What Should Vegans Not Eat
Vegans can eat more than 'rabbit food'. When we get hungry, we don't look for the nearest patch of grass. You've probably heard the jokes if you are a vegan or know a vegan. Also, if you are here reading this, you care enough to ask some questions, so thank you.
Please take this post with a 'grain of salt'. It is not meant to be abrasive. It is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. I am using some humour to explain vegan logic and break down some barriers.
Maybe you have a vegan friend or loved one and want to know what they can and can't eat, or maybe you are just curious. Either way, welcome. Let's clear up some FAQs.
Understanding a Vegan Diet
A vegan diet excludes all animal-derived ingredients. Instead, they focus on a wide variety of plant-based foods. This means no meat, dairy, or eggs. It also excludes products like fish sauce and bone char used in some sugar processing. Vegans use alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, and other fortified foods to meet their nutritional needs.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Requirements
Eating a balanced vegan diet offers many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and improved cholesterol levels. Vegans need to ensure they get enough omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are in hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, algae supplements, and olive oil. Also, eating a variety of leafy greens and fortified foods helps maintain strong bones and general health.
Protein Sources for Vegans
Plant protein is an essential part of a vegan diet. Protein sources include black beans, kidney beans, hemp seeds, and sunflower seeds. Combining different plant-based foods can provide complete proteins. This ensures that all essential amino acids are eaten. For example, pairing beans on toast (wholemeal) creates a meal with a well-rounded amino acid profile.
Avoiding Animal-Based Ingredients
Vegans avoid all animal-based ingredients. This includes hidden ones in processed foods. Checking the ingredient list is crucial to avoid animal by-products. Products like gelatin or egg whites in lollies or baked goods are available. By staying informed, vegans can enjoy their favourite meals while adhering to their dietary principles.
Are Vegan and Vegetarian the Same?
No, they are not the same. Vegetarians do consume some animal products. Vegetarians eat dairy and eggs but not meat.
Vegans, on the other hand, vegans do not consume animal products. There are different types of vegans and different reasons for going vegan. The most common reasons for going vegan are for the animals, the environment, or health.
Some vegans are dietary vegans and will still use animal products outside of food. Some might think it is okay to keep items that are not vegan from before they went vegan, such as a leather belt. Some might buy vintage/second-hand items that are not vegan.
Many vegans that start as 'health' vegans develop empathy for animals and consideration for the environment. This happens as they learn more about the lifestyle.
Not all vegans are healthy and eat whole plant-based food. There are plenty of junk foodies. There are many types of vegans, and there is disagreement on what is acceptable.
I am not going to get political on here. I am trying to shed some light to make others aware that there are different shades to being vegan. Some media promote a single stereotype of veganism, and it simply isn't true.
Can Vegans Eat Honey?
This is debated; the general thought is no. Bees make honey for themselves, not for humans. When we take it, we are stealing. Also, honey is bee vomit.
Can Vegans Eat Eggs?
No vegans do not eat egg. They come from a chicken. Vegans think that non-vegans are strange for eating chicken periods.
Some people who identify as vegans may eat eggs if the chickens are humanely home-raised. For example, if the chickens are as pets rather than food. You would need to ask rather than assume vegans will eat the eggs of your home chooks.
Can Vegans Eat Cheese?
No to dairy cheese. Vegans do not eat dairy.
Vegans have non-animal cheese. Does it taste the same? No, it does not. Does it always taste good and melt the same? No, it does not. But there are some good brands out there, and I prefer the taste of the good vegan cheese examples.
I can tell instantly when I was accidentally given dairy at a restaurant. Dairy tastes sickly sweet and leaves a filmy coating in my mouth. It gives me stomach cramps because I'm not used to it anymore. This is why vegans watch their baristas like hawks.
Can Vegans Eat Fish?
No, they're an animal. Kiss them and throw them back.
Can Vegans Drink Milk?
No, we do not take milk for a baby cow and drink it. Vegans drank milk from our mothers, and now they are grown-ups.
Can Vegans Eat Bread?
