World Vegan Day is observed on 1 November and has been celebrated since 1994. The day is used to commemorate the vegan lifestyle and how it benefits people and animals.

The vegan diet has many benefits: It aids weight loss, lowers the risk of heart disease, helps manage diabetes, and reduces the chances of getting colon cancer, among other things.

Even if you’re not interested in becoming vegan, adding some of these foods to your diet can still be beneficial to your health and well-being. Still not sold? Maybe you should try one of these scrumptious recipes and see for yourself.

Roasted Beetroot Hummus

This dish is perfect as a high-protein boost, while it also helps lower blood pressure, improve stamina (the protein recovery benefit), and supports healthy liver function. Roasting is ideal, but you can also use the beetroot raw by grating it into the dish, maintaining maximum nutritional benefit.

Ingredients

• 200g beetroots or 2 beets just under tennis ball in size
• 1 1/2 lemons
• 2 garlic cloves
• 200g cooked chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 7 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon tamari

Instructions

• Clean the beetroot and cut off the rough end.
• Cube the beetroot (1.5cm works well) or slice it and bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes.
• Juice the lemon.
• Crush the garlic.
• Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Allow to chill before serving.

Chocolate Coconut Energy Balls

For a snack or a quick breakfast solution, this date-based chocolate treat is a tasty and beneficial vegan option for those with a sweet tooth. They are also great for maintaining energy levels (hence the name), with under 10 ingredients and no baking required.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted medjool dates (approximately 10–12 dates)
• 1 cup raw almonds
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup finely shredded coconut flakes

Instructions

• Add pitted medjool dates to a food processor and process until they combine into a ball.
• Add the remaining ingredients and process until evenly combined. Test the mixture with your fingers – it should easily stick together when pressed between 2 fingers*.
• Roll the dough into ~1 tbsp-sized balls and coat them in extra finely shredded coconut flakes.
• NB! If the mixture doesn't stick together when pressed between two fingers, add one teaspoon of water until it handles easily and rolls into balls.

Roasted Chickpeas

Craving the crunch of potato chips but without the unhealthy preservatives that go with them? Roasted Chickpeas are your go-to vegan snack. They're quick and easy to make, requiring only five ingredients, five minutes to prep, and 35 minutes to cook the chickpeas.

Ingredients

• cooked chickpeas (either canned or home-cooked)
• garlic powder
• smoked paprika powder
• olive oil
• salt

Instructions

• Drain the canned chickpeas, then dry them thoroughly using a clean dish towel or paper towel.
• Toss the chickpeas in a medium bowl with olive oil.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C.
• Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
• Spread the chickpeas on the baking sheet and bake them for 25 minutes.
• Remove the chickpeas from the oven and place them in the same bowl you used before.
• Add the spices and toss well until the chickpeas are evenly coated.
• Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes until they're browned and crunchy.

Go Vegan With VodaPay

Ready to add more vegan options to your diet? Download the VodaPay super app now and shop for all the ingredients you need from one of the many grocery store options on the app.