What Is Veganism?
25 August 2020
Veganism is much more than a diet. It is a philosophy and way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. But where did this movement begin, and what does it really mean to be vegan?
A Brief History of Veganism
The concept of abstaining from animal products is far from new. As far back as 500 BCE, the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras promoted benevolence among all species and followed what we would now call a vegetarian diet. His followers, known as the Pythagoreans, avoided meat and embraced a plant-based way of eating centuries before the term existed.
Fast forward to 1847, and the first Vegetarian Society was founded in England, formalising a movement that had been growing quietly for centuries. But it was not until 1944 that a small group of vegetarians, led by Donald Watson in Leicester, England, decided that vegetarianism did not go far enough. Watson, along with his wife Dorothy and four others, coined the word "vegan" by taking the first and last letters of "vegetarian". They went on to found The Vegan Society, which remains one of the most influential vegan organisations in the world to this day.
The Vegan Society Definition
According to The Vegan Society, veganism is "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practicable — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment."
The key phrase here is "as far as is possible and practicable". Veganism is not about perfection; it is about doing the best you can to reduce harm to animals in your everyday life.
What Is a Vegan Diet?
A vegan diet excludes all animal-derived foods. That means no meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. Instead, vegans eat a wide variety of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. With the explosion of plant-based products in recent years, there are now vegan alternatives for almost everything — from burgers and sausages to cheese, ice cream, and even scrambled eggs.
A well-planned vegan diet provides all the nutrients your body needs. Organisations like the British Dietetic Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics confirm that vegan diets are nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
Vegan Grocery Shopping List
If you are new to veganism, here is a simple shopping list to get you started:
Fruits
Bananas, apples, berries, mangoes, oranges, avocados, dates, kiwi, pineapple, watermelon
Vegetables
Broccoli, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, courgettes, tomatoes
Grains & Carbs
Rice, oats, pasta, quinoa, bread, couscous, noodles, tortilla wraps, potatoes
Proteins
Tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, edamame, peanut butter, seitan, hemp seeds
Types of Veganism
Not all vegans are the same. People come to veganism for different reasons, and the way they practise it can vary:
- Dietary Vegans: Sometimes called "strict vegetarians", dietary vegans avoid eating animal products but may still use them in other areas of life, such as clothing or cosmetics. For many people, this is the first step on their vegan journey.
- Ethical Vegans: Ethical vegans oppose the exploitation of animals in all forms. Beyond diet, they avoid leather, wool, silk, and any products tested on animals. The ethical argument is rooted in the belief that all sentient creatures have a right to life and freedom.
- Environmental Vegans: Environmental vegans are motivated primarily by the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Animal farming is one of the leading causes of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing plant-based alternatives, environmental vegans aim to reduce their ecological footprint.
The Bottom Line
Veganism is a growing global movement with roots stretching back thousands of years. Whether you are drawn to it for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, going vegan is one of the most impactful choices you can make. It does not have to happen overnight — every plant-based meal is a step in the right direction.
If you are curious about making the switch, check out our 30 tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet or browse the community forums to connect with other vegans.