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The five best places to get vegan ice cream in Vancouver

Warm weather is here, and with it an excuse to indulge in a scoop or three of ice cream. Although supermarket freezers are exploding with delicious vegan ice cream choices (Luna & Larry’s salted caramel & chocolate is a personal favourite), sometimes we all want to let someone else do the scooping while we enjoy a new flavour with friends.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering, cow-approved vegan ice cream options in Vancouver. Here are five of our favourites:

1. Chau Veggie Express, 5052 Victoria Drive

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Caramelized Banana and Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough; Image Chau Veggie Express

Chau Veggie Express offers a wide variety of ice creams by the scoop and pint, all of which are vegan. Current flavours include: coconut vanilla bean, Vietnamese coffee chocolate, Thai iced tea, chocolate hazelnut praline, caramelized bananas and cookie dough, coconut vanilla bean and lemongrass, and coconut pandan leaf and kale.

Andrew, Chau’s pastry chef and the genius behind Chau’s innovate vegan ice cream offerings, says: “I developed the recipes based on my favourite childhood memories. The ice creams are salted. The ice cream base is seasoned to reflect a very traditional Vietnamese style preparation of coconut cream used in Vietnamese desserts as well as savoury dishes, and I love it. It gives the ice cream another dimension and depth of flavour, and this is the way I grew up eating desserts at

Vietnamese shops and cafes.”

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2. Earnest Ice Cream, Multiple Locations

earnesticecream

Mint Chip; Image Earnest Ice Cream

Earnest Ice Cream serves up rotating, seasonal flavours alongside classics. Scoops and pints are available in their two shops, while their pints can be found at distributors all over the city.

Earnest Ice Cream says, “We change our vegan flavours weekly. We try to have two offerings, but depending on popularity sometimes one sells rather quickly.” Past vegan offerings have included coconut-lime sorbet, café au lait, chocolate, cookies + cream, lemon, maple walnut, and mint chip. Check out their website for what’s currently available in their scoop shops!

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3. Rain or Shine, 1926 West 4th; 3382 Cambie

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Coconut Chocolate Chunk; Image Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine has on its regular menu a vegan sundae: the Yumaste! It’s made with coconut chocolate chunk ice cream, seasonal berry compote, chocolate sauce and candied hazelnuts. All of their sundae toppings are made in house; other vegan offerings include fig balsamic reduction and eureka lemon olive oil.

While the coconut chocolate chunk ice cream, made with organic coconut milk, is always available, Rain or Shine also rotates through seasonal offerings. Josie from Rain or Shine says, “Currently we have an organic cucumber lime sorbet but we will be making a mint strawberry sorbet soon. We may also do a grapefruit IPA sorbet for craft beer week.”

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4. Bella Gelateria, Yaletown and Coal Harbour

bellagelateria

Orange & Vanilla Creamsicle and Chocolate Sorbetto; Image VHS

While sorbet is typically vegan and can be found at gelato joints all over town, Bella Gelateria is worth a special visit. In 2014, its proprietor won “International Gelato Master of the Year.” What does this mean? We have no idea, but Bella Gelateria’s array of sorbettos—ranging from the familiar to the exotic—are smooth, creamy, and flavourful.

On a recent visit, their Yaletown location featured eight non-dairy sorbetto flavours: cantaloupe, chocolate, creamsicle (orange & vanilla), faloodeh (rose water & rice noodles), lemon & basil, mango mango mango, rambutan, and yuzu citrus (Japan).

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5. What’s Shaken Milkshake Bar, 586 Davie Street

whatsshaken

Banana, peanut butter, and chia protein shake; Image What’s Shaken

Okay, so this one is shakes, not ice cream, but it’s too good not include.

What’s Shaken generally carries a non-dairy base of almond or coconut ice cream. You can design your own drink from the many offerings, or choose from the menu.

Xiomara at What’s Shaken says, “A few favorite non dairy shakes are Oreo, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mango, Strawberry, Creme Latte, Blueberry, Coconut Nutty and Kale Colada. Our protein and superfood shakes can also be made with Vegan protein powder and we carry almond milks and coconut water.”

