November is World Vegan Month; it represents the founding of The Vegan Society, the oldest vegan charity in the world, back in 1944. It also marks the progress Western veganism has made since its early years. Weve come a long way, from only being able to buy weird, mushy veggie burgers at obscure local health food stores. Now you can get a vegan Whopper at Burger King (not to knock fries, but who else is glad that theyre no longer the only fast food option?).

Today, vegans and vegetarians arent the only ones who eat plant-based alternatives. Market research from Mintel and SPINS has revealed how mainstream theyve become. Maybe even your uncle whos given you grief in the past for not eating only meat and potatoes has raved to you about Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods.

Flexitarianism, the conscious effort to eat less meat, is on the rise, and it looks different for everyone. For some, it might look like cutting out red meat at first or replacing cows milk with a plant-based version. Health is the driving factor for most. The knowledge of factory farmings effects on the environment is becoming more common, so were also seeing people eat less meat to reduce their carbon footprint. Evidence of this shift is mounting in meat-loving countries. In the U.S., vegan burger sales are gaining on the real thing and dairy-free milk represents 14 percent of total dollar sales for retail milk, according to the aforementioned SPINS data. The UK was the global leader in retail vegan food launches last year. And even Germany and Brazil are embracing flexitarianism.

Years of being vegan have taught me that the phrase, I want to go vegan, but I could never give up cheese, is incredibly common. I can relate to that. I was a teenage vegetarian who went back to eating meat in college only to go vegan cold turkey a couple of years later. Some people have never backpedaled. For others, change is gradual. Some people are happy staying somewhere in the middle.

Looking beyond that, although vegans seek to avoid anything that has relied on animal exploitation, even The Vegan Society acknowledges that veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to excludeas far as is possible and practicable.

Emphasis possible and practicable. Many things people need, such as medication or vaccines, still rely on animal testing. Needing medication doesnt make you not vegan.

You cant ever force change in others; its best to meet people where they are. Shaming individuals for cutting out animal products except for one or two things doesnt help anyone (especially not when the major changes need to happen from corporations and governments). Youre probably more likely to create an awkward rift between you and someone else by getting judgy.

If you really can cut out animal products except for just one or two things, absolutely do it. Thats awesome and I hope you enjoy trying out all of the options that the vegan aisle now has to offer. Small changes make an impact, too. It takes about 58 gallons of water to produce a quarter pounder beef patty while a Beyond Burger uses .29 gallons. The water and land footprints for animal products versus plant-based counterparts are lower nearly across the board.

The advancements in food technology that have given us realistic alternatives give me hope for the future. The Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger are essentially part of mainstream culture. You can make omelets, scrambles, and quiches from vegan eggs that come in the form of a yellow liquid. There are startups making plant-based whey and casein via fermentation, meaning vegan mozzarella sticks that stretch like the real thing could be a possibility in this lifetime. Impossible Foods recently demonstrated its dairy-identical vegan milk. Theres a lot to look forward to regarding the future of food.

Given that 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from animal agriculture, any conscious reduction is a good thing. But there are other reasons to eat less meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. Billions of animals are slaughtered for food each year and slaughterhouses are notoriously cruel to both the animals and the human workers. We could also address food insecurity if 40 percent of the crops used for animals were grown for human consumption instead. Theres a health aspect, too. A growing body of studies ties red and processed meat to health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. And evidence suggests that a plant-based diet can greatly reduce the risk.

Remember not to get caught up on being perfect if youre cutting animal products out of your diet. Take things one step at a time. I hope you find things that you like. And in the meantime, can I recommend some easy recipes and guides on how to replace butter and eggs? Always happy to help.

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It's World Vegan Day and It's Okay If You're Not a Perfect Vegan - LIVEKINDLY

Who did you look to for this sort of guidance, both spiritually and with your diet? Were you reading books? Did you have mentors?

It started out with meditation for me. There were certain questions I asked the universe while I was in my meditation. I read books, like The Autobiography of a Yogi, sacral healing books, law of attraction books. There was a lot of information that I'd just let soak in then apply it.

How much did having a baby play into this new belief system?

She's the main character in this little story that I'm on, because without her I feel like the change wouldn't have come. Especially having a daughter, because I knew if I had a sonI was telling myself, "Im going to have a son. He's going to be just like me. I'm not going to change too much." But God blesses you with what you need instead of what you want, and I got a daughter.

I can't even be that same guy around my daughter, because she's going to want to be around the people she was raised by, and that's what she'll attract, so you just got to be a role model, and that's what I've just been trying to work towards. I feel like I'm accomplishing that every day.

Do you feel like you've got to be a role model for your community as well, especially for young people that listen to your music?

Especially the young generation because they're going to be the ones that change everything. I feel like I've got a good grip on the youth, so if I can be a world changer for them, thats all that matters.

Can you talk a little bit about your decision to stop using violent imagery in your lyrics?

Shit, I've been big on reaping what you sow, so I feel like a lot of the violence that we put out, it comes back to us. I've just been straight positivity, and I don't see nothing negative coming back off of it.

Why did you decide to name one of the tracks after your birth name, Bryson?

The hook of Bryson is based on something my mom created. She used to sing it to me when I was little and feeling down. When I was a baby, she'd sing it to me, and that's pretty much the hook. That's why the song means so much to me, because I feel like if it could've uplifted me, then I know it'll uplift others.

What do you say to some of your fans who are skeptical about this new direction you're taking, and they hear you talk about veganism, and things like that, and they're like, "We want the old Choppa back"?

Those ain't fans. A real fan will accept growth, encourage the growth, and stick with you through thick and thin. The other people that's saying things were never with me in the first place. They just liked to watch me. I don't really get too caught up in that. There are genuine people that are going to support your journey no matter what, and so that's what I've been focusing on.

What's your go-to vegan meal now that you have embraced the vegan diet?

I've been fucking with a lot of nachos, quesadillas, a lot of pastas. I be fucking with a lot of shit, especially the vegan nachos.

What do you hope somebody who listens to this new tape understands about you and your career at this point?

I don't even want them to just take things away and think they understand me too much. I just really want people to find a lot of the stuff that has worked for me that can be applied to their lives, and you can see a lot of change. I drop a lot of gems throughout the album. A lot of people that listen to it will know. Even if they apply one thing that I say, their day-to-day life will start to be even better. I just want people to apply what I'm saying.

Where do you see yourself going next from here? Are you going to work on more music in this style, or are you going to try to switch it up again?

I don't see myself making anymore negative music right now. It's just all about expanding and growing outside my comfort zone more and more, but still promoting the same message.

When did you realize you were experiencing anxiety and depression and that you needed to switch things up?

I've been experiencing that since way before I even got into the rap industry. A lot of my issues started to grow and get stronger, and I just didnt have time to deal with them the right way because everything in my career was getting so crazy. I felt like nothing was working. Smoking wasn't working. Drugs weren't the solution. I just had to breathe, find inner peace, practice breath work, change my thoughts around, all that stuff. Now I know how to focus on my thoughts, and once you do that, you begin to understand that your thoughts and reality are really beautiful.

The rest is here:
NLE Choppa Is Pivoting to Wellness - GQ

The Best Things That Happened for the Vegan Movement in 2020 - VegOut Magazine

Nov 1, 2020 BY: Tanya Flink

Happy World Vegan Day! November 1 is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and while 2020 did not go as planned, it has still provided us reasons to advance and celebrate the plant-based movement. From Lizzo going vegan to Starbucks testing plant-based breakfast sandwiches, 2020 has not kept the vegans down! Here are the eight best things that happened to veganism this year.

RELATED: Lizzo Goes Vegan

Want even more vegan news, food, and lifestyle content? Subscribe toVegOut LA Magazine!

The international pop sensation began posting home-cooked vegan recipe videos on her Tiktok platform back in March, but in June, she made it official. Nearly six months later, shes still vegan, and her 11 million followers know it.

We didnt just see one new product from Ben & Jerrys this year, but five! In February, the decadent Non-Dairy Netflix & Chilld flavor hit the market, soon followed by three new non-dairy flavors with a creamy sunflower butter base. More recently, the company launched vegan cinnamon bun cookie dough bites in stores. These new products have certainly gotten us through a few rough patches in recent months.

Vegans collectively rolled their eyes when Starbucks launched a vegetarian breakfast croissant with the Impossible sausage patty, as the buttery croissant, egg, and cheese made it virtually impossible to veganize. However, the coffee behemoth began testing a completely vegan option of this sandwich at a location in Seattle. Vegan cream cheeseformulated exclusively for Starbucks by Miyokos Creameryhas also been consumer tested in a Seattle location. Heres hoping the rest of the country gets to experience these products soon.

Upon accepting the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the Joker, Joaquin Phoenix addressed the injustices of the worldfrom social issues to animal rights. He said, We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and when she gives birth we steal her baby, even though her cries of anguish are unmistakable. And then we take her milk thats intended for her calf and we put it in our coffee and cereal. He called for peace and justice for allpeople, the animals, and our environment. Post-Oscars, he and Rooney Mara swung by Montys Good Burger for a late night vegan bite.

This chicken chains original Chickenless Pollo contained egg, but in July, the company announced a new vegan-friendly recipe. Now available in all 482 locations nationwide, customers can order a wide variety of tacos, burritos, salads, and bowls with the Chickenless Pollo and the phrase make it vegan to signal the cashier to remove all dairy, meat, egg products.

Finally! The department store announced that by 2021, fur sales will be banned from all Nordstrom storesincluding Nordstrom Rack, last chance stores, and online shops. The decision was made following a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States.

Made possible by Switch4Good, three 30-second commercials aired continuously on NBC from July-September. The ads featured plant-based Olympic athletes and encouraged viewers to go dairy-free for their health and the planet. This was the first PSA campaign of its kind on national, mainstream television.

