A vegan stereotype is any preconceived notion about vegans or veganism that is not based on fact.
All vegans are hippies. Or vegans are all thin and healthy (or unhealthy) are examples of stereotyping.
These stereotypes are not true of all vegans, as there’s a great deal of diversity in the vegan community. But, generalisations still shape how people perceive vegans. This makes it difficult for vegans to be taken seriously.
As more people try veganism, it’s critical to challenge these misconceptions and to show that vegans come from all walks of life.
So in this post, we debunk 10 pretty standard stereotypes proving that veganism can be healthy, inclusive and delicious.
1. Vegans are militant protestors
Whenever I tell people I’m vegan, I’m generally met with the same responses. Folks think I’m super committed and ask me a million questions about it. Or they think I’m some militant extremist who will force them to go vegan too.
The latter response is usually given with a nervous laugh, as if they’re trying to diffuse the situation before I start throwing tofu at them.
I’ve even had people ask me if I’m going to “convert” them. It’s ironic because I felt the same way about vegans before I was vegan.
So many people have this misconception about vegans because of how the media portrays us. In movies and TV shows, vegans are usually described as radicals who are always protesting.
There’s always a tiny percentage of radicals in any rights group. Yet, you’ll find the majority of us are regular people who choose not to consume anything from an animal.
The media’s portrayal of vegans as extremists is likely because the meat and dairy industry has a lot to lose if more people start following a vegan diet.
After all, it’s much easier to sell animals if people believe that vegans are a fringe group that nobody takes seriously. By painting vegans as crazy, the meat industry can protect its profits and continue business as usual.
2. Vegans are scrawny and weak due to protein and iron deficiencies
Vegans are routinely told that a plant-based diet is lacking in key nutrients.
A common misconception is that vegans are weak due to protein and iron deficiencies. This even creates issues when you see doctors who quickly blame a plant-based lifestyle every time you’re sick.
Yet vegans can get all their nutrients from plants. Protein and iron are in a variety of plant-based foods.
With some planning, getting your nutrients on a vegan diet is accessible.
3. Vegans think they’re better than everyone else
I’m too familiar with the vegan stereotype that we’re all self-righteous and think we’re better than everyone else.
I became a vegan because I care about animals. That doesn’t make me better than anyone; I have different priorities.
Read more: Why Do People Hate Vegans? 3 Reasons + What You Can Do About It
And while I believe that veganism is an ideal way to live, I will not force my beliefs on anyone.
When I meet people for the first time, I don’t even tell them about this website. This is a resource for anyone seeking information.
So if you’re ever wondering whether all vegans think they’re better than everyone else, the answer is a resounding no. We’re like everyone else, except we don’t consume animals.
4. Vegans only eat salads and raw vegetables
Most people think of vegans as skinny hipsters munching on a kale salad. For the record, my wife makes a pretty awesome kale salad (the key is to massage it). There are many different types of vegan diets, and salads are one option.
Vegans enjoy cooked vegetables, grains, and legumes, and there are even vegan versions of comfort foods like mac and cheese or pizza. One of the great things about veganism is that it’s so inclusive.
Think about how many plants are available to us. There are infinite possibilities!
Whether you’re looking to lose fat or gain muscle, there’s a vegan diet that can fit your needs.
5. Vegans are always preaching about their lifestyle to others
It’s assumed that vegans always try to convince others to become vegan. But most vegans are living their lives and minding their own business.
I know many vegans who are nervous about telling people they’re vegan. The last thing they want is conflict. Most of the time, we want to blend into the situation without drawing any attention.
Of course, a few vegans try to convert others, but they’re usually in the minority. And even then, they’re not doing it to be annoying. They care about promoting a lifestyle and a way of thinking that is kinder to animals and the environment.
Any progress in human rights and equality has started with brave individuals willing to put it all on the line to challenge the status quo.
6. Vegans are negative and depressing to be around
In pop culture, vegans are often portrayed as humourless killjoys preaching about the ills of animal agriculture.
It’s true. Many vegans are passionate about promoting animal welfare, and veganism is a lifestyle everyone can enjoy.
Vegans come from all walks of life and have a wide range of interests and personalities. Some vegans are funny and upbeat, while others are more serious and introspective. Vegans are human, flaws and all.
But one thing that all vegans have in common is a commitment to live a cruelty-free life. So next time you meet a vegan, remove your assumptions and try to enjoy their company and get to know them as a person. You might be surprised by how much you have in common.
