What is a vegan?
A vegan is someone who does not consume any animal-related products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. They also avoid using items made from animals such as leather and fur, or any products that have been tested on animals.
No vegan is 100% perfect because, for example, they may have to take medication that has been tested on animals, the aim is to do the least harm as far as is practical and possible.
The term vegan was coined by Donald Watson in 1944 when he founded the Vegan Society. He defined it as a “way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose”
Veganism has grown rapidly in popularity around the world, with more than 3 million people identifying as vegans in Britain and over 6 million throughout Europe.
Supermarkets are in competition with each other to bring out the best vegan options, which is great for the consumer and shows that the vegan movement is here to stay.
Plant-based versus vegan.
The terms “plant-based” and “vegan” are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between them. Plant-based diets emphasise primarily plant foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and legumes. Meanwhile, veganism is a lifestyle that excludes all animal products from their diet and any other activities that involve the use or exploitation of animals.