This past Saturday, October 25, the VegOttawa Association had the joy of participating as a vendor at the Vegans Who Snack Festival, hosted by Little Jo Berry’s at the Parkdale Public Market. The event brought together hundreds of attendees, more than 60 local vegan-friendly vendors, and an atmosphere that perfectly captured what our community is all about — kindness, creativity, and connection through food.
Who We Are
For those who may be new to us, VegOttawa is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting a plant-based lifestyle in the Ottawa region. We advocate for veganism as a way to protect animals, improve personal and planetary health, and foster a more compassionate world.
Through our work, including maintaining a directory of vegan-friendly businesses, hosting community events, and collaborating with local organizations, we aim to make vegan living more accessible, inclusive, and connected. You can learn more about what we do at vegottawa.org.
Memberships & What They Mean
One of the key ways we build and sustain our community is via our membership program. By joining VegOttawa, members gain access to exclusive discounts at 40+ vegan-friendly businesses in and around Ottawa, ranging from restaurants and cafés to fitness and wellness services. Membership also supports our advocacy work (we collaborate on environmental and animal-welfare initiatives) and enables us to host events for the plant-based community, such as the annual VegOttawa Fest.
Annual membership is just $22.50, with a student option at 50 % off. There are no obligations once you join — you can attend our Annual General Meeting if you like, volunteer with us, or simply enjoy the benefits. Members are also welcome to attend our events and access our resources, including the member-discount network.
In short: when you sign up, you’re joining a community and helping to amplify our local plant-based impact.
Why We Aligned with Vegans Who Snack
The Vegans Who Snack Festival is more than just a market — it’s a celebration of Ottawa’s thriving vegan scene. Organized by the amazing team at Little Jo Berry’s, the festival was designed to spotlight small businesses, showcase delicious vegan food, and create a fun, inclusive space for everyone: from long-time vegans to those simply curious about the lifestyle.
The festival’s mission perfectly aligns with our own. Both VegOttawa and Vegans Who Snack share a commitment to:
Supportinglocal vegan and vegan-friendly businesses
Building inclusive, accessible spaces that welcome everyone
Promoting community connection through food, compassion, and shared values
It was truly inspiring to see the turnout and enthusiasm from people of all ages — families, students, dog walkers, and longtime supporters — all enjoying a day built around kindness and delicious snacks.
Our Booth at the Festival
Our VegOttawa booth was buzzing with energy all afternoon! Visitors stopped by to learn more about our organization, sign up for our membership and newsletter, share their own vegan journeys, and connect with others in the community.
Some of our highlights included:
New members and volunteers: We welcomed several new sign-ups and had countless conversations about how to get involved.
Community connections: Many attendees discovered local vegan businesses through our directory and shared how much they appreciate having a resource like VegOttawa.
Engaging conversations: From tips on transitioning to a plant-based diet to learning about upcoming events, it was wonderful to exchange ideas with so many passionate people.
We also hosted a #PlantPowered trivia contest on all things food, animals, and the environment, with coupons from four of our amazing partners — Pie Rogues, Chap Chap Snacks, Fauxmagerie Zengarry, and Chickpeas — as prizes. The contest was a huge hit, and we’re so grateful for our partners’ generosity!
A Look Back at the Festival
The festival itself was an incredible success with vibrant music, good weather, and endless vegan treats. Vendors offered everything from baked goods and savory snacks to handmade crafts and sustainable products. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere reflected exactly what makes Ottawa’s vegan community so special.
We loved seeing some familiar faces and meeting many new ones, too. A special shout-out to the volunteers, organizers, and other vendors who made the day such a warm and welcoming experience.
What’s Next for VegOttawa You Ask?
We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared a smile, and helped make the festival such a success. Events like Vegans Who Snack remind us why we do what we do — because community connection is at the heart of meaningful change.
As we move forward, VegOttawa will continue supporting local vegan initiatives, hosting events, and expanding our resources for anyone interested in living more compassionately. Stay connected with us by visiting vegottawa.org, becoming a member, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on social media.Together, we’re building a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable Ottawa — one snack (and one conversation) at a time. 🌱
VegOttawa Fest 2025 will be Ottawa’s biggest veg-focused event since 2019, and admission is free!
May 12, 2025 – On Saturday, July 5, residents from across Ottawa and the surrounding area will come together for VegOttawa Fest 2025, a fun and inspiring one-day event hosted by VegOttawa Association. The festival will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM indoors at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre and will be free to attend (donations at the door are appreciated).
VegOttawa Fest 2025 will be the city’s first veg fest since 2019 and with plant-based living more popular than ever, this year’s event promises to be Ottawa’s biggest and most exciting celebration of plant-based food and sustainability yet.
The festival will have something for everyone: foodies, vegans and vegetarians, health-conscious individuals, environmental advocates, animal lovers and those curious about plant-based living. We invite attendees to join us for a day filled with delicious food, inspiring guest speakers, cooking demonstrations and more.
What to expect at VegOttawa Fest
The tradeshow is the heart of VegOttawa Fest, and in 2025, over 70 veg-friendly organizations from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal are expected to exhibit. From businesses selling prepared foods and delicious goodies to take home, to merchandise, apparel and non-profit organizations, there will be lots to explore.
VegOttawa Fest will also feature a full day of programming, with expert panels covering topics from health and nutrition to animal welfare laws and advocacy. There will be cooking demonstrations and a workshop about eating vegan on a shoestring budget as well.
Finally, VegOttawa Fest will have activities for families, local musicians, dedicated areas to connect with others, and specialists who can answer questions about nutrition and health.
For an up-to-date list of exhibitors and the speaker program, and for details on how to get to the event, please visit the VegOttawa Fest website.
There’s still time to participate!
