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The 7 Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services Of 2024, According To A Nutritionist And Expert Testers
The 7 best vegan meal delivery services of 2024, according to a nutritionist and expert testers
A weekly vegan meal delivery service is a great way to try new and exciting vegan dishes. These services are especially good for people just beginning a vegan lifestyle who aren't sure where to start or how to ensure their meals are well-rounded. The best vegan weekly meal delivery services bring a variety of nutritious, flavorful meals right to your doorstep that you prepare from fresh ingredients or simply pop in the microwave or oven. Most of all, you'll experience flavors and cooking methods that broaden your palate and open your mind to a new way of eating.
To help you find the best vegan meal delivery for your needs, myself — a multi-certified personal trainer and nutritionist — and the team here at Yahoo tested 15 of the top meal delivery companies. We rated each one based on quality of ingredients, number of new meals offered each week, flavor combinations, ease of preparing the meals, whether any extra add-ons were available, the company's commitment to sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, and, most of all, overall taste and presentation.
In this article, you'll learn the unique features and benefits of each of these top-rated services, what you'll pay and what we liked — and didn't. However, it's important to remember that the best meal kit for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. Always consult your doctor before making a significant change to your diet, read reviews and consider your own nutritional needs before making a decision.
Purple Carrot
Price per serving: $11-$13Meal type: Meal kits and prepared mealsWeekly menu options: 16 recipes each week, along with additional options for breakfast and lunchDietary options: Under 600 calories, gluten-free, high-protein, low-sodium, high-fiber, nut-free and soy-free
Purple Carrot is our unanimous choice for the best overall vegan meal kit because it offers an outstanding level of quality, flavor combinations, menu options and convenience, plus a weekly vegan cookbook complete with vibrant photos and step-by-step instructions. Purple Carrot supplies fresh vegan meals that are nutritious and incredibly delicious, making it an ideal choice for long-standing vegans and those new to the lifestyle. Purple Carrot's diverse menu and high-quality ingredients are impressive enough that even the biggest carnivores should enjoy a vegan meal or two each week with this service.
Ordering meals that suit your flavor and dietary preferences is easy with Purple Carrot. There are plentiful selections of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, plus a range of "Plantry" add-ons — think matcha cold brew coffees, fresh juices, instant lentils, homestyle chili, plant-based crab cakes, juice shots, chocolates, nuts, crackers and vegan cheeses. Pricing varies depending on which plan you choose, starting at $11 and going up to $13 per serving for meal kits and $13 for single-serving heat-and-eat prepared meals. There are menu options suitable for various dietary preferences, including high-protein, nut-free, gluten-free, low-sodium and under-600-calorie meals.
Our tester praised Purple Carrot's meals for convenience, flavor and freshness, saying all of them won over her family. She was especially impressed by the creamy dairy-free dressings and sauces. Everything was so tasty that she got her family of carnivores and vegetarians to regularly enjoy two vegan meals a week, which she called an "epic win." For more information, read her full review of Purple Carrot.
The company's eco-friendly approach to packaging is another commendable aspect, with recyclable shipping and packing materials used wherever possible.
ProsMosaic Foods
Price per serving: $11Meal type: Frozen prepared mealsWeekly menu options: 30+Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, wheat-free, nut-free, paleo, gluten-free, low-calorie, no sugar added
Mosaic Foods is a great option for anyone with a busy schedule or those who aren't particularly fond of cooking. The service won our top spot for prepared vegan meals with its broad selection of high-quality and convenient vegan, vegetarian and plant-based meals. The service also caters to various dietary needs, such as wheat-free, nut-free, paleo, gluten-free or low-calorie, which truly sets it apart in the market.
Each week, Mosaic Foods offers more than 30 menu options, ranging from smoothies and veggie bowls to family-size meals. All meals are clearly labeled with nutritional information, and all are free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. Meals are delivered fully prepared and flash-frozen in a well-packed, insulated box on a day that suits your needs — once per week, every two weeks or monthly.
