April 14, 2024
The 2025 edition of Minnesota Veg Living is here — and it’s packed with engaging stories, helpful tips, and practical advice for anyone interested in plant-based living. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just veg-curious, this magazine has something to offer to everyone. Created by Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), it brings together Minnesota voices to spotlight the power of food in shaping healthier, more compassionate lives and a greener planet.
This year’s issue dives into big topics like the environmental impact of food, animal intelligence, how to raise healthy kids on a plant-based diet, and how sharing meals can support the community. You’ll also find a delicious recipe, a vegan restaurant guide, and an inspiring story of volunteers making a real difference. Let’s explore the highlights!
🌍 The True Cost of Dinner
“The Hidden Cost of Dinner” by Anna Larsson is a must-read article that breaks down the environmental impact of our food. Switching to a plant-based diet isn’t just about animals — it’s about protecting Minnesota’s lakes, reducing greenhouse gases, and cleaning up the water supply. If you’ve ever wondered how your food choices affect the planet, this article will open your eyes.
The article shares how plant-based diets can reduce our carbon footprint by 15%, help restore forests, and keep our water cleaner. This piece offers a compelling reason to explore sustainable eating habits, not just for our health but for the health of the entire planet.
🐓 Rethinking Animal Intelligence
In “Bird-Brained: Rethinking Animal Intelligence and Sentience,” writer Hannah Milos invites us to look at animals in a whole new light. You’ll be surprised to learn that chickens can do simple math, pigs can follow human gestures, and cows have best friends and enjoy solving problems.
This article challenges the outdated idea that animals are just mindless beings. Instead, it highlights their cognitive abilities and emotional depth. You’ll discover fascinating facts about animals many often overlook, and you might finish the article with a newfound respect for the beings we share the world with.
🥦 Healthy Kids, Happy Bodies
Parents often wonder if a vegan diet is healthy for kids — and “Plant-Based Power: Nutrition Tips for Growing Minds and Bodies” by Karla Moreno-Bryce answers that question with confidence. As a registered dietitian who specializes in plant-based nutrition for children, Moreno-Bryce offers clear and reassuring advice.
The article explains how to meet the nutritional needs of children from infancy through adolescence. It includes tips on getting enough iron, calcium, B12, and protein through plant-based foods and fortified products.
From fortified foods to fun, kid-friendly meals, Moreno-Bryce reassures readers that plant-based diets are not only safe — they’re smart. It’s a perfect guide for parents who want to raise healthy eaters.
🥘 Cooking for a Cause
In “Cooking With Compassion: How Plant-Based Meals Are Making a Difference,” Nicola Philpott showcases a big aspect of CAA’s community service. Since 2024, CAA volunteers have prepared more than 500 vegan meals for guests at Simpson Housing Services in Minneapolis. The meals — ranging from enchiladas to veggie casseroles — are made with care and served in a warm, welcoming environment.
Philpott shares how this effort started with a few volunteers and grew into a regular program. It outlines how, in 2025, we are planning to serve meals twice a month and expand partnerships with local environmental groups since these meals are better for both people and the planet. The story shows how food can support communities and build bridges — one hot dish at a time.
🥡 Where to Eat: Minnesota’s Spots for Plant-Based Delights
Looking for your next plant-based food adventure? Kedar Deshpande’s “Delicious Discoveries: Minnesota Plant-Based Adventures” is your guide to exciting vegan and veg-friendly eateries in the state.
In addition to the ever-popular plant-based restaurants such as Francis, The Herbivorous Butcher, J. Selby’s, Life Juices, Reverie Cafe + Bar, Trio Plant-Based, and Vegan East, the Twin Cities shine with top picks like:
- The Himalayan (home of the award-winning Jackfruit Tikka Masala)
- Jasmine 26 (a longtime Eat Street staple with flavorful hot pots)
- Lake & Bryant Cafe (creative, globally inspired dishes)
- Lulu EthioVegan (delicious Ethiopian comfort food)
You’ll also find gems in Duluth, St. Cloud, and beyond, including:
- Juice Pharm (a fully vegan eatery in Duluth)
- Jules’ Bistro (fun cafe in St. Cloud featuring many vegan options)
- Rincon Mexicano (top-rated tacos in Inver Grove Heights)
- Uffda Donuts (vegan donuts available twice a week in Maple Grove!)
This article proves that Minnesota has a thriving plant-based food scene full of creative, crave-worthy options. Your weekend food adventure is waiting to happen.
🍽️ A Challenge That Changed Menus
The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge is more than a competition — it’s a catalyst for change. In 2024, over 24 restaurants created new vegan dishes for the challenge. Diners voted, and some top dishes became long-term menu items!
These delicious dishes didn’t just win prizes — they won a place in people’s hearts and restaurants alike. The challenge proves that when given the chance, people love plant-based food! The winners included:
- The Himalayan: Jackfruit Tikka Masala
- Lulu EthioVegan: Dinich Wot
- heal Mpls: Kingdom Gyro Plate
Several other restaurants like Reverie Café + Bar, Pat’s Tap, and The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar kept their creations on the menu too. It’s a sign that delicious vegan food isn’t just a trend — it’s here to stay.
