Colorful vegetables at an outdoor market include beans, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes. This market, from the city of Mugla in southwestern Turkey, also sells a variety of fruits.
Credit: © Janine Wiedel Photolibrary/Alamy Images

Today, Tuesday, November 1, is World Vegan Day. Vegan bakeries, diners, and other products are popping up everywhere around the world. Today is the day to skip the burger and milkshake and grab a salad, veggie burger, or tofu! What does it mean when food is vegan? And why is everyone talking about going vegan?

Veganism is a type of vegetarianism. Like vegetarians, vegans avoid eating meat, poultry, and fish. Vegans also tend to avoid food made by animals—such as dairy, eggs, and honey—and animal by-products such as gelatin found in everyday foods. A by-product is a secondary product made in the production of something else. People follow vegan diets for environmental, ethical, and health reasons. Many people, such as activist Greta Thunberg, are vegan because it reduces your carbon footprint.

Tofu is a food made of soybean curds pressed into cakes or blocks. Chunks of tofu can be prepared in many ways and added to many dishes, including salads, shown here.
Credit: © Cathy Melloan

While vegetarianism has been around for thousands of years, the concept of veganism developed within the last century. Since the early 2000’s, food manufacturers have worked to develop improved plant-based substitutes for cheese, milk, meat, and eggs. Most of these substitutes require less energy and water to make and transport. The availability of such substitutes in grocery stores, restaurants, and even sports stadiums has made being a vegan easier than ever before. Grocery stores carry substitutes for nearly every meat item and byproduct. The options are endless!

There are guides available online for people who follow vegan diets to make sure they can eat at sports arenas, concert venues, and other places. Even fast food restaurants are crafting creative vegan options for customers. Burger King became the first fast food restaurant to release a vegan nugget in January of 2022.

Most vegans do not stop after mastering the vegan diet. They also make smart choices about clothing, makeup, and other household items. Most vegans avoid wearing or using animal products such as feathers, fur, leather, silk, and wool. Many fashion companies offer vegan shoes, coats, and purses. Some of these items are made of recycled water bottles and other plastic items. Many vegans also avoid products that have been tested on animals and oppose using animals for medical experiments or in entertainments such as horse racing.