Heard the buzz of the “Vegan”? Of course, you have, since the word is whizzing all over the world.
Indeed the approach is thoughtful and sustainable but is it worth it? Do you feel the amount spent on shifting to a vegan lifestyle is justified?
Usually, going vegan need not be costlier rather it should be affordable if done with consciousness. Since the whole idea is to be healthy and environment-friendly, I guess learning about it is more important than blindly trusting high-end vegan brands.
So, if you are planning to turn vegan? Think well before you act. Delve into the nuts and bolts of the industry and revamp yourself into an informed vegan.
Let’s begin!
What are Plant-Based Products?
As the name suggests, plant-based products are those which are derived from any plant and there is no role of any animal in its production at any stage.
Plant-based diets are considered to be a healthier and more sustainable alternative to regular dairy or meat-based diets as they benefit people with all the nutrition that we get from other meals.
Also, the concept of plant-based products is not just restricted to food items, but also clothing, cosmetics, and accessories.
Benefits of Vegan Diet
- Enhances the immune system and reduces the risk of diseases
- Promotes animal welfare and reduces animal abuse
- Helps in losing weight
- Helps keep a balanced ecosystem
How Did Veganism Sprout?
The concept of plant-based meat is not brand new as there were companies that started with the idea of promoting the concept way before it was a common thing. Loma Linda Foods, a US-based company, was founded over 100 years ago and is still prominent in the mock meat industry.
You will be surprised to know that the term Vegan was actually coined in the year 1944 by Donald Watson. Wow! Apparently, Watson, founder of The Vegan Society came up with the term to disgrace the vegetarians who consumed dairy products.
However, the whole concept of veganism came into the limelight in late 2010 because of various environmental, personal, and health reasons of the masses. The time period between 2005-2010 was when the global mock-meat market rose significantly.
2010 also saw the world’s first vegetarian butcher shop, “De Vegetarische Slager” in the Netherlands. After this numerous plant-based and mock meat companies, like Boca Burgers, Gardein, and Impossible Foods came into the mainstream market.
And… the rest is history.
Since then, a plant-based diet has emerged as one of the most interesting and healthy diets. In fact, 2019 was quoted as “The Year of The Vegan” by The Economist.
So, it is definitely not something new. It's just the digital media that is hyping and capitalizing on it. Also, there is no denying that the concept is old yet profitable considering the current scenario.
What is the Indian Vegan Market Scene?
When it comes to veganism and a plant-based diet, you must have often heard phrases like Ameero ke Chochle (Bounty of the Rich). Even boAt founder, Aman Gupta used the same phrase when Madhvi Datwani & Parag Khimani, founders of Green Protein, a plant-based company pitched their products on Shark Tank India.
The scene is gradually changing for Indians as more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of the diet. Surprisingly, about 59% of the Indians voted positively in a survey that asked about turning vegan in the near future.
Nonetheless, the prices of vegan products are still a matter of question for the Indian audience. The prices of dairy products are much lower than those of vegan products.
Also, the Indian audience has a soft spot for milk-based products, including ghee, milk, and butter, and adapting to a non-dairy base is a big task for the people.
Reasons for High Prices of Vegan Products
- High production cost and raw materials
- Still a niche market with increasing demand.
- No subsidies on the products as compared to animal products
- Produced on a smaller scale
- High R&D cost
So, don’t be surprised by those extravagant prices on mock meats next time you see them on a retail store shelf. Of course, they make high margins but the reasons for their high prices are pretty clear now.
Are There Any Substitutes for Those Costly Plant-Based Products?
Well, there are numerous affordable options that you can choose from when you are turning into a vegan without buying gourmet products and yet pick health and animal welfare.
Veganism: A Step Towards Sustainability?
As a core animal lover, I can say shifting towards a vegan lifestyle is definitely a positive step for the environment, animals, as well as the body. As a matter of fact, if the world adopts a vegan approach, we can expect a massive cut down on the planet’s climatic issues.
According to a recent study, vegan diets have contributed to reducing around 75% of heat emissions. Additionally, it decreased the wildlife destruction by 66% and water use by 54%. Indeed great numbers!
Top Vegan Countries
Here are the top countries that have adopted a vegan approach and participating in the sustainability of the planet:
Trivia: Our favorite luxurious leather products are also non-vegan since they are made from the hides of animals. Hence, many companies are emerging notably in the vegan leather space. They are usually made from sustainable biomaterials. The craze is so that the vegan leather market is expected to reach 131.7 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.1 %. Trivia: Our favorite luxurious leather products are also non-vegan since they are made from the hides of animals. Hence, many companies are emerging notably in the vegan leather space. They are usually made from sustainable biomaterials. The craze is so that the vegan leather market is expected to reach 131.7 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.1 %.
My Views
While there can be a never-ending debate on the topic of veganism, I believe that the idea behind the notion is quite clear, green, and noble. However, the consumer needs to be a little conscious and woke while investing hastily in plant-based products.
It is the need of the hour to know what you are spending on. Considering, the current scenario of the market, it seems that the brands are hopping ahead of each other to make the term “vegan” a niche and luxurious choice while in reality, it is simply economical with the right knowledge of ingredients and products.
To sum it up, I would say we should focus on making veganism basic rather than a luxury. It will be better for us as well as our planet.To sum it up, I would say we should focus on making veganism basic rather than a luxury. It will be better for us as well as our planet.
Veganism- Luxury ❌
Veganism- Basic ✅