For those unfamiliar, a PieCaken is a towering sweet monstrosity of multiple flavors of pie and cake combined into one epic dessert. Karma Bakera dedicated vegan and gluten-free bakery in Westlake Village, CAhas veganized this creation and made it available for nationwide shipping. Layered with pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and apple spice cake all held together with a whipped cinnamon buttercream, this treat is intended for Thanksgiving celebrations. However, we believe it should be the unofficial celebration dessert of World Vegan Day.

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1Nov

Happy World Vegan Day! November 1 is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and while 2020 did not go as planned, it has still provided us reasons to advance and celebrate the plant-based movement. From Lizzo going vegan to Starbucks testing plant-based breakfast sandwiches, 2020 has not kept the vegans down! Here are the eight best things that happened to veganism this year.

21Oct

Whether youre an avid runner or yoga enthusiast, having comfy and eco-friendly athletic wear at your disposal is always a plus. From flexible leggings to colorful crop tops, youll be sure to find pieces to fit your active lifestyle. Here are 12 sustainable activewear brands to add to your wardrobe today!

13Oct

Weve got the denim youre looking for to create your favorite fall look. Whether its jeans, jackets, jumpers, or tops, youll find what you need on this list to pair with that knobby cardigan, throw over your everyday autumn dress, or fancy up your go-to vegan Uggs. Youll even find looks for your pup! So grab that PSL and give yourself a minute. Youre going to want to browse the brands below for your new favorite old denim.

31Oct

The Bel Groupa French company behind popular brands such as The Laughing Cow, Boursin, Merkts, and Babybelis currently creating plant-based cheese options, and plans to release vegan mini Babybel cheeses on store shelves in the US next year. The goal to provide consumers with healthy, vegan-friendly options was inspired after Bel Group acquired French startup All in Foods, which is behind the plant-based brand Nature & Moi.

29Oct

2020 has been a lot of things, including the year for plant-based chicken substitutes! With vegan mock chicken options rolling out at El Pollo Loco, KFC, and even Burger Kings in Germany, California Pizza Kitchen has followed suit. Made from vegetables and wheat, CPKs chicken substitute is a great option for people seeking to lower their meat consumption, and for vegans who are looking for a quality option at a large chain restaurant.

27Oct

Chef Reina, a woman-owned online storefront, opens in San Francisco as the reincarnation of the now permanently closed Filipinx restaurant Nicks on Grand. Nicksa formerly full-service establishmentreopens as Chef Reinas, a 100% plant-based business with in-house delivery drivers and future weekly pickup times to be announced. Youll find care packages, entres from the original menu, and pre-packaged vegan Filipino meats on the menu.

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2Nov

We love piling our holiday plates high with vegan mac, green bean casserole, and savory stuffing, but without a holiday roast, our meal isn't complete. These protein-rich, satisfying roasts are the perfect offering to round out our plant-based plates during the holidays. Here are six of our favorite roasts to try this festive season.

28Oct

Its National Chocolate Day and were looking forward to enjoying some vegan-friendly chocolate treats. Here is a list of dark and milk chocolate options that are dairy-free, delicious, and perfect for snacking.

27Oct

If youve spent time in Northern California lately, youll likely recognize the name of Souley Vegan. A widely cherished piece of the Oakland plant-based community, the restaurant has been serving up some of the best authentic Louisiana Creole cuisine in the area since 2009.

25Oct

There is no denying that pasta is a vegan diet staple. While weve all got a jar of marinara in the kitchen cupboard, its time to upgrade pasta night and give it the glow-up it deserves. Dont get us wrong, there is a time and a place for linguine with red sauce, but we are all about creamy vegan alfredos, herbaceous pestos, and meatless meat sauces atop our noodles. Check out these 13 must-try sauces for your next pasta adventure!

1Nov

Everything is betta with fetaFollow Your Heart Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles, that is. And this holiday tart is no exception. Share this flavorful dish at your holiday brunch, as an appetizer, or at dinner partiesits the perfect anytime recipe to get you through the festivities of the season.

8Aug

Pasta Salad is the Midwesterners way of tricking themselves into thinking that theyre eating healthy. This recipe serves one. Or like eight people. Whichever.

3Aug

Everyone needs a go-to chocolate cookie, so consider this your new one. Gooey and thick, this rich chocolate cookie is grain-free, vegan, and refined sugar-freesweetened only with Just Date Syrup. Its gonna be a ritual, starting tonight.

13Jul

This uber creamy 20-minute vegan mac delivers the tang of sharp cheddar from a surprising sourcesun-dried tomatoes! A few basil leaves add complexity to the flavors without making it taste tomato basil-y. I like to top it with hemp seeds for a little extra texture and nutrition, but thats totally optional. Use chickpea or lentil pasta to make this mac n cheez super healthy! Add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a complete meal.

Allie is a writer, musical theatre performer, yoga instructor, and walking vegan restaurant directory. On any given day, you can catch her making tofu scramble, scouring Trader Joes for new plant-based products, or watching The Lizzie McGuire Movie! Visit her website at alexandrammitchell.com.

Anja is a plant-based dietitian by day and vegan foodie by night. She offers virtual nutrition coaching for vegan and veg-curious clients. Check out her site for coaching services, recipes, and nutrition tips at vegcentricdietitian.com.

Cayla is an event planner, copywriter, catering manager, and vegan foodie. If shes not working, shes probably catching one of her favorite composers in concert, riding her bike to the movies, watching a gorgeous sunset at the bluff in Long Beach, or convincing her girlfriend to go out to eat at another vegan restaurant ... again.

Vegan 4 years, Kayla Pasko is originally from Milwaukee, WI and graduated from St. Johns University in 2015 with a degree in communications. When shes not scoping out trendy vegan spots in NYC you can find her reading, taking a yoga class, or shopping at Trader Joes.

Vegan 15 years, Tammie is a VegOut OG, with the team since its beginnings. Self-proclaimed super-woke wellness guru, she's an author, dreamer, and YouTubestar wannabe. Her passion, aside from writing about #alltheveganfood, is helping individuals overcome personal barriers to happiness and success.

Tanya Flink is an Orange County journalist willing to run for vegan food. She's written for several plant-based publications, including VegNews, Organic Authority, EcoSalon, and LIVEKINDLY. She currently serves as the Content Manager for Switch4Good.

Read the rest here:
The Best Things That Happened for the Vegan Movement in 2020 - VegOut Media LLC

How ingredient technology can spark consumer loyalty and keep plant-based products on supermarket shelves

Its something of a paradox that one of the regions with the highest meat consumption in the world also ranks among the global top three for veganism. According to the Vegan Society, only the UK has more vegans than Australia and New Zealand.

In Australia, a plant-based diet is now the preferred choice of some 2.5 million consumers just over 12% of the population. That includes vegans, vegetarians and the growing number of flexitarians, who still eat meat and dairy products occasionally but prioritise plant-based food products for health and sustainability reasons.

Many food companies have already tapped into this opportunity. This much is clear from Euromonitor statistics which show the market for plant-based milk alternatives grew 5% year-on-year from 2015 to 2019. Within plant-based alternatives to meat, compound annual growth was 11 per cent in the same period.

The question is: what should brand owners do now to maintain a loyal consumer following in the future?

Michelle Lee, regional marketing director at DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, gives her view on the developing plant-based market.

What we have seen is that many of the plant-based launches do not attract high repeat purchases. This is partly because consumers often buy them out of curiosity alone, and partly because manufacturers are still learning about consumer likes and dislikes within this emerging mainstream category.

Plant-based and meat-like

Within meat alternatives, one persistent challenge is to recreate the taste and texture of real meat with plant raw materials, as consumers continue to expect a meat-like flavour, succulence and bite.

This is where the newest technology within plant proteins and stabiliser systems can help brands capture consumer loyalty. Textured soy proteins, for instance, can simulate the distinctive bite of a traditional burger, chicken breast or beef jerky. They also enable the protein claim that many consumers look out for on packaging.

Beyond dairy alternativesCompared to meat alternatives, the market situation for plant-based beverages and yoghurt-style products is somewhat different. Here, consumers are already moving beyond dairy alternatives towards a category that celebrates the novel tastes and textures plant proteins can provide. As Global Datas 2019 survey of Australian consumers revealed, non-dairy drinks based on soy, oats, nuts and seeds are already widely accepted. Among them, oat-based product launches have the highest growth rate of all.

Oats are a familiar cereal known for their high nutritional quality and mild, nutty flavour with no off-notes. So they satisfy consumers health and taste criteria easily. But, for manufacturers, there are several technical challenges to solve when producing appealing and shelf-stable oat-based products, Lee says.

Resolving oat-based issuesOat-based coffee creamers are one example where the difficulty lies in delivering a delicious milk-like foam without protein separation when the creamer is mixed into hot coffee. Application trials at DuPont have shown that a combination of oat, soluble fibre and carob protein is a possible solution, resulting in a stable UHT beverage with a creamy mouthfeel and light oat flavour.

In yoghurt-style oat snacks, the right selection of starter, protective and probiotic cultures can optimise texture, delay spoilage and contribute to a healthy image. Label-friendly stabiliser blends and plant proteins add extra functionality.

Textural limitations and consumer demand for clean product labels may have restricted plant-based innovation in the past. With todays ingredient technology, however, manufacturers have many opportunities to spark consumer interest and keep it.

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Putting the pizazz in plant-based innovation - FOOD Magazine - Australia

Social media is a mecca for all things vegan. A quick Instagram search of the hashtag vegan will have you scrolling through a seemingly never-ending stream of news and tasty recipes.

From meat-free food bloggers to animal rights activists, if youre vegan,its highly likely youre already following some of the most popular plant-based influencers.

But if youre looking for more vegan inspiration on your feedhere are ten influencers you need to follow now.

Get ready to be inspired.

Instagram: @radhidevlukiaLocation: Los Angeles/LondonContent Focus:Plant-based food

Having amassed more than 840,000 Instagram followers, Radhi Devlukia is a prominent source for plant-based food inspiration. Born a vegetarian, Devlukia went vegan for the animals about ten years ago. I just dont feel another living creature should have to suffer for my want to indulge. There are so many things Nature provides us to nourish our bodies perfectly, she tells LIVEKINDLY. I truly believe we take in and digest the suffering that animal went through.

