If there’s one word to sum up the Easter holiday season, it’s ‘eggs.’ We’re talking about deviled eggs, egg-shaped candy, and even traditional displays of hand-dyed eggs. 

But with millions choosing to replace eggs with compassionate and sustainable alternatives, discover how you can veganize your Easter festivities this year. 

Fill your Easter basket with plant-based candy

Whether you’re shopping for the children in your life or simply craving a holiday-themed treat, you’re in luck: plant-based candy is on the rise. 

Here’s what to look for during your next trip to the grocery store:

Chocolate bunnies: Believe it or not, you can still enjoy this holiday classic while protecting animals, your health, and the planet. Simply opt for a dairy-free alternative, such as Lindt’s Dark Chocolate Gold Bunny. 

Jelly beans: Many jelly beans are made with gelatin, which is generally derived from the bones, skin, and tissues of farmed animals. If that sounds less than appetizing, there’s still hope for jelly bean lovers. Jolly Ranchers, Warheads, and Jelly Belly all make plant-based varieties without gelatin, with Jelly Belly specifically labeling some of their products as “vegan.”

Nut butter cups: Similar to chocolate bunnies, many peanut butter cups are made with milk chocolate…but not all! Simply scan the label for any hints of dairy and keep your eyes peeled for dark chocolate versions, which are less likely to contain milk. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try sunflower butter cups, a Trader Joe’s cult classic. 

Dairy-free chocolate bars: You can increase demand for plant-based chocolate with each bar you consume, essentially doing the entire plant-based community a favor. Even “milk” chocolate is on the table for plant-based eaters when it’s produced with oat milk, coconut, or cashew cream. But why wait for Easter? At Love Veg, we believe chocolate is always a good idea. 

Decorate reusable eggs with the family

In the egg industry, male chicks are killed immediately after hatching because they can’t lay eggs for the industry to profit from. 

Each year, just in time for the Easter holiday, parents and children gather to decorate eggs. Most are unaware that each time they purchase a carton of eggs, they’ve supported an industry that views newborn animals as waste products. 

By choosing reusable faux eggs–such as plastic eggs purchased at your local grocery store or drugstore–you can send a message to your children: Easter is a time for compassion, not cruelty. 

If you have any leftover faux eggs, toss some plant-based candies inside and create your own Easter egg hunt! After the kids open their eggs (or the adults–we’re not judging), simply set them aside to reuse the following year. 

Bake an egg-free dessert

Spring is a perfect time to celebrate renewal and growth. What better time is there to create new traditions?

Gather with your loved ones in the kitchen for a bake-off, creating egg-free desserts that you can serve with pride on Easter morning. In case you’re looking for recipe ideas, we’ve got you covered: 

Banana Bread

This banana bread is soft, moist, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and brown sugar. A hint of peanut butter adds richness, while dairy-free chocolate chips bring a touch of indulgence!