Kick off World Vegetarian Month with 5 Vegan-Vetted Food Services

Get “veducated” with these simple tips on green living

By Karen Hao

October 2, 2016

Cutting vegetables

Cutting vegetables for a meal. | Photo by Anchiy/iStock

You didn’t choose the vegan life. The vegan life chose you. Or maybe it chose your date, and now you’re flailing to plan a dinner that will impress. Relax—here’s a list to help you plan your perfect night. After all, the way to a vegan’s heart is through their stomach.

HappyCow
Just realizing Yelp doesn’t have a vegan filter? No sweat. Download HappyCow and delight in how simple it is to find nearby vegan- and vegetarian-friendly establishments. Sift through thousands of listings around the globe, using location and dietary filters, and read through any restaurant’s details. This app may cost $3.99, but your swoon-worthy knowledge of the local vegan scene will make it well worth the investment.

Lighter
Seeking a romantic home-cooked meal instead? Trust Lighter to show you the ropes. This web-based service helps you curate delicious vegan recipes based on your preferences and the recommendations of prominent vegan food experts, athletes, and change-makers—completely free. It even dispatches a grocery list for each meal you choose, making it easier than ever to shop for and prep hearty and healthy fare. Long after your date is hooked, Lighter will remain your faithful bible—sending unique, personalized menus, week after week.

Barnivore
Don’t forget the wine! But beware of any beverage that could compromise your sweetheart’s diet. Some wines (and beers) use animal-based fining agents like casein, gelatin, or isinglass—that’s right, fish bladder protein. So, don’t imbibe until your libations of choice have passed the Barnivore test. The website catalogs the vegan-friendliness of more than 3,500 wines, making it easy to ensure your purchase is safe from contamination. 

Vegan Divas
With a sumptuous main course before you and an invigorating glass of wine in hand, only the promise of dessert at meal’s end could further sweeten the deal. Enter Vegan Divas, your one-stop shop for vegan desserts galore. Brownies? Check. Cake? Check. Chocolate mousse, donuts, and macaroons? Check. With shipping available for all 50 states, and same-day delivery in NYC, Vegan Divas has your back, even if you’re stranded in a meat-lover’s paradise. Just keep the environmental footprint in mind! If you can find vegan sweets in your hometown, opt for a romantic, carbon-free stroll instead. 

22 Days Nutrition
Now the dishes are done, and it’s suddenly dawning on you that maybe the vegan life isn’t so bad after all. With Beyonce’s 22 Days Nutrition Vegan Meal Delivery, you can try out an animal-free regime yourself, with none of the hassle. Choose between a five-day, seven-day, or 22-day plan to receive fresh, wholesome meals at your door. So, even if your date night’s a flop, who cares? Snuggle up on your couch and pop in the documentary Vegucated. You are dining like royalty.