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.
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.
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!
We are excited to announce a new development at VegOttawa: the initiation of our expanded advocacy efforts for plant-based policies. With the addition of our new board member, Dan, we are taking steps to make a meaningful impact on policy change both locally and beyond. Dan brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role, and we are confident in his ability to lead our advocacy initiatives.
As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable and compassionate world, VegOttawa will focus on driving policy changes at the municipal level and within local organizations. We recognize the importance of grassroots efforts in fostering change, and we aim to be a catalyst for progress in our community. Additionally, we are eager to engage in broader efforts, contributing to nationwide and global movements that align with our mission.
Collaboration is key to achieving our goals, and we are excited to work alongside numerous organizations that share our vision. Among these are the Plant Based Cities Movement, the Sustainable Food Transition Coalition, Climate Save, Plant Based Treaty, VegTO, the Veg Climate Network, the Canadian Universities Initiative, and more. The existence of all these groups underscores the growing importance of advocating for plant-based policies. We will be looking to engage directly with some of the above organizations, and together, we can make a significant difference for animals, the environment, and public health.
We invite all passionate individuals to join us in this crucial work. Whether you are dedicated to animal welfare, combating climate change, improving public health, or all of the above, your contributions are invaluable. There are many ways to get involved, from sharing innovative ideas and providing administrative support to helping us expand our network of advocates and partners.
If you are interested in contributing to our advocacy efforts, please reach out to us. You can contact me directly at info@vegottawa.org, or get in touch with our Outreach Director at outreach@vegottawa.org. Together, we can create a more compassionate, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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.
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.
Whether you’re hosting guests or unwinding on a Friday night – ordering pizza and accommodating food preferences and dietary restrictions can lead you down a Google search rabbit hole. Luckily, local pizza chains are catching on that offering a vegan menu is the perfect way to satisfy all and take in that big pizza order. In this blog post we highlight local favourites according to a recent poll in our VegOttawa Facebook group – but first, let’s go back to 2018 when the demand for vegan options was just beginning to grow.
From Milano’s
In those days, gravity was your friend holding veggie toppings in place on your cheese-less saucy pizza. For long-time vegans, this was the only way to eat pizza for decades. Local restaurant chain Milano Pizza saw an opportunity and jumped into the vegan scene with an innovative menu. They connected with locals in the Ottawa Vegans and Vegetarians Facebook group to get their opinions and gauge interest on new vegan products and unique menu ideas. Now, six years later, their vegan menu remains among the top favourites. Many pizza chains around the city have since added vegan options to their menu. Here we highlight local favourites along with pizza-making tips and vegan news.
Explore Ottawa’s Vegan Pizza Scene
Gabriel’s – With a delicious crust on the thicker side, Gabriel’s is the top local favourite with their plant-based pepperoni (Field Roast brand) and dairy-free cheese. The first location opened in Orleans in 1977 and they have since expanded all across the Ottawa area.
Milano – Their “Vegan Vegan Vegan” menu includes the Oh Sweet Vegan and Garden pizzas with non-dairy cheese and generous amounts of veggie toppings (including broccoli!) The menu also goes beyond just pizza with Beyond burger and chicken platters and Vegantine Poutine loaded with veggies.
Fiazza – Another favourite in our recent poll, their signature pizza is the Spicy Vegan including roasted button mushrooms, jalapeno slices, herb tofu and vegan pepperoni.
Hometown Sports Grill – featuring a large vegan menu, their vegan pizza includes Italian tomato sauce, vegan pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions and black olives. You can enjoy your pizza with friends while watching a game in their dining area or order your pizza to go. Other vegan menu items include vegan poutine, chick’n tender platter, southwest nachos and cauliflower wings.
Heartbreakers – Located in Parkdale, their Veggie Supreme can be made vegan with cashew cream, pickled red onion, basil and castelvetrano olives. Castelvetrano olives have a distinct green hue and are famous for their crisp, meaty texture and mild buttery flavour.
Little Jo Berry’s — Available on Fridays, their regular and personal size pizzas include the Big Mac, and Steak and Havarti (locally-made by Rad Faux Cheese).
Pizza Nerds – Established in 2020, this local pizza shop offers a variety of pizzas named after Ottawa streets, with the option to sub vegan cheese or gluten-free crust. Their Albert – Kimchi Pizza features house-made vegan kimchi, green onion and black sesame seeds! Located on Bank St. and in Old Ottawa South.
Toppers – We’ve seen specialty vegan pizzas with unique flavour combinations on their menu along with their standard Titan Veggie, with options for vegan cheese and whole wheat or cauliflower crust.
Panago – This menu’s plant-based options include the Spicy Hawaiian with a smoky tropical sauce, Deluxe Pepperoni, Beyond Spicy Calabrese with Italian sausage crumble, Mediterranean and Beyond Summer BBQ topped with fire-roasted corn.
Red Swan Pizza – A hidden gem with locations in Kanata, Stittsville, Gloucester and Orleans, their vegan pizza comes with optional sesame coated crust and a menu featuring the Vegan Keto and Vegan Veggie Feast.
Pizza Pizza – A great value and a popular choice for parties, their vegan toppings include Field Roast plant-based pepperoni, sundried tomato, roasted garlic, fire roasted red peppers and spinach. You can also add plant-based chick’n sandwiches and bites to your pizza order.
Pizza Workshops and Locally-sourced Toppings
Exciting news from 613 Plant-Based! Starting in May 2024, they will be hosting private and public wood-fired pizza workshops using their homemade vegan cashew cheese and sausages – learn how to make Italian-style pizza from scratch! Located just outside of Carleton Place, 613 Plant-Based offers prepared meals delivered in the Ottawa area, including build-your-own pizza kits.