Mostly. The dairy industry likes to sneak milk into products that don't need it. You can spot a vegan by how closely they are reading the ingredients list on the packaging.
Most bread is vegan, but checking the ingredients list is always a good idea. I tend to choose products that say vegan on them over products that don't but are. This is due to the company acknowledging vegan existence and because I am paranoid and have trust issues.
Can Vegans Eat Butter?
No, if it's dairy. There are plenty of spreads out there that do not use milk. Again vegans are not missing out.
Can Vegans Eat Yeast?
Yes. But it's a living thing? Even when yeast is dry or dormant, it is still considered a living organism.
Yeast is a simple microorganism and lacks a nervous system or the capacity for consciousness, pain, or suffering. It doesn't possess the characteristics that typically concern vegans regarding animal welfare.
Many vegans are addicted to nutritional yeast. They say it is because of the B12, but it's addiction. Notice how they use any excuse to include it in recipes.
So bread and beer stay on the menu. Huzza!
Can Vegans Eat Chocolate?
Some chocolate, if it doesn't have milk. This means your best bet is dark chocolate. Good dark chocolate doesn't need milk. This makes me happy because I like dark chocolate best.
Can Vegans Eat Lollies/Candy/Sweets?
Often no. Surprisingly, there are many animal additives in lollies. Some examples are gelatin, colourings or flavourings derived.
Gelatin is in most things that are chewy or soft. Gelatin is derived from collagen, a protein found in animals' connective tissues, bones, and skin, primarily from cows and pigs.
Can Vegans Eat Pasta?
Mostly. Some pasta has egg in it, but usually, pasta is good to go. Check the ingredients list. People wanting to transition that like carbs have nothing to fear.
Can Vegans Eat Oysters?
This one had me stumped, and it is similar to the yeast issue. Surprisingly, yeast is yes, but most say no to oysters.
Oysters lack a central nervous system and do not feel pain much, the same as yeast. But here is where the logic differs. Farming or removing oysters can affect ecosystems by their removal or pollution from the farming process.
Many vegans recoil at anything meat-like. Oysters are slimy and gross; why anyone would like to eat fleshy snot?
Can Vegans Eat Avocado?
Can vegans eat avocado!? YES. Although some criticise farming methods. There are environmental and ethical concerns around avocado farming. It requires significant water and can lead to deforestation and sustainability issues.
Additionally, commercial avocado production could involve exploitative labour practices and rely on migratory beekeeping, which can harm bees. Despite these concerns, many vegans choose to eat avocados for their health benefits and nutrient content, making it a personal decision within the vegan community.
Having said that most current farming does damage. If it is a concern find out where your avocadoes come from and the farming methods used.
Can Vegans Eat Cake?
It depends on what you make it with. Take out the egg and milk; YES, we can eat cake. There are many ingredients you can swap out. I have plenty of cake recipes on my blog if you're curious.
Key Takeaways
When following a vegan diet, it’s important to know what vegans can and can’t eat. If you're not sure, stick to whole plant foods. A vegan food list mainly includes plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
Vegans choose to avoid animal-derived foods for several reasons. One reason is the ethical concern for animal welfare. By not consuming animal foods, vegans believe they are helping to reduce the demand for animal farming.
Animal farming is harmful to animals and the environment. Health benefits are another reason, as a vegan diet can be lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, leading to a healthier lifestyle.
Vegans avoid all animal foods, including meat, dairy, eggs, and products derived from animals like honey and gelatin. By focusing on a wide variety of foods, vegans ensure they get the nutrients they need.
Teasing vegans might be fun for you, but we have heard it all before, and it's not fun for us. If you care about a vegan, please skip the jokes.
There are many types of vegans with different beliefs and motivations. Vegans argue with other vegans. Get to know your vegan; don't be afraid to ask questions. Most of us will be happy that you are showing open-minded interest.
If you are buying for a vegan, read the label or buy food that says vegan on the packaging (we like that). If you are cooking for a vegan, don't throw out the packaging because we're paranoid and will probably want to check for ourselves.
Hopefully, this has been informative and helpful.
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