Category: Membership Discounts

Save Year-Round With a VegOttawa Membership

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At VegOttawa, we believe that being part of a vibrant, plant-based community should come with plenty of perks. Our members enjoy exclusive discounts at local businesses, making it easy to save money while enjoying a vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or a family, the benefits of membership are designed to fit every lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll highlight the many ways you can easily recoup your membership fee and start saving money.

Algonquin College Student: Priya, 22 years old

As a student, Priya gets her VegOttawa membership at a discount so instead of paying $22.50/year, she only pays $10/year.

January: Priya treats herself to some baked goods at Strawberry Blonde Bakery, taking advantage of the 10% discount on her $20 order. Savings: $2

March: She buys vegan soap and other products for a friend’s birthday gift from Saaboon, saving 15% on a $40 purchase. Savings: $6

May: She dines out at Hometown Sports Grill and enjoys a 10% discount on a $30 meal from their vegan menu. Savings: $3

July: Priya gets a haircut at Head Space, with a 10% discount. Savings: $7.50

September: She joins a virtual cooking class with Amy Longard, saving 10% on a $50 session. Savings: $5

December: Priya stocks up on some vegan cheese & pesto from Zengarry, saving 15% on a $50 order. Savings: $7.50

Total Savings for the year: $31

Professional: Ali, 44 years old

Ali pays $22.50/year for his VegOttawa membership.

February: Ali decides to try out a Kyan Cuisine meal delivery, saving 10% on a $60 order. Savings: $6

April: He buys a 6-week personalized vegan training plan from Jacked On The Beanstalk, saving 15% on the $188 cost purchase. Savings: $28.20

June: Ali visits Thali for lunch and saves 10% on a $30 meal. Savings: $3

August: He uses Bree’s Events to help him with his parents’ wedding anniversary party, saving 15% on a $250 package. Savings: $37.50

October: Ali grabs 6 vegan donuts at Maverick’s, saving 10% on a $24 purchase. Savings: $2.40

December: He decides to invest in a Wuxly coat, saving 10% on a $695 order. Savings: $69

Total Savings for the year: $146.10

Family of 3: Rosa (31), David (33), and their daughter Maya (6)

Rosa and David each have their own membership, costing them a total of $45/year.

January: The family dines at Chickpeas and saves 10% on a $60 meal. Savings: $6

February: David buys some Valentine’s treats for Maya and Rose at Keepin’ It Vegan Bakery, 15% on a $50 order. Savings: $6

March: Rosa gets an 8-week membership at The Weightlifting Lab, saving 15% on the $560 cost. Savings: $84

April: Rosa and David enjoy some YugiRolls at a pop-up event, saving 10% on their $45 order. Savings: $4.50

May: Rosa buys some new makeup from Jacquie K Cosmetics, saving 15% on a $65 order. Savings: $9.75

June: The family books a family photography session with VanTran Photography, saving 10% on a $250 session. Savings: $25

Total Savings for 6 months: $135.25

It’s easy to make the most of your membership and enjoy perks all year long! Your membership also supports our mission and advocacy efforts as a non-profit organization. Join VegOttawa today

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Discover and Save at Ottawa’s Vegan-Friendly Spots!

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By Joyce Santos

On a Sunday evening, as Spring finally arrived, the Ottawa veg community gathered together at Hometown Sports Grill for VegOttawa Association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting. If you haven’t been to Hometown yet, look for the large vegan symbol displayed on their restaurant on Bank St., and pop in to try their impressive vegan menu. Ottawa’s only urban mushroom farm, SePi Mushrooms, had the brilliant idea to bring samples of their gourmet mushrooms, which Hometown cooked up into delicious lion’s mane skewers and blue oyster mushrooms on vegan pizzas. It was a great vibe with members of the veg community connecting with new like-minded friends. We heard some feedback about how helpful our blog posts are at highlighting member discounts. So on that note, let’s explore more of our vegan-friendly partners to help you decide where to pop into next with your VegOttawa membership.

