Heidi Van Pelt is an American vegan chef, nutritionist, and entrepreneur whose life story is tied closely to Taran Noah Smith, the former child actor from Home Improvement. Though she never appeared on the sitcom herself, Heidi Van Pelt came into the spotlight through her marriage to Taran and their shared business ventures. Over time, she built a reputation in the raw-food and plant-based nutrition world. As of 2025, Heidi Van Pelt is around 56 years old, and she continues to champion healthy living while living a more private life.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Heidi Van Pelt |
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1968 |
| Age (2025) | 56–57 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Vegan chef, nutritionist, entrepreneur |
| Known For | Marriage to Taran Noah Smith, vegan advocacy |
| Marriage | Taran Noah Smith (2001–2007) |
| Children | One child with second husband |
| Businesses | Playfood, Füd restaurant |
| Media Role | Hosted radio show “Raw Health” |
| Education | Studied nutrition, philosophy, German |
| Current Work | Health consulting, vegan nutrition |
| Residence | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
Early Life and Background
Heidi Van Pelt was born on July 11, 1968, in Missouri, USA. Growing up in the Midwest, she attended Blueprint High School and Oak Park High School, where her interest in wellness and nutrition first took shape. She later studied at several institutions: she explored fashion design at Stephens College, studied philosophy and German at the University of Missouri, and eventually earned a nutrition certification. Her academic path showed her curiosity and adaptability, embracing intellectual and health-focused pursuits.
Marriage to Taran Noah Smith: The Controversy
Heidi Van Pelt’s public profile surged when she married Taran Noah Smith on April 27, 2001, a wedding that shocked many because Taran was only 17 years old, while Heidi was 16 years older. Their age gap became a major talking point in tabloids and celebrity gossip.
Taran, best known for his role as Mark Taylor on Home Improvement, left acting soon after their marriage. Together, Heidi Van Pelt and Taran founded Playfood, a vegan and organic food business that specialized in non-dairy cheese. Their collaboration blended celebrity, business, and ethics, making them early figures in the plant-based food movement.
Business and Lifestyle: Playfood and Vegan Advocacy
Heidi Van Pelt’s influence goes far beyond her personal life she used her passion for nutrition to build a business. With Taran, she ran Playfood, which became known for making raw, vegan, non-dairy cheese and organic foods. This venture was ahead of its time; during the early 2000s, mainstream interest in vegan and raw foods was still limited, but Heidi Van Pelt helped introduce these ideas to a wider audience.
Beyond Playfood, Heidi also hosted a radio program called Raw Health, where she shared nutrition advice, health philosophy, and her ideas about plant-based living. Her work as a health consultant later evolved into speaking engagements and private consulting in holistic nutrition.
Personal Life, Divorce, and Aftermath
Heidi Van Pelt and Taran’s relationship ended in 2007, when Taran filed for divorce. The split involved legal disputes, especially over control of Playfood Taran accused Heidi of transferring funds into her own company. There are also reports of conflict over their business and financial management.
After their divorce, Heidi Van Pelt moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she launched another vegan restaurant named Füd. Füd served plant-based meals and reflected her continuing commitment to vegan cuisine, though it eventually closed. Despite the restaurant’s closure, Heidi Van Pelt remained connected to her mission promoting health, nutrition, and plant-based living in quieter, more private ways.
Age, Current Life & Legacy
As mentioned, Heidi Van Pelt was born in 1968, so she is approximately 56–57 years old as of 2025. With time, her public presence has shrunk she keeps a low-key life now, focusing on health consulting and possibly small-scale food projects. Though she steps back from the spotlight, Heidi Van Pelt’s impact on vegan entrepreneurship and raw-food culture remains. Her work with Playfood helped lay early groundwork for the plant-based market we see today.
Public Perception & Controversies
Heidi Van Pelt’s life stirred considerable public interest, especially because of her marriage to Taran Noah Smith. Their 16‑year age gap sparked debates about maturity, consent, and celebrity relationships. Some media outlets described their marriage as “bizarre,” focusing on the drama, legal fights, and business issues.
Despite that, many in the vegan and wellness communities respect Heidi Van Pelt as a pioneer: she was advocating plant-based living well before it became mainstream. Her ability to turn personal convictions into business ventures especially through Playfood illustrates her entrepreneurial spirit.
Why Heidi Van Pelt Matters
Heidi Van Pelt’s story is more than gossip about a celebrity marriage. She represents a bridge between wellness and entrepreneurship, showing how someone can use alternative lifestyle choices to build meaningful work. Her commitment to veganism, raw food, and holistic health challenged norms at a time when these ideas were less accepted.
Her legacy lies in how she balanced public controversy with real impact. Yes, she made headlines when she married Taran Noah Smith, but she also made a mark in plant-based food long after the cameras stopped rolling. Today, her influence lingers in vegan food spaces, where early adopters like her paved the way for bigger movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Heidi Van Pelt?
Heidi Van Pelt is an American vegan chef, nutritionist, and entrepreneur, best known for her marriage to Taran Noah Smith. - Was Heidi Van on Home Improvement?
No, Heidi Van Pelt never appeared on Home Improvement. She is known for her marriage to Taran Noah Smith from the show. - How old is Heidi Van in 2025?
Heidi Van Pelt was born in 1968, so she is approximately 56–57 years old in 2025. - What business did Heidi Van run?
She co-founded Playfood, a vegan, non-dairy food company, and later opened a vegan restaurant called Füd. - What is Heidi Van doing now?
As of 2025, she lives a private life focusing on health consulting, vegan nutrition, and holistic wellness projects.
Conclusion
In short, Heidi Van Pelt is a figure whose life combines controversy, business, and deep personal conviction. Best known for her marriage to Taran Noah Smith of Home Improvement, she is far more than a celebrity ex. Her work in veganism and nutrition shows a long-term passion for health and sustainability. Over the years, Heidi Van Pelt has moved from public drama to a quieter, purpose‑driven life and her legacy in plant-based entrepreneurship continues to inspire.
For more information Visit: Daily Blooper
