Twelve Vegan Summer Essentials

With the weather heating up now summer has arrived, several products are essential to have for the warmer months. Sandals, sunscreen, bug spray, ice cream – the list goes on and on.

Many of these products are tested on animals or contain ingredients derived from animals. While enjoying your summer barbeques, trips to the beach, and everything in between, please consider making kind choices and switching to vegan products for a cruelty-free summer.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summer basics to help you enjoy these summer months the vegan way:

1. Sandals

Everyone needs comfortable walking shoes that are suitable for summer activities. German based shoe brand Avesu has dozens of different styles, all made with vegan leather alternatives.

2. Sunscreen

Going vegan does not mean you have to compromise your skin care. Sun Bum’s line of sunscreens will keep you safe from dangerous UV rays, and they use vegan ingredients that are not tested on animals.

3. Bug Spray

Don’t let pesky bugs and insects ruin your outdoor activities this summer. BRC is a company that specializes in vegan skin care. Enjoy the repelling benefits of citronella and lemongrass, without the use of animal-derived ingredients or testing.

4. Ice Cream

No summer is complete without ice cream. There’s tons of vegan brands to choose from that are just as good as the dairy alternative (if not better). Nadamoo ice cream features all the classic flavors, as well as more experimental flavors like Maple Pecan and Caramel Cold Brew. So Delicious offers dozens of flavors with six different non-dairy milk options to choose from. 

5. Beach Towels

Bungalow 360 makes vegan beach towels made from 100% cotton, and with several patterns to choose from and generous sizing, these are perfect for a day on the beach.

6. Hats

Keep your skin protected from the sun with Herbivore Clothing’s range of bucket hats and caps. Their vegan canvas hats are offered in two styles with multiple patterns and colors.

7. Deodorant

Many toiletry products contain animal ingredients or are tested on animals, but luckily the extensive deodorant line from Crystal is vegan and cruelty free. Check out their new scents such as coconut vanilla and sage mint.

8. Water Bottle

Drink to your commitment to animals with your own Animal Outlook Guzzle Stainless Steel Water Bottle featuring the statement “I’m Changing the World for Animals”. These lightweight bottles are perfect for exercising or hydrating at work. Featuring a stainless steel screw-on lid, these bottles holds 26 ounces.

9. SPF Lip Balm

Lips are often forgotten about when protecting your skin from sunburn. Hurraw’s SPF 15 broad spectrum lip balm is the perfect solution. This product is made with natural vegan ingredients and features tangerine and chamomile flavors.

10. Vegan Books

Whether you’re looking for vegan recipes or a fun way to introduce your little ones to compassionate education, books are sure to provide entertainment during the summer. Recommended reads include Forks Over Knives and Veggie Vero.

11. Snacks

To stay energized during your summer adventures, make sure to pack some vegan snacks. We can personally recommend Earth Balances Vegan Aged White Cheddar Flavor Puffs and Nature’s Bakery bars. These snacks are free of animal products and won’t spoil in the heat.

12. Tote Bags 

Lastly, you’ll need a great tote bag to carry all these new vegan products in. Bungalow 360 offers an cute variety of patterns, complete with a zipper and strong shoulder strap.