Cinnaholic

How many times have you encountered the sweet smell of cinnamon at a shopping mall only to keep on walking and wishing for vegan options? Luckily, you can head over to Cinnaholic Lansdowne or Kanata for their gourmet cinnamon rolls that are 100% vegan. Their long list of toppings include fresh fruit, pretzels, vegan marshmallows, streusel, chocolate sauce and more. Their fully vegan menu also features Cinnacakes, cookies, brownies, cookie dough, cookie cakes and mini buns! They also offer catering for special occasions and events. Members save 15% on the entire menu. Find them at cinnaholic.com and on Instagram @cinnaholic.ottawa.

Chickpeas

Ottawa’s first and only falafel and hummus eatery, Chickpeas is 100% vegan and made from scratch! With several types of hummus, you can order a mixed plate to try them all – a colourful display including Red Beet, Mango, Avocado, Black Bean, Red Pepper and Jalapeño hummus served with pitas. They also have falafel wraps and bowls, salads, lentil soup, and unique specials like Fatteh and Koshari. The falafels are like no other and incredibly fresh. Find them at Ottawa Train Yards, chickpeasottawa.ca, and on Instagram @chickpeasottawa. Save 10% on their entire menu with a VegOttawa membership.

BanhMiYes

Bánh Mì was ranked number one in Best Sandwiches in the World 2024, according to tasteatlas.com. Ottawa is very fortunate to have our own vibrant Vietnamese-style sandwich shop featuring vegan Bánh Mì made from scratch with freshly-baked bread, vegan mayo and fresh veggies. Their menu includes the Vegan Tofu, Vegan Shredded Pork and Vegan Chicken Bánh Mì; as well as the Tofu or Vegan Chicken Vermicelli. Members save 10% on the vegan menu in store (Hintonburg & Merivale locations). Find them at banhmiyes.com and on Instagram at @banhmiyes.ottawa.

Keepin’ It Vegan

This exclusively-vegan bakery has cozy seating, a viewing window to peek behind-the-scenes and a variety of prepared take-home goods. With a red seal trained chef, they are famous for their vegan croissants including almond and chocolate, and the display case is filled with dreamy gourmet desserts like macarons, nanaimo bars and cheezecake. You can pick up freshly baked loaves of bread (GF options available) and enjoy sandwiches, muffins, cookies and hot drinks. They even have a kid-friendly space on Toddler Tuesdays from 9am-1pm. If you have a party coming up, you can pre-order their specialty cakes and customize your design. VegOttawa members save 15% on their entire menu. This women-run business is located at Craig Henry Plaza in Nepean and you can check out their menu at kvbakery.ca and on Instagram @keepinitveganbakery.

Maverick’s Donut Company

This local business bakes gourmet donuts from scratch daily, with several vegan options as well as vegan mini-mavs! Their menu changes seasonally and these donuts are a fantastic treat to bring to parties or surprise your friends at a meetup. Enjoy vegan donuts in their seating area with a hot coffee, or when seasonally available, try the vegan vanilla soft serve on top of a vegan donut! You can also custom order special designs on the donuts for special occasions. With several locations across Ottawa, VegOttawa members save 10% on up to 6 vegan donuts in store. Learn more about them at mavericksdonuts.com and Instagram @mavericksdonuts.

Saaboon

A stylish and urban boutique on Gladstone Ave. – Saaboon features locally handmade vegan soap and skincare that is plant-based and zero-waste with all-natural ingredients. The bar soap collection includes botanical soap made with fresh herbs, flowers and premium essential oils and they also carry body balm, lip balm, utility deodorant and more. This shop also now offers a variety of unique potted plants which makes this the perfect one-stop-shop for gifts. Check out their Instagram page @saaboon for behind-the-scenes reels showing how they make these specialty vegan products. Treat yourself to well-protected and nourished skin and save 15% on all soap and skincare from this vegan-owned shop, online at saaboon.com and in-store at 595 Gladstone Ave.

Thali and Coconut Lagoon

A bustling and vibrant dining spot with large windows facing the corner of O’Connor and Laurier — Thali is a perfect mix of casual and elegant atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot for a lunch with colleagues, a night out with friends or dinner to celebrate a special occasion. The Traditional Vegan Thali is a delicious platter of curries and basmati rice. Other vegan menu items include Chickpea Curry, Eggplant Masala, Vegetable Samosas and Croquettes. 