What’s your favourite vegan ice cream in Vancouver? Did we miss anything great? Let us know in the comments!

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News/Blog Promoted rodeo

You are not alone if you oppose rodeo cruelty

Calf roping: Rodeo cruelty Calgary Stampede

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur, We Animals

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VHS is well known for its campaigns against rodeo cruelty and many compassionate Canadians have supported our efforts.  But most animal welfare organizations here in Canada and around the world also oppose rodeo.

BC SPCA pledge on rodeosHere in British Columbia, the BC SPCA has taken a strong stand against cruel rodeo events.  Most recently, in week fifteen of its Million Acts of Kindness campaign, the society called on people to “pledge never to attend a rodeo.”

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is also against rodeos, stating that it is “opposed in principle to rodeo and is working towards the ultimate abolition of this activity.”

 

Humane Society International Canada has stated that: “Rodeos encourage an insensitivity to and acceptance of exploitation of animals under the guise of sport and entertainment.”

 

Internationally, the American SPCA’s position on rodeo states: “The ASPCA is opposed to all rodeo events that involve cruel, painful, stressful and potentially harmful treatment of animals, not only in performance but also in handling, transport and prodding to perform. The ASPCA recognizes the cruel treatment inflicted on many additional animals in the process of practicing to compete in rodeo events. Further, the ASPCA is opposed to children’s rodeo events such as goat tying, calf riding and sheep riding (“mutton busting”), which do not promote humane care and respect for animals.”

The Royal SPCA of Australia is “opposed to rodeos because of the potential for significant injury, suffering or distress to the animals involved.”

The Royal New Zealand SPCA “believes that the skills demonstrated and promoted in rodeos are irrelevant in a modern society, and that the stress on all animals involved is such that their welfare is put at risk. The SPCA is opposed to the use of spurs and rowels in rodeos, and is particularly opposed to events such as bronco riding, calf roping and steer wrestling, where injury to animals may occur. The SPCA believes that rodeos are detrimental in terms of fostering a caring attitude towards living creatures.”

The National SPCA of South Africa has stated: “Any event held at a rodeo has elements of animal abuse and cruelty.”

Please sign our petition calling on CBC Sports to stop broadcasting rodeo at the Calgary Stampede.

Please join our campaign to stop rodeo cruelty in Abbotsford, B.C.

 

 

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News/Blog Promoted Uncategorized vegetarianism

Almost 12 Million Canadians Now Vegetarian Or Trying To Eat Less Meat!

 

Canadians eating less meat

Action update: Check out our new Go Veg campaign

 

A new poll commissioned by the Vancouver Humane Society shows that 33 percent of Canadians, or almost 12 million, are either already vegetarian or are eating less meat.

That figure includes eight percent who identify as vegetarian or mostly vegetarian, as well as 25 percent who state that they are trying to eat less meat.

British Columbia is the most vegetarian-friendly province, with 13 percent of respondents identifying as vegetarian or mostly vegetarian and a further 26 percent trying to eat less meat.

Quebec and Ontario are not far behind. In Quebec, seven percent identify as vegetarian or mostly vegetarian, while a further 30 percent are trying to eat less meat. In Ontario, eight percent are vegetarian or mostly vegetarian and 23 percent are trying to eat less meat.

While younger Canadians are more likely to identify as vegetarian or mostly vegetarian, older Canadians are more likely to say that they are eating less meat. Of 18 to 34 year olds across the country, 12 percent are vegetarian or mostly vegetarian. For those 55 and up, 33 percent are trying to eat less meat, in addition to the five percent who identify as vegetarian or mostly vegetarian.

The poll, commissioned by VHS, was conducted online by Environics earlier this year, and surveyed 1507 Canadian adults.

There are so many reasons to reduce or eliminate animal products from our diets. With delicious and varied veg options increasingly available in supermarkets and restaurants, it has never been easier to explore compassionate food choices. For mouthwatering recipes and veg tips, please sign our Meatless Monday pledge!