Most single-serve meals can be heated in the microwave in under five minutes, while the family meals are oven-ready, requiring about an hour in the oven. The flash-freezing process helps keep things fresh while allowing you to stash meals in the freezer for at least three months, so you'll always have a convenient meal option.
Mosaic Foods meals cost $11 per serving, with a box of 12 meals costing approximately $130, including shipping. The packaging is either curbside recyclable or made from postconsumer recycled fiber.
For more information, read our full review of Mosaic Foods.
ProsHungryroot
Price per serving: $9.69-$11.39Meal type: Meal kitsWeekly menu options: 5,000+ recipes to choose fromDietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, allergen-free, 500 calories or less, carb-conscious, kid-friendly
Hungryroot offers weekly meal deliveries and full grocery delivery, so you can receive grocery-list essentials as well as meals for the week. The service has an extensive database of more than 5,000 recipes, but don't worry: You won't have to make selections each week on your own. The company has a unique algorithm that provides you with a list of meal options that suit your dietary and taste preferences. Busy people will find this approach particularly beneficial because it simplifies meal planning and prep, while allowing you to order a week's worth of groceries. Imagine never setting foot in the grocery store again!
Our tester thought Hungryroot's meals were tasty and offered excellent variety. However, some meals were more successful than others, with convenience sometimes taking priority over taste. However, the convenience and variety could prove incredibly beneficial to those new to vegan meals.
Hungryroot also stands out for its commitment to sustainability. All outer packaging materials are recyclable, including the Enviro Ice cold packs that keep perishable food fresh during shipping. The individual ingredients and grocery items also come in recyclable packaging.
For more information, read our full review of Hungryroot.
ProsDaily Harvest
Price per serving: Starts at $6.79Meal type: Frozen prepared mealsWeekly menu options: Over 40 options per weekDietary options: Low-carb, low-sugar, low-calorie, heart-healthy
Daily Harvest's meals start at $6.79 per meal, making it one of the most affordable options for vegan meal delivery. For those trying to stick to a heart-healthy, low-sugar, low-calorie or low-carb diet, the service offers a wide variety of meal and snack options that will fit the bill, such as smoothies, soups, grain bowls and juices. Daily Harvest focuses on organic ingredients and nutrient-dense foods, so you don't have to sacrifice health for savings. Best of all, each meal is designed to be quick and easy, with most options ready in less than five minutes.
There are more than 40 menu options per week, and delivery can be either weekly or monthly, with the option to easily change your delivery schedule. Everything from Daily Harvest is frozen, so you will want to ensure you have space in your freezer to accommodate a large order. The grain bowls and pasta dishes are two of the best value options. The pasta recipes are packaged in bags with two substantial portions for $9.79 each. Family-size rice dishes are also available and serve three to four people.
Something that sets Daily Harvest apart from every other service on this list: Its offerings can also be found in your local grocer's freezer aisle or through Instacart.
All Daily Harvest items are packed in recyclable paper containers, making it one of the more eco-friendly services we tested.
ProsGreen Chef
Price per serving: $12-$13.50Meal type: Meal kitsWeekly menu options: 40+ weekly menu selections; add-on breakfasts, lunches, appetizersDietary options: Calorie-smart, gut & brain health, gluten-free, keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, protein-packed, quick and easy
Green Chef is our choice for best organic vegan meal delivery, thanks to delivering fresh, organic meal options for many nutritional preferences and diet styles. It's an excellent fit if having a meal delivery service that prioritizes organic, flavorful dishes is important to you. Green Chef offers over 40 weekly menu options for eight different dietary programs: Mediterranean, Calorie Smart, Quick & Easy, Plant-Based, Protein Packed, Keto, Gut and Brain Health, and Gluten Free.
In addition, you can order add-ons such as salads, desserts, heat-and-eat lunches and breakfasts. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for people living together and following a specific dietary plan or who desire convenient, wholesome organic meals. Why organic? Aside from helping you avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic food was linked to a slight decrease (11%) in obesity risk and can be a wise choice for obesity prevention, a recent study found.
