Vegan businesses have exploded in prevalence and popularity, with the vegan market now worth roughly $16 billion, according to Statista. So whether you want to buy excellent vegan products or you’re an entrepreneur seeking viable vegan business ideas, options abound.
Being vegan means much more than eating a meat-free and dairy-free diet. Veganism is a lifestyle committed to eschewing all animal products. Its a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. It promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment
We’ll highlight 10 vegan-friendly businesses that will inspire you and explain how to start a business centered on veganism.
The 10 businesses we’re highlighting cater to vegans, as well as anyone interested in environmental causes and animal rights. They are excellent options to buy from and could be solid launching pads for your own vegan business ideas.
Mighty-O Donuts
Mighty-O Donuts is a Seattle-based donut shop that specializes in plant-based, organic, and non-GMO donuts. The company was established in 2000 with respect for the environment and uses certified organic plant-based ingredients to make their mixes and glazes from scratch. Mighty-O Donuts is committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness, and their products contain no preservatives
Mighty-O Donuts also excludes artificial colors, dyes, additives, and preservatives in its donuts and toppings, so you know exactly what you’re eating when you take a bite. If you visit the company’s shops in Seattle, you’ll see that it also supports the local art community by offering its wall space for monthly exhibitions.
Sophie’s Kitchen
Sophie’s Kitchen is known for its plant-based seafood products, offering a range of 100% plant-based, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and kosher alternatives to traditional seafood. The company’s products are designed for those seeking a delicious and sustainable alternative to seafood, and they are made with Konjac root, an ancient Asian staple that is low in calories and high in fiber.
Sophie’s Kitchen’s mission is to make plant-based seafood accessible and delicious to everyone, believing that the better plant-based foods taste, the more people will choose to prepare healthy meals for themselves, their family, and their community
Sophie’s Kitchen sells vegan and plant-based crab cakes, breaded shrimp, smoked salmon, tuna and more. The company is verified by the Non-GMO Project and uses ingredients like seaweed, textured vegetable protein and konjac (elephant yam) to make sustainable alternatives to your favorite fishy foods.
You can find Sophie’s Kitchen products at some local food stores, or you can order the products online either as an individual or retailer. .
Dr-Cow
Dr-Cow is a vegan cheese company that offers a range of plant-based cheeses made from organic and raw ingredients. The company was founded in 2004 by Veronica Schwartz, who was inspired by her passion for healthy and sustainable living.
Dr-Cow’s cheeses are made with nuts, seeds, and other plant-based ingredients, and they are aged and cultured to develop complex flavors and textures.
The company’s product line includes a variety of cheeses, including cashew cheese, almond cheese, and macadamia cheese, all of which are free from dairy, soy, and gluten. Dr-Cow’s cheeses are available for purchase on their website and at various retailers, including Whole Foods Market
Purchase its products online or at the company’s retail location in Brooklyn.
Olsenhaus
Olsenhaus is a vegan shoe company that offers a range of cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and animal-free shoes for women. The company was founded in 2008 by Elizabeth Olsen, who is an outspoken advocate against the use of animals for food, clothing, experimentation, and entertainment.
Olsenhaus offers a variety of shoes, including boots, pumps, sandals, and flats, all made with high-quality vegan materials and designed to be both stylish and sustainable. Many fashionable shoes and accessories are made from animal products like leather and suede. While some stores sell alternatives, it’s challenging to find unique and trendy pieces that are vegan and animal-friendly.
The company’s mission is to provide consumers with fashionable and ethical footwear options that are kind to animals and the environment. Olsenhaus shoes are available for purchase on various online platforms, including Amazon, Vickerey, and Vegan Chic.
Olsenhaus, based in New York, is dedicated to creating beautiful shoes, bags, and wallets that are 100% vegan while educating people about the leather industry. According to the company’s website, its mission is “to merge passions for design, fashion, function, and being a voice for animals, the environment, transparent business practices and unwavering values in ethical and social responsibilities.”
