This Week In Food News: Mcdonald's Fried Apple Pie Returns, Banana Milk Booms, And Misfits' Non-vegan Misstep

The weekend is finally here, and if that usually means reaching for your phone to order takeout, might we suggest an alternative? Hear us out: Fakeout.

This week, we’ve got all the recipes you need to recreate McDonald’s and Panda Express favorites at home. Trust us—they’re every bit as good, and they’ll save your wallet, too.

While your food cooks, catch up on this week’s food news. We’ve got updates on everything from banana milk coffee to soft serve in Detroit to a new supper club in Cleveland. And if the call of McDonald’s is simply too strong to resist, don’t worry—we’ve got some good news on that front, too.

Califia Farms is jumping on the banana milk trend. | Califia Farms

Califia Farms' new banana milk launches are on trend and super tasty

Thanks to viral TikTok recipes, banana milk is having a big moment right now, especially in coffee. It might sound like an odd mix, but the sweet-bitter contrast really works. If you want to put it to the test, look out for Califia Farms’ new banana coffee drinks on Kroger shelves very soon. The first is a ready-to-drink Banana Crème Almond Milk Latte, while the second is an Organic Banana Crème Almond Milk Coffee Creamer.

Alternatively, you can check out Mooala’s banana milk, which is already on the shelves. Forget matcha; it might be your new go-to. “We see this as a lasting category shift,” Jordan Campbell, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Mooala, told VegNews. “Mooala banana milk has been a cult favorite for nearly 10 years, with steady year-over-year sales growth even before the TikTok surge.”

McDonald's' Fried Apple Pies are made with vegan ingredients. | McDonald's

McDonald’s vegan-friendly fried apple pies are back

In the US at least, McDonald’s is far from a vegan-friendly destination. Seriously, even the French fries aren’t vegan (the seasoning contains milk). But don’t despair if you find yourself on the road and with little option but the Golden Arches this weekend. The fast food giant has brought back its iconic Fried Apple Pie, and it’s vegan. Note that it’s only available for a few more days (until July 19), though, so if you’re a fan, don’t delay. 

Misfits' new Stuffed bars contain ingredients like whey and bovine collagen. | Misfits

Misfits introduces dairy- and collagen-filled bars, ending its run as a de facto plant-based brand

The days of Misfits being a reliable plant-based choice are behind us. In sad news for vegans (and anyone who wants to avoid dairy or other animal products), the protein bar company has released a new range of Stuffed protein bars, which contain animal-derived ingredients like whey, milk chocolate, and bovine collagen. 

The move has prompted backlash from many customers, who have vowed to boycott the brand. “You’ve lost two longtime customers in this house because of this change,” reads one Instagram comment. Another adds: “Really disappointing to see you went from a vegan bar to one that contains bones from cows! Seriously a sell out.”

Street Beet is expanding into soft serve. | Street Beet

A new vegan soft-serve shop is coming to Detroit

Popular Detroit vegan restaurant Street Beet is branching out into soft serve. The eatery announced the opening of Soft Spot, a new walk-up window at its Corktown location, on social media earlier this week. “Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes recipe tests, taste tests, menu ideas, topping experiments, and plenty of sneak peeks as we bring Soft Spot to life,” the restaurant said. 

Kamron Khan

A first-of-its-kind vegan fine-dining supper club is coming to Cleveland

If you’re after vegan fine-dining in Cleveland, then check out The Elevated Table, a new plant-based supper club run by chef Sonia Steele (also known as Vegan Vicki). In an intimate and elegant setting, Steele, who won the Vegan Women’s Summit’s Top Chef competition in 2023, serves up a multi-course tasting menu with “elevated presentation” and “bold flavors.” For those who love wine but not the fuzzy head, there’s also the option of taking part in the non-alcoholic vegan wine flight, the Elevated Pour.

It’s already a success, so make sure to book your seat quickly. “Our first supper club sold out in less than 24 hours and generated a waitlist of more than 130 guests, demonstrating the growing demand for elevated plant-based dining experiences in our region,” Steele told VegNews. Find out more here. 

Spend an evening sampling and voting for vegan mac and cheese in Sacramento. | Hannah Kaminsky

Vegan mac and cheese challenge is coming to Sacramento

If you’re close to Sacramento and you don’t have plans for August 16, might we suggest spending the day eating vegan macaroni and cheese? Nonprofit Vegan Outreach has announced it is hosting a vegan macaroni and cheese competition, where local chefs will gather to battle it out for the best version of the dish. Who wins? You and your tastebuds get to decide. Get your tickets here, and guess what the prize is for the winning chefs? A subscription to VegNews ... it doesn't get better than that.

Check out last week’s VegNews top food news