November 1 is World Vegan Day, and now’s the time to check out the best vegan apps – whether you are a long-practicing vegan or just transitioning into the lifestyle. With the growing popularity of plant-based lifestyles and expanding restaurant options, more people are actively trying to become vegan or simply including more vegan meals in their diets.
You may wonder, what are the benefits of being vegan? How did this “trend” start in the first place? Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can be difficult, especially when you’re just starting out. Even the thought of becoming vegan could seem initially daunting. Yet, an increasing number of people are turning to veganism, raising awareness about the meat industry and advocating for others to follow in their footsteps.
Studies have shown that “eating a veggie diet means 2.5x less carbon emissions than a meat diet,” contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions we produce. With our world already experiencing the effects of increased greenhouse gas emissions as seen with rising temperatures (global warming) and climate change, going vegan can ultimately contribute to saving the planet, or at least retaining our Earth in its current condition.
Many people have joined the vegan community hoping to reduce their carbon footprint. This is also often a factor in the choice to be “flexitarian,” referring to people who eat vegan or vegetarian meals predominantly but also occasionally enjoy meat and dairy products in moderation.
If you’re motivated to try becoming vegan, or you simply want to incorporate more vegan meals into your diet, we’ve rounded up some of the best vegan apps to help you to start your journey.
Soo where to eat – Hong Kong
Soo Where to Eat is a free app available on both Apple (as 找素) and Android devices that helps you find vegetarian or vegan options around Hong Kong. Whether it be restaurants, shops or grocery stores, Soo Where to Eat features plant-based businesses for you around the areas of Hong Kong Island, New Territories and Kowloon.
With a GPS function included, it also lists the restaurants “ordered by distance from you” and has a quick search function that shows the “supporting name, road, building name” relevant to the restaurant. Providing services in both English and Chinese, the app also allows you to bookmark restaurants or places you’ve been to, so you can always find your way back. This app aims to “make your veg life easier!”
HappyCow
One of the best vegan apps dedicated to letting you know about vegan, vegetarian or even gluten-free options around you is HappyCow, which is available on Android and Apple devices. Available in more than 180 countries worldwide, HappyCow is the perfect local or travel companion to guide you to restaurants, stores and markets selling vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free products.
This app is equipped with an interactive map as well as reviews and photos for the restaurants or stores listed, helping you narrow down the best options. You can also write your own reviews and upload your photos to engage with the vegan community accessing this app around the world.
BevVeg
The Vegan BevVeg app is dedicated to informing you about vegan alcoholic beverages. The “ultimate alcohol guide for researching your next vegan drink” has more than one million beverages listed in its growing database. Alcoholic drinks may sometimes be overlooked when it comes to vegan and vegetarian choices, but this app is “geared to help the vegan interested consumer … make quicker, more informed purchasing decisions.”
This app “allows you to know if your beverage was filtered through or contains animal parts,” so you can make the best choices on a night out or when restocking your home bar. With plenty of options to search through – from vegan wine and spirits to liquor and beer – use this app to accompany your meals and gatherings. Cheers!
21-Day Vegan Kickstart
For those who are just starting their vegan lifestyle, this is the app for you. 21-Day Vegan Kickstart aims to start your plant-based diet by providing a variety of “delicious, healthy, all-vegan recipes.” Designed by nutrition experts to provide you with the healthiest diet choices, it has “everything you need to get started on a plant-based diet: meal plans, recipes, grocery lists, daily videos, nutrition tips, cooking demonstrations” and more. Accompanied by step-by-step instructions and photos as well as “daily messages to inspire you and keep you on track,” this app is a great tool to start your vegan diet.