Their affiliate restaurant, Coconut Lagoon, also features award-winning chef Joe Thottungal and his team. Their upcoming Earth Day Candlelight Celebration features an exquisite  6-course vegan menu including Jackfruit & Soya Biryani and grilled pineapple on vegan ice cream. VegOttawa members enjoy 10% on vegan menu items at Thali and Coconut Lagoon (including their special event menu). These restaurants are inspired by the incredible Kerala Cuisine found on India’s South West Coast. Find them at coconutlagoon.ca and thaliottawa.ca.

Copper Branch

We love this fully-vegan plant-powered restaurant located in Barrhaven. Our favourites are the Oven Baked Nachos, General Tao Bao Buns, Copper Burger Deluxe, General Copper Bowl and the delicious Coffee Cake Muffin. They also have amazing vegan pizzas on GF cauliflower crust! The dining area is spacious and welcoming, and you can pop in for a morning latte, all day breakfast, or meet up for evening drinks. Members save 10% at Copper Branch Barrhaven. Check out the menu at www.eatcopperbranch.com.

Strawberry Blonde Bakery

This bakery is a dream come true for those with alternative diets and food allergies – enjoy a treat without having to worry about cross contamination. They have a variety of beautifully- decorated desserts, including cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cake pops, donuts and handmade chocolate! Strawberry Blonde was recently voted top gluten-free bake shop in Ottawa! They have treats for special occasions, pre-order cakes (we love the Queen Elizabeth!) and savoury options like pizza buns and take & bake tourtiere. You can also spot their treats at several stores in the Ottawa area and they also have an online shop. They are 100% gluten-free, vegan, nut-free and kosher. Find them at store.strawberryblondebakery.com and on Instagram @blondebaking. VegOttawa members save 10% in-store at both locations (Westboro and Kanata).

Zengarry Fauxmagerie

Many are familiar with this local favourite – vegan cashew cheese that comes in many varieties including Sundried Tomato & Basil, Garlic & Fine Herb, Zesty Dill and Double Cream (great in recipes too). They also make vegan pesto and feature unique recipes on their website. VegOttawa members save 15% online and at their store in Alexandria. Check out their Instagram @zengarryveg and their online shop at zengarry.com.

Secondhand Stories

With all this talk about food, here’s one that isn’t food-related but you can find their books at some of our restaurant partner locations! Starting out as an online gently-used book shop, Secondhand Stories is now also a Non-Profit Chicken Sanctuary with 100% of book sales going to support the lovely rescued chickens. Follow them at @secondhandstories_ on Instagram for their awesome chicken content. VegOttawa members save 20% on Secondhand Stories books, which means you can buy even more books to help support this incredible sanctuary. 

Yugirolls

If you haven’t heard about Yugirolls, we’re not sure where you’ve been hiding! Well-known for their vegan egg rolls, they have a large exclusively-vegan Chinese food menu featuring Yugiballs, BBQ Bao, Salt and Pepper tofu and lots more. Check out their delivery options and pickup hours, and follow them on Instagram at @yugirolls. VegOttawa members save 10% on catering orders, as well as select pop-up events. 

Van Tran Photography

Yugirolls’ owner is also the professional photographer behind Van Tran Photography, specializing in artistic portraits and headshots. Check out the stunning collection of photos on Instagram @vantranphoto. VegOttawa members save 10% on photography services in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Also check out the Vegan Camera Project @thevegancamera featuring beautiful portraits of rescued animals to help support local animal sanctuaries!

Animal Justice

Animal Justice is Canada’s only national animal law non-profit. Animal Justice lawyers work to pass strong new animal protection laws, push to hold industries accountable for abusing animals, and fight on behalf of animals in court. You can help support their mission by checking out their online shop at shop.animaljustice.ca featuring Unisex and Women’s Tees, Tote Bags, Athletic Wear and more. VegOttawa members save 15% on online store items and all proceeds from sales go to support their mission for animal protection.

