Here’s What Veganism Is — and What It Isn’t

A lot of people like to say veganism is trendy right now, but healthy and compassionate plant-based diets have been around for centuries.

But what exactly is veganism?

Simply put, veganism is a lifestyle that promotes compassion for animals and lessens our impact on the planet and its inhabitants, including at every meal. This means a 100 percent plant-based diet and not wearing or using any animal products.

The fact is pigs, cows, chickens, and other farmed animals are just as sensitive and intelligent as the dogs and cats we love at home. Sadly, the meat industry is allowed to legally abuse billions of them in ways that would warrant felony-level animal cruelty charges if the victim were just one dog or cat.

Just watch our latest undercover investigation at a Hormel Foods pork supplier where pigs are mutilated by workers and crammed in tiny, filthy crates.


It’s important to note that veganism isn’t about perfection or purity; it’s about living our lives in a way that avoids exploiting or harming animals and takes a stand for a kinder world.

Most of us want to create a more compassionate world, so it’s no surprise that more and more people are ditching animal products. In fact, over the past 10 years, American meat consumption has declined by 10 percent while consumption of vegan products has steadily increased.

For lots of people who take the time to think about where their food comes from, and the horror and abuse that’s behind all meat, dairy, and eggs, it becomes clear that the best thing to do is remove our support from this cruel industry. In addition to the atrocities animals face on factory farms, it’s important to note the detrimental environmental impact of animal agriculture and the negative health effects of animal protein consumption.

Ready to make the switch? Visit ChooseVeg.com to learn more about transitioning to a healthy, delicious, and humane vegan diet.