Devlukia studied nutrition and dietetics in college and enjoys sharing her love of food and Ayurvedic nutrition with her followers in the form of tasty vegan recipes.

She says: I once heard that knowledge is useless if it is not shared. And I really think anything we have that we are able to give or share with others that could help them, is part of our service for being here in this world!

Instagram: @genesisbutlerLocation: Long Beach, CaliforniaContent Focus: Animal and environmental activism

At the age of ten, animal rights advocate Genesis Butler became one of the youngest people to give a TEDx Talk with her speech on how veganism can heal the planet.

Vegetarian since the age of three, Butler, now 13, went vegan at the age of six after learning that milk comes from mother cows. Once I found out the milk from mother cows was given to humans instead of their babies, I told my mom I didnt want to consume dairy products, she tells LIVEKINDLY. I stopped eating animals a couple of years before that when I found out the meat I was eating came from animals. I went vegan for ethical reasons because I dont believe animals should be harmed for our food.

Butler has been given numerous awards for her animal advocacy. These include the Animal Hero Kids Sir Paul McCartney Young Veg Advocate award, PETAs Youth Activist of the Year, and the Lisa Shapiro Youth Activist award. She has also founded her own nonprofit, Genesis for the Animals. It works to raise money for animal sanctuaries around the world.

The sky is the limit for Butler. Currently a high school freshman, she plans to go to college to become a veterinarian so she can provide care to the animals in her sanctuary. My long term goal is to get as many people to go vegan as possible. Not only do the animals need us to go vegan but Mother Earth also needs as many people to go vegan as possible because animal agriculture is destroying our planet at a rapid rate, she says.

Instagram: @joey_carbstrongLocation: EnglandContent Focus: Vegan advocacy

With nearly 150,000 Instagram followers and more than 110,000 YouTube subscribers, Joey Carbstrong is a strong voice in the vegan world. He partakes in street outreach, vegan campaigns, and hosts debates with non-vegans about animal cruelty.

A former gang member, Carbstrong decided to turn his life around in 2013 after spending six months in prison. He became sober and went vegan, and in 2015, he uploaded his very first video to YouTube in the hopes of inspiring others to be more compassionate.

According to the influencer, his life in violent gangs helped him connect to the plight of animals. I know what its like to be both the victim of violence and the perpetrator. Ive suffered trauma from being on both sides of the fence, he tells LIVEKINDLY. Although I cant truly understand what its like to be a pig suffering in a factory farm, I have definitely led a life that can help me to empathise with them.

I want to change peoples mentality towards animals, he adds. I want people to recognise animals as conscious individuals that matter morally, and not just objects to be exploited for needless products.

Instagram: @vegan_as_fvckLocation: Montreal, Quebec, CanadaContent Focus: Vegan activism

Donny Oberoi is vegan AF. The activist and influencer ditched animal products three years ago for his health and has since become a pillar in the animal rights community. Going vegan started off as a health journey, he tells LIVEKINDLY. I learned more about the effects of animal agriculture on the animals, our planet, our health, our healthcare system, and on the world.

The Montreal-based entrepreneur built his own brand and social justice movementdubbed Vegan As Fvck. The purpose-driven social enterprise strives to shine a brighter light on the connection that we are one species living, breathing, and residing on this earth.

As part of the brand, Oberoi recently launched an apparel line. It carries everything from hoodies and sweatshirts to hats and even bandanas for dogsall for a good cause. Ten percent of all monthly sales go towards various human and animal rights organizations.

On a mission to eat *all* the vegan food, he also shares tasty vegan first bites on the Gram in hopes of enticing others to try eating plant-based.

My goal is to become known worldwide as an organization that promotes anti-oppression, anti-exploitation, inclusiveness, love, compassion, good health, and sustainability, he says. I want to make this world a better place for all living beings. My mission is to help save people, save the animals, and help save the planet and humanity.

Instagram: @princessoftheunicornsLocation: Los AngelesContent Focus: Vegan fitness

Vegan for nearly ten years, Izzi von KohlerAKA princess of the unicornsis a plant-based fitness guru. The personal trainer regularly shares healthy vegan dishes and workouts on her Instagram.

She decided to ditch meat and dairy as a personal challenge. I was very excited to start creating new recipes that were animal-free and was confident I would feel so much healthier going vegan, she tells LIVEKINDLY.

After spending years working in retail management and going through a difficult breakup, she decided to make a major lifestyle change. I took a look at myself in the mirror and said I want to feel strong, I want to feel more confident, and I want to wake up every day feeling motivated,' she explains. The next day I joined a gym, hired a trainer. A year later I quit my retail job and trained to become a trainer.

Next year, she will be working on a recipe ebook and offering coaching classes in-person and online. I want to create my own community that uplifts each other, she says.

Instagram: @whatsgoodbertoLocation:New York CityContent Focus: Vegan food

Vegan for six years, YouTube creator Berto Calkins is a personal trainer and is on his way to becoming a certified yoga instructor. He regularly shares delicious vegan eats on social media and is a mental health advocate.

Through his content, Calkins says he hopes to teach marginalized communities about the benefits of consuming a plant-based diet. Im mostly trying to reach more people that come from lower-income communities like myself with my vegan content, he tells LIVEKINDLY.

He adds: My long-term goal for my platform is to continue to connect with more people that could benefit from the content that I share especially those that have a similar background to me.

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Hey there! Today on Chez Jorge were making this human being. Sorry for the short notice but this recipe wont be vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based at all. Okay, jokes aside, I realized that I havent properly introduced myself yet! Until now youve only seen my (beautiful) hands and probably 3 centimeters up my wrist. So, Ive decided to jump in and say hi for a bit! For those of you who dont know me, this is what I look like . . About me: I am from Taipei, Taiwan and Im currently a freshman undergraduate student at UC Berkeley pursuing biology and engineering As an avid home-cook, food photographer, and restaurant reviewer, Im in love with all things food, and Im constantly on the lookout for new flavors and sensations. Outside of the kitchen, I also love trying new things and exploring the wonders that life gives. I can be crazy and reckless at times, while other times a bit shy and reserved. Some things I love to do are working out, golfing, reading, writing, watching Korean drama, listening to r&b, hip hop, mando-pop, looking at art, staring at the ceiling, having philosophical thoughts in the shower, and sitting cross-legged on the bottom of the pool submerged in water and thinking about what I should eat for brunch next Sunday. . . Okay I should stop joking before someone actually thinks Im weird. A little about Chez Jorge: Chez is a french word that means at the home of (someone). Thus, I founded Chez Jorge with the mission to teach more people to make others feel at home omnivores, vegetarians, meat eaters alike. Chez Jorge is not only a portal to connect different people through food, but for me to take pride in different heritages and continually challenge myself to improve and innovate in cooking. . . So today I thank you for visiting and following my page, and lets continue this journey together! Remember to keep loving and keep exploring =)

A post shared by George L. (@chez.jorge) on Jun 1, 2020 at 2:25pm PDT

Instagram: @chez.jorgeLocation:Taipei, Taiwan/Berkeley, CaliforniaContent Focus: Plant-based food (Asian cuisine)

This culinary master veganizes delicious Asian dishes like watermelon tuna sushi, tofu pad Thai, and veggie pan-fried buns. Yum!

Plant-based for nearly three months, George recently made the switch to veganism. As I explored plant-based cooking, I realized that vegan food is not limited to bland vegetables/salads/smoothie bowls as I previously believed, he tells LIVEKINDLY. I suppose my main motivation for converting to a plant-based lifestyle is because its simply much healthier and more sustainable.

Instagram: @byanygreensLocation:Washington, DCContent Focus: Vegan nutrition

Writer, speaker, and public health nutritionist extraordinaire Tracye McQuirter, MPH, has been vegan for more than three decades.

I went vegan after hearing a lecture by Civil Rights Movement icon Dick Gregory during my sophomore year at Amherst College in 1986, in which he talked about the cultural, political, economic, and social context around the plate of black America, and why we should become vegetarians, she explains to LIVEKINDLY.

The award-winning public health nutritionist recently launched the 10,000 Black Vegan Women movement to mark the tenth anniversary of her first book, By Any Greens Necessary. Its the first vegan diet book for Black women.

The campaign launched at the start of October. It includes an online 21-day program of cooking videos, meal plans, vegan recipes, nutrition tips, and more. Its helping 12,000 women and counting go vegan. I want to change the health paradigm of Black women so that we can take back control of our health and live healthier, happier, freer lives, she says.

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Today is World Farm Animals Day. . It is quite weird that some animals are referred to as what they are seen as by humans. I had the chance to spend my day at @lasstdietiereleben , an animal sanctuary farm in Germany that used to be a factory farm. On this farm, like other vegan animal sanctuary farms, animals are individuals, not commodities. . They are there to live their lives in peace, not be exploited by humans. They are there to be themselves, not get cut into pieces to be sold in a market. They are there to be who they are. They are not seen as beings that can help someone make money. The idea that we can reduce the life of another animal to how much money we can make out of them if we violate their basic moral rights is ludicrous. . It is time to move on, evolve, accept our mistakes as a society that sees other animals as stock. Or as they simply call it, livestock. It is time to give other animals the right to personhood. The right to their own lives. It is time to abolish speciesism. . Have you visited a vegan animal sanctuary? Which one(s)? Let me know in the comments below! . . . . . Photos by @marieheidi.photography . #animalsanctuary #worldfarmanimalsday #veganlife #cowsofinstagram #veganactivism #animalliberation

A post shared by SEB ALEX (@seb.alex) on Oct 2, 2020 at 3:11pm PDT

Instagram: @seb.alexLocation:LebanonContent Focus:Animal rights activism

Born and raised in Lebanon, Seb Alex is on a mission to teach the world about veganism. In 2013, after leaving a promising corporate job, he went vegan and became an animal advocate.