Green Chef, owned by meal kit service HelloFresh, is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an organic company, ensuring that, at the very least, all the produce in your meal kit is organic unless stated otherwise. Additionally, the company is accredited by the California Certified Organic Farmers agency.
Packaging is made from recycled, reusable and/or compostable materials, and all Green Chef items are packed in recyclable paper containers.
Read our full review of Green Chef.
ProsBlue Apron
Price per serving: $9-$12Meal type: Meal kits and prepared mealsWeekly menu options: 70+Dietary options: Vegan, vegetarian, wellness
Blue Apron earns the top spot for the best gluten-free vegan meal delivery for its wide variety of plant-based meals made without gluten. If you or someone in your household needs to avoid gluten, Blue Apron is ideal, providing time-saving convenience and less stress.
The meal plans range from $9 to $12 per serving, along with a shipping fee of $10.99. Over 70 menu options are available each week, and you can opt for additional items such as freshly prepared single-serving heat-and-eat meals, single-serving frozen meals, breakfast meal kits, desserts and individual proteins if you have a member in your household who does consume animal products. You can order a maximum of four servings for each meal and up to five meals per week.
Standout features include time-saving, convenient meals with gluten-free and vegan options created in consultation with a nutritionist. Although our tester felt some of the meals were hit-or-miss flavorwise, the variety, nutrition and beginner-friendly recipes — often ready in less than 30 minutes — make Blue Apron a solid choice.
Blue Apron food items are packed in recyclable and compostable materials, and all items are preportioned, reducing food waste.
For more information, read our full review of Blue Apron.
ProsMartha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Price per serving: $9-$13Meal type: Meal kitsWeekly menu options: 100+ recipesDietary options: Low-carb, low-calorie, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, kid-friendly, one-pot meals, under 30 minutes, breakfast, appetizers, desserts, family-friendly
Marley Spoon offers high-quality vegan meals that are flavorful and diverse. The service meets a range of dietary needs and styles, such as kid-friendly, ready in under 30 minutes and one-pot meals, making it an excellent choice for families with diverse tastes.
One of the key features of Marley Spoon is its unique, elevated recipes sourced from Martha Stewart's top-notch culinary team. These are not your average vegan meals — they're more like gourmet dishes that bring a sense of adventure to the dinner table. That said, our tester noted that the complexity of some recipes might be a drawback for beginner chefs and may be better suited for those with a bit more experience in the kitchen. If you're new to cooking or prefer more uncomplicated recipes, make sure you understand what is required for meal preparation before selecting the meal for your family.
Marley Spoon truly excels in the flavor department. The meals are tasty and satisfying, with ideal portion sizes. There are more than 100 weekly recipes and family menu options. Pricing is competitive, ranging from $9 to $13 per serving — three meals per week for four people cost $126, including shipping.
Marley Spoon's packaging is mostly recyclable, with clear recycling instructions on its website, making it easy to dispose of packaging in an environmentally friendly way.
For more information, read our full review of Marley Spoon.
ProsCost: When considering a new meal delivery service, weigh the price per serving and the number of servings per meal against your budget. Prices typically range from $7 to $13 per serving, so if the meal comes with two servings, the price becomes $14 to $26. Also, many services offer add-on grocery items that range in price, which is an additional cost to consider.
Ease of use: Vegan meal delivery kits should arrive with clear cooking instructions on a delivery schedule that works for you. Some services offer heat-and-eat prepared meals that are ready in under five minutes, while others provide ingredients with easy-to-follow recipes you'll prepare from start to finish — usually ready in under 30 minutes. Some services include whole produce and proteins that require more prep than others that provide pre-diced and -portioned ingredients.
Menu choices: Ensure the service you choose has a wide variety of vegan recipes made with high-quality ingredients. Even though a service may say there are vegan meals, we found a few that really only offered three to five truly vegan meals a week. Look for a service that offers a selection of recipes that fit your additional dietary needs, such as gluten-free, soy-free or nut-free options. The ingredients should be fresh, high-quality and plant-based.
