Attitudes must change so veganism is accepted

The lifestyle continues to rise in popularity yet many vegans struggle on a daily basis

In recent years, veganism, the practice of rejecting the use of animal products, has evolved into a popular diet amongst humans.

According to a news report from the Guardian, almost a quarter of food products launched in 2019 were vegan. It was also reported that the number of Britons to have consumed a meat substitute had risen to 65 percent.

However, while the lifestyle continues to grow in popularity, many vegans still encounter struggles on a day-to-day basis.

Erica Heath, a freelance journalist, struggles to eat out because of a lack of vegan options. “It is common for me to go out but eat nothing,” she said. “Restaurants will sometimes have a vegan option but it doesn’t compare to the rest of the menu.”

However, despite Erica’s struggles, times are slowly changing. As the Guardian’s report revealed, more vegan food options are being launched than ever before, especially in supermarkets.

An investigation from Mintel (via the BBC) suggests that the retail sales value of meat-free foods could rise to just under £650 million by the end of 2020.

Supermarket chains like Tesco and Asda have slowly integrated vegan sections to their stores while food companies such as Beyond Meat, Viviera, and Quorn have launched vegan products to give people alternative options.

Meanwhile, Nima Suchak, who turned to veganism three years ago, said that the lifestyle will only be accepted generally in society once it is “no longer considered a fad”.

“People seem to think that veganism is just eating kale or bags of lettuce,” she said. “Fruits, rice, pasta, and so many other foods are staples in so many cultures but they are never seen as strictly vegan food.”

Grab the first issue of Pause to read more about how veganism could improve your career.