What is HappyCow?

HappyCow was founded in 1999 as a public service to assist travellers and people everywhere find plant-based / vegan options and healthy food. They are vegan-run, from a vegan perspective, and staffed by vegans and vegetarians.

Today, their online community has grown to include members from around the world who are passionate about the vegan lifestyle as a healthy, compassionate, and environmentally sustainable way of living. More than simply a restaurant and health food store guide, HappyCow is an ever-evolving online hub that serves millions worldwide each month.

Is HappyCow free to use?

User access is free to encourage crowd-sourced content provision. The number of listings has expanded to over 50,000 businesses in over 175 countries around the world. Reviews of these listings number over 150,000. Restaurants remain the core listings group and are categorised as either, vegan, vegetarian, or veg-friendly. The initial definition for veg-friendly was based on a minimum menu content being at least 60% vegetarian. This has since been modified into a more flexible set of guidelines based on the alternative availability of vegan food in the area. HappyCow's orientation in general has gravitated over time to be increasingly pro-vegan.

Other listings additionally include health food shops, juice bars, vegan-friendly accommodation, social and activity groups, catering operations and other entities with consideration for animal compassion. Subscription for a free newsletter is available. The website has a well-established forum and blog section, allowing users to publish relevant material.

The HappyCow YouTube channel was launched in 2012. Features have covered numerous vegan and vegetarian events worldwide, and included interviews.

Are you a fan of HappyCow? Let us know!