also, Dirty Vegan Foods is now offering chocolaty and creamy Whoopie Pies!

You can find all of these new products along with the Winky, Knock Knocks, DVF Cupcake, and Rocky Bites, on DirtyVeganFoods.com in the online shop. If you like Dirty Vegan Food and would like to come meet The Dirty Vegan Crew and pick up some famous sweet treats, please see the farmer's market schedule below:

Mondays (May 2nd- October 24th): Whole Foods Market University Heights, Providence, RI 3:00-7:00 PM

Tuesdays (May 17th- October 25th): Whole Foods Market Garden City, Cranston, RI 3:00-7:00 PM

Wednesdays: TBA

Thursdays: TBA

Fridays (July 29th- October 7th): Rhode Island College (RIC) 3:30- 6:00 PM

Saturdays: Various Festivals & Events TBA

Sundays (June 12th- October 30th): Elmhurst Farmer's Market, Fargnoli Park, Providence, RI 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Thank you everyone for all of your support! It makes me so happy to have you all coming up to the booth telling me that you are Dirty Vegans and love the blog and products! Means the world. Thank you for all that you do for animals and the environment. Together, I know we will change the world for the better. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Hope you have a sweet-sugary-donut kind of day!

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Etsy Love!

Esty is so cool! So we've made an Etsy shop for anyone who has an existing Etsy account or who is accustomed to using Etsy. We are offering our variety pack only on our Etsy shop. If you would like to purchase single items, multiples of particular items, etc., please visit our website www.dirtyveganfoods.com. Etsy accepts Paypal, checks and money orders (along with the major credit cards) - our website accepts credit cards and we are working on adding Paypal to it soon. Both are super easy to use, but its nice that Etsy accepts those things; I know a lot of you really like it. So let's link up on Etsy too, and join the DVF circle! Cheers! :o)

Vegan "Twinkie", Cupcake, Snack Cake, Cookie Variety Pack - on Etsy! Click Me!

ENJOY and have a Naughty Day! 

Yuuummmm! So good!

DVF at PC Music Festival 4/3 - Come Visit Us!

Dirty Vegan Foods will be at the StuartStock Music Festival this Sunday, 4/3 (tomorrow) at Providence College (Providence, RI)! The festival is held on the Slavin Lawn (or Lower Slavin if it rains) from 12:00- 5:30 PM. Come visit us! If you do, you will be the first to get our sweet goodies before the launch of our website! ;0)

Please link up with us on Facebook, Twitter, and check out our website (coming soon)! 

Happy day! For now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Announcing....

This is the moment you all have been waiting for folks! My big announcement!


The Dirty Vegan to launch very own website and vegan products!


Please stay tuned. My goal to is to transition the blog to my very own website that I am hosting and working on. It is in progress right now. The website will sell vegan products that I use in my recipes and for your convenience! I get countless questions about products that I use or recommend and some people may not have access to a Whole Foods or health food stores some of the time or at all. I will be offering these products, The Dirty Vegan merchandise, and eventually selling the food that I make in a pre-packaged form. Now you no longer have to just read about my yummy recipes and food, you can easily purchase it with ease! Please stay tuned! Also, as always, your feedback will be very helpful. Please e-mail any suggestions or any requests of things that you may want to see on the website to: thedirtyvegan.blogspot@gmail.com


Thank you all for your support! It is the overwhelming response to this blog that has motivated me to offer more to the vegan community and others who frequent this blog. I am delighted and humbled to have as many website views as I do and readers from all over the world. It is the coolest thing ever! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Extra, Extra! Read All About It...

"We read advertisements...to discover and enlarge our desires. We are always ready, even eager, to discover, from the announcement of a new product, what we have all along wanted without really knowing it." -Daniel J. Boorstin

Announcing...


The Dirty Vegan is making a MAJOR announcement on Saturday, January 22nd! I will be announcing this here on my blog first, then later on Twitter and Facebook. Please get psyched all you Naughty People, this one will be good! I may even drop a few hints here and there, in the posts leading up to it, so pay attention and stay tuned. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.