Around 9.6 million Americans are now vegan, representing a 300% increase over the past 15 years. Considerations such as kindness to animals, an interest in sustainability, and the many health benefits of plant-based foods have inspired many to make the switch, and if you live in Missoula, then you will know that the vegan scene is buzzing. Whether you’re a born and bred Missoulian or you’ve just moved to the area, how can you make the most of your vegan experience?
Trying Out Local Vegan Cuisine
Missoula has a plethora of restaurants offering vegan treats, and even more catered to vegetarians. Just a few restaurants serving plant-based dishes (alongside fare for omnivores) include The Catalyst Café (you have to try their gluten-free, vegan chorizo, which replicates the flavors and textures of deluxe spicy Mexican sausage), Five on Black (a Brazilian restaurant with vegetarian and vegan versions of popular ‘healthy fast food’ treats), and Caffe Dolce (which specializes in vegan and vegetarian meals).
Cooking Vegan Delights At Home
Most vegans not only enjoy dining out, but also like preparing ultra-healthy vegan dishes at home for the whole family. If you have a Whole Foods in your local city, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Missoula’s Good Food Store, which sells a host of organic, locally produced foods – many of which make the perfect star or complement to your vegan meal. The store is also home to a Deli & Café, where you will find daily specials – often including vegan options such as the popular Breakfast Veggie Pizza, containing walnut pesto, mixed bell peppers, and caramelized onion. There is a vegetarian version with eggs and cheese, but just ask for your pizza sans these ingredients. Also pass by bakeries such as Bernice’s or the Black Cat Bake Shop, where you will find a host of speciality breads.
Starting Your Own Vegan Business In Missoula
If you’re used to enjoying services or products that you cannot access locally, you may be inspired to launch your own business in Missoula. If so, the first step to getting your brand known is to join the local vegan community. Check out the Missoula Vegans page on Facebook – it exists for members to connect and post vegan events taking place in the area. This is a good place to connect with potential customers and suppliers, and its members may be able to provide you with crucial information on where to source the products or services you need to get your business going.
Harnessing The Power Of Social Media
Ensure you have the budget to set up a good website and social media pages. Around 75% of consumers, for instance, make a judgment on a company’s credibility based on their website. Make sure yours is dynamic and informative, and that it contains truly useful information, both about your products and about veganism as a whole. Launching a blog for brand awareness improvement is also key, since blogs can improve lead by as much as 67%. Consistent blogging is a way to boost interest in your company, increase engagement, and drive traffic to other parts of your website.
Think Of The Niche You Wish To Fulfil
Vegans who are truly committed to the plant-based lifestyle usually take their conviction beyond food. Just a few niches you may wish to occupy include plant-based home products (including vegan paint and treatment products), vegan décor (made with luxury faux leather and other animal-friendly ingredients), and vegan fashion (take a look of the website of top vegan shoe companies like NOAH, Taylor + Thomas, Beyond Skin, or SUSI studio for inspiration). These brands show how far vegan fashion has come and how sturdy and beautiful vegan designs can be.
Veganism is growing in popularity in Missoula and beyond. If you’re new to the area, delve into the vegan scene by visiting its many restaurants and stores. Connect with the local community so you can enjoy being part of a fun vegan group. Finally, if you decide to set up a vegan business of your own, make sure there is a niche demand for it, and give due priority to your website and social media channels.