The main motivation that made me change my habits was understanding how we view other animals as unworthy of having basic rights and as a result, use excuses to exploit and hurt them for nothing but profit, convenience, and pleasure, he tells LIVEKINDLY.

Being exposed to injustices and discrimination throughout his life has made him a better advocate for all beings. I have taken a vow to speak up and defend in any way I can, anyone who is being discriminated against, he explains.

Instagram: @amysorannoLocation: Kelowna, BC, CanadaContent Focus: Animal advocacy

Amy Sorannowent vegan nearly six years ago after developing a complex chronic health issue. Now, she is an animal rights activist and investigator. My only regret is that I didnt go vegan (and become an activist) sooner, she tells LIVEKINDLY.

Through her platform, Soranno tries to help people form a connection with non-human animals. She also encourages vegans and plant-based eaters to get more active. I help them to recognize the significance of activism and encourage them to get involved. I also engage with other activists, both online and through workshops, addressing the importance of direct action, civil disobedience, and continuously reassessing the effectiveness of our work, she explains.

One of Sorannos most successful undercover investigations occurred at Excelsior Hog Farm in Abbotsford, BC. A video investigation of this farm was released by PETA in 2019. Soon after that, it became a major news story. It exposed both legal and illegal animal cruelty within the Canadian pig farming industry. Soranno later led Canadas first Meat The Victims action at the farm.

As a result of this investigation, Soranno and three other activists (Nick Schafer, Roy Sasano, and Geoff Regier) were charged with a combined 21 indictable offenses for exposing animal cruelty. This further proves the intense lack of transparency and accountability within animal agriculture. However, we hope that the exposure of this farm has encouraged people to go vegan. We also hope our legal case prompts much-needed legal change for animals, she says.

My goal is to end the injustice that exists in the exploitation of animals. I feel it is my lifes purpose to do whatever is necessary to make the biggest impact I can, and I have always felt a burning passion to help non-human animals, she adds.

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Get to Know the Vegan Superstars of Social Media - LIVEKINDLY

Photo: Lauren King / EyeEm (Getty Images)

Now that veganism has become pass, its time to pass to the next great frontier in fad eating: fruitarianism. Fruitarians are hard-core. They make vegans look like 1950s meat-and-potatoes lovers. Fruitarians eat only fruit. And also leaves and flowers. And sometimes nuts and seeds, depending on how strict they are. They do not eat anything cooked because cooking breaks down nutrients. They claim that this brings them greater energy and clarity of mind. Failed fruitarians claim that the diet made them feel bloated and hungry all the time. Dieticians of course warn against it because its unbalanced and low in protein.

But if you were going to be a fruitarian, theres probably no better place to do it than Hawaii, where fresh fruit grows all year round, and not just apples, bananas, and oranges. Now an entire fruitarian restaurant has opened in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Its the only fruitarian restaurant in the United States, as far as I can tell.

Papas Fast-Fruit Restaurant opened its doors last week, reports Big Island Now. Its owner, Kay Chi, said hes aware that these are perilous times to be opening a restaurant, especially a restaurant that serves a very particular niche, but he has faith that business will pick up.

Chi is not currently a fruitarian himself, just a vegan, but he plans to start ramping up to full fruitarianism soon. [The restaurant] is as much for my own health as it is for the fruitarian community, he told Big Island Now.

The restaurant serves only bowls. Customers have their choice of fruit (orange, papaya, green papaya, starfruit, and avocado) and zest (moringa, cacao, papaya seed, ginger, and Hawaiian chili pepper), with the option to add extra toppings, such as coconut. Prices range from $6.25 for the 16-ounce Keiki Bowl to $50 for the 128-ounce Ohana Bowl.

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Does this sound like fruit salad to you? Yes, it is. But a diet of only raw fruit doesnt leave many options.

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There is now a fruitarian restaurant in Hawaii - The Takeout

Total red meat and poultry consumption is at a record high according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of consumers are opting to become part-time vegetarians otherwise known as flexitarians. This means theyre eating less meat and aiming to consciously enjoy meat-free days. Its proving to be a healthy compromise between being a full-time carnivore or a vegetarian, and its fuelling the drive for companies to produce an improved range of vegan and vegetarian offerings. Its important to note that not all plant-based food is vegan. Occasionally plant-based foods can contain ingredients sourced from animals.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of health and wellbeing, an increasing drive to save the planet from the climate crisis is driving the desire to eat less meat. As the worlds population explodes, plants are thought to be a healthier and more efficient way of feeding the masses. From start-ups to publicly listed giants cashing in on the trend, here are a few companies worth watching in this space.

According to anonymous sources, San Francisco-based Eat Just Inc (not to be confused with Londons Just Eat Takeaway.Com (LSE:JET), has indicated its intentions to go public. However, it hopes to first turn a profit, before listing in an initial public offering (IPO). Its a high-growth company operating in the veganism sector, with a focus on plant-based eggs. The company was last valued at $1.2 billion but is now looking towards a $2 billion valuation at IPO. Altogether Eat Just has already raised more than $300 million in private funding. Its now reportedly in private talks to raise another $200 million.

Eat Just is a food technology company working with rural farmers, Michelin-starred chefs, and leading scientists to develop sustainable alternatives to traditional foods. Its Just Egg range has been doing a roaring trade and by August had sold the equivalent of over 50 million eggs. Basically, an egg-substitute, its products are made from mung beans, also known as the green gram, maash, or moong. Its a plant species in the legume family commonly used in many Asian and Indian dishes. Mung beans are high in nutrients, protein and antioxidants and are considered a very healthy ingredient.

The company also makes eggless mayonnaise and is working on a sustainable meat development. This is a tech-heavy process developing cultured Wagyu (Japanese beef) using cells from Toriyama prized cows. Eat Just is looking to expand and intends to build its first plant protein facility in Singapore. It will operate the facility when complete and intends to get it up and running using funds from an investment group led by Proterra Investment Partners Asia Pte.

Possibly the most well-known plant-based company in the US, Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) is doing a roaring trade and enjoying mass market success. Beyond Meat listed on the NASDAQ in May 2019 and its share price has been on a roller-coaster ride. By July 2019 it had gained 240% but its now 32% lower than that high. Year-to-date it has gained 97% but its been a volatile trip.

Beyond Meat has brought out an impressive range of plant-based meals that look convincingly close to the real thing. Its signature dish Beyond Burger looks has the texture of beef but without genetically modified organisms (GMOs), soy, or gluten. Its extensive range also includes sausages, minced beef and meatballs, which can all be found in major and independent grocery stores.

Ingredion (NYSE: INGR) makes leading ingredients in use all around the world. This includes a variety of proteins from peas, lentils and beans. These are then used to develop:

Plant-based meats

Plant-based dairy products

Nutrition & energy bars

Better-for-you baked goods and snacks

Powdered and RTD beverages

In close discussion with its customers Ingredion develops value-added ingredient solutions using grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials. Its third quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2020, are due for release on Monday, November 2.

Bunge (NYSE: BG) is an agricultural business vertically integrated with supplying plant-based ingredients. It sells grains, oilseeds and sugar and operates milling facilities to produce its own milled wheat, corn and rice products, while also producing oils from soy, canola, sunflower seeds and rapeseed. Last year it teamed up with oil major BP (NYSE:BP | LSE:BP |LON:BP) to extend its bioenergy business. It recently released strong Q3 results, driven by improvements in edible oils and exceptional agribusiness performance.

Hain Celestial Group (NASDAQ: HAIN) has been following a path to health and wellness since 1993. With an international presence spanning the globe, its success is owed to its wide-ranging selection of plant-based products suited to a variety of lifestyle reasons. Its Dream range includes dairy-free alternatives such as soy ice cream, yogurts and chocolate. It also sells personal care products.

Supermarket shelves are filling up with a variety of plant-based and vegan product lines, and big brands are not missing out on the action. Nestle (SWX: NESN) purchased plant-based food producer Sweet Earth, while consumer goods giant Unilever (LON: ULVR) has boosted its offering after purchasing organic herbal tea company Pukka Herbs.

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) has also ventured into the plant-based scene with its range of dairy-free smoothies packed with vitamins, seeds, and fruit juices. Its international range of juice, dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, Innocent, Del Valle, Fairlife and AdeS.

A 2018 Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) documentary called The Game Changers, highlighted the health benefits of cutting out meat. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lewis Hamilton and James Wilks all featured in the show and some footage gave its audience valid reasons to turn vegan. However, its validity has been questioned and as much as there are undoubtedly health and climate benefits to cutting out meat, the rise of processed alternatives may not be the answer to a healthier population.

That may be so, but the rise of veganism and plant-based alternatives is here to stay. The US industry was estimated to be worth a colossal $5 billion in March 2020, according to SPINS retail sales data, which also shows that grocery sales of plant-based foods replacing animal products, have grown 29% in the past two years.

In another analysis, Innova Market Insights revealed its annual Top Ten Trends report for 2021. With transparency in first place, this includes clean labelling in plant-based nutrition. In second place, plant-based trends move mainstream and demand is accelerating for increasingly sophisticated meat alternatives, including lab-grown foods. Overall, Innova sees plant-based eating moving from trend to food revolution status.

The key to building a successful business in this increasingly competitive sector is producing the tastiest, healthiest, and most sustainable range of food choices around. Billions of dollars are pouring into the industry, and it looks a promising sector to be investing in too.

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Mainstream Veganism and the rise of the flexitarian! - Value The Markets

Going vegan is increasingly popular - but it isn't just about what you're eating.

The plant-based life can leave you with a lot to think about, from the everyday items manufactured with animal derivatives to the clothes in your wardrobe - and even hobbies.

Global crafting platform LoveCrafts.com has reported a rise in the number of people searching for vegan-friendly craft materials, including yarn made from banana trees and bamboo.

Fran Theobalds, senior buyer at LoveCrafts, said: "With veganism on the rise, weve seen an increase in makers searching for vegan-friendly craft materials.