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animal welfare News/Blog Promoted

Giles means everything to PTSD sufferer

“She couldn’t bear the thought of Giles being seriously injured.”

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Giles is a sweet four-year-old boy whose guardian Shelley took him in after he was born in a barn and faced a lifetime of fighting for everyday existence. He’s been a constant companion and an important part of Shelley’s life ever since.

Giles’ incredibly affectionate and loving nature is important for more reasons than one, as Shelley suffers from severe depression and PTSD. His friendship is motivating – his playful and goofy demeanor can always cheer her up, and his sensitive temperament helps see her through the tough times.

Recently, Giles injured his leg and Shelley noticed him favouring it. The situation was a great source of stress for her. She couldn’t bear the thought of Giles being seriously injured and given her low-income situation, she needed help. That’s when VHS stepped in, thanks to the support of our amazing donors! Giles underwent an x-ray to ensure nothing was broken and received medication to help manage his pain. After some time resting his leg, Giles was thankfully back to his old self – cuddling, chattering and running around the house with lots of energy. His guardian was over the moon to have her friend back and grateful for the support of VHS.

VHS’s McVitie Fund assists low-income pet guardians with emergency veterinary bills. Often, it means the difference between life and death for these animals! Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of  desperate companion animals like Giles to get the help they need to remain in their forever, loving homes. Can you help? Right now, your donation will be matched by a generous anonymous donor!

Thank YOU for your support for this and VHS’s other campaigns to stop animal cruelty!

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News/Blog Promoted rodeo

Why does CBC Sports broadcast animal cruelty at the Calgary Stampede?

 

Ad calf
Calf being roped at Calgary Stampede. Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur

Tell CBC to stop broadcasting violence toward animals. Sign our petition!

CBC Sports has confirmed to VHS that it will once again broadcast the Calgary Stampede’s rodeo and chuckwagon races in July.  Despite severe budget cuts to its sports coverage, the CBC apparently is keeping its rodeo coverage intact.

VHS has explained to CBC Sports executives that rodeo is considered inhumane by virtually all major animal welfare agencies, including the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and the national SPCAs of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (where it has been outlawed since 1934).

We have pointed out the obvious fact that roping animals to a sudden halt or twisting their necks until they are bent to the ground will cause fear, pain and stress.  We have asked them how this could possibly be considered entertainment.

Calf face crop Rodeo-99

We have also noted that the CBC’s television coverage of calf-roping ensures that the camera pans away from the calf as it hits the end of the rope.  That way, viewers will never see the calf violently jerked off its feet.  If what happens to the calf is not fit for the general public to see, how can the CBC condone the event by covering it?

We sent CBC Sports a link to this video showing a bull being kicked in the head at the Stampede.  We had no reply. Meanwhile, animals continue to be tormented for the sake of entertainment at the Stampede, like these ponies. The CBC doesn’t seem to want to face the truth about rodeo.

We’re asking Canadians who care about animals to let CBC Sports know how they feel about the Calgary Stampede broadcasts.  Please take a minute to sign our petition calling on Trevor Pilling, Head of Programming at CBC Sports, to stop broadcasting rodeo animal cruelty at the Calgary Stampede. 

More information on our Calgary Stampede campaign page.

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animal welfare News/Blog Promoted

Animal rights news from VHS!

 

E-newsletter header2

Sign up for our new E-Newsletter

VHS has launched a new E-Newsletter to keep supporters up-to-date on our campaigns against animal cruelty.  To receive the newsletter, which will be issued three times a year, sign up here.  Don’t miss out on news about the issues we’re working on, including: farm animal welfare, rodeo cruelty, Meatless Monday, animals in captivity and other animal rights topics.

If you would like to receive our paper newsletter, Animal Writes!, just email us or call the VHS office at 604 266 9744.

To receive our Action Alerts, which let supporters know when urgent help is needed with a campaign or animal welfare emergency, sign up here.