7. Vegans have unbreakable immune systems
While there’s no doubt that a plant-based diet has many benefits, the idea that all vegans have unbreakable immune systems is a myth.
Like anyone, vegans are susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses. The difference is that they may be less likely to get sick in the first place (if they’re eating a whole food plant-based diet).
Even the healthiest person can get sick if exposed to enough germs.
8. Vegans care more about animal rights than humans rights
The stereotype that all vegans care more about animal rights than human rights is not only wrong but is also harmful.
I care deeply about both human and animal rights. The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I believe that by fighting for animal rights, we are also fighting for human rights. After all, animals are sentient beings who deserve to live free from exploitation and cruelty.
By standing up for animals, we’re fighting for the rights of all creatures, including humans. This is why veganism is crucial for both animals and humans.
Read more: Why There’s No Such Thing As “Levels of Veganism”
9. Veganism is just for privileged white people
Veganism is growing among people of all backgrounds and cultures.
People of colour, in particular, are often drawn to veganism to stand up against the exploitation of animals. For example, the dairy and egg industries rely on the labour of immigrants.
By choosing not to participate in these industries, vegans can send a powerful message of solidarity.
Also, veganism is often seen as a way to promote health within communities disproportionately affected by diet-related diseases.
From this perspective, veganism is about much more than personal choice – it’s about making positive changes in the world.
10. Vegans are obsessed with being vegan
There’s this idea that vegans are consumed by being vegan, which is a massive part of their identity.
There’s merit to this assumption, especially for newer vegans who are likely overwhelmed with change. But as you settle into a vegan lifestyle, it’s no longer front of mind.
Also, while it’s convenient, we don’t all only interact with other vegans or only date vegans. It’s important for vegans and non-vegans to coexist and to challenge each other to grow.
What do you think of these vegan stereotypes?
So there you have it, 10 vegan stereotypes debunked. Do any of them resonate with you? Do you think they’re correct? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
I wandered over to your site fore the article on OMAD, and decided to read this one. As an FYI, I am somewhat of a “financial” vegetarian. I can’t afford a lot of meat in my diet as a result, I eat far less meat these days than I have historically, and very little red meat at all. I’ve made use of vegan prepared foods because they are dairy-free (and often other allergen free) and “accidentally” safe for people with multiple food sensitivities (ie. me).
The sad reality for vegans is that non-vegans have *experienced* your “myths” and will be unconvinced that they are myths. You didn’t convince me, though I am sure that you are a nice person, and don’t personally have these anti-social behaviors. People tend not to believe things that do not jibe with their actual experience, no matter what statistics say. Now, possibly this is a result of the fact that there are a__h_les in every group and one ugly experience can form lasting opinions. The problem with that is, I’ve met annoyingly evangelistic vegans, more than one. TBH, MOST of them. It’s not a myth. They exist. They are irritating AF. As a vegan, embrace that reality. There are a__h_le vegans, everyone has met at least one and perhaps several, they poison the well for everyone else.
I also have followed very restrictive diets because of food allergies and intolerances. I was well aware of the way I *had* to eat to avoid medical issues made me look like a lunatic. At one point, I had to ask a date to go brush his teeth after he ate and I *still* had a reaction when I kissed him. If I went out to eat or on a date, companions thought I was insane, OCD, and completely mental. AND I WAS. The whole thing was totally mental. With more restaurants having vegetarian and vegan options, this is not such a big thing as before, but it is still a thing.
One should also note that, if you live in the US, and you eat food *at all,* you rely on a vast web of human abuse. That includes the production of vegetables. Those not farmed by large machines (which have their own problems) are picked by hand, which is almost completely performed by poverty stricken, undocumented workers who are brown skinned, not born in the US, and who speak Spanish and indigenous languages. Own that.
And yes, some of them sound pretty familiar, especially abouth health and low choice of food vegans eat)) And of course we all go through this period, when we are obsessed and overwhelmed with everything connected with the influence of veganism on health, animals’ fates and rights, when u want to cry aloud about all of these.
Cool article, thanks a lot for it. I will translate it for our vegan community!
Very much enjoyed the article. Best to cover the misconceptions head on. I did feel like they thought they were better than others. But most likely it is me feeling guilty.
It’s hard to argue Number 8 given that animal rights are a subset of the recognised set of human rights and spring from the same underlying moral beliefs. I feel sure that anyone who recognises that fact – for example, many ethical vegans – cares as much about human rights as other species’ rights. You can’t really get to animal rights without starting with human rights.