Vegans unite! There is a new grocery in town: Viva la Vegan on Ocean Park in Santa Monica. It is the second location owned by the only all-vegan grocer in California, Arlo Toews. He proudly states, “There are a total of six vegan markets in the United States, and two are our Viva stores. We have over twice the selection of any other vegan store in the US.” The original location in Rancho Cucamonga is the largest vegan grocery worldwide.
Toews knows what he’s doing, and he takes his passion for veganism, environmentalism, and the sale of non-GMO products seriously. In order to alleviate the stress some people feel from abrupt dietary changes, Toews says, “Viva la Vegan strives to have an alternative for any non-vegan item that someone choosing to go vegan might be familiar with, making the transition to a vegan lifestyle less difficult.” Examples include a soy-based vegan “salmon” and even a konjac-based calamari substitute. As for dessert, Viva even carries a vegan alternative of the Twinkie. None of Viva la Vegan’s products are tested on animals, most do not use GMO ingredients, and there is an abundant selection of raw and gluten-free products. And did I mention you can shop online, too?
Toews says the Viva family plans to open more stores. “We are doing what we do for all human and non-human animals, the Earth, and our customers’ personal health.”
Viva la Vegan
2723 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica
vivalavegangrocery.com
By Tiffany Tomaszewski, a writer and part time voice-over artist living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.
Tiffany Tomaszewski is a writer living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.