Exhibitor spots are over 80% booked, but companies interested in exhibiting can still sign up to do so online. We invite veg-friendly businesses and makers of food, drink, personal care, services, lifestyle, crafts and more to apply as soon as possible.
Organizations interested in sponsoring VegOttawa Fest can also express their interest online. Sponsor support is integral to the success of large community events like veg fests.
Finally, individuals who support VegOttawa’s mission and work and make a contribution to the volunteer-run and not-for-profit festival, or volunteer for the event by signing up here.
For Media Inquiries
For interviews and other media-related inquiries, please contact:
Alan Wong, VegOttawa President and VegOttawa Fest Lead, at 613-769-0596 or info@vegottawa.org
VegOttawa Fest is a celebration of plant-based living! Free to attend and open to everyone, this event is a great place to try new foods, meet new people, and learn about the vegan movement. Visit vegottawa.org/fest for more details.
About VegOttawa Association
VegOttawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting vegan lifestyle, community and business in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Originally founded in 2006, VegOttawa has since been working to raise awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of plant-based eating. VegOttawa Fest plays a vital role in bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations across Canada, committed to creating a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable future.
March 11, 2025 – VegOttawa Association is thrilled to announce that VegOttawa Fest 2025 will be held on Saturday, July 5th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. This marks Ottawa’s first Veg Fest since 2019 and with plant-based living more popular than ever, VegOttawa Fest 2025 promises to be the biggest and most exciting celebration of plant-based food and sustainability yet.
VegOttawa Fest 2025 will bring together a diverse community of foodies, vegans, health-conscious individuals, environmental advocates, animal lovers and those curious about plant-based living for a day filled with delicious food, inspiring guest speakers, cooking demonstrations and more. With thousands of attendees expected, this event is an opportunity for attendees to connect with leaders in the movement, explore new vegan-friendly products, and learn about the many benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
A Sneak Peek of Exhibitors and Non-Profits
VegOttawa Fest 2025 is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind event, featuring top vegan and vegan-friendly businesses from Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal. Some of the exciting exhibitors already confirmed include:
Astoria Bistro Botanique
SuzyQ Doughnuts
Paradis Vegetarien
St. Elsewhere
BanhMiYes
ETHICA Beauty Bar
Raw Nutritional
Raon Kitchen
Sakao Japanese Tea
Bestowed Cards
Jacked On The Beanstalk
In addition to delicious food and beverages, VegOttawa Fest will feature a variety of animal and environmental advocacy organizations, including:
We Animals
Climate Save Ottawa
Plant-Based Treaty
Secondhand Stories Chicken Sanctuary
Exhibitor and Sponsorship Opportunities
VegOttawa Fest 2025 is currently welcoming exhibitors and sponsors to join us in celebrating all things plant-based. With exhibitor spots starting to fill up, veg-friendly businesses and makers of food, drink, personal care, services, lifestyle, crafts and more are encouraged to secure their spot now.
We anticipate thousands of attendees from Ottawa and beyond, making this a unique opportunity for businesses to showcase their products to a passionate audience. The event will feature a dynamic trade show alongside inspiring guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Interested in being part of this exciting event? Exhibitors and sponsors can find more details about how to get involved by visiting vegottawa.org/fest. We have many exhibitor booths already booked, so don’t miss out on this chance to connect with Ottawa’s growing plant-based community!
Save the Date – Saturday July 5, 2025!
VegOttawa Fest is more than just an event – it’s a movement. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply curious about plant-based living, we hope you will join us in Ottawa for a day of food, fun, and learning. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 5th, and come experience the future of food in Canada’s capital! Visit vegottawa.org/fest for more details.
VegOttawa Fest 2025 is a volunteer run event. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please email fest@vegottawa.org.
About VegOttawa Association
VegOttawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting vegan lifestyle, community and business in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Originally founded in 2006, VegOttawa has since been working to raise awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health benefits of plant-based eating. VegOttawa Fest plays a vital role in bringing together individuals, businesses, and organizations across Canada, committed to creating a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable future.
For Media Inquiries:
Please contact us at fest@vegottawa.org for interviews and other media-related inquiries.
Veganuary is an exciting time to begin your vegan journey! This guide will provide some vegan cooking tips to help make your Veganuary experience tasty and stress-free.
Vegan cooking is incredibly versatile and can suit a range of tastes and budgets. Most vegan recipes utilize the same skill sets as their non-vegan counterparts – for example, sauteing onions to add flavour to stews, curries and soups or grilling vegetables to bring out their flavour. The only difference is that vegans substitute animal products for plant-based versions of butter, milk, meats and eggs.
General Tips
Veganize your favourite meals
Make vegan versions of your favourite dishes instead of forcing yourself to change your palette completely. For example, use crumbled tofu to make the mince for spaghetti or create vegan versions of your favourite butter chicken recipe using chickpeas, tofu or seitan.
In the same vein, continue cooking with your favourite flavours! A huge range of popular condiments are accidentally vegan. This includes sriracha sauce, some barbeque sauces along with balsamic-based salad dressings. Read the labels carefully to make sure there are no animal ingredients. Here is a list of non-vegan ingredients to look out for when searching for accidentally vegan products.
Plant-based meats
If you are new to veganism it might take a bit of trial and error to find your favourite plant-based meats.The benefit of store-bought vegan meats is that they are relatively simple to cook and can save time during a busy weeknight. Large brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible have created popular copies of beef burgers and chicken nuggets but these products tend to be expensive. Try a few plant based meats from the grocery store and local businesses (like Little Jo Berry’s) to find one that suits your taste.
The vegan diet is diverse but there are a few key staple ingredients that are helpful to know about.
