Cleveland's Guide to Being Vegan

Plant-based eating isn’t a niche anymore: It’s everywhere in Cleveland. From soul food kitchens to TikTok feeds, from neighborhood shops to fine-dining menus, vegans and the vegan-curious have more choices than ever before.

It starts with the people. Take Sonia Steele, better known as Vegan Vicky, who turned a cancer diagnosis into a thriving career as one of Cleveland’s first vegan soul food chefs. Or Nzinga Young, a digital influencer with more than 200,000 followers, who shows her audience what it really looks like to live vegan in a non-vegan world.

But it doesn’t stop with stories. Cleveland makers are building the lifestyle from the ground up: handmade tofu, oat-based spreads, even soy jerky with a bourbon kick. Retailers are opting to stock sustainable, cruelty-free products that make everyday living easier and more stylish. And our restaurants? They’ve leveled up. Whether you’re craving a grab-and-go juice from Beet Jar, an artful night out at Cloak & Dagger or a donut so good it rivals New York, the city has it covered.

This package is your guide to Cleveland’s plant-based boom: the pioneers, the products, the restaurants and the inspiration to give it a try yourself. The food is soulful. The options are endless. And the movement is only just beginning.

25 Places to Eat Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free in Cleveland 

Whether you’re fully vegan, flexitarian or just curious, these local spots showcase the creativity and comfort of plant-based dining. Read the full guide here.

Vegan Lifestyle Influencer Nzinga Young Shares Her Plant-Based Life

Her journey began in silence at a 10-day retreat where she connected deeply with the precept of doing no harm, planting the seed for her fully vegan path. Vegan lifestyle influencer Nzinga Young shows how she navigates a world not built for ethical vegans. She’s bridging the gap by creating content, building community and encouraging change. Read her story here.

Seven Dairy-Free Delights in Northeast Ohio

From small-batch ice cream to nostalgic pastries, Cleveland bakers and makers are proving that plant-based desserts can be every bit as decadent as the classics. Read the full guide here.

From Cancer Survivor to Vegan Soul Food Pioneer

After a shocking diagnosis, Cleveland native Sonia Steele turned to plant-based eating to reclaim her health. Sixteen years later, she’s an award-winning chef bringing soulful, nourishing vegan dishes to the city while proving anyone can make the switch. Read her story here.

Four Delicious Vegan Food Products Made in Cleveland

Plant-based food products keep Cleveland’s vegan scene thriving. These items bring expertise to your cooking and palate. Read the full list here.

Four Vegan Gifts for the Plant-Based People in Your Life

These plant-based products turn everyday essentials into sustainable staples. They bring color and vitality to your life. Read the full list here.