Today on the Vegan Hacks Podcast, we’re joined by Leonore, the certified vegan nutritionist and creator of Itadakihealthy,  a coaching and content hub dedicated to helping people thrive on a plant-based diet in Japan. Originally from Germany and now based in Tokyo for over a decade, Leonore shares her journey of building a vibrant vegan community in a country known for its culinary traditions. We talk about how she helps clients find balance, stay healthy, and enjoy plant-based living in Japan’s sometimes challenging food landscape.

Whether you’re vegan in Japan, dreaming of visiting, or just love hearing about global plant-based culture, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical tips from one of Japan’s most trusted vegan voices.

Follow on IG: 

 @itadakihealthy

https://www.itadakihealthy.com/

Send us a text

At the World Economy Summit, Impossible Foods’ CEO argued that plant-based food has become “too political” and hinted at a future hybrid burger made with both beef and Impossible protein.

Here is a link to the entire interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp9g-ZwajME&t=624s

Send us a text

Big moves, big bans, and big crashes in the plant-based world this week.  

Vegan Besties keeps the momentum going with their third location, proving that community and comfort food can still win in a shaky economy. Meanwhile, the EU just voted to ban words like “burger” and “sausage” from plant-based foods (because apparently people can’t tell tofu from a cow). And Beyond Meat’s stock? Yeah… it’s not looking good.

Send us a text

In this episode, I take you through the highs and lows of being vegan in Tokyo — from hunting down plant-based eats in the land of green onion overload to navigating the challenges of dining with omnivores. Then we shift gears to the business world: Beyond Meat has announced a major restructuring plan. What does it mean for the future of plant-based meat? Is it a fresh start, or the beginning of the end for the category’s biggest name?

Send us a text

Had a fascinating conversation with the founder and inventor of the soy milk-based Thrilling Bakon. David shared how his background in both food and science led to the creation of this unique and wildly popular vegan bacon—and opened up about the challenges of growing a plant-based business in a slow-burn market.

more info here

https://www.thrillingfoods.com/

Send us a text

Yves Veggie Cuisine, a brand that kept vegan eating affordable and accessible for over 40 years is shutting down. Parent company Hain Celestial says they’re focusing on “more profitable brands,” leaving fans stunned and angry. In this episode, we unpack what Yves meant to the plant-based movement, why its quiet closure matters, and what this says about the future of vegan staples under big food corporations.

Send us a text

We’re talking all things tofu with George Stiffman,  tofu expert, founder of Soycery, and author of the groundbreaking book Broken Cuisine. From ancient tofu traditions to wild varieties you’ve probably never heard of, George takes us deep into the delicious, surprisingly epic world of soy.

George's Tofu Buying Guide: https://tofutuesday.substack.com/p/the-best-way-to-get-ahold-of-chinese

Folllow George at 

IG: @georgethetofuguy

IG: @soycery

Send us a text

New episode of Vegan Hacks Pod! I’m joined by the unstoppable Eunice Reyes — aka Rated V for Vegan,  for a lively deep dive into the world of vegan influencing: the wins, the pitfalls, her adventures in vegan travel, and the unexpectedly strange canned meats lurking at your neighborhood Adventist store. Buckle up, you don’t want to miss this one!

Send us a text

In this episode, we talk about Besties Vegan Paradise blessing The Grove with its second location (bougie tourists, rejoice). We rant about Beyond Meat and Veggie Grill’s new collab — because who asked for a $27.99 steak filet at a fast casual spot? And yes, Jason airs out his extremely unnecessary beef with Moby. It’s plant-based pettiness at its finest. Tune in and snack along.

Send us a text

In this episode, we unpack Beyond Meat’s bold new product that intentionally doesn’t taste like meat, dig into the labor disputes and alleged union-busting at Rebel Cheese in Austin, and break down why Texas just banned lab-grown meat. It’s messy, it’s political, and it’s all plant-based.

Send us a text