"Theres a lot of genuine surprise there are so many plant-based yarns to choose from, and knitting isnt just about wool! Veganuary is the perfect time for people to experiment with new materials, without giving up the things they enjoy."

LoveCrafts.com has researched the vegan-friendly items that might surprise you - and the food, clothing, crafting and beauty items people wrongly assume are suitable for vegans.

Certain packs of chicken or beef flavoured noodles dont contain any meat products and are vegan-friendly - just check the label.

While most chocolate contains dairy ingredients, most cacao powder can be enjoyed dairy-free by mixing it with non-dairy milks.

While some yarn is made from animal fibres - sheeps wool, alpaca and mohair for example, there are plenty of plant-based options, including cotton, bamboo and banana tree husks. LoveCrafts has compiled a roundup of the best plant-based yarns available.

Meat flavoured crisps such as smoky bacon and roast chicken, often just contain flavourings which resemble meat and do not contain any animal products.

It may sound like these crackers feature dairy products, but they are actually vegan friendly.

Most crumpets do not contain any dairy or egg products, and use basic ingredients such as flour, yeast and sugar.

Despite looking like they have a creamy centre, Oreo biscuits do not contain any dairy products and are completely vegan, great for vegan baking!

Due to its common pairing with meat dishes, Bisto is often presumed to be non-vegan - however even the original Bisto doesnt contain any animal products

If youre making fresh pasta, eggs are often used in the recipe, however the majority of shop-bought pastas are completely suitable for vegans.

While denim itself is vegan friendly, the patch on the back of a pair can sometimes be made from real leather.

Some common tattoo inks still use ingredients derived from animals such as bone char or glycerine. Stencil paper can also be made from lanolin, which is derived from sheeps wool.

While vegan-friendly paint is available, the capsule that contains the paint is commonly made using gelatine.

Some consider figs as non-vegan due to the fact when female pollinator wasps lay their eggs inside a fig flower, the process kills the wasp and the fig digests it.

While some of the bigger brands have now switched to vegan friendly production, a lot of beer and wine is still produced using animal products such as isinglass (fish bladders).

Major producers including Guinness, Budweiser and Heineken have now begun switching to vegan-friendly methods of production.

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Nine surprising vegan items for Veganuary - and the unexpected things vegans need to avoid - Leicestershire Live - Leicestershire Live

If you are someone who likes to be labelled as a vegan or a plant based diet consumer, there are a few differences you should know before switching between these two diets. Follow this simple guide to learn the key differences between a vegan diet and a plant based diet.

Are you planning to turn vegan? With plenty of people across the world choosing to turn to veganism and stick to the greens to reduce the impact of climate change or for various other reasons, theres a surge of vegan diet foods. However, very few people are aware of what all is included in the diet and how to consume it.

Before switching to a plant based diet or a vegan diet, we are here to tell you about the key differences between the two terms and talk about their impact.

What is a vegan diet?

Being vegan refers to choosing the animal-free lifestyle wherein you avoid any meat consumption in order to support animal cruelty. While it may differ from person to person, mostly the reason behind turning vegan is to reduce the harsh impact on animals through your personal choices. This means there are no animal products in a vegan diet. People who call themselves as vegans avoid dairy products, seafood, meat, eggs and more.

Foods excluded in a vegan diet

Meat, seafood, dairy products, and eggs are excluded in a vegan diet.

Foods included in a vegan diet

Oils, highly processed foods, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

What is a plant based diet?

People who follow a plant based diet strictly eat a diet that focuses more on plant foods. It comprises of wholesome plant foods that are mostly organically grown or minimally processed. However, they might include certain animal foods like eggs and honey, unlike vegans.

Plant based diets have recently gained popularity after many people wanting to reduce the consumption of animals in their diet or junk food. Plant based diet is a more flexible approach towards turning environmental friendly or reducing their carbon impact on the planet as they dont completely cut off from certain animal products in their diet. Mostly, for someone consuming a plant based, their personal overall health is the biggest motivator. Being a vegan is a committed lifestyle decision whereas, following a plant based diet is more of an individualistic approach for your own personal gain.

Foods included in a plant based diet

Whole grains, fruits and green vegetables. They might include certain animal products like eggs and dairy products.

Foods excluded in a plant based diet

Meat and poultry and seafood.

Also Read:World Vegan Day 2020: How can turning Vegan save our environment?

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THESE are the 5 differences between a vegan diet and a plant based diet - PINKVILLA

Co-operative spirit in the world of farming is best says The Clare Echo farming columnist Joe Melody who also hit out at the basis for arguments in favour of veganism.

How are you going to get those cows down into that slatted tank JJ, that was the retort to my father showing an official from the planning office the plan for his new slatted shed in the 1980s. This official believed the cattle would reside in the tank not over it. Common sense is not so common seemingly. This a classic case of bureaucratic Ireland meets rural Ireland.

As I travel around the county, I pass many great farms being farmed by people who through knowledge passed from generation to generation as well as the use of modern best agricultural practice have endured and continue to thrive in harmony with nature. These men and women are the custodians of our environment and understand it best. However in recent years, the reprehensible act of virtue signalling by elites has become more prevalent.

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has been telling the world that we need to go Vegan for the sake of our planet. What background does this finger wagging relic of Irelands political class have in farming or the environment? Her areas of competency are with the legal and political fields. I would not expect her to understand the intricacies of food production and land management just as I would not be expected to understand the complexities of constitutional law. In this case my sense is she is able to articulate a flawed idea best of how to counter climate change and as the old saying goes, The world belongs to the articulate.

The internet has created huge opportunities and I am seeing that at home on the farm where my brother Frank has seen unprecedented demand for his pasture raised eggs that he has promoted online through his Instagram and Facebook pages. This demand is the silent majority countering the propaganda that is being spouted through various media such as Netflix where shows such as Game Changers and Cowspiracy set the false narrative that cows are to blame for everything from environmental woes to bad health.

There is vested interests behind these documentaries with many being large shareholders in vegan food companies. Common sense will prevail with most people as the choice between a food raised on lush pasture versus a processed vegan food grown in a test tube should be an easy one to make.

Were well and truly into the winter routine here at home currently with the milking cows settled on their diet of silage and 3kg of dairy nuts, we have now moved to once-a-day milking to reduce labour and to maintain cow body condition. This silage was made on the 27th of May and has turned out very well. The rest of the stock are still at grass but we will watch this situation very closely if conditions deteriorate with all this rainfall.

We are selling the last of our cattle for the year through our local Sixmilebridge mart. Most of these cattle are forward stores mainly dairy cross but also some Charolais cattle. This mart is a huge asset to the area, this is the cooperative model at its very best. As farmers we have to remember that it is the cooperative spirit that enjoys the better harvest.

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ON THE FARM: Veganism arguments are flawed The Clare Echo News - The Clare Echo

A family that eats together, stays together. This was my grandfathers favourite maxim. But mealtimes can be tense affairs in joint families. The latest cause of unrest in mine is my sisters decision to go vegan. Each course is punctuated by arguments for and against her choice to shun milk and meat. My sister belongs to a growing community of people who believe that they have chosen a lifestyle that is pro-environment. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the livestock industry generates nearly one-fifth of human-made greenhouse gas emissions. Yet piety isnt synonymous with veganism; vegans seem to share problematic traits of food shaming and evangelism, the markers of Indias vigilante groups.

This militant strain in Indian veganism may have been passed on from the West. The resultant myopia has led to the cult of vegans ignoring local context that must be factored into debates on meat production practices, consumption and, most fundamentally, personal choice. When shrill vegans speak of animal cruelty, the image that they usually have in mind is that of industrialized meat production that often takes place under stressful conditions in countries where per capita consumption of meat is higher than that of India. But context, as they say, is the key. Thekochi panthathat floats in a bowl of caramelized gravy of the Sunday lunch has probably grazed on the savannah grasslands of Rajasthan home to 21.5 million goats, about 14 per cent of Indias total goat population. Livestock farming need not be in conflict with local ecology: Rajasthans cattleheads are integral to the survival of the endangered Indian grey wolf. In Rajasthan, people are turning increasingly to animal husbandry in the face of reversals in agriculture. This interconnectedness among landscapes, species, communities, production and food often remains elusive to the raging vegans sensibilities.

The vegan may respond by waving the ethical avocado. Grown in large quantities in Mexico and Chile, where industrialized production of this plant has wiped out indigenous species and damaged biodiversity, this conscientious fruit has travelled great distances to grace the vegan plate. Given the energy-intensive, temperature-controlled storage and shipping, not to mention the waste generated from packaging, a locally-madekeema pavis likely to have a lighter carbon footprint than the avo-toast.

What must also be kept in mind is that the primary drivers of climate change and the resultant disintegration of natural systems are economies that worship infinite growth, a system where exploitation of resources is proportional to economic growth. Do dear vegans know that producers of soya and almond milk delicacies in the meat-hating universe are complicit in this kind of avarice? Unilever, one of the biggest consumer goods firms in the United Kingdom, wants to increase its annual sales of plant-based meat and dairy products five-fold within the next seven years. It has its eye on pocketing an estimated one billion euros by 2027 but not on the deep carbon footprints of almond and soya milk that are popular products in Unilevers vegan ice creams. Over 80 per cent of the worlds almonds are grown in California, which has battled severe drought for most of this decade. Yet 6,098 litres of water are being poured to produce just a litre of almond milk. Another vegan favourite, soya, is a serious history-sheeter. Over the past two decades, 300 million hectares of tropical forests have been felled globally to sustain soya cultivation.

The politics of food is already a fraught one in India: what one eats can spell the difference between life and death quite literally. The line separating religious bigotry against meat-eaters and the ethical vilification of consumers of animal products seems to be blurring.

Making personal lifestyle choices to reduce ones carbon footprint is laudable. But to do so with unshakeable faith in the moral superiority of that choice is unwarranted. The consumption of meat and vegan products raise difficult questions that need to be addressed.