Taste: Above all, vegan meals should be nutritious and delicious. While the flavor of the meals is a personal experience, reading reviews or trying a few different services to find one that you really enjoy will be your best bet. All the services mentioned offer steep introductory discounts for new members, so trying a few will not only help you find the best service, but also preserve your weekly meal budget since many of these offers bring the per-serving price below $5 to $10.
Eco-friendly packaging: The packaging choices of vegan meal delivery services should prioritize environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. Look for services that provide clear instructions on recycling packaging or composting.
How we chose the best vegan meal delivery serviceEvery meal kit we reviewed has strengths and weaknesses. Some are very easy, others offer more variety; some are great for families with picky eaters and special diets, others are geared toward noncarnivores who still want meat flavor via plant-based substitutes. We also tested heat-and-eat premade meal options (remember when we used to call them TV dinners?) to accommodate busy schedules and those who do not enjoy cooking.
We evaluated services according to the number of weekly vegetarian menu choices offered, the quality and freshness of the included ingredients, ease of cooking, cost, eco-friendly packaging and, most of all, taste.
What are vegan meal delivery services?Vegan meal delivery services prepare and deliver plant-based meals to your doorstep. These services offer meals and food items suitable for people following a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy and honey, and any foods made with animal-sourced ingredients. Many services have meals designed by chefs and nutritionists to be balanced, nutritious and flavorful, so sticking to a vegan diet is easy and enjoyable.
What can I expect from a vegan meal delivery service?When you subscribe to a vegan meal delivery service, you can expect to receive preportioned, ready-to-cook or precooked meals delivered to your home on your selected day. Meal delivery services allow you to choose from a selection of meals each week with different tastes and dietary needs in mind, along with the option to choose extras, such as snacks, breakfasts and lunches. The meals are typically accompanied by cooking instructions for prepared meals and recipe cards with detailed instructions for the meal kits. Some services also allow you to modify the frequency of deliveries, skip a week or cancel anytime.
Frequently asked questions Is a vegan diet healthy for you?A vegan diet, free from all animal products, is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death. A recent study found that vegans often live a healthier lifestyle with more physical exercise, and tend to smoke less. That said, the study also highlighted one major concern with vegan diets, especially for those transitioning to a vegan diet: the potential for micro- and macronutrient deficits. Numerous studies found that vegans consume insufficient calcium and vitamin D, due to lower calcium bioavailability problems in plant-based diets. (Generally, nonvegans overcome this through the consumption of dairy products.) It is crucial that you ensure your meals are well-balanced and include protein, fiber, healthy fats and plenty of vitamins and nutrients.
Do vegan meal delivery services save you money?The cost-effectiveness of vegan meal delivery services requires weighing several factors, including your usual grocery budget, average food waste, time and energy spent planning and shopping, dining practices and the specific service you choose. While the cost per meal might be higher than if you were to buy the ingredients and cook from scratch, these services can cut back on food waste and save you time on meal planning, grocery shopping and meal preparation. For some people, these conveniences can make vegan meal delivery services a cost-effective option, especially if you often find yourself ordering takeout during the busiest days of the week.
Can I cancel my meal delivery subscription at any time?Most vegan meal delivery services allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, but check the specific cancellation policy of any service you're considering to be sure it will fit your needs. Some services may require you to cancel before a deadline to avoid a charge for the next delivery. It's always a good idea to read the company's terms and conditions before subscribing.