Tofu
Tofu is a staple of the vegan diet. Tofu can be used for anything from mince in burritos, protein in stir fries to fish alternatives. You will likely see at least three different types of tofu on grocery shelves:
Silken tofu – this type of tofu is very soft and is typically used for tofu scramble, sweet puddings and as an ingredient in miso soup.
Medium-firm – this type of tofu is probably the most versatile and can be used to make all types of dishes, including mince for burritos or spaghetti.
Firm and extra-firm – this type of tofu is usually used to make crispy tofu for stir fries.
Whichever type of tofu you are using, it is important to drain the tofu before you begin cooking with it. If you don’t want to invest in a fancy tofu press, the tried and tested method is to take the tofu out of the packet, place the tofu block between two plates and then add cans to the top to press the plates together. Your tofu should be pressed and ready to go in about two hours.
Freezing and boiling tofu before cooking can add extra texture to your meal but these steps are not necessary to make your meal tasty.
Lentils, beans and other types of pulses
Pulses are another incredibly versatile staple of the vegan diet. You are likely very familiar with pulses if you have experience with Middle Eastern or South East Asian cooking. However, here are the common uses of pulses in vegan cooking in case you are a pulse novice.
Pulses are available canned or dried at the grocery store. Canned pulses tend to be easier to cook with as they require less prep work before adding them to your dish. Dried pulses need to be soaked overnight and boiled before you can eat them.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast (colloquially known as “nooch”) is a seasoning that adds a cheesy/nutty flavour to dishes. Nooch is incredibly high in B12 and is a nice addition to pasta dishes and potatoes.
Tempeh
Originally from Indonesia, tempeh is a protein made from fermented soybeans. Tempeh is often used to add protein and texture to stir fries. It can also be used to make vegan bacon. Tempeh is
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a large fruit that is typically used to make pulled pork sandwiches and taco meat. You can buy whole jackfruits but it is easier to purchase canned versions at your local grocery store.
Seitan
Seitan, otherwise known as vital wheat gluten, is another common vegan protein. It is often used to make vegan chicken.
Soy Cream
Soy cream can be used in recipes that call for cream, including curries and scalloped potatoes.
Vegan Meals Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Now you have an idea of the common ingredients in vegan cooking, here is a list of meal ideas with links to recipes. This list is definitely not exhaustive but it should give you a starting off point to build your own Veganuary cooking routine.
Breakfast
There is a vegan breakfast recipe for all tastes, whether you prefer your first meal of the day to be savoury or sweet.
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
December 18, 2024 – Veganuary–the global movement encouraging people to try vegan in January and beyond–has opened registration for its 2025 campaign, and Canada has officially joined as one of 20 participating countries around the globe.
When Veganuary first started in 2014, 3,300 people signed. Last year, around 25 million people participated globally.* 2025 is set to be even bigger with Canada, Malaysia and Peru among the countries added for January.
Veganuary has a number of celebrity ambassadors, including Alicia Silverstone, Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix, and Canadians like Pamela Anderson and Bryan Adams.
The Veganuary Canada Coalition (the Coalition)–a group of Canadian vegan nonprofits–is leading the campaign. By inspiring and supporting Canadians to eat more plants, the Coalition aims to tackle several key challenges facing Canada through the initiative.
Most Canadians, for example, consume just half of their recommended daily fiber intake. Almost 80 percent aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables. Plant consumption is directly linked to lower rates of heart disease, Canada’s top killer, and other chronic diseases such as diabetes and some cancers. Canada led the way encouraging more plant-forward eating with its last update of the Canada’s Food Guide in 2019, and other countries have since followed with similar updates.
Eating more plants can also greatly benefit the planet. Plant-based foods have half the carbon footprint, require far less land and water and don’t create pandemic risks. Notably, Canada is one of the highest per-capita-emitting countries in the world.
As food prices rise, vegan diets can help Canadian households save money: a huge study of 150 countries found that households in high-income countries can slash their food bills by up to one-third by going vegan.
Supporting Canadians to Put More Plants on The Plate
With some surveys suggesting that over 40 percent of consumers in Canada are trying to include more plant-based foods in their diets, Veganuary can play a role in converting these aspirations into action. 81 percent of Veganuary 2024 participants reported significant diet change after six months**.
Making plant-based cooking easier is a popular feature of the initiative. A star-studded lineup of chefs and celebrities are supporting the 2025 campaign with exclusive tips and delicious plant-based recipes. Participants will receive a free Celebrity eCookbook featuring recipes from Hollywood stars, including actors Woody Harrelson and Bethany Antonia, singer-songwriter Nicola Roberts and celebrity chefs like UK TV personality, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. With a range of recipes, from a breakfast option by Venus Wiliams, to a dessert by Dr. Jane Goodall, Veganuary participants are set to experience the wide variety of tastes and flavours afforded by plant-based eating, for any meal of the day.
Notes to Editor
People can sign up in English or French at Veganuary.com for free to receive the Celebrity eCookbook, the Official Veganuary Starter Kit and daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious recipes, meal plans and helpful advice.
The Veganuary Canada Coalition is a national initiative brought together by VegTO, VegOttawa Association, Vancouver Humane Society, Plant-Based Canada, Festival Végane de Montréal, and Calgary Vegan Society. Learn more about the organizations here: The Veganuary Canada Coalition
*Based on YouGov surveys commissioned by Veganuary in January 2024 in our core countries and the population estimates in those countries
“The survey was sent by Veganuary to 277,000 of the people who received 31 daily emails during the 2024 campaign. 5,931 people responded.”
Regional:
Ottawa
Despite the city’s leadership in green initiatives, the environmental impact of food – particularly through animal agriculture – continues to be overlooked in Ottawa. Addressing this disconnect and shifting toward plant-based options is important for reducing food-related emissions and meeting the city’s sustainability goals.