Make your own pizzas at home! Start with your own homemade pizza dough recipe or use prepared crusts, pizza kits (Costco has one!), focaccia, Greek pitas or bagels. Try some of Ottawa’s locally-made pizza toppings including Zengarry Fauxmagerie’s Sun-dried Tomato & Basil cashew cheese and Fresh Basil Pesto found in local stores, their online shop and their store location in Alexandria. (Shown: margherita pizza by Zengarry)
As you savour these vegan pizzas around Ottawa, your choices support sustainability, compassion, local businesses and the thriving vegan food scene in our city.
VegOttawa Association members can enjoy a 10% discount on the entire vegan menu at Milano Dalhousie, and Hometown Sports Grill as well as 15% off Zengarry cashew cheese and pesto online and at their store.
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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 Communications for vegan businesses. 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.
Earlier this year, we held weekly challenges and giveaways on our VegOttawa Instagram page to celebrate Veganuary – a month dedicated to encouraging a vegan lifestyle. While many of our followers are already vegan, it was also a great opportunity to celebrate, share experiences and facts, and win vegan prizes!
We received generous prize donations from VegOttawa partners with vegan menus: Keepin’ It Vegan, Hometown Sports Grill, Strawberry Blonde, Cinnaholic and Maverick’s. As we rolled out our first week, we sparked excitement and had more local businesses offer prizes! Ottawa’s newest plant-based restaurant and wine bar, St. Elsewhere, joined in on the fun, as well as 613 Plant-Based meal service. Peace-Garden Vegetarian offered gift cards as they celebrated the opening of their new location, a relaxing and welcoming space, after 31 years at their previous spot. Local delivery superstars Gopher It Deliveries also hopped on to deliver a vegan pizza kit prize to one of our nine lucky winners. It was amazing to see the Ottawa community come together to celebrate and inspire the plant-based lifestyle. You can find these Ottawa vegan restaurants in our Ottawa Veg Business Directory.
In our first weekly challenge we asked VegOttawa followers to cook a vegan meal. We saw photos of delicious-looking creations including taco salad loaded with greens and olives, pizza with mushrooms and greens, nachos with kale and red habanero sauce, split pea soup, a Persian dish called Ash, chocolate and pear coffee cake, and even vegan leftovers assembled into food art! That same week we saw local plant-based chef and nutritionist, Amy Longard appear on CTV Morning Live to give tips for eating more plant-based meals in 2024. The segment featured her Chickpea Salad Wrap recipe and beautifully prepared meals from Naturally Vero Cafe. Local Instagram foodie and blogger @veganeats613 celebrated the month with 31 Days of Easy Vegan Snacks presented in beautifully-made reels and photos with accompanying recipes. Veganuary was really off to a great start in the Capital!
In week two, we asked everyone to tell us why it’s environmentally sound to be vegan. Interesting truths included, “Two words: Manure Lagoon” and “To save the rainforests from being clear-cut to create areas for cattle grazing.” Other facts shared: oat milk uses less energy, fewer carbon emissions and land use compared to cow’s milk; less water and land pollution; being vegan helps maintain ocean ecosystems by eliminating overfishing; it decreases the burden of food production on the planet; cows emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. We loved seeing the high-level of environmental awareness in our vegan community! There are numerous environmental reasons to go plant-based and the VegOttawa team will be sharing these and other interesting facts at an upcoming Earth Day event.
In week three, we asked how being vegan can benefit your health. Our followers benefit from more fibre, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and inflammation; lowering cholesterol and blood pressure; improved skin appearance, gut health, mental health knowing they are lessening harm, and being motivated to cook at home from scratch. One response pointed to “wallet health”! And it’s true – discovering tasty recipes using pantry staples such as dried legumes and grains can be very friendly to your grocery budget – something we can all appreciate these days. If you love savings too, you can enjoy discounts on Ottawa vegan menus with a VegOttawa Association Membership.
In our final week of Veganuary we asked everyone to share what inspired them to be vegan. Some were inspired by talks like “The Best Speech You’ll Ever Hear” by Gary Yourosky; Animal Justice’s Paw & Order podcast; Dr. Greger’s evidence-based talks on a whole foods plant-based diet, and the documentaries Vegucated, Cowspiracy, and Dominion. Others were inspired by personal experiences: “The animals. I grew up on a farm. I saw they are sentient beings, no different than cats and dogs”, “Learning more about the egg and dairy industry”, realizing “animal milk is to feed their own babies”, and from visiting animal sanctuaries. More inspirations were climate change, trying to live more sustainably and nourish their body, and even food intolerances.
Our followers then shared helpful tips for new vegans like checking out recipe bloggers Nora Cooks and Sam Turnbull, “Get a pressure cooker and look up one-pot recipes”, “Massage your kale!”, “Start small and slow – take foods you love and adjust the ingredients to vegan alternatives and have fun with it!”, and to try recipes from other countries as many of them are delicious, healthy and easy on the budget. More helpful tips can be found on our Vegan Resources page.
We loved reading all of these thoughtful and inspiring responses and welcoming many new followers and members. Veganuary highlights can be found on our @VegOttawa Instagram page. Check our new Ottawa Community Events page regularly and sign-up for our monthly newsletter to stay in the loop about Ottawa vegan events and meetups, and we hope to see you soon at an upcoming event.
P.S. We’ll have free vegan food at our Annual General Meeting on March 24, 2024 at Hometown Sports Grill’s penalty box room.
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.
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!!!
VegOttawa Association 