Head Space Hair Studio

A hidden gem on Merivale Ave. – Headspace Hair Studio is a vegan and cruelty-free salon with services including cuts, highlights, colour, wellness treatments and more. Enjoy a completely vegan and inclusive experience with gender-neutral pricing. VegOttawa members save 10% on in-store services. Book your appointment at headspacehairottawa.com and check out the fashion-forward styles on their Instagram page @headspacehair.ottawa.

VegOttawa members can find exclusive online discount codes when they log into their membership, and display their membership from a mobile device at point-of-purchase. In case you missed it, read our recent blog posts Ottawa’s Ultimate Vegan Pizza Round Up, and our Plant-Powered Perks blog featuring our newest partners, Find Your Light Life Coaching, Luxe Teeth Whitening and Amy Longard Nutrition. If you’re not a VegOttawa Association member, sign up today to enjoy discounts at more than 35 local vegan-friendly businesses. Your membership also supports our non-profit organization’s mission to support, inspire and promote vegan lifestyle, community and business in Ottawa.

If you’re an Ottawa business with vegan-friendly items or services, send us an email at info@vegottawa.org to receive our latest partnership info and join our growing list of business partners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joyce Santos is the current Vice President of VegOttawa Association. She has been vegan and previously vegetarian for over 25 years. In addition to her role with VegOttawa, she does freelance PR and Communications for vegan businesses. She can often be found enjoying the live music scene and exploring trails with the Ottawa Vegan Nature Club.

This post is not sponsored by any of the businesses or organizations listed.

Plant-Powered Perks! Check Out VegOttawa’s Newest Discounts

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By Joyce Santos

VegOttawa Association has been committed to promoting the plant-based lifestyle since it was established in 2006. We have grown to include over 35 business partners in Ottawa, offering vegan discounts from a wide range of categories. So far in 2024, we have added 5 new business partners that offer exclusive discounts to our 250+ members! Let’s get to know these amazing local businesses in today’s blog post.

New Discounts – Health & Wellness, Beauty, Gourmet Food and Restaurant!

SePi Mushrooms

Have you heard Ottawa has a new local indoor urban mushroom farm? We were super excited to hear about this sustainable, hyper-local farm that offers specialty mushroom subscription boxes including lion’s mane and blue oyster, delivered right to your door. I was likely one of the first members to sign up for a subscription box and eagerly awaited the first delivery. The 1lb box of lion’s mane arrived in sustainable packaging, incredibly fresh and with an impressive aroma. We spent the day cooking up some unique recipes from their website – like the Spicy Cumin Lion’s Mane Skewers. SePi Mushrooms’ subscription boxes come with recipe and fact cards, and you can choose which specialty mushroom to receive for each order or a mix of two! I’d suggest it’s time to elevate your cooking with these gourmet mushrooms and never look back! Members save 15% on any subscription plan at sepimushrooms.com/weeatmushrooms.

BanhMiYes

Every few weeks, our VegOttawa team has meetings just down the street from BanhMiYes in Hintonburg – a vibrant Vietnamese-style sandwich shop on Wellington Ave. I had heard about their vegan sandwiches and found myself walking straight over there after every meeting to order the Vegan Tofu BanhMi – made from scratch with freshly-baked bread, vegan mayo and fresh veggies. I couldn’t stop thinking about these incredible sandwiches and I am thrilled to have them join our business partnership so that VegOttawa members can enjoy savings at both of their locations. Their other menu options include the Vegan Shredded Pork and Vegan Chicken BanhMi; and the Tofu and Vegan Chicken Vermicelli. Members save 10% on the vegan menu in store (Hintonburg & Merivale).

Luxe Teeth Whitening Studio

Vegans may be surprised to learn that teeth whitening products can include animal-sourced ingredients that have been tested on animals. Thankfully, you can still get that brighter smile in the comfort of your home with Alannah, owner of Ottawa’s new mobile teeth whitening service, Luxe Teeth Whitening Studio. She uses vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and Canadian-made ingredients! We are so pleased to offer members a new discount on this unique service. You can choose between 60 and 90 minute sessions, and sit back and relax to your favourite music (although I’m not sure how relaxing MY music playlist would be for Alannah!) Now you can drink all the vegan lattes and keep those stains away. (By the way, members have quite a few options for vegan latte discounts!) Members save 15% on any teeth whitening service — book yours today at luxewhitening.ca and mention your membership to get the discount.

