Yep, that’s a burger. Why yes, that IS cereal on top of of it!

It’s that time of year again – 10 Days of Vegan Stampede is OFFICIALLY HERE!If you’re already familiar with 10 Days of Vegan Stampede and you’re just here for the recipe, CLICK HERE TO JUMP AHEAD.

If you’re new here, WELCOME! In case you have questions, I’ve compiled the most frequently asked below:

1. What is “10 Days of Vegan Stampede”?

10 Days of Vegan Stampede is a 10 day series of blog posts featuring recipes for veganized versions of Calgary Stampede midway foods, in particular the new ones.

2. ok but WHY tho? don’t vegans hate the Stampede?

Vegans hate animal exploitation, in particular the rodeo. But vegans aren’t alone there – in fact, polls regularly show that over half of Calgarians don’t support the rodeo events on account of their cruelty. Animal-based entertainment like circuses and rodeos are becoming things of the past as more people recognize the exploitation involved. Vegans aren’t the fun police; my position on the Stampede (like many others) is simply: Keep the Fair, Keep the Fun, Lose the Abuse.

I grew up attending Stampede. We never attended the rodeo, but things like the art exhibit, the product exhibition, the rides, and especially the food were all regular parts of my life up until I went vegan 10 years ago. I really missed the midway junk food, so it made sense to veganize some of the midway foods and post the recipes here. Going vegan doesn’t have to mean missing out.
And 10 Days of Vegan Stampede was born.

3. omg, this looks delicious! where do I buy it?!

Right now, 10 Days of Vegan Stampede is only an annual series of recipe posts, and this year it is 100% not sponsored. I try to keep the recipes more like assembly instructions and super simple, which I hope helps those of you who don’t like to cook. I’m definitely open to sponsorships, popups, or collaborations. Tag your favourite spots and brands and maybe a collab is in our future!

Have a question I didn’t cover? Leave it in the comments and I’ll get back to you ASAP. And now – on to Day 1!

Day 1: the Cheetah Chomp Chickun Burger

Inspired by the Fruit Loops Chicken Burger, which features crushed Fruit Loops atop a strawberry syrup-drenched chicken patty and bun. Unfortunately, like many Kellogg’s cereals, Fruit Loops contains D3 of dubious origin, and many vegans choose to abstain. So my version uses Cheetah Chomps, which are vegan friendly, and have the added benefit of supporting IRL cheetahs in the wild. I can feel your skepticism building, which is hilarious because I’m still writing this post. But that’s fine. I wasn’t totally convinced about this one myself. But the premise was simple enough, so I had to give it a shot.

Chicken has been swapped for vegan chickun in my version (I used a Yves patty, but use your favourite bought or homemade). I found my strawberry syrup next to the ice cream fixins in the grocery store, and I think the slightly artificial flavour actually adds to this burger, so I recommend buying yours too, although making it from scratch is always an option.

Now, to address your skepticism – how does it taste?! Surprisingly good, savoury and sweet, and the syrup soaked bun tastes like a donut, with the Chomps adding additional texture. I would liken it to a donut burger. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combos like chicken & waffles this is right up your alley.

Here’s to the Cheetah Chomp Chickun Burger – a delightfully delicious example of what Stampede food should be – unconventional and unforgettable!

Like this recipe? Share it? Made this recipe? Rate it! Post your comments below, and use the hashtag #10DaysofVeganStampede on social media platforms so I can see your stuff. Meet me back here tomorrow for Day 2 of 10 Days of Vegan Stampede!