Ottawa residents, like many Canadians, face health challenges related to diet, with a significant portion not meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. Promoting plant-based eating can play an important role in addressing chronic diseases.
Research shows that Canadians are increasingly open to reducing their meat consumption. This public shift presents an exciting opportunity for Ottawa to lead the way in plant-forward initiatives and policies that reflect the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable food choices.
About VegOttawa Association:
Established in 2006, VegOttawa Association is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to promoting and supporting vegan lifestyle, businesses and community in Ottawa.
VegOttawa is taking steps to make a meaningful impact on policy change both locally and beyond, in collaboration with environmental sustainability and animal advocacy organizations. They are also planning VegOttawa Fest 2025 to inspire plant-based lifestyle. The festival will feature guest speakers, organizations, and vegan businesses that highlight the benefits of plant-based living.
Calgary
The Calgary Vegan Society is a non-profit organization located in Calgary, Alberta. Our mission is to foster a more vegan-friendly city by promoting kindness towards animals, environmental sustainability, and the benefits of a cruelty-free lifestyle. We organize events, provide educational resources, and offer support to individuals interested in adopting a plant-based diet.
This January, we are proudly working, as part of the Veganuary Canada Coalition, to promote vegan options to Calgarians, and encourage Calgarians to embrace a vegan lifestyle for the month as a way to explore healthier, sustainable, and compassionate living.
Montreal / Quebec
How the Veganuary campaign can help Montreal align with its Sustainable Development Goals
Taking climate action to a next level: Montreal has made a commitment under the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration, but we feel it can do better and we have yet to see the city’s administration take other engagements towards becoming a more sustainable and vegan-friendly city.
Reaffirming Montreal’s leading position regarding veganism: With its 40+ vegan restaurants and coffee shops/bakeries, Montreal is the most vegan-friendly city in ‘La belle province’.
Making a healthier Montreal: 16% of Montreal families are living with food insecurity. A vegan plate is cheaper and healthier for everyone. Opting for plant protein can help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. ‘’Plant-based protein foods can provide more fibre and less saturated fat than other types of protein foods. This can be beneficial for your heart health’’ according to the most recent Canada’s food guide.
About the FVMtl
The Festival végane de Montréal’s inception dates back to 2014 when it was an event of the Montreal Vegetarian Association. It’s a registered nonprofit, since 2017, organizing an annual event celebrating the progress of the vegan movement in Montreal/Québec through lectures, cooking demonstrations and an expo featuring local vegan and vegan-friendly businesses, organizations and vegan restaurants.
Toronto
How the Veganuary Campaign Can Help Toronto Align With the City’s Priorities
Bridging the disconnect on food: For all of Toronto’s leadership on climate and food justice initiatives, and despite its plant-forward commitments under the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration and the Cool Food Pledge, there’s still a disconnect around food. It’s the top sourceof emissionsin the city, of which meat and dairy account for one-third. The time to accelerate action on food is now.
Accelerating climate action: Shifting to plant-based eating can significantly reduce Toronto’s food-related emissions, a critical step in meeting climate targets. The C40 Report “Future of Urban Consumption in a 1.5°C World” emphasizes that “Adopting dietary change is the consumption intervention with the greatest potential for emission reduction”.
Improving public health: Toronto’s Population Health Profile highlights that more than four in five residents don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables a day. Increasing plant consumption in the city would have a huge impact on reducing chronic diseases–including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, which kill nearly 90 percent of Canadians and drive the bulk of our massive healthcare costs. The Canada’s Food Guide also continues to be heavily underused: over 75 percent of the GTA either doesn’t use, or hasn’t heard of, it.
Leveraging public support: Angus Reid polling data shows that 64 percent of GTA residents want to reduce their meat consumption. And 94 percent support more plant-based foods in public spaces!
About VegTO:
The mission of VegTO, Canada’s oldest vegan nonprofit, is to inspire people to choose plant-based living – for the animals, our health and the planet.
For the past 39 years, VegTO has run one of the largest vegan food festivals in North America. It remains the only free vegan food festival in Toronto.
Vancouver
How the Veganuary Campaign Can Help Vancouver Align With Its Climate and Food Justice Goals
Addressing Climate Commitments: Vancouver has set ambitious climate targets through initiatives like the Climate Emergency Action Plan and Greenest City Action Plan. However, food remains an under-addressed factor in achieving these goals, despite animal-based foods being significant contributors to emissions. Shifting toward plant-based eating can help Vancouver meet its targets by reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Leading in Inclusivity: Vancouver is a diverse city where inclusivity matters. Promoting plant-based eating aligns with cultural and dietary preferences for a growing segment of the population, including those with lactose intolerance or ethical considerations. A recent survey in British Columbia found that 62% believe removing surcharges for plant-based milk promotes inclusivity, particularly among women and younger demographics in Metro Vancouver.
Improving Public Health and Sustainability: Vancouver residents have expressed strong support for healthier, sustainable food systems. With heart disease remaining a leading cause of death, it’s concerning that only 28.6 percent of Canadians aged 12 and older report consuming fruits and vegetables five or more times per day according to Statistics Canada, indicating a need for dietary improvements to enhance public health and reduce environmental impacts.
Consumer Support and Opportunity: The demand for plant-based options is clear, with 25 percent of British Columbians indicating they would order plant-based milk more often if surcharges were removed from cafes. This trend signals an opportunity for businesses to cater to evolving consumer preferences while aligning with sustainability goals.
About Vancouver Humane Society:
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is dedicated to creating a kinder, more compassionate world for animals and people. Through its advocacy, education, and outreach programs, VHS works to reduce animal suffering, promote sustainable practices, and support plant-forward initiatives that benefit public health, the environment, and animals.