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Indulge In Love: The Perfect Vegan Valentine's Day Cupcake Recipe
Valentine's Day is synonymous with sweet treats and loving gestures. For those looking to impress their vegan sweetheart or simply aiming to bring more plant-based options to the table, Corina Franks, the passionate pastry chef behind "Isn't She Lovely: The Vegan Bakery," shares her mouthwatering Vegan Vanilla Cupcake recipe. Drawing inspiration from a personal journey that began with an egg allergy, Corina has mastered the art of vegan baking, turning her challenges into triumphs—one delicious cupcake at a time. Corina's venture into the world of vegan baking wasn't just about creating eggless desserts; it was about crafting moments of joy, connection, and love, much like the atmosphere her father nurtured in his restaurant. With a spirit fueled by her dad's entrepreneurial drive and a heart full of passion for people and baking, Corina embarked on a journey that led her to redefine vegan desserts. Her creations are not just about substituting non-vegan ingredients but are a celebration of flavors, depth, love, and the science of baking. In 2023, Corina transformed her passion into a flourishing business, capturing hearts and taste buds alike. Her dedication and talent were spotlighted when she clinched victory at K 104.7's Cupcake Wars and showcased her cupcakes at the Mother's Day Cupcake Festival at the Legendary Renegades Baseball field, an experience she cherishes deeply. Corina's dream is to offer a taste of another world through her desserts, inviting everyone to experience the layers of flavors she meticulously crafts into each bite. Advertisement Here's how to create Corina's delectable Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes, a perfect treat to sweeten your Valentine's Day: Ingredients: 177.5 ML of oat milk (any nondairy milk will do)½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar172 grams cake flour150 grams organic cane sugar (avoid overfilling your cup to prevent overly sweet cupcakes)½ tablespoon baking powder3/8 teaspoon salt56.5 grams melted vegan butter (unsalted)½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract (opt for high-quality vanilla for the best flavor) Instructions: Prep the "Buttermilk": Combine the oat milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create a vegan buttermilk. Allow it to curdle, setting the foundation for your cupcakes' moist texture. Melt the Butter: Gently melt the vegan butter, ensuring it's cooled slightly before adding it to your mix. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, organic cane sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of each element. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the buttermilk mixture, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cupcake texture. Bake the Cupcakes: Scoop the batter into a 12-cup cupcake pan lined with cupcake liners. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Cool: Immediately remove the cupcakes from the pan after baking and transfer them to a cooling rack. This prevents the cupcakes from cooking further in the hot pan, ensuring they remain light and fluffy. Corina's Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes are a testament to her belief that vegan desserts can be just as indulgent, flavorful, and heartwarming as their non-vegan counterparts. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or trying your hand at plant-based desserts for the first time this Valentine's Day, these cupcakes promise to deliver love, warmth, and a little piece of Corina's world to your celebration. Corina Franks owner of 'Isn't She Lovely: The Vegan Bakery' Follow Corina's journey and catch her at local farmers' markets in Hudson Valley, NY, or NYC by checking her schedule on Instagram. Let this Valentine's Day be a gateway to exploring the rich and compassionate world of vegan baking, one delicious cupcake at a time.9 Vegan Cakes That Can Be On Your Doorstep This Week
Who doesn't love a good drool-worthy #vegancakes scroll through Instagram? These tantalizing images of towering, tricked-out, buttercream-adorned desserts are fun to fantasize about, but also come with a generous serving of FOMO. When you spot a gorgeous cake but live 500 miles away, consider cake by mail. Many of the skilled, independent vegan bakers that make you swoon on Instagram have broken through the distance barrier and configured a way to ship their edible creations nationwide (or at least within the continental US). Thanks to precise planning and a fair share of dry ice, you can now Instagram your cake and eat it, too!
Jump to the cakes
Is cake always vegan?If you walk into a regular bakery, you'll usually find that most of the cakes are made with animal products, like eggs, milk, and butter. But increasingly, more bakeries are catering to vegan tastes (or they're totally vegan!).
Instead of milk and butter, most opt for plant-based varieties to make their tasty concoctions, like oat milk or sunflower spread. And instead of eggs, a wide variety of ingredients can be used, like aquafaba, for example. For more guidance on replacing chicken eggs in baking, follow our guide here.
Got a craving for vegan cake? Here are nine different bakeries you can order from right now.