 

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animal welfare compassion Cruelty-free News/Blog Promoted

Nice Shoes: a pioneer in cruelty-free, compassionate shopping

Joanne Chang and Glenn Gaetz of Nice Shoes
Joanne Chang and Glenn Gaetz of Nice Shoes

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Nice Shoes, Vancouver’s only vegan shoe store, was opened in 2011 by animal advocates Glenn Gaetz and Joanne Chang. The store carries 100% vegan shoes as well as purses, bags, belts, wallets and other cruelty-free products.

VHS supports the growth of cruelty-free businesses and we were interested to find out more about how Nice Shoes is faring in Vancouver’s competitive retail market. Here’s our Q&A with Glenn and Joanne.

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VHS: Can you say a bit about what motivated you to open Nice Shoes?

G&J: As shoppers, we were motivated by the anxiety and frustration we felt every time we walked into a shoe store knowing that the salesperson couldn’t answer our questions about materials – or even cared to try. As activists, we were motivated by our desire to normalize the vegan lifestyle.

VHS: How difficult was it to start a business that was the first of its kind in Vancouver?

G&J: Starting a business was the easy part! Vancouver has a vibrant vegan and animal rights community and everyone is excited when a new vegan business opens. The challenge comes in maintaining a profitable business and growing our customer base.

VHS: How is the business going now and how do you feel about the future of Nice Shoes?

G&J: We think there’s a bright future for Nice Shoes as veganism seem to be going through a growth spurt. We know this because a large portion of our customers are new vegans who have only made the transition within the last couple of years.

VHS: Who are your customers? Is there a predominant demographic?

G&J: Our main customers are vegans and vegetarians, but that in itself encompasses a huge range of people. We see vegans of all ages and professions. We also get quite a few non-veg customers who simply like the styles we carry.

VHS: Some vegan shoes are not cheap. Is affordability an issue?

G&J: Since our main goal is to normalize veganism, we are very thoughtful in selecting brands that are familiar and affordable to most people. We do carry some exclusive vegan brands (which tend to be pricier), but they are a small percentage of what we carry. Most of the shoes in our current spring/summer collection range from $30-$150. We also have great sales throughout the year and a student discount program.

VHS: Do you think the market is growing for cruelty-free products?

G&J: Absolutely! We find that “vegan leather” is now a popular term used proudly by mainstream brands to sell products. And a lot of these brands are rolling out vegan product lines and marketing them as such.

VHS: What do you think needs to happen to encourage consumers to make more ethical choices?

G&J: Consumers want nice looking things that are decent quality at a reasonable price. If the products can match what they are looking for, they will switch without even trying. We have a few loyal non-veg customers who might not even know that our products are vegan. By offering alternatives that look great and are equal to, if not better than, their animal product counterparts, we are lowering the barrier of entry to a vegan lifestyle. All things being equal, who wouldn’t choose the cruelty-free option?

VHS: How do you stay positive in a world where animal-based products are still so predominant?

G&J: We’ve been vegan for 18 & 20 years. In that time we’ve seen a lot of change. Twenty years ago, vegan shoes were horrible plastic things that looked atrocious and felt like cardboard. When we look at the selection and the quality of products available nowadays, we can’t help but smile. Animal products may still be predominant, but the alternatives are gaining ground every day.

VHS: What’s your most popular product?

G&J: Since the weather is getting nicer, women’s sandals are flying off the shelves. And hiking shoes are in high demand as people are starting to hit the trails.

VHS: What do you find most rewarding or satisfying about running Nice Shoes?

G&J: Nothing makes us happier than getting a positive feedback from our customers – it really makes all the hard work worth while. And of course, all the adorable dogs who visit us in the store.

Nice Shoes is located at 3568 Fraser Street (between E 19th & 20th) in Vancouver.
Tel: 604-558-3000
info@niceshoes.ca

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News/Blog Promoted Uncategorized

Trinity Western University joins Meatless Monday movement

Meatless MondayThis April, Langley’s Trinity Western University became the second school in Western Canada to join the globally popular Meatless Monday movement. Trinity Western follows Langara College in encouraging students to start the week right by choosing veg meals each Monday.

VHS worked with Trinity Western students and food services personnel to implement Meatless Monday as an easy, positive way for students to make a meaningful difference for the planet, for our health, and of course, for animals.