Restaurant Toolkit: Future Proof Your Menu is a resource designed to help restaurants add more plant-based options to their menus. The toolkit includes practical tips on ingredient swaps, recipe development, and marketing strategies to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable, inclusive dining choices.
School Toolkit: Aimed at empowering students and educators, thePlant-Based Eating Toolkitprovides resources to advocate for more plant-based food options in schools. Created for secondary schools (grades 8-12), the toolkit empowers student clubs and educators to advocate for plant-based food choices. It includes step-by-step guides for starting clubs, tips for campaigns, letter-writing templates, petitions, school announcements, fundraising ideas, and success stories from other schools to inspire meaningful change.
In addition to its focus on farmed animal welfare and plant-based education through initiatives like PlantUniversity, VHS runs programs that improve the lives of companion animals, advocates for policy changes to protect all animals, and engages communities across British Columbia in building a more humane and sustainable future.
Whether you’re cutting out dairy or curious about exploring more vegan cheese options, this guide to vegan cheese in Ottawa has you covered! It includes favourite store-bought brands and how to use them, local vegan cheese makers and recipe links for easy homemade vegan cheese.
The vegan cheese selection keeps expanding as more people become aware of the dairy industry’s impact on animal welfare, the environment and personal health. Vegan cheese has come a long way in terms of taste, texture, variety and availability. Several new products have popped up on store shelves, with vegan substitutes for nearly every type of cheese! From blocks to meltable slices and shreds, cream cheese and poutine-style curds – many of them are incredibly delicious. A recent news story even highlighted a plant-based blue cheese that became a finalist in a prestigious food awards competition.
Commonly made from ingredients like vegetable oils, coconut oil, soy and cashew nuts, vegan cheese makes a great addition to a charcuterie board or at your next gathering – whether your guests have a dairy allergy or choose plant-based foods – it’s a win for all!
Vegan Cheese Brands
Farm Boy
Originating as a small produce store in Cornwall, ON, local grocer Farm Boy has expanded across Ontario and carries a huge selection of vegan products. Their private label consists of many vegan varieties including: Feta Poutine-style curds Cheddar (block, sliced & shredded) Smoked Gouda (block & sliced) Mozzarella (sliced & shredded) Swiss (sliced & shredded) Provolone (sliced) Parmesan (shredded) Parmezzan shaker (sunflower seed base) Check out the product highlights in our Farm Boy Vegan Finds reel on @vegottawa social media!
Violife
Violife has a range of award-winning vegan cheese products that are free from preservatives, gluten, nuts and soya, and are enriched with Vitamin B12. Look for: Cheddar, Mature-Style Cheddar and Provolone slices Cheddar, Mozzarella and Tex-Mex style shreds Original Creamy Spread and Fine Herb spread Prosociano and Parmesan wedges Feta block Cream Cheese
Rawesome
This cashew-based cream cheese is raw, gluten-free, organic and based in Montreal, QC. They are available in Onion and Chive, Garlic and Black Pepper and more.
Chao Slices by Field Roast Creamery
Coconut-based and seasoned with fermented tofu, Original Chao Slices melt perfectly and have a uniquely delicious taste. Try it in a grilled cheese or in your favourite sandwich with plant-based deli slices.
Daiya
The OG of vegan cheeses — the original Daiya may have turned some of you away from vegan cheese, but have you tried their newest recipe? They are now made from an oat cream blend and have greatly improved since the early days. Look for: Dairy-Free Mozzarella, Cheddar Cheese and Mexican Blend shreds Cheddar block and slices Cream cheese style spread Feta and Smoked Gouda blocks Mozzarella and Cheddar sticks (for snacking!)
Dairy-Free Boursin
This product is a top-pick for vegan cream cheese. Try Dairy-Free Cheese Spread Alternative Garlic & Herb on a bagel or baked in cheezy antojitos. If you can’t get enough, look for the large tub that can sometimes be found at Costco.
Zengarry Fauxmagerie
Zengarry’s award-winning cashew cheeses are locally prepared in small batches. You can find them at grocery stores, at their shop in Alexandria, ON and online. VegOttawa members save 15% on vegan cheese and pesto at their shop and online. Try all of their unique flavours: Creamy Swiss Smoky Jalapeno Garlic and Fine Herbs Aged Cumin Double Cream Sundried Tomato and Basil Blueberry & Rosemary There are loads of recipes using cashew cheese at Zengarry.com and their products are often available to sample at food festivals.
Silk Slices and Shreds
These versatile vegan cheeses are known for their meltability and can be spotted in most grocery stores (coconut/vegetable oil based): Mozzarella and Cheddar slices Shredded Mozarella and Cheddar Cream cheese Feta Parmesan-style (crumble and grated) Note: Silk brand plant-milks were recently affected by a food-safety recall, which has some consumers feeling uncertain about buying their products again. The company has since released a statement reaffirming their commitment to consumer health and safety. Their vegan cheeses were not part of the recall.
Nuts for Cheese
Nuts For Cheese uses high-quality ingredients to create tasty, gourmet, organic cashew cheese. This wedge-style cheese is perfect for indulging and serving to guests. Varieties include: Sharp Cheddar Black Garlic Super Blue Smoky Gouda Un-Brie-Lievable Artichoke & Herb Chipotle Cheddar
GUSTA Fauxmages
GUSTA launched in Montreal in 2015 and are best-known for their vegan sausages. Their products include vegan cheddar and mozzarella style shreds and grating blocks (coconut and canola oil-based).
Vitalite
Vitalite was awarded Best New Product for Plant-Based Cheese Slices category in a 2023 Brandspark survey. Look for Vitalite Dairy-Free Plant Based Shreds – Mozzarella and Cheddar (made from coconut oil).
