It all began with a moose!
He was lying in the back of a pickup truck, hooves up and over the tailgate in the parking lot of a Tim Horton’s. It was hunting season in the North and I was aghast at this sight.
I knew at that moment that my meat-eating days were numbered.
So began my journey into plant-based eating. It led me to the website Forks Over Knives and their documentary.
I read about Dan Buettner, and his book 2009 “The Blue Zones Lessons for Living Longer from the People who’ve Lived the Longest”. One of these zones is Okinawa an island off the coast of Japan. Two-thirds of the residents still function independently at ninety-seven years old. Their lifestyle prioritizes sleep, rest and their diet is largely plant-based.
My curiosity led me to investigate Canadian authors.
My personal library has now expanded with Canadian authors of vegan cuisine, some notable titles and websites include “Oh She Glows” by Angela Liddon, “It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken” by Sam Turnbull, “Plantyou” by Carleigh Bodrug, “The First Mess” by Laura Wright, and “The Buddhist Chef” by Jean-Phillipe Cyr. This list is by no means complete, and I’d also like to mention “The Edgy Veg”, by Candice Hutchings, and “Desiree Nielsen”, Plant-based recipes and nutrition.
Perhaps the book that kick started my fascination might be Super Fresh. Written by Founder Ruth Tal of Toronto’s Original Juice bar and plant-based restaurant Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, and co-written with Chef and co-owner Jennifer Houston. This book has a permanent home on my bedside table along with East Meets Vegan by Sasha Gill, a gift from my daughter.
I am enthusiastic not only because of the health benefits of a plant-based diet, but I am supporting Canadian authors and companies producing and distributing their plant-based products.
The Canadian plant-based market is rapidly expanding with a diverse array of innovative products that cater to the growing demand for vegan options. From meat alternatives to dairy substitutes and snacks.
As this movement evolves and expands the products that were once only found in specialty stores are now appearing in our mainstream grocery stores.
Grocery stores are revamping their layouts to accommodate these new offerings featuring plant-based products in a prominent, visible shelf space. This not only highlights the importance of plant-based diets, but it also makes it easier for the consumer to find their favourite products.
Despite the growing popularity of plant-based foods, there are still misconceptions about the taste, texture and variety of alternatives. Reluctant carnivores are being tempted with brands that are tackling these skeptics with quality and flavor that will have universal appeal.
According to Markets and Markets, “the vegan food market is forecasted to grow by USD 29.92 billion during 2023-2028, with a CAGR of 15.2%. This growth is fueled by the rising number of vegan consumers and the health benefits of vegan food.“
As I started to eat more plant-based foods, I began to feel and look better. My curiosity about the industry led me to research organizations, podcasts, and associations, health professionals, and policy makers, whose focus is on research and development, educating the public about alternative plant-based products and plant-based partners in the food industry in Canada.
I hadn’t realized just how wide-ranging this topic is, or how many resources are available. My journey is ongoing, but here is a snippet of what I have discovered, along with links if you would like to explore further.
Plant-based Foods of Canada (PBFC) is a Canadian Industry Association that promotes the growth and awareness of plant-based foods in Canada. They are a collective voice for companies in Canada that produce and sell plant-based food products.
Among the members of this association you might recognize are Daiya (cheese), Califia Farms (Oat Milk), Gardein (Meat alternatives), and Yves (meat options)* as well as Nuts for Cheese which is a London-based company, that produces artisan and handcrafted cheese.
The PBFC will host the Ottawa Policy Forum on November 4th, which will focus on regulatory modernization, food safety, tariffs and building a policy environment that will support innovation and growth, (excerpt from their website). Click here for more information on this event!
Plant-Based Canada was founded in 2019 by Dr. Zahra Kassam and Michelle Fedele RD. This is a non-profit organization. They are dedicated to the “well-being of humans, the environment and all its life forms”. (from their website) They promote plant-based, whole food nutrition that is sustainable and seek to educate the public and health professionals. They also support and collaborate with sister organizations.
Still skeptical about the growth of plant-based products in Canada? Here is a link to 85+ Canadian Vegan & Plant-Based Food Brands last updated September 9, 2025, right here!
Moving to a plant-based lifestyle and supporting Canadian suppliers has been a turning point in my life. Some might say, an obsession! The first time I made the Super Fresh dosa battered cauliflower, dipped in the homemade miso mayo, it was a revelation for my taste buds!
The joy of preparing food and eating with abandon continues to be fun and so rewarding! When food tastes this vibrant and satisfying there is never a moment when I miss eating meat!
Wanna read more? I look at 6 myths about plant-based eating in this post~ Man Was Not Born to be a Carnivore! right here!
Still more you say? How about two pics of food I eat on the regular. My overnight oats, the recipe changes with the seasons and the fruit available; and white kidney beans with kale and sun-dried tomato, along side sauteed red cabbage and mashed.
While the moose sighting was fleeting, its effect on my chosen lifestyle will be long-lasting. I am grateful for the health, vitality and joy I experience by choosing a plant-based lifestyle.
*Footnote: “Yves Veggie Cuisine, a Canadian plant-based food brand that was a staple in some vegetarian and vegan households, is being discontinued after 40 years in business, its parent company told CBC News on Thursday”. Source CBC News August 29, 2025.
