Introduced for public sale in 1995, Tofurky became one of the best-known meat alternatives in the United States. While meat analogues may be thought of as a modern convenience in Western diets, commercially manufactured meat substitutes in the United States have been around for over a century. These meat substitutes…

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as an official holiday in the United States, where it was first celebrated as a nation-wide holiday on November 26, 1863. Traditional Thanksgiving meals center on meat, leaving vegetarians in the past with a conundrum — how could they create a festive dinner similar to what…

What wild berry was a favored jam flavor in Victorian England, the rumored secret weapon for the British Royal Air Force during World War II shares a connection to pagan harvest festivals and Greek mythology? The answer: whortleberries. Officially known as Vaccinium myrtillus , but also known as the European…

In our current era, gluten-free diets and veganism are erroneously conflated by the general public, but in the 19th century, this was not the case. Wheat had special significance to vegetarians and early vegans who often promoted it as the Victorian equivalent of a superfood.

Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, originally published in 1818, was written by Mary Shelley when she was only 19. Considered one of the first science fiction novels, and the earliest instances of the mad scientist trope, Frankenstein reached global fame and has been adapted into countless films. Literary critics have…

By the late Victorian era, Halloween parties were elaborate affairs, books and periodicals were available to provide ideas and instructions in creating the most festive celebration. Halloween parties in the past could include full dinner party style menus but lighter refreshments and candy were also popular offerings. …

Pumpkins are in season in the northern hemisphere. Pumpkins have a agricultural and culinary history, originating in North America approximately 9,000 years ago. Celebrate this classic autumnal fruit and think beyond jack-o’-lanterns with these 5 vegan recipes from the past.

By the start of the 20th century, the patentees of one of the earliest leather alternatives on the market were advertising directly to vegetarians, this advertisement of “Humana Footwear” emphasizing the company’s specialization in creating vegetarian boots.

By the 1880’s vegetarians were writing to periodicals like the Dietetic Reformer sharing their successes in finding non-leather boots. A Triumph In Boots. — I have obtained a most serviceable and comfortable pair of boots, made entirely without leather, at Messrs. Bond and Son’s, Bridgewater. They are neat in appearance…