Lush Cosmetics
Lush Cosmetics is a British cosmetics retailer that offers a range of vegetarian and cruelty-free products. It sells a wide variety of products: soaps, shaving gels, makeup, face cleansers, lip scrubs, shampoo bars, perfumes and bath bombs. Lush products are made with natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, flowers and oils. The company was founded in 1995 by Mark Constantine and his wife Mo Constantine, and it has since expanded globally, with over 951 stores worldwide.
Lush is known for its fresh, handmade products that use natural ingredients and minimal packaging to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The company is committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices, and it operates a strict policy against animal testing. Lush also supports Fair Trade, Community Trade, and charitable initiatives to ensure that each product produced makes a positive impact on the environment and society
Everything at Lush is 100% vegetarian, but not every product is vegan. About 20% of its products include lanolin, eggs, milk and honey. According to the company’s website, the other 80% are strictly vegan, and all its vegan products are clearly marked. For beauty and skincare enthusiasts, Lush is a dream company.
Lush is also dedicated to fighting animal testing, and all its products are fresh and handmade. All Lush packages (which are recyclable) feature a sticker that shows you who made the product, on what date, and by when it should be used.
Planet
So you have plenty of vegan foods to choose from and tons of sustainable cosmetics and fashion options, but what about products for cleaning your home? Planet is dedicated to creating sustainable cleaning products like dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent and all-purpose spray cleaners. All of Planet’s products have a minimal environmental impact and complement a vegan lifestyle.
Planet has an interesting background story. The company was founded by Stefan Jacob, a commercial fisherman who was “gravely concerned about the ever-increasing pollution of our water and soil,” according to Planet’s website.
You can purchase Planet products from in-person and online stores, including Amazon.
No Cow
No Cow is a vegan protein bar and protein powder brand known for its gluten-free, kosher, soy-free products. Its protein powder jars are also recyclable and made solely from aluminum (no plastics).
No Cow’s protein bar wrappers include color variations that reflect the flavor without deviating from No Cow’s usual branding. The company is an excellent example of sticking to a core set of vegan values while prioritizing innovation in its field.
The Worthington Collection
The Worthington Collection makes vegan candles that eliminate odors. The company prioritizes safe, nontoxic and vegan ingredients in all its candles. Rather than the animal fat and beeswax common found in candles, the company uses apricot and coconut for its candle wax.
The Worthington Collection groups its candles into five categories: fresh, floral, sweet, woody and clean. You can filter by category to find vegan candles with scents you’re likely to enjoy.
OSEA Malibu
OSEA Malibu is a skincare and body care brand that offers clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products made with organic ingredients. The company was founded in 1996 by Jenefer Palmer, who was inspired by her grandmother’s holistic approach to skincare and her love for the ocean. OSEA stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere, and the brand’s mission is to create skincare that respects the natural balance of the skin and the environment.
While other skincare brands might use toxic, non-vegan products, OSEA’s products are formulated with sustainably sourced seaweed, plant-based ingredients, and essential oils to nourish and hydrate the skin. The brand is committed to using eco-friendly and recyclable packaging to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
OSEA’s product line includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, and body care products, all designed to promote healthy and radiant skin. OSEA products are available for purchase on their website and at various retailers, including Ulta Beauty
The brand’s backstory is that the founder’s grandmother healed a serious leg injury by swimming in cold water. The company harnesses that ocean power in its vegan products.
Brinn Bags
Brinn Bags is a fashion brand founded in 2018 by Ciara B Perrone, a resident of Asbury Park. The brand is known for its intentionally designed and responsibly produced handbags, backpacks, apparel, and more. Brinn Bags offers animal-free products with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The brand uses plant-based leathers, organic, and recycled materials in their products.
Its ethos is that the process of making its handbags should be as beautiful as the handbags themselves. The company also ensures that the people making its products work in safe conditions. It sells backpacks and clothes in addition to its signature handbags.
You can find Brinn Bags on various online platforms, including Interwoven and Lobo Mau