Nurrish
Nurrish cheese alternatives have a mild flavour and are coconut-oil based and free of soy, palm oil and gluten. Available in Mozzarella and Cheddar style shreds and slices, this new product comes from the makers of plant-based Babybel and The Laughing Cow.
Applewood Vegan Smoky Cheese
This block of smoky vegan cheese is a must-try and often raved about in the local vegan community. Try it with smoked tofu on your favourite cracker or in one of their recipes.
Nafsika’s Garden
Established in Canada, Nafsika’s Garden has expanded globally to meet the demand. Their line is made with coconut oil, and is free of gluten, soya and nuts. Look for their Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gouda, Swiss and Provolone Style vegan cheeses in blocks, shreds, and slices. (Hot tip: this is the brand used at Montreal’s vegan hotspot, Bvrger / Burger Fiancé).
Babybel Plant-Based
Popular snacking cheese Babybel has introduced a plant-based version with a creamy texture, perfect for on-the-go and a source of calcium and Vitamin B12. You can find them in their signature packaging but in green so you can spot them easily!
The Laughing Cow – Plant-Based
The popular spreadable cheese finally has a vegan version: Plant-Based Garlic & Herbs. This creamy spread is made with almonds and is great on crackers or a fresh baguette. Look for the signature wheel with 8 individually wrapped portions.
Green Goddess Fromagerie
Green Goddess Fromagerie is an Artisan Vegan Cheese Purveyor based in Guelph, ON. Vegan marble cheddar, Irish cheddar, Halloumi, Chèvre and Feta – these varieties are cashew-based and free of palm oil and emulsifiers. Not typically found in most grocery stores, look for these at Whole Foods and online at Ottawa Organics.
Rad Faux Cheese
Formerly Mad Faux Cheese, these small-batch cashew wedges are handmade in Ottawa by Hungry Babe and come in Mozz and Cheddah (more varieties to come soon). Available on their website and at Little Jo Berry’s in their fully-vegan local grocery section in-shop.
Miyoko’s Creamery
The widely sought-after Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella became popular after it was featured on the Netflix documentary You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment. This cashew-based mozzarella has been spotted online at Vegan Supply. This in-demand product often goes out of stock, which in that case you can try this Vegan Richa recipe for Liquid Mozzarella.
Other varieties of Miyoko’s cheese like their Vegan Mozz can be found at some local natural food stores and through online vegan grocers.
Cheezy Sauces
Le Grand Mac ’n Cheeze Sauce
This cashew-based mac ’n cheeze sauce is incredible on pasta, drizzled on nachos, pizza, burritos and wraps.
Daiya Cheeze Sauces
Pour this creamy, dairy-free cheesy sauce on anything from fries, broccoli, to nachos and macaroni. Available in Deluxe Cheddar Style and Alfredo Flavour sauce pouches, or try the kits that come with gluten-free pasta.
NONA Vegan
This line of rich and creamy plant-based Italian sauces are gluten-free and preservative-free. Find these in Cheesy Style, Alfredo Style and more in the refrigerated section at natural food stores.
Where to Buy
Check the refrigerated Natural Foods, Produce, or Plant-Based Foods sections at Metro, Loblaws, Superstore, Independent, Walmart, Natural Food Pantry, Herb and Spice, Rainbow Foods, Whole Foods, Kardish, Healthy Planet, Cedars & Co., Little Jo Berry’s and more. Some brands like Boursin, Nuts for Cheese and Applewood can be found in the dairy cheese section. There are also online stores such as Ottawa Organics, Vegan Supply and Zengarry that carry specialty vegan cheeses and some that are available exclusively online.
How to Use Vegan Cheese
Try melting shredded vegan cheese on top of pizza, nachos, enchiladas, baked potato and baked pastas. For sliced vegan cheese, add it to sandwiches with vegan deli slices (Yves Veggie Cuisine, Tofurky), or melt in a grilled cheese sandwich. Try adding vegan cheese slices to homemade breakfast sandwiches / burritos with vegan sausage (Gardein, Beyond, Big Mountain Foods) and plant-based egg (Just Egg), or a homemade tofu egg patty. The spreadable vegan cheese is great on crackers, pita chips and fresh bread. You can also try poutine-style, shreds, or cheezy sauce on top of fries or tater tots.
If you’re interested in making your own vegan cheese, we’ve heard great reviews for the Sliceable Cashew Cheese recipe from Loving It Vegan.
More Cheezy Goodness
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast, commonly referred to as “Nooch”, is a popular natural seasoning, especially among vegans, known for its cheesy, umami-rich flavour. It is a great source of vitamin B12 and plant-based protein. Try it in cheezy sauces, tofu scramble and kale chips or sprinkle over vegetables, baked potatoes or popcorn. Find it in natural food stores and the natural food aisle at the grocery store.
Charcuterie Boards:
Get creative and try making your own vegan charcuterie board and get inspired by checking out these local restaurants that serve them!
Buyers + Cellars Tasting Room
Amberwood Lounge Eatery (ALE)
Keepin’ It Vegan Bakery (during holiday season)
Cheezecakes
Look for plant-based cheezecakes in grocery freezers, including Daiya’s chocolate, key lime, strawberry and New York style, and Rawesome’s Pecan Caramel and White Choco. You can also find locally-made vegan NY-Style cheezecake at Keepin’ It Vegan Bakery (VegOttawa members save 15%!), as well as cheezecake and bars at Strawberry Blonde Bakery (VegOttawa members save 10% in-store!)
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
PC Plant Based Coconut Cream Cheese-style Spread and Tofutti Plain Better Than Cream Cheese can be found in the dairy cream cheese aisle. Other brands include Violife, Rawesome, Daiya and Boursin. Spread these on vegan bagels from Strawberry Blonde bakery, fresh vegan loaves from Cobs Bread, or on a Bagelwich (Costco).