Where to buy vegan cake: 9 bakeries to order from right nowKarma Baker
1 Karma BakerThis tiny little Westlake Village, CA bakery became Instagram-famous with the advent of the unicorn and soon-to-follow mermaid cake doughnuts. Hastened by the furious demand, owner Celine Ikeler developed a way to successfully ship these sweet delicacies—along with a selection of her cakes, cookies, and brownies—to those outside her suburban bakery's home. For the chocolate diehards out there, her Chocolate MousseTuxedo Cake cannot be beaten. However, those who do not identify as chocoholics will enjoy the Strawberry Eclair Crunch, Luscious Lemon Cake, or the ever-classic Carrot Cake.FIND IT HERE
Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen
2 Yvonne's Vegan KitchenYvonne is the woman you call when you want a one-of-a-kind, special occasion cake. While her more intricate design work is only available for local pickup or delivery in the Pasadena, CA area, she ships her best-selling cake flavors nationwide, along with her chocolate-covered cake doughnuts and addictively good cookies. Pull up her website and you could have a scrumptious, gluten-free Chocolate Creme de Menthe cake in your fridge by the end of the week. Find it here
Erin McKenna's Bakery
3 Erin McKenna's BakerySay it with us: Double. Chocolate. Crumb. Those three words alone have the power to trigger anyone to whip out their credit card. Celebration or not, you need this now. This includes Celiac-sufferers as well—all of McKenna's baked goods are gluten-free, soy-free, and often free of refined sugar.Find it here
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery
4 Southern Roots Vegan BakeryHello there, volcano cakes! These jumbo-sized cupcakes feature a surprise buttercream center that will satisfy any sweet tooth. But for a full-sized cake to feed a crowd, the bakery's trendy "naked cakes" are available in Funfetti, Chocolate Luxury, and Mary Lee's Lemon (the last of which is made using a tried and true family recipe that's been passed down two generations). Approved by vegan celeb Tabitha Brown, you can't go wrong ordering at this Black-owned San Antonio, TX bakery.Find it here
Daisy Cakes
5 Daisy CakesWhether you're in the market for a cute cupcake jar or a full-sized cake, Daisy Cakes can ship it. The vegan-friendly bakery offers a variety of plant-based Minikins (cake jar) flavors including carrot, strawberry shortcake, red velvet, and sprinkle-dotted Happy Birthday. But if you're on the search for a full-sized cake, the golden raisin-studded carrot cake slathered in vegan cream cheese is worthy of any celebration. find it here
Giselle's Vegan Kitchen
6 Giselle's Vegan KitchenThere is some sort of wizardry happening in the back kitchen of Giselle's quaint storybook shop. The towering cake creations on display taste divine without the use of refined sugar, gluten, or animal products. Flavors range from a simple yet beautiful Golden Vanilla Cake to an opulent Brownie Cookie Dough Cake and gorgeously decorated bundt cakes. We've set out to try them all. find it here
Estella's Vegan Cuisine & Desserts
7Estella's Vegan Cuisine & DessertsCalling all bundt cake lovers! This Black woman-owned vegan bakery churns out deliciously rich bundt cakes that are also a feast for the eyes. These sweet treats are available in full-size and mini varieties in a plethora of classic and creative flavors. Choose between red velvet, lemon, Oreo, hibiscus pineapple, sweet potato pecan, and Turtle. Find it here
Coco Luv Cookies
8 Coco Luv CookiesFunfetti. Peanut Butter Chocolate. Tiramisu. Have you clicked the link yet? This Black-owned bakery makes irresistible cakes—from vegan bundt cakes to birthday cakes, and even cookie cakes. And with gluten-free options for nearly everything on their menu, there's enough cake to go around. find it here
Hot Cakes
9 Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate CakeryImagine reaching into your freezer any time you craved a personal pot of molten chocolate cake. Thanks to this Seattle-based niche bakery, you don't have to imagine anymore; you can live it. These individual-sized vegan chocolate cakes can be ordered virtually anywhere in the US, and they last in the freezer for a year. Clean out your ice cream pints and make room to stockpile your freezer with cake. find it here
For more on vegan cake, read:Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
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