Vegan Discount Cards (these pay for themselves!)
Vegan discount cards are very useful if you eat a lot of plant-based food (or even eat out, both here and abroad). Small health shops can’t compete with supermarkets on price. So if you prefer to shop at indie stores, they can be worth enquiring about (some just have their own cards, with simple stamps, just like old library tickets!)
If you go shopping every week (and eat out a fair bit), they are worth their weight in gold. And many also give discounts on other items (say animal-friendly beauty brands or vegan shoes and handbags stores online).
Some of the best vegan discount cards
- VeganCard is a digital card that offers 10% to 50% off prices in restaurants, shops and online stores). This card has over 7500 members. Membership is around £12 a year and you get exclusive discounts, and also the chance to win goodies in regular competitions.
- Viva! Supporters Discount Club is automatically given, if you become a member of this campaigning charity for animal welfare.
- Vegetarian Society is very vegan-friendly and offers a £3 a month membership, that includes discounts on many brands (and lots of independent health stores participate). You also receive discounts at Holland & Barratt and even cooking classes. You also get the chance to win regular prizes, from air-fryers to vegan handbags.
- UK Vegan Club has almost 50,000 Facebook members, and offers special deals (rather than discounts) across all genres. From health shops to animal charity shops to festivals.
- VegDining can be used both here and abroad, so ideal if you go on holiday or travel for work. It only costs $5 a year, and you eat your way to plant-based heaven, from London to Dublin, from LA to Auckland!
Discounted vegan wine (and help animals!)
Animal Aid campaign charity offers discounts to members. What we like about this one is that it offers cases of vegan wines, so you can enjoy your booze, while feeling good that you’re helping animals at the same time! The sparkling organic Prosecco can be bought at bulk in discount (ideal savings for a wedding, the membership will pay for itself).
There are also big discounts on vegan delivered meals (first orders), vegan fast food and gourmet restaurants, cooking classes and even vegan cheeses and chocolate!
Give ‘thank you cards’ to vegan eateries
Diners impressed with plant-based food can buy thank-you cards (also sold by Viva animalcharity (just 70p for a bundle of 50). These say ‘I ate here, because you serve vegan food’. It’s nice to show chefs and hoteliers that their efforts are appreciated. This encourages them to do more!
Note that most vegan restaurants don’t accept cash, as bank notes are made with animal fats (and plastic). Check site updates for accessibility, and dog-friendly restaurants.
How vegan discount cards add up
Not only do you get weekly savings on your food shop, but also when you wish to replace say a pair of vegan shoes or handbag. You also save when you eat out or go abroad.
But things can go even further. If you have a friend or relative, you can use the card to offer vegan-friendly gifts (say a nice vegan leather handbag or watch) and even use it to order vegan booze online (like boxes of organic wine). This really adds up to savings for a big celebration.
Many vegan fast food restaurants also offer discounts, and some cards even offer discounts on everyday services, like green insurance companies or nutritional supplements.
Choosing the right discount card
Before choosing, add up what you will use it for. If you don’t eat out a lot, then reserve it for local groceries (even choosing the old-fashioned stamp card at an independent health shop).
If you eat out or travel a lot, then VegDining is likely your best bet. If you like shopping online for fashion, it’s likely one of the newer digital cards will suit better. Some may even focus on a particular area or city.
A simple checklist before you order
- Coverage map: Does it include where you live?
- Partners near you: How many places are nearby?
- Expiry dates: Do offers change monthly, or are they stable?
- Exclusions: Are weekends, set menus, alcohol excluded?
- Booking rules: Do you need to book in advance?
- Takeaway and delivery: Does it work for dine-in orders only?
- Renewal price: Is there a renewal fee, and when?
- Cancellation steps: Can you cancel in-app, or is it auto-renewed?
Finally, check reviews, but focus on the most recent ones (the last 3 to 6 months).
Once you’ve ordered, make it a habit to use it often, for big regular savings. Don’t be shy about presenting it. Simple statements like below are good:
- Hi, do you accept this vegan discount card?
- I’ve booked with the discount, is that noted already?
- Can I show you the app now, before you put it through?
- Does the offer apply to your vegan menu items?