Vegan Pizzas
Try the made-in-house cheese at Heartbreakers Pizza. You can also try local Rad Faux Cheese on vegan pizza at local pizza shops including Pizza Nerds and on Pizza Days at Little Jo Berry’s. Check out Ottawa’s Ultimate Vegan Pizza blog for all the vegan pizza options around the city.
Now the next time someone tells you to “SAY CHEESE!”, you will have something to smile about! VegOttawa Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to support and promote vegan lifestyle, community and business in Ottawa. You can support our work by joining our annual membership. Membership benefits include discounts at local vegan-friendly restaurants, bakeries and services. Check out local vegan events on our events page where you can sample vegan cheeses or learn how to make your own, and the Ottawa Veg Community Discord where locals chat about vegan cheese finds!
So, you live in Ottawa, and you’ve decided to take the plunge and go vegan.
Congratulations, you have joined thousands of your fellow Canadians in helping to promote animal liberation and environmental sustainability. However, after googling “how to go vegan” you are likely overwhelmed by the numerous recipes for tofu scramble and reviews for vegan cheese. Veganism is a global movement, but it is helpful to look locally when you start your vegan journey.
This guide will take you through the Ottawa vegan scene and provide tips on how to thrive as a vegan in the national capital. It will cover everything from local take-out options to social gatherings where you can meet fellow vegans. While this guide is primarily for new vegans, existing vegans might find some helpful tips here too.
Vegan Groceries
Over the past few years grocery stores have stepped up their game to provide a greater variety of vegan goods. Most Loblaws, Metro and Walmart stores in Ottawa stock vegan staples, including tofu, plant-based milk, veggie burgers and legumes. Here are some local grocery options that offer a decent selection of vegan food if you want to expand your culinary horizons.
Farm Boy (locations across Ottawa) Farm Boy locations tend to be slightly more vegan-friendly than your average Loblaws. Look in the bakery section for delicious vegan croissants, cookies, and cupcakes. Farm Boy also has its own vegan cheese range and offers other exciting vegan foods such as kimchi dumplings and chocolate spread.
Whole Foods (951 Bank St) Whole Foods can be on the pricier side but it has a greater variety of vegan options than the average grocery store. You will find different types of cheeses in the refrigerator section, along with a decent selection of non-dairy desserts, vegan candies and mock-meats.
If you’re new to vegan cooking you have likely browsed food blogs like It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken or VeganRicha for recipes and meal inspiration. The web is a treasure trove of excellent vegan recipes but here are a couple of local sources to expand your options.
Amy Longard Nutrition Amy Longard is a plant-based nutritionist here in Ottawa. She hosts cooking classes and coaching sessions for those interested in cultivating a healthy lifestyle. VegOttawa members enjoy 10% off of Amy’s virtual cooking classes.
Restaurants and Take-out Options
As a new vegan you have plenty of restaurant and take-out options to explore in Ottawa. Check out this link on the VegOttawa website for a comprehensive list. Here is a brief selection of restaurants that are especially popular within the Ottawa vegan community.
Wei’s Noodle House (610 Bronson Ave) Wei’s Noodle House is a take-out staple among vegans in Ottawa. It has a dedicated vegan menu with takeout favourites like pad thai, spring rolls and general Tso tofu. Try the spicy peanut soup and you won’t be disappointed.
Hometown Bar & Grill Hometown Bar & Grill is a sports bar with a dedicated vegan menu. Hometown is a great place to watch the game with your friends and to try vegan versions of your favourite pub foods, including wings, pizza and lasagne.
Chickpeas (500 Terminal Ave) Chickpeas is a fully vegan falafel restaurant in the Trainyards area. It sells a range of falafel sandwiches, salads, hummus and soups. VegOttawa members save 10% off on all orders.
Gong Fu Bao (365 Bank St) Gong Fu Bao is a bao restaurant that hosts a vegan night every Wednesday. This is a great option if you are craving bao and other treats like Hong Kong (plant-based) Milk Tea but haven’t found a good vegan alternative.
St. Elsewhere (826 Somerset St W) St. Elsewhere is a vegan fine-dining establishment with a menu of food and cocktails. If you are looking for somewhere to entertain a first date or celebrate a milestone birthday then St. Elsewhere is the ideal place.
Meet other vegans!
One of the biggest struggles that new vegans face is a lack of social connection with others who share the same values and lifestyle. Interacting with other vegans can make the process of becoming vegan less isolating and more fun! Vegan social meet-ups are also a good opportunity to ask long-time vegans about nutrition, recipes, the best dupes for animal-based foods and more. Luckily, Ottawa has a flourishing vegan social scene with events that span a variety of interests!
Ottawa Vegan Meet-Up If you are looking to meet new vegans over drinks and conversation, check out Ottawa Vegan Meet-Up. Ottawa Vegan Meet-Up takes place from 7pm-9pm on the last Thursday of each month at St. Elsewhere. There are plans to host Ottawa Vegan Meet-Up picnics in the summer. Sign-up to the Ottawa Vegan Meet-Up email list to learn about future events!
Ottawa Vegan Nature Club The Ottawa Vegan Nature Club meets monthly to walk the many beautiful trails in and around Ottawa. If you like exercise, fresh air and the great outdoors you can find out about future hikes by checking out the Ottawa Vegan Nature Club facebook page.
Ottawa Vegan Book Club The Ottawa Vegan Book Club meets near the end of each month to discuss fiction and non-fiction books through a vegan lens. Check out the Ottawa Vegan Book Club facebook page to get up to date on meetings and to vote for future reads.
Student Groups If you are a student in Ottawa, you can find fellow vegan classmates at Animal Rights Carleton or the University of Ottawa Animal Rights Association. While participation in these groups ebbs and flows from year to year, they offer a good opportunity to get involved in activism and social events during your studies.
