Veganism is a philosophy and a way of living which seeks to exclude -- as far as is possible and practical -- all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. People become vegans for a number reasons. Veganism promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, their own health, and the environment.

The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada publicly state that "well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.

Becoming a vegan can also help protect our environment. Our environment is polluted by animal wastes. Meanwhile its resources is used to care for the livestock. Raising and maintaining livestock is much more costly and inefficient compared to plant-derived foods.

Some considering veganism worry about meeting their vitamin and mineral daily requirements, but with a little education, it is easy to find vegan alternatives that will provide the same nutrients a meat and/or dairy product provides. For example, peanuts, soy and legumes to name a few, can be used to fulfill your daily protein needs in place of egg, milk, meat and fish.

According to a 2000 poll 1.7 million American adults are vegans. 30-50 million are lactose-intolerant, 60 million have high blood pressure, and over 105 million have high cholesterol.

Celeste's Best aims to satify the sweet tooth of all of these people.