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Digest this: without milk and meat - Telegraph India

HappyCowan online platform that helps people find vegan and vegetarian restaurantshas partnered with car manufacturer Toyota to integrate its restaurant guide into the Destination Assist feature on select 2020 and newer Toyota and Lexus models. The feature is available in almost two million vehicles in the United States. Car owners press the Destination button on the navigation menu to be connected to a live representative and mention that theyre looking for a vegan or vegetarian restaurant and HappyCow will be used to direct the driver to restaurants near them. The service can help drivers narrow down their choices based on proximity to their vehicle or type of cuisines and then remotely send the destination to their vehicles navigation system. Destination Assist is offered as a free trial for the first year of a new Toyota purchase or lease and for three years for a new Lexus purchase or lease.

We are excited about being part of Toyota Connecteds Destination Assist, which allows owners of select 2020 Toyota/Lexus models to speak to live representatives who have been trained to use HappyCow, Ken Spector, HappyCow Principal, told VegNews. [This] helps users to navigate to vegan food restaurants and other vegan options throughout the US.

Toyota contacted HappyCow for this partnership because of the rise in popularity of veganism and the car company wanted to make it easier for drivers to find vegan options. While the service is currently only available in the US, HappyCow is exploring its feasibility in other global markets.

Pleasesupportindependent veganmediaandgettheverybest innews,recipes,travel,beauty,products, andmore.Subscribe now to the worlds #1 plant-based magazine!

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New Toyota and Lexus Models Will Help You Find Vegan Food with Built-In HappyCow Navigation Feature - VegNews

Around the world, people are eating more meat-free and vegan food than ever before.

But vegan food is not just a modern invention, and meat-free diets are not dependent on cutting-edge alternatives. Some anthropologists believe that early humans mostly gathered and ate plants. They supplemented a primarily plant-based diet with occasional animal protein and meat. Studies on the Paleolithic or Stone Age diet reveal that early humans collected up to 55 different types of plants to eat and relied heavily on vegetarian foods for nutrition and survival.

Prior to the foundation of The Vegetarian Society (VegSoc) in 1847, the word vegetarian itself was not widely used. It was not until the 1960s that a meat-free diet became popular in the U.S. and UK. But meat-free diets were and are present in a variety of forms in different countries around the world prior to this.

The history of plant-based food does not belong to Western countries. And in some regions, plant-based food has been present for thousands of years. Each nation has its own unique version of a meat-free diet, with its own history, influences, go-to ingredients, and delicious national dishes.

Many followers of Ancient Dharmic traditions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, along with some followers of Abrahamic religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, adhere to a meat-free lifestyle as part of their religious doctrine. Because of this, the history and development of religions frequently shaped national attitudes to meat consumption.

Vegan cuisine and vegetarian culture are found in many countries around the world. It is frequently deeply rooted in tradition, religious beliefs, and cultural landmarks. More than a modern trend, a Western lifestyle, or a youthful fad, following a plant-based lifestyle can be a deeply personal choice with myriad complex connotations.

The following countries have either a history of veganism and meat-free foods, an ongoing plant-based movement, or an up-and-coming vegan demographic.

The earliest record of vegetarianism dates back to 5th Century BCE India. The ancient religion of Jainism promotes a meat-free diet. Jain vegetarianism is one of the most strict and rigorous religiously motivated diets on the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism and Buddhism also incorporate a vegetarian diet and originate in approximately 1500 BC and the 5th century, respectively.

In Indian culture, the practice of nonviolence, or ahis, has informed meat-free living. It is present in Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The idea that all living beings, including animals, have a spark of divine energy in them inspires the concept of ahis. According to Jainism, the universality of divine energy means that to hurt others is to hurt oneself.

According to government surveys, approximately 23-37 percent of the Indian population is vegetarian today. However, some experts believe that cultural and societal pressure may lead to the under-reporting of meat consumption.

Research from India-based economist Suraj Jacob and U.S.-based anthropologist Balmurli Natrajan indicates that just 20 percent of the Indian population is actually vegetariana much lower percentage than government data would suggest.

Some people associate vegetarianism with social conservatism and restrictive, religious tradition. While eating meat can be seen as liberal and modern. But as national attitudes towards meat and animal products fluctuate, there is also an increased demand for modern vegan products.

Experts hypothesize that an increase in the use of social media has led to more awareness of the ethical and sustainability issues surrounding meat. As in other countries, this awareness can be found primarily in young people.

According to ABC, approximately 50 million Chinese people follow a vegetarian diet todayless than four percent of the total population. But plant-based foods are still an integral part of the national cuisine, including both tofuwhich has been consumed in China for more than 2,000 yearsand vegetarian meat.

According to the online tour operator China Highlights, the majority of Chinese vegetarians are meat-free because of their religious beliefs. Approximately half of the worlds Buddhists live in China, making up around 18 percent of the total population. Buddhists monks and nuns, in particular, tend to follow a strict vegetarian diet. They frequently exclude animal products such as eggs and dairy, too.

Buddhism, in general, has had a significant impact on Chinese cuisine. It has also informed regional dishes from other East Asian countries such as Korea, Cambodia, and Thailand. In China, the number of Buddhist, vegetarian restaurants has increased year-on-year. The vegetarian meat industry is still growingpartly thanks to the Buddhist population.

In 2019, Shanghai held its first plant-based meat festival, including both domestic and foreign producers and products. According to the plant-based advocacy group the Good Food Institute (GFI), the plant-based meat market in China has grown by 14.3 percent per year since 2014.

Beyond Meat recently opened a major production facility in China, while Green Mondays OmniPork is available at Aldi supermarkets nationwide. Experts estimate that the Chinese vegan food market could be worth nearly $12 billion USD by the year 2023.

Plant-based foods are an integral part of Japanese cuisine, too. While being fully vegan can be a challenge in some regions, meat-free staples such as tofu play a key role within Japans food-centered culture. In the Japanese archipelago of Okinawa, plant-based foods make up the vast majority of the traditional diet. Though as an island country, Japans national and regional cuisine historically includes a significant amount of seafood and fish.

With the introduction of Buddhism to Japan around the 6th Century, eating meat became taboo due to the First and Fifth Moral Precepts; the prohibition of the killing of animals, and the classification of meat as a bodily toxin. The Five Moral precepts are central to many Buddhists moral philosophy, and the staple diet of Buddhist monksShojin Ryoriis vegan by default.

Because of veganisms association with strict religious scripture, it didnt catch on as a trend or lifestyle in the same way it has in other countries. But today, most major cities and towns offer vegan options, and there are frequently vegetarian restaurants near to Buddhist temples.

In December 2019, a fully vegan supermarket opened near Asakusa Station in Tokyo. While the plant-based meat market continues to grow. According to the Japanese Tourism Agency, approximately four percent of Japan is vegetarian.

Popular national dishes such as fermented soybeans, or natto, are naturally plant-based and particularly healthy. Fermented soy is high in protein and contains vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Other foods and ingredients, including miso, soba, and udon noodles, umeboshi, vegetarian ramen, and even the glutinous rice-based dessert, mochi, are frequently vegan-friendly.

Vegetarianism has a long history, and Ancient Greek philosophy includes explicit references to animal advocacy. Before the word vegetarian was popularized, living without meat was often described as the Pythagorean Diet.

Pythagoras, a philosopher and mathematician, believed a vegetarian diet was healthy for both body and mind.

Pythagoras also believe that all living beingsincluding animalshad souls and could experience suffering. Because of this, and because he believed that a vegetarian diet was optimal for humans, Pythagoras claimed that eating animals was unnecessary, and therefore indefensible. Many of his followers, Pythagoreans, also followed a meat-free vegetarian diet.

In more recent years, and as meat consumption increased overall in Greece, it remained a primarily luxury item reserved for the wealthy. This was largely due to the prohibitive cost of raising animals for food. Instead, fruit, vegetables, and other nutritious foods made up the bulk of the traditional Greek diet, much as they do now.

Many nutrition and health experts highlight the Mediterranean diet as one of the healthiest. It primarily emphasizes plant-foods alongside small quantities of animal products, particularly fresh fish and seafood. Globally, meat remains a luxury item for many rural and low-income communities.

The Greek population that follows a strict plant-based diet are those between the ages of 18 to 24, a trend mirrored in millennial and younger demographics around the world.

Jamaica is the birthplace of Rastafari, a religious and social movement that has since spread around the world. Most followers of Rastafarianism follow dietary restrictions outlined in the biblical Book of Leviticus, avoiding both crustaceans and pork.

But many Rastas follow entirely vegetarian or vegan diets, also based on Leviticus, along with the influence of Indian dishes on the national cuisine. Much like the religious diets of Jains, Hindus, and Buddhists, some consider Rastafarian Ital as a proto-vegan diet.

The Rastafarian dietknown as Ital, derived from vitalemphasizes natural, frequently local, and organically produced foods. To a certain extent, Rastas have also commercialized the ital diet. Dishes, drinks, and smoothies prepared to Ital specifications are widely available.

Overall, followers of Ital believe it increases liveliness and life energy. Traditional Jamaican Ital dishes include one-pot stews incorporating local, seasonal produce. Thanks to the tropical climate, fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and Jamaican cuisine, in general, reflects this.

In recent years, Israel has secured its place as the leading vegan country in the world. Vegans now make up more than five percent of the population. Tel Aviv, in particular, features world-renowned vegan restaurants. More than 400 restaurants in the populous city are widely considered to be vegan-friendly.

Some Israeli vegan advocates note that for those who keep kosher, checking ingredients and thinking about what you eat, in general, is familiar. Eating from the land, both seasonally and locally, is at the heart of Israels national cuisine.

Much of Israels traditional dishes emphasize fresh vegetables, fruit, and pulses. And dishes such as couscous, houmous, falafel, aubergine-based baba ganoush, and stuffed vine leavesor domaare all frequently cited as vegetarian staples.