Keep up to date with a variety of vegan events in Ottawa by following the VegOttawa on Instagram and on Facebook.
Vegan Holiday Food
The holidays can be a challenging time for vegans as some traditional foods and treats contain animal products. However, the following bakeries/eateries offer some tasty local vegan options to enjoy over Christmas, Easter, Hanukkah, Eid, Thanksgiving and Lunar New Year. These eateries are open all year for you to enjoy in between holidays!
Strawberry Blonde (111 Richmond Road and 767 Silver Seven Rd Unit 17, Kanata) Strawberry Blonde is a gluten-free and vegan bakery that really excels when it comes to holiday treats. It offers creme egg brownies and chocolate eggs at Easter, hamantaschen for Purim, sufganiyot for Hanukkah and yule logs for Christmas.
Keepin It Vegan (3 Chartwell Ave, Ottawa) Keepin It Vegan is another vegan bakery that sells excellent vegan holiday treats, including hot cross buns for Easter and sufganiyot for Hanukkah. They also offer standard and custom birthday cakes.
Alkadoursweets (2269 Riverside Drive, Unit #141 – in Billings Bridge Shopping Mall) Alkadoursweets sells vegan baklava and other delicious middle-eastern desserts that are perfect for Eid celebrations and other gatherings throughout the year.
Little Jo Berry’s (1305 Wellington St. W) Little Jo Berry’s is a delightful vegan bakery that usually sells Christmas and thanksgiving meals for one in case you are the only vegan at an omni dinner. They also have a wonderful selection of goodies for Valentine’s Day in case you want to treat yourself or your significant other.
Yugi Rolls Yugi Rolls is a vegan food business that sells vegan mooncakes for Lunar New Year. They are famous for their vegan egg rolls, which you can find fresh online on UberEats (available Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 4:30-7:45pm) or in person at Congregation Machzikei Hadas (2310 Virginia Dr) on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 3:30-7:30pm. Checkout the Yugi Rolls website and Instagram page for info on occasional pop-up events. You can also find frozen Yugi Rolls in the freezer section of Little Jo Berry’s.
Health and Beauty
The range of vegan and cruelty-free personal care products available in Canada has rapidly expanded since Canada banned animal testing for cosmetic products in 2023. You can find options for body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, hair dye and more at your local Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall but if you want to shop more locally then check out the following options:
Terra 20 (1130 Wellington Street West and 197 Trainyards Drive) Terra 20 is a store that sells a range of cruelty-free, vegan and environmentally conscious products, including dish soap, laundry soap, make-up, shaving supplies, personal care products and cleaning supplies.
Herb & Spice (375 Bank Street) Herb and Spice is a local health food store with a decent collection of vegan soaps, shampoo/conditioner and make-up.
Saaboon Soap (595 Gladstone Avenue) Saaboon is a local vegan institution. Their soaps and other skincare products are cruelty free, and vegan with lots of zero waste options. VegOttawa members get 15% off of each order.
Headspace Hair Studio (1530 Merivale Road) Headspace Hair Studio is run by Gabby, a very welcoming and talented hairstylist. She operates the only fully vegan hair studio in Ottawa. VegOttawa members get 10% off of each visit.
Visit and Support Farmed Animal Sanctuaries
The Ottawa region is home to at least three farmed animal sanctuaries that take care of non-human residents who would otherwise be harmed in the animal agriculture industry. It is a good idea to visit or volunteer at farmed animal sanctuaries to remind yourself why you became vegan in the first place.
Penny Lane (1795 Du Lac Rd, Saint-Pascal-Baylon, ON) Penny Lane Sanctuary has been rescuing animals since 2013. Their current residents include horses, pigs, cows, bunnies, and cats. Check out Penny Lane’s website for information about volunteering with the animals and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on events at the sanctuary.
Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue (Mississippi Mills, Ontario) Sweet Sanctuary offers a lifetime home to pigs, chickens and horses. Their volunteer program is full at the moment, and they do not have any scheduled public visits. However, keep an eye out for fun vegan-friendly fundraising events, including trivia nights!
Secondhand Stories Secondhand Stories offers private tours of their adorable chicken gang on an appointment basis. Visit their online used book store for great deals on awesome reads. VegOttawa members get a 20% discount on all book orders!
Please tell us about anything we’ve missed in the comments!
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.
I wanted to give you all a quick update. You may remember two of my previous blog posts, letting you know about a petition calling on the Canadian government “to require public canteens under federal jurisdiction to provide a vegan option, and to raise this issue and work with provincial and territorial counterparts to require the same at all levels of government.” In practice, this means that a vegan option would be required to be served in all public schools, hospitals, prisons, and other public institutions. This is an important step that our country can take towards animal rights and vegan rights. A similar law is already in place in Portugal.
I didn’t start the petition, but I signed it and mentioned it on my blogs because this issue matters a lot to me.
In total, the petition received 3106 signatures from the public, and it was presented to the House of Commons on February 7, 2018. The government’s response was disappointing—basically, they implied that they don’t plan on taking action on this issue.
Fortunately, however, the dedicated vegan advocates who are working on this issue are not giving up! A new organization, Vegan Option Canada, has been founded to advocate for this new law. Vegan Option Canada is currently running two versions of their petition: an official paper petition and an unofficial, supplementary online petition. You can sign both, as the signatures for each petition are counted separately. You can access the online petition directly by clicking here. Check out Vegan Option Canada’s website to learn more about this issue and to find a paper petition near you. Alternatively, you can order sheets of the paper petition so that you can collect signatures yourself!
I feel quite confident that this initiative can succeed. Let’s work together and make it happen!
VegOttawa Association 