🥧 A Comforting Classic Recipe: Makhani Pie
For those who love to cook at home, don’t miss Margaret Telfer McConaghay’s recipe for Makhani Pie. This Indian-inspired dish features a creamy tomato-coconut sauce, a medley of vegetables, and a golden biscuit topping.
Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and a great way to use up leftover veggies. It’s also easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd.
McConaghay, a plant-based cooking instructor, shares it as a favorite that wins over even the most skeptical eaters.
🧒 Kids Who Care: How Families Can Get Involved
Want to raise compassionate kids? Sara Beth Olson’s guide for families offers creative ways to get children involved in animal advocacy — from volunteering at shelters to writing letters to lawmakers. The article offers plenty of fun, age-appropriate ways for kids to take action.
There are tons of ideas: chalk art for animals, bake sales for charity, school clubs, and more. With so many fun ways to help, it’s a heartwarming reminder that even small actions can make a big impact — and that activism can start early.
📘 Bonus: New Insert Pages
This year’s issue includes a special insert section with great offers from CAA and local businesses. Look inside for restaurant discounts, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. It’s an easy way to connect with Minnesota’s growing plant-based community.
✍️ Meet the Writers Behind the Words
This issue of Minnesota Veg Living wouldn’t be possible without the talented and passionate writers who brought each article to life. A heartfelt thank you to:
- Anna Larsson for uncovering the environmental impacts of our food in “The Hidden Cost of Dinner: How Our Food Choices Shape the Planet”
- Hannah Milos for exploring animal intelligence in “Bird-Brained: Rethinking Animal Intelligence and Sentience”
- Karla Moreno-Bryce, MDA, RD, LD for guiding families in “Plant-Based Power: Nutrition Tips for Growing Minds and Bodies”
- Kedar Deshpande for curating the best plant-based eats in “Delicious Discoveries: Minnesota Plant-Based Adventures”
- Theresa Zingery for covering community change through food in “Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge Sparks Long-Term Menu Additions”
- Nicola Philpott, PhD for showing the power of kindness in action in “Cooking With Compassion: How Plant-Based Meals Are Making a Difference”
- Margaret Telfer McConaghay for sharing her family-favorite Makhani Pie recipe
- Sara Beth Olson for inspiring youth activism in “Easy Actions Kids Can Take for Animals”
We’re so grateful to each of these contributors for sharing their insights, experiences, and voices to help grow a more compassionate Minnesota.
Thanks also to staff, board, editors, contributing photographers, and anyone else who was helpful in our magazine production!
🗣️ Tell Us What You Think!
We want to hear from you! Let us know what you liked (or didn’t like) about this year’s Minnesota Veg Living magazine so we can make next year’s even better.
Plus, when you fill out the quick survey by April 2026, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to the Vegan Essentials online store! 🎉🛍️
👉 Take the survey and share your thoughts!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Issue
Minnesota Veg Living 2025 is more than a magazine — it’s a roadmap to healthier, more compassionate living. Whether you’re a foodie, a parent, an environmentalist, or just someone curious about veganism, this issue has something that will spark your interest. You’ll walk away inspired, informed, and maybe even a little hungry.
So go ahead — flip through the pages, try a new recipe, visit a local spot, or sign up to volunteer. Your next favorite meal (and cause) could be just one article away.
Ready to get inspired? Read the full magazine and start or continue your plant-based journey today! The insert page is also great to check out for special deals, a game and more information.
You may also want to see all the information and inspiration of last year’s magazine – relive it if it’s been a while or to check it out if you missed it. Also, we just published our annual report for 2024 and you can check it out too!
📰 Where to Find the Magazine — and How You Can Help!
We’re thrilled to share that this year’s Minnesota Veg Living magazine is made possible thanks to the generous support of our local advertisers who care about compassionate living just as much as we do. Be sure to visit them — they’re doing great work in our community!
Advertisers featured in this issue:
- American Vegetarian Association
- Brightside Online Farmers Market
- Farmaste Animal Sanctuary
- France Burger Joint
- Reverie Cafe + Bar
- Spring Farm Sanctuary
You can pick up a free copy of the magazine at any of these locations which have a retail outlet (after April 18)— just ask at the counter!
We’ll also be handing out magazines at upcoming outreach events hosted by Compassionate Action for Animals, including food festivals, community tabling events, and plant-based potlucks throughout the state.
🙋 Want to Help Spread the Word?
We’re looking for volunteers to help us distribute the magazine at more spots across Minnesota — think coffee shops, co-ops, libraries, yoga studios, salons, and anywhere that welcomes community resources.
If you have a favorite place you think would be a good fit, or if you’d like to help us drop off magazines in your neighborhood, we’d love to hear from you! It’s an easy and impactful way to support plant-based outreach and connect with your community.
Together, we can grow a more compassionate and healthier Minnesota — one magazine at a time!