In Dimona, Israel, the all-vegan Village of Peace has been eating plant-based food for the last 50 years. Located in the Neve Shalom compound, the Village of Peace is home to a religious community called the African Israelites of Jerusalem. While not Jewish, the members consider themselves the spiritual descendants of ancient Israelites.

The group helped to popularise vegan food nationally. They even opened their own factory to produce soy milk, tofu, and other staples at a time when alternatives were unavailable. This factory supplied the cheese used in Dominos first-ever vegan pizza trial back in 2015exclusively in Israel.

Interest in vegetarianism and veganism has doubled in the last decade, and plant-based food is now more mainstream than ever.

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The History of Veganism Around the World - LIVEKINDLY

World Vegan Day 2020: World Vegan Day is celebrated on 1 November across the world to encourage people to follow a vegan lifestyle. Many prominent vegans believe vegan food benefits human health, protect the well-being of animals, and also helps in protecting the environment.

Donald Watson on 1 November 1944 called a meeting of 5 people to discuss the non-dairy vegetarian diets. They established a new movement known as the vegan lifestyle to focus and promote the lifestyle of vegans and their importance. Over the years, they clarified the definition of their vegan diet and it became a charity in 1979. Since then, World Vegan Day has been celebrated.

Nowadays, Veganism is becoming popular. Vegan people choose not to consume dairy products including eggs and other products of animal origin. Also like vegetarians, they dont eat meat. It is said that the vegan term is chosen by combining the first and last letters of vegetarian. In other words, we can say that veganism is a way of living life in which they exclude all forms of animal products, avoid exploitation of animals and cruelty whether it be for food, clothing or for any other purpose.

Vegetarians dont eat eggs, meats, etc. while vegans avoid eating all dairy products and other animal products like eggs, gelatin and honey. You will be amazed to know that vegans, in fact, dont use soaps, clothes, beauty products which consist of animal products.

So, we can say that living like a vegetarian is easy as they can consume some animal products that are an important source of nutrients, protein, vitamins, etc. But vegans usually dont eat them and have to find out an alternative for it.

We cant ignore the fact that being a vegan, chances of developing diseases will reduce like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancers, diabetes, etc.

People celebrate November month as a Vegan month. Invite people for vegan lunch or a vegan dinner. Share favourite vegan recipes on social media and challenge friends, family members or colleagues to go for a vegan diet for 30 days.

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World Vegan Day 2020: Date, history, celebrations and all you need to know - Newsd.in

This year will be remembered as one in which we all faced significant challenges and opportunities, but despite the turbulence, the vegan food and drink industry has once again come out thriving.

Kantar Worldpanel found that tofu sales in the UK increased 81.7% between April and June 2020, and in the same timeframe, sales of vegan mince and vegan burgers shot up 50.1% and 37% respectively.

Whilst we recognise that booming sales figures are a great indicator of increasing popularity, behind the scenes, we continue to face difficulties in defending vegan consumer rights and issues. One of which is the complexity surrounding vegan food and drink labelling.

We are very proud to say that the term vegan was coined in 1944 by The Vegan Societys founders. As such, history unites the terminology with our organisations identity and gives us unique authority in defending its use. The creation of the term, and our official definition, has been pivotal in creating the vegan movement that thrives today.

The British Dietetic Association defines a plant-based diet as based on foods derived from plants, including vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits, with few or no animal products. Of course, this is looking at diets, rather than specific products. The Cambridge Dictionary states the definition as consisting or made entirely of plants, or mainly of plants. From these two definitions alone, there is ambiguity around the presence of animal products. To make matters more confusing, published research states that a plant-based diet excludes all animal products.

So which definition is correct? With veganism on the rise year by year, and vegan food manufacturers increasingly using plant-based to describe their products, it is becoming ever more essential to protect vegan consumers. Its also vital to ensure that food labelling is clear enough to allow people to live without compromising their ethical beliefs.

Asthe national standards body of the United Kingdom, TheBritish Standards Institution(BSI)developsvarious standards includingPublicly Available Specifications (PAS)fast-track standardisation documentsrelating to variousindustriesand consumer products.Over the last 12 months, the Society has been able to feed intoone such PASaimedatclarifyingrecommendations about the composition and characteristics of plant-based foods.

Within this document, the BSI stated that plant-based foods may be understood to occupy a position between vegan and vegetarian and that foods labelled as plant-based could contain limited amounts of egg and milk products. They stated: Plant-based foods: should not contain any ingredient derived from slaughtered or dead animals; and should contain a maximum of 5% ingredients in the final product that are animal-derived.

Centringtransparencyfor all consumers,the Society hasmaintained the distinction betweenthecurrentconsumer perception ofaplant-basedfoodanda plant-baseddietandhighlightedthe challenges faced by vegans withthe termplant-basedandvegancurrently being usedinterchangeablyby big brands.

In the public consultation to this PAS, we commented that The Vegan Society supports transparency for consumers via product labelling. After considering feedback from our supporters we strongly believe that a product labelled as Plant-Based would be considered by most vegans to be free from animal-derived ingredients. As a term closely linked with veganism, we would, therefore, only support a Plant-Based PAS which observed a completely free from animal-derived ingredients standard.

To find out what the public thought of this issue, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people across Great Britain[1].

Our results found that:

We also looked at which of the two terms vegan and plant-based the public preferred, and found that:

From the feedback from our supporters and our research with the public, it is clear that the consensus is: if a product is labelled plant-based, then it is considered vegan. Additionally, although plant-based has risen in popularity, the term vegan still wins as the preferred term. Although our research did not ask why respondents preferred this, we believe it comes down to this: consumers want clear and precise labelling so that they can make quick and informed decisions. Thanks to our founders, the term vegan does just this.

Our work with BSI and theplant-basedPAS is coming to a close, andwe hope the final document will reflect the current perceptions of consumers protecting them from misunderstanding product labelling terminology and helping them find products that suit their diet andlifestyle.

The Vegan Society will continue to use the term vegan where we mean vegan. However, there are times where we may use the term plant-based when working with professions who are using it in their work. The scope of this includes health professionals, campaigns and policy work, market insights, and so on. Language is an important tool for connecting with broad issues and finding common ground, which are essential aspects to progress the vegan movement.

Louisianna Waring, Insight and Commercial Policy Officer

Louisianna is the Insight and Commercial Policy Officer at The Vegan Society. She leads on policy issues that affect vegan businesses and researches the latest trends, consumer insights and market data on veganism.

[1] Attest consumer survey for The Vegan Society (Food labelling) of 1,000 GB adults conducted 2-3 September 2020

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The Vegan Society's Stance on the 'Vegan' Vs. 'Plant-based' Debate - vegconomist - the vegan business magazine

GlobalVegan Pasta Market: Overview

The global vegan pasta market is set to chart a robust growth rate over the forecast period of 2019 to 2027. Transparency Market Research notes that a number of new avenues would present themselves over this period, and players would try to leverage these along with B2C sales channels. A major focus of players in the market would be to tap into specialty stores for expansion purposes.

It is also quite pertinent to note here that the trajectory will take a higher curve over the forecast period owing to a number of prominent factors. One of the most significant one is increase in number of people moving away from animal-based products.

The global vegan pasta market is witnessing a number of notable developments in its vendor landscape, which is both fragmented and competitive. Players take several measures to grow and this is also contributing to growth in the market.

Some of the most commonly used strategies to lay claim to a notable market share include a mix of organic and inorganic moves such as key alliances and product development. Technology advancement, innovation, and product portfolio diversification are quite significant in the global vegan pasta market. Better products with healthier ingredients are hitting the market every now and then.

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The global vegan pasta market is growing steadily at the back of numerous growth factors. A glimpse into the same is outline below:

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Regions that are anticipated to chart an impressive growth over the forecast period stated above are Europe and North America. It is quite pertinent to note here that despite being meat eating nations traditionally, the number of people opting for vegetarianism and veganism is huge and growing each year. In the United Kingdom, a pre-dominantly meat-eating country, about 150,000 people called claimed themselves to be vegan in the year 2014 and about 600,000 people claimed to be vegans in the year 2019. This comes to about 1.16% of the population in the country. A similar scenario is also noted in the United States of America. Asia-Pacific will lead market players to new and lucrative growth opportunities.

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Vegan Pasta Market- Growth Status And Industry Size Forecast, Industry Share, Business Statistics, Future Scope, Regional Segmentation - The Think...

The worldwidemarket for vegan cheeseis anticipated to proceed with its sturdy development because of the developing trend of veganism, combined with the expanding customer awareness about the medical advantages related with cholesterol-free vegetarian cheese utilization. The worldwide market is anticipated to record a CAGR ofXX% amid the figured time frame 2018-2028,

ThisPress Release will help you to understand the Volume, growth with Impacting Trends. Click HERE To get SAMPLE PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) @https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/12581

The market for vegan cheese is likely to proceed with its leading run as a requirement for plant-based products keeps on rising. Developing lactose intolerance predominance is turning into an imperative factor that is driving the development of this market.

Veganism that was once considered as a fashion that will go by is beginning to run standard with millennial fuelling the trend. Developing concerns regarding animal welfare and expanded awareness with respect to the maintainability offered by the vegetarian food sector are the foremost aspects helping the advancement of veganism. Besides, expanding concerns about health problems relating to the utilization of dairy products is further impacting buyers to opt for vegetarian items.

Vegan products endorsement and the presentation of various new chains by sports personalities and celebrities are further causing an expansion in the requirement for vegetarian products around the globe. To benefit from the developing need for vegan cheese, foremost fast food companies, for example, MacDonalds and Dominos have just begun serving vegan pizzas, burgers, and other vegan inexpensive food items. Further, an expanding number of retail and grocery stores are starting to sell distinctive assortments of vegan cheese.