Trinity Western advertises that “Each Monday, Dining will be presenting ‘plant based’ dinner menus that are not only good for your health but are also GREAT for the environment!”

Meatless Mondays are also great for animals. Our overconsumption of cheap meat has forced animals into factory farms, where they endure intensive confinement, mutilations without painkillers, crippling deformities, and terrifying slaughter—all in the name of profit.

Trinity Western goes Meatless Monday
TWU promotes Meatless Monday

If all Canadians went meatless on Mondays, more than 100 million animals would be spared from a miserable life and death in our country’s factory farms.

And research reveals that showing people how to go vegetarian can be even more important than showing them why. Students who are exposed to meatless meals learn that vegetarian cuisine is varied, diverse, filling, and delicious, and may be inspired to choose veg options more frequently—sparing even more animals from cruel factory farms.

To learn more about bringing Meatless Monday to your school or company, please contact us. We can send a speaker or workshop facilitator, provide you with resources, or simply offer guidance.

“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.” – Lily Tomlin

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Langara College Becomes First Campus in Western Canada to Join Global Meatless Monday Initiative

Next Monday, March 30th, Langara College will become the first campus in Western Canada to adopt the popular Meatless Monday initiative, joining hundreds of schools worldwide including McGill, Dalhousie, and Queen’s, along with Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and U.C. Berkeley.

The initiative was introduced by Langara’s food services provider, Chartwells—which is owned by Compass Group, one of the largest food services providers in the world—in response to student demand and in collaboration with the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS).

Meatless Monday is an international movement of schools, hospitals, municipalities, companies, and families that choose to ditch meat each Monday in favour of healthy, delicious, humane, and eco-friendly vegetarian options.

“Meatless Monday is an incredibly popular initiative that resonates with people from all walks of life because it is an easy, positive way for each of us to make a meaningful difference for animals, our health, and the planet,” said Anna Pippus, special projects director for the VHS. “Our over-consumption of cheap meat has forced animals into factory farms, where they endure conditions and practices that most Canadians find appalling.”

“The Vancouver Humane Society commends Chartwells at Langara for responding to student concerns about the impact our food choices have on the world. Chartwells has demonstrated industry leadership in putting Meatless Monday on the menu,” she said.

Facts:

  • In 2014, 725 million animals were killed for food in Canada. Canadians eat almost 100 kg of meat per capita per year. The global average is less than 40 kg per capita.
  • According to Dietitians of Canada, plant-based eating has many health benefits, including lower rates of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
  • Due to livestock farming’s inefficiencies, it is a major contributor to climate change, pollution, water use, land degradation and deforestation, biodiversity decline, and ocean degradation, sparking criticism from the United Nations and Chatham House, among many others.

Learn more about VHS’s Meatless Monday campaign and how you can get involved!

Meatless Monday Vancouver

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The times they are a changin’

Eat less meat

Back in 2008, VHS had an opinion piece published in the Globe & Mail, calling for a reduction in meat consumption for animal welfare, environmental and health reasons.

At the time, we weren’t hopeful that governments, mainstream media or other power brokers were likely to take the issue seriously, despite the overwhelming evidence of the problems caused by meat production and consumption.

But last week, there was a hopeful sign of change when the foremost nutrition advisory panel in the United States officially called for Americans to eat less meat to protect their health and the environment.  (Animal welfare is not in the panel’s mandate, but its advice, if heeded, would likely save many animals from suffering and slaughter on factory farms across the U.S.)

Another welcome sign of the times was an amazing article in the Globe & Mail this week by nutritionist Leslie Beck.  Quoting celebrated Canadian scientist Dr. David Jenkins, the article laid out the compelling reasons why a vegan diet benefits human health, the environment and animal welfare.

So far, there is no indication that Health Canada, which produces Canada’s Food Guide, will follow the U.S. example of recommending a cut in meat consumption.  But with more articles like Leslie Beck’s it may only be a matter of time before Canada catches up.

See our our Eat Less Meat page for more information on this issue.