If you know, you know - Lauren Toyota is the ultimate authority on indulgent, drool-worthy vegan eats! As the bestselling author of Hot for Food, and a former MTV VJ, she’s been bringing her signature sass, creativity, and unapologetic love for plant-based comfort food to the world for years. 🍔✨
We first met at the Vegan Women Summit, but it was over soy cappuccinos in Tuscany with The Getaway Co. that I really got to know Lauren - and let me tell you, she’s just as fun, fiery, and fabulous in person as she is online. ☕💫
From turning classic comfort foods totally plant-based to inspiring a new generation of vegans to embrace flavor without compromise, Lauren is a total powerhouse and is as legendary as her signature Mac & Cheese! 😍🔥
Q&A WITH LAUREN TOYOTA
Q: When did you first go Vegan?
A: My first official date of no turning back was Jan 1, 2010
Q: How did you feel when you made the decision to go Vegan?
A: I felt a bit isolated and weird. That was always the hesitancy to do it, not wanting to be the outcast at social events or gatherings. But online it felt like there was support for the movement.
Q: What 3 words best describe how you felt?
A: Aligned. Energized. Guilt-free
A: Cheese. But after 2-3 weeks without it, I never craved it again. It's a bad drug!
A: Answering dumb questions from people who don't understand!
Q: What's it like being Vegan in Toronto?
A: I was here and then left for 5 years. Being back a few months now, it seems not much has changed other than some restaurants closing and others opening. But some of the originals are still thriving which is nice to see—Hogtown Vegan, Aunty Em’s Deli, Fresh Restaurants, Planta! We also have a Michelin Star vegetarian/vegan restaurant, Gia. That’s exciting! We’re also the birthplace of Vegandale.
A: Pasta and Tofu. Not usually together!
A: Finding quality products that aren't just made of petroleum
Q: Can you share 3-5 of your favourite Vegan Brands or Products?
A: Violife, Just Egg, Gardein
Q: What was the craziest thing that someone has said about being Vegan?
A: That I'm killing my child by making them eat vegan.
A: How can I choose just one!
A: I share my own recipe for mac and cheese with whoever I can! And I like to remind or tell people about the fact that 70% of the soy crops grown go to animal feed… so you are in fact eating soy. I dislike people who avoid soy and are uninformed.
A: For The Animals
