Every week, the TessDrive team gathers interesting or significant news and developments from advocates and proponents of plant-based lifestyle and technologies, because we firmly believe that the best that our planet can offer, and the best that we can do for the planet, does not involve giving up the lives of our fellow non-human sentient companions.
Tofu makes a comeback
In a May 30 article titled “The Tofu Era Is Upon Us: How This Ancient Protein Is Redefining Clean Eating,” the editors of VegNews (vegnews.com) discuss how the “familiar block of soy is making its quiet, triumphant return.” They write that tofu has been able to make a comeback “not because it’s new, but because it’s cheap, clean, and more versatile than its processed counterparts.” They go on to write, “Tofu, with its short ingredient list and centuries-old heritage, is emerging as a symbol of the ‘real food’ renaissance.” Citing recent worldwide data, the VegNews editors reveal that the global tofu market hit $3 billion (P167 billion) in 2024 and is projected to climb to $4.4 billion (P244.8 billion) by 2033.
The lowdown on vegan leather in 2025
In a May 31 article titled “What Is Vegan Leather? The Best Alternatives For 2025” posted on Plant Based News (plantbasednews.org), author Liam Pritchett discusses everything one needs to know about vegan leather, and the trends involving its materials in 2025. Pritchett writes: “Recent advancements in materials and technology combined with growing consumer interest in sustainability mean that there is a wider variety of vegan leather options than ever before, and high-end fashion designers and high street labels alike are now championing these materials.” Pritchett, however, clarifies that “not all vegan alternatives are necessarily sustainable, or even practical.” He goes on to cite the more sustainable and environment-friendly vegan leather materials, such as coconut, tea, cactus, pineapple, mushroom, and other plastic-free leather alternatives.
Djokovic’s love match with plant-based diets
In a May 26 article titled “Novak Djokovic Opens Up About His Diet and Wellness Routine” posted on Plant Based News (plantbasednews.org), author Polly Foreman writes about Serbian tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s wellness routine and predominantly plant-based diet. Foreman writes that, apart from staying active throughout the year by taking part in a wide range of sports and activities (such as ocean swimming, biking, hiking, and running), Djokovic—who is widely regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time—avoids foods that “take too long to digest”—hence he generally avoids animal food products. Foreman quotes Djokovic’s 2022 YouTube interview: “Eating meat was hard on my digestion, and that took a lot of essential energy that I need for my focus, for recovery, for the next training session, and for the next match.” Djokovic was also an executive producer of the 2018 Netflix documentary “The Game Changers,” which showcased the benefits of plant-based diets for athletes.
(Top photo by Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels)