In 2016, significant changes were seen in the vegan food industry that shaped the plant-based future. Wendy’s trialed a vegan-friendly burger, Starbucks started offering almond milk, Ben & Jerry’s released their first vegan flavors, and the Impossible Burger debuted, marking a shift towards more plant-based options in mainstream food establishments. Tyson Foods also made a significant move by investing in plant-based meats, and major studies supporting plant-based living were published, highlighting the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Additionally, in 2016, Oprah Winfrey promoted meat-free eating and Hellmann's launched vegan mayonnaise, reflecting the increasing mainstream acceptance and availability of vegan food options. The online world also started embracing veganism more, with "vegan" being the most Googled dietary term in Australia and vegan memes increasing by nearly 7000 percent. These developments in 2016 laid the foundation for the continued growth and popularity of vegan food in the years to come, setting the stage for a plant-based future with more choices and options for consumers.