Candice Hutchings
Author & Influencer
“I went vegan for the animals—stayed for the food”
Candice is “The Edgy Veg” and she’s on a journey to revolutionize how we think about food, eco-conscious living, and feminism.
She’s the author of The Edgy Veg: 138 Carnivore-Approved Vegan Recipes, a delicious cookbook that delivers vegan recipes with attitude and comedy. Edgy by nature, Candice uses her YouTube channel, and Instagram pages to teach you how to make your life more compassionate using the power of culinary expression. She also shares her candid and humorous take on activism not only for animals and food built differently, but also mental health, the environment, and female empowerment.
Q&A with Candice
Tell us about your plant-based journey.
It began over a decade ago when I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle for ethical and environmental reasons—but I quickly realized I didn't want to give up my favorite comfort foods. That’s how The Edgy Veg was born: a place to reinvent fast food and nostalgic classics in a plant-based way that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. My philosophy is all about making plant-based eating accessible, indulgent, and fun—no kale salads unless they taste like pizza.
What are you most proud of?
I’ve built a loyal online community of over 500,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, and my blog, where I share recipes that have helped thousands transition to a more plant-forward lifestyle without feeling restricted. I have also published 2 cookbooks, which became a go-to for anyone looking to veganize comfort food, or make meals easily under 45 mins. I'm proud to have helped shift the perception of veganism from bland and boring hippie food to bold, indulgent, and totally crave-worthy.
What are you most known for?
I'm most known for veganizing fast food and classic comfort dishes—think Big Macs, chicken nuggets, cheesy pastas, and diner-style breakfasts. My content helps people realize they don’t have to give up their favorite foods to live more compassionately and sustainably. Whether it’s through my viral recipes, cookbook, or online videos, my mission is to empower people to eat more plants while still loving what’s on their plate. I challenge the idea that plant-based food is just salads and smoothies.