Find Your Light Life Coaching

These past few years have brought a whirlwind of change for many, and some of us may find ourselves re-evaluating different aspects of our lives – our values and goals, relationships and even careers. Life Coach, Jessica Robson, decided to make it her mission to help and empower others to overcome their most challenging obstacles and start living a happier and more meaningful life – to help people rediscover who they are and to find the light within themselves. She has generously offered a FREE first life coaching session exclusively to VegOttawa members, with 10% off subsequent sessions. Find Your Light Life Coaching is vegan-owned and Ottawa-based with online meetings. Check out findyourlightlifecoaching.com for more info and to book your free first session.

Amy Longard Nutrition

You may have seen Amy whipping up plant-based recipes on local TV, speaking at an event, or sharing her vegan finds on her Instagram stories. She is a multi-talented plant-based chef, registered holistic nutritionist, speaker, published author and consultant. She has made it her life’s work to educate and guide people toward more conscious food and lifestyle choices. Amy now offers members 10% off on her virtual cooking classes as well as her upcoming Fit and Healthy Over 40 program with Sam Shorkey (of Jacked on the Beanstalk). Check out her website amylongard.com to register for her program in April and keep an eye out for upcoming cooking classes in May.

If you’re not a VegOttawa Association member yet, sign up today to enjoy discounts at more than 35 local vegan-friendly businesses. Your membership also supports our non-profit organization’s mission to support, inspire and promote vegan lifestyle, community and business in Ottawa.

If you’re a local business with vegan-friendly items or services, send us an email at info@vegottawa.org to receive our latest business partnership info.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joyce Santos is the current Vice President of VegOttawa Association. She has been vegan and previously vegetarian for over 25 years. In addition to her role with VegOttawa, she does freelance PR and Communications for vegan businesses and music artists. She can often be found enjoying the live music scene and exploring trails with the Ottawa Vegan Nature Club. 

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This post is not sponsored by any of the businesses or organizations listed.

NEW DISCOUNT: Shine Health

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VegOttawa Members can now save 15% off Shine Health products!

Shine Health creates plant-based supplements with research-backed ingredients for when stress and setbacks get in your way.

Created in 2018, Shine Health provides a holistic nutrition and food based approach to wellbeing and recovery. They realize that the food you put in your body can have a huge impact on how you feel. The founders struggled to find the right plant based supplement that were right for their unique symptoms, that actually worked, and best of all were backed by modern science. That’s why they created it.

Shine Health offers 4 unique Certified-Vegan plant-powered SH blends are carefully crafted from the highest quality and purest ingredients to optimize their efficacy. Formulated by health experts, all ingredients and dosages are backed by rigorous clinical research studies.

And as a an added bonus they offer 100% recyclable and sustainable packaging.

Ps – Make sure you follow Shine Health on Facebook & Instagram.

NEW DISCOUNT: Yugi Rolls

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Yugi Rolls will now offer a 10% discount for VegOttawa Association members on catering orders!

Yugi Rolls is a Chinese food vegan pop-up that creates delicious plant-based egg rolls and more. Every other week they announce specialized menus for pop-up events at Little Jo Berry’s.

Their usual menu, available frozen and at their pop-up events includes:

  • Yugi Rolls (Vegan Egg Rolls)
  • Potstickers
  • Almond Cookies
  • Rice Rolls (Gluten Free Egg Rolls on Rice Paper)
  • BBQ YugiBaos
  • Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice

In addition, they also serve up delicious options like Won Ton Soup, Sweet and Sour Fried Won Tons, Sweet & Sour Yugiballs (Vegan Chicken Balls), Spring Rolls, Cantonese Chow Mein, Sweet & Sour Vegan shrimp with sauce, and more!

Is your mouth watering yet? Don’t delay – make sure you book Yugi Rolls for your next event! Simply email Van at info@yugirolls.com to make your order.

Eating Solo? You can purchase YugiRolls delicious food from their website (order online for pop-up pick up), or shop frozen from Little Jo Berrys, Keepin’ It Vegan, ​Natural Food Pantry & other locations. 