Based on the product type, the worldwide market is segmented as mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, cheddar, and cream cheese. In terms of the product form, the worldwide market is segmented as shreds, wedges and blocks, and slices. By end-use industry, the worldwide market is segmented as food processing, foodservice, and household and retail. In terms of the source, the worldwide market is segmented as almond, coconut, cashew, soy, and other types such as pine nuts. By distribution channel, the worldwide market is segmented as indirect sales and direct sales.

Region-wise, North America will continue as at the dominant region in the worldwide market due to the accessibility of progressed making and manufacturing facilities in the region. The sales in this region will keep on proliferating due to the increasing need for good ready-to-eat snacks. Moreover, the sales are anticipated to expand by related lines in Western Europe & the region will gain a remarkable market share in the predictablefuture. A rise in disposable income, as well as increasing awareness concerning health, will guide the growth of the MEA and APEJ regional market for vegan cheese.

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The foremost companies functioning in the worldwide market are Nush, Tesco Free From, Mad Millie, Go Veggie, UPrise Foods and other.

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Vegan Cheese Market: Projection of Each Major Segment over the Forecast Period 2028 - The Daily Philadelphian

The long-awaited Deliveroo Restaurant Awards are here.

2020 has been more reliant on takeaways than any other, with the coronavirus pandemic decimating eat-in restaurant trade restaurants began offering takeaways as a way to keep afloat.

Therefore the awards take on a special significance this year, focusing on the hard work of some amazing restaurants who endured the hardship caused by the pandemic.

The finalists for the Best Vegan category are as follows:

With five of these takeaways based in London, it seems the capital has stolen the show for vegan cuisine. However, Bristol-based Best Vegan finalist Oowee Vegan bagged the coveted title of Restaurant of the Year in 2019, beating thousands of non-vegan restaurants and takeaways.

After only opening last year, Neat Burger (backed by Lewis Hamilton) has leapt into the spotlight, impressing both vegans and non-vegans with delicious beyond meat burgers, vegan nuggets and milkshakes.

Due to Covid-19 the awards will be held digitally this year, however the prizes are bigger and better than last year, allowing the winners a chance to star in one of Deliveroos major digital campaigns. This would provide veganism a huge platform and showcase just how amazing vegan food can be.

The awards will be hosted by TV presenter and DJ Maya Jama, broadcaster and DJ Vogue Williams, and reigning Celebrity Masterchef champion Riyadh Khalaf.

Will Shu, Deliveroo CEO, told Vegan Food and Living: This year has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years the restaurant sector has ever faced. Yet in the face of huge uncertainty, we have been inspired by the way restaurants across the UK and Ireland have stepped up and gone the extra mile to support their local communities, while working tirelessly to keep their own businesses going.

From providing free meals to hospital staff working on the frontline, to delivering meals to vulnerable people, and going above and beyond to protect their staff we want to recognise and say thank you to our amazing small and independent restaurant partners.

Voting ends on the 4th November, and the winners will be announced on December 7th.You can vote for your favourite vegan restaurant here.

Fancy a takeaway? Here are 8 vegan takeaways all Londoners need to try.

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Deliveroo Best Vegan Takeaway finalists revealed - Vegan Food and Living

The Alliance Review

To the Editor:

Netflixs explosive new documentary "My Octopus Teacher" chronicles a complex relationship between a man and the worlds most bizarre animal an octopus. It further testifies to our highly conflicted relationship with non-humans and the natural world.

Most of us treasure our pets dogs, cats, horses. Our allegiance to them transcends that to our own species. If our dog and a Congolese child were competing for scarce funds for life-saving surgery, we know who would live.

Yet, we torment, kill and consume other animals that are similar in appearance, intelligenceand ability to suffer. Then, we bristle at East Asians who do the same to animals we consider pets.

We pride ourselves on being intelligent, rational beings. We have gone to the Moon, unraveled and modified genetic codes, and found cures for deadly diseases. Yet we still have not figured out our relationship with non-humans and the natural world.

Some of us have. Vegans profess compassion and respect for all sentient beings. Veganism requires no special courses or certifications. Every one of us can become one on our next trip to our supermarket.

Angelo Rendall

Knox Township

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Letter to the Editor: Vegans have compassion, respect for living things - The-review

This week, a Florida man was arrested after knifing his cousin in a heated altercation about almond milk.

According to documents from the Lee County Sheriff's department, the two men began punching each other during a debate about whether almond milk is better than whole dairy milk.

A witness said he overheard the pair the suspect became extremely angry, at which one the argument turned physical, and the suspect later pulled out a three-inch pocket knife and chased the victim around the yard with it, eventually striking him and leaving a small cut.

The police records don't detail whether the suspect was for or against almond milk. But it's one more example of how the debate over eating meat and dairy or a strictly plant-based diet can be rage-inducing.

While these kinds of real-life confrontations are thankfully rare, the most pervasive dietary vitriol is often online. There, the simple question of whether to eat meat (and how much) can escalate into flame wars full of insults,more likely to raise your blood pressure than cause anyone to change their minds, said Dr.Matt Ruby, apsychology professor at La Trobe University who specializes in the psychology of food choices.

"Some people on both sides are very determined to take things personally," Ruby told Insider in an interview.

Recently, the term "vegan" has itself been subject to controversy, as more people opting out of animal-products choose to identify as "plant-based" instead to avoid stigma and cultural baggage linked to veganism, said Nicole Civita, a sustainable food systems specialist at the University of Colorado Boulder.

But the conversation has as much to do with politics as it does with what's on your plate. According to Civita and Ruby, food choices reflect deep divides in culture and ethics, but also shared anxieties about our collective future and identities.

Eva-Katalin/Getty Images

A common argument for, or against, meat-eating is based on how humans evolved, and whether we were meant to be herbivores or omnivores based on our biology and physiology.

According toCivita, when most people argue about dietary choices, they tend to focus on basic principles known as the 4 Ns natural, normal, necessary, and nice. This means that omnivores look for evidence that meat-eating is ancestrally or biologically appropriate for humans, that it's important and accepted in our culture, that we need meat (or plant-based) diets for optimal health, or that it's just plain enjoyable and giving it up would be unpleasant.

In reality, there is no definitive evidence that either a plant-based or omnivorous diet is superior. Most nutritionists and medical experts agree that a balanced diet of mainly whole foods is a healthy way to eat, whether that includes some animal products or not. While red meat and processed meat have been scrutinized for their role in chronic disease, poultry, seafood, and cheese are generally regarded as fine in moderation.

And a natural, or ancestral, approach to dieting isn't necessarily convincing either, says Ruby.

"I don't find that particularly helpful natural doesn't mean better. Earthquakes are natural, black plague was natural," he explained.

Beyond personal preference, however, what we eat does matter for how we perceive ourselves, and how we want other people to perceive us, according to Civita.

"Food is a form of identity and expressive identity," she said.

Although vegans are often portrayed as overly sensitive, offended at the idea of eating meat, Civita says it swings both ways.

Most people would prefer not to think too much about their consumption habits, Civita said, or at least have the choice about when, and how much, to consider them.

Veganism, though, forces people to confront not just their role in food systems but also in the food chain.

"There's this notion of implicit judgment that my choice to not eat animal products is implicit judgment of someone else's choice to do so," Civita said.

Reuters Today's food systems allow us the luxury of eating meat without thinking too much about the source. Opting out, or advocating for animal rights, can interrupt that blissful, carefully-cultivated ignorance, Ruby explained.

"In most cultures people grow up eating meat as a perfectly normal thing to do.But at some point they learn where meat comes from and that can createa conflict. Alot of people are really disconnected with where their food comes from, so it can be a bit of a shock," Ruby said.

To make matters worse, most people generally like animals, especially the cuddly kind. At some point, meat-eaters are forced to reconcile their affection for non-human species with their decision to eat some of them, Ruby said, and that cognitive dissonance can make people particularly defensive about their food choices.

Beyond morals, meat-eating can also raise the sensitive issue of gender identity in culture, particularly when it comes to men. Traditionally, meat has been linked to notions of power and masculinity, and popular culture perpetuates this idea through ad campaigns like Burger King's "Manthem."

"Meat has been associated with wealth, power, status, masculinity, and these associations are oftenused in advertising," Ruby said.

Veganism, or vegetarianism, by contrast, have been associated with femininity a common example is the (previously debunked) notion that soy could raise estrogen or lower testosterone levels in men, causing them to grow breasts or other feminine features.

Although individual vegans and meat eaters can fall anywhere in the political spectrum, research shows some common trends in the politics behind food choices.

Meat-eaters, for instance, tend to be more conservative and more traditional. This is partly due to the social dominance orientation in both right wing and meat-eating, a sense of a natural class order that puts people at the top of the food chain, economically and biologically, Ruby explained.

"There's a growing body of evidence that in many cultures around the world, eating meat or being omnivorous is linked to right wing political views. On average, there's small to moderate association with conservatism," he said.

However, a few notable exceptions include a branch of vegan Neo-Nazis, and far right politicians in India.

Internet debates often amplify the most extreme versions of the conversation about diet. ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images Issues of food choice evoke social and environmental anxieties, about how our actions might influence things like climate change and economic justice, and more abstract notions of morality and social responsibility.

"There's uncertainty about how to be healthy and how to be a good person. In these notions of wellness and control, the onus on the individual to make themselves. It's a public health version of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps," she added.

Internet debates often amplify the most extreme versions of the conversation and the kernels of truth, somewhere in the middle, are lost in the heat of making a point or winning an argument. In that context, nuances are hard for people to digest.

"So much of it is that conversations are happening online, it's easy to forget that you're talking to real people. Many of us have a lot more values in common than different," Ruby said. "Empathizing with the other side doesn't mean agreeing with them."

Read more:

Vegans are holding sit-ins at Starbucks because dairy-free drinks cost more

How the Oscars went from meaty comfort food to this year's (almost) vegan dinner with dairy-free cheese, mushroom, and beets

Carnivores are claiming the Impossible Burger has enough estrogen to make men grow breasts. Here's the truth.

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Why vegans and meat-eaters can't stop attacking each other - Insider - INSIDER