Passion for animals and food
The growing commitment to a cruelty free lifestyle, particularly among young Australians, has produced the nation’s first vegan “mylk” bar providing shakes, donuts and cupcakes free from animal suffering.
Heavily promoted by the Sydney vegan community through social media, Zeitgeist Mylk Bar in Gould Street, Bondi, opened Saturday to long queues of people who had travelled from all parts of the city.
The brainchild of 22 year old Grace Watson, Zeitgeist Mylk Bar, with its range of original raw and baked treats and shakes made with house-made almond macadamia mylk, joins a rapidly growing number of vegan outlets specialising in everything from pizzas to vegetable based meats.
More than a million Australians are thought to have opted for diets free of animal products and the number is growing rapidly. Many also refuse to use leather preferring to source shoes, bags and coats made from kinder materials.
“Australians are turning to cruelty-free food options in greater numbers than ever before,” says Grace. “People are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental and health benefits of a plant based diet.
“The food is so delicious that there is no need to include ingredients that cause harm to animals.”
Grace, a vegan since high school, says she is making creamy, delicious and indulgent desserts without the need for eggs and dairy.
Grace says her wholesale business will continue alongside her retail pursuit of “outstanding vegan flavours” at Zeitgeist Mylk Bar where red velvet and apple pie and custard shakes are already on offer, alongside cinnamon donuts, raw cheese cakes and chocolate treats.
Grace points out that her range of raw birthday cakes are gluten free and ideal for people with special dietary needs.
“The Mylk Bar combines my two passions, food and animal rights,” says Grace. “It is a perfect way to be an animal rights activist every day, because I am showing people how delicious and amazing vegan food can be.”
Grace has been christened the vegan Willy Wonka and it is a description she is happy to wear as she carries her campaign for animal welfare and good time tastes into new territory.
Source: Zeitgeist Mylk Bar, 13th April 2016