NEW DISCOUNT: Make Your Mark Digital

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VegOttawa Members Receive 15% off all print & promo!

Make Your Mark Digital is a newly formed Design & Print company, owned and operated by Mark Petersen from our very own Ottawa vegan community. Mark’s goal with this business was to be able to provide the basics of business, such as: logos, business cards, and signage and make them as cost effective and accessible as possible to encourage more business start-ups and growth in Ottawa. He has recently formed a partnership with a wholesale print company so can offer extremely competitive pricing on all your print and promo needs, and in addition to that is providing a 15% discount to all VegOttawa members and business partners! Additional discounts can apply to any Non-Profit or Charity organizations.

NEW DISCOUNT: Maverick’s Donuts

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We are over the moon to share that Maverick’s Donuts is now offering VegOttawa members 10% off vegan donuts, up to a 6 pack, for in-store purchases!

At Maverick’s, their vegan collection of fresh donuts are handmade from scratch everyday, without any animal products.  

You may have seen Maverick’s pop up when they first began operations in 2016. A true love of donuts is what sparked the creation of Maverick’s Donut Company. The thought of offering fresh donuts made daily was the core principal behind our company’s mission and one that we continue to actively pursue. This is a company that stands out as being the one true “Maverick” of the city’s donut scene. 

Fast forward to today, their Fall line-up is in full production including these delicious flavours:

Follow Maverick’s Donuts on Instagram & Facebook!
Most importantly, check out their website to find a location near you, and go eat some vegan donuts!!!

NEW DISCOUNT: The Weightlifting LAB

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We are thrilled to announce The Weightlifting Lab is now offering VegOttawa members a FREE initial consultation session and 15% off all new memberships!

The Weightlifting Lab not only offers training at their in-person lab but they also offer online training and nutrition options that will help you look and feel your best.

Owner and Head Trainer, Mat Sawyer, has over 20 years of practical experience in the health & fitness industry. He has worked with many different types of people, helping them realize their goals and discover their true strength, both physically and mentally. He has consistently elevated his coaching expertise over the years specializing primarily in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting with a core emphasis on teaching all of his clients the importance of a proper training program, proper nutrition to fuel the body, and proper recovery practices so his clients get the most out of their individual training programs. Mat truly believes in the power of positivity. He strives to educate and empower his clients helping them realize their dreams and regain their happiness and  confidence so they can then spread that positive energy to help others in need in their personal life and their community.

Make sure to book your FREE initial consultation today! 
Follow The Weightlifting Lab on Instagram and Facebook.

Follow The Weightlifting Lab on Instagram!

NEW DISCOUNT! Jacked on the Beanstalk!

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VegOttawa members enjoy 15% off the regular priced coaching and protein powder purchases!

Samantha Shorkey brings a friendly don’t-be-a-stranger approach to her fitness enterprise. Having earned her pro card in 2014 and being the first-ever vegan WNBF bikini pro, Shorkey also brings her expertise to Jacked on The Beanstalk. Shorkey is an ACE-certified personal trainer and certified Weight Management Specialist who can help you meet your fitness goals whether you are interested in building muscles or just looking to get into shape! With customized online coaching and meal plans, Jacked on The Beanstalk can help you transform into a healthier you!

NEW DISCOUNT! Zengarry Fauxmagerie

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VegOttawa Members now save 15% off their dairy-free cheeses and pestos (excluding bundles) and 10% off in store from Zengarry Fauxmagerie.

Did you know Zengarry first launched in 2013 at VegOttawa’s VegFest?! Since then, Zengarry has become an Ottawa Vegan household name and we couldn’t be happier to welcome Zengarry to our business partner and discount list!

Dairy free and vegan, Zengarry’s cashew cheese is lovingly prepared in small batches in their modern production facility. Their team is committed to creating delicious, high-quality artisanal plant-based cheese and dairy alternatives. The result: a rich and delicious plant-based cheese that’s good for you and the environment!

With so many delicious options to chose from, you can now save, meaning you don’t have to choose. You can buy them all with this stellar discount!