The past few years have been a rollercoaster for vegans. From the rise of plant-based pre-Covid products to moments of backlash, people questioning the relevance of veganism or rolling back options at restaurants and grocery stores and it’s been a lot to navigate.
That’s why my 2026 Vegan Wishlist is about more than just foods on shelves. It’s about restaurants and major store chains finally offering the options we’ve been dreaming of, while also celebrating and holding onto the vegan choices we already love. It’s a mix of hope, nostalgia, and practicality including some iconic snacks, desserts, and comfort foods that would make life easier and more fun for anyone following a plant-based and vegan lifestyle.
This is the wishlist I’m rooting for in 2026 which could be a year to expand accessibility to the far corners of the USA, keep our favorites hopefully, and maybe, just maybe, see some of the foods we’ve been dreaming about finally being more available.
Gelatin-Free Frosted Toaster Pastries
Toasted pastries (Pop-Tarts are the most popular) are a breakfast and snack icon, and while unfrosted flavors are already vegan, the frosting on classics like Strawberry and Brown Sugar Cinnamon still blocks them from being fully plant-based. Ditching the gelatin would make this one of the most anticipated vegan wins.
Vegan Cheese Options at Major Pizza Chains
Pizza is a cornerstone of comfort food, and vegans have been waiting for a truly accessible vegan cheese option at a nationwide USA mainstream chain. Even one permanent option would make ordering pizza with friends dramatically easier with no substitutions, no special requests, just a slice everyone can enjoy. Blaze Pizza and Mellow Mushroom do have vegan cheese options but they’re not everywhere like Dominos, Papa John’s and others.
Vegan Donuts Available Nationwide
Whether it’s the original glazed or a frosted classic, donuts are a nostalgic indulgence that vegans are constantly missing out on. Donuts are not hard to make vegan, so plant-based options would be a celebrated addition to the menu at Dunkin or Krispy Kreme.
Vegan Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are a snack-time staple, but all of the name brand flavors keep them off-limits for vegans. A single dairy-free variety would instantly become a must-buy for nostalgic snackers and new fans alike.
Vegan Candy Corn
Seasonal candy corn is a fall favorite, and vegan versions are rare with only some small artisan boutique offerings available. Removing gelatin and confectioner’s glaze would make this classic treat accessible and perfectly shareable during Halloween season. Love it or hate it, vegans have been asking for a mainstream version for years.
Vegan Marshmallow Peeps
These are another devisive treat, but seeing this iconic spring treat offer a vegan version would be huge. Imagine a vegan Peeps launch as a seasonal release, the internet would lose it.
Removing or Using Plant-Based Vitamin D3 in Commercial Cereals
Many cereals appear vegan but still rely on animal-derived vitamin D3. Switching to a plant-based D3 or removing it would instantly make dozens of everyday cereals vegan friendly. It’s a subtle change that would mean a lot for many label-conscious shoppers.
Yes, a lot of the foods on this list are junk food, and that’s exactly the point. These snacks, desserts, and comfort foods aren’t just products on a shelf. They’re part of American food culture, tied to childhood memories, road trips, holidays, late nights, and shared moments with family and friends.
Over the past few years, veganism has faced noticeable backlash. Some restaurant chains have quietly pulled options, grocery shelves have shifted, and plant-based foods have been framed as a “trend” rather than a lifestyle choice. That makes this wishlist about more than just adding new items, it’s also about holding onto the progress that’s already been made.
The 2026 Vegan Wishlist is rooted in hope, but it’s also realistic. It’s about seeing vegans included in the foods everyone recognizes, whether that’s ordering pizza with friends, grabbing a donut on the go, or enjoying a seasonal candy without checking labels. These foods may not be health foods, but they matter because access, inclusion, and normalcy matter.
If 2026 brings even a few of these changes, it won’t just feel like a win for vegans. It’ll feel like a reminder that vegan options belong in everyday American life not on the margins, not as a phase, but as a permanent part of the food landscape.
