As the number of consumers worldwide seeking health, environmental, and ethical consumption increases, so does the interest in veganism. Beyond following a vegetarian diet, people strive for a better world by using products made without animal testing and materials that cause environmental pollution. Let’s find out how veganism differs from the vegetarianism we know and what veganism pursues.
What is Veganism?
Veganism is a philosophy and way of life that opposes animal exploitation for various reasons and excludes all forms of animal exploitation and abuse as far as possible and practical. In diets, it means perfect vegetarianism that does not involve consuming animal products, including eggs and milk. However, its meaning has recently expanded beyond dietary habits to lifestyle and philosophy. There is also a trend to avoid using animal skins or fur products.
Veganism VS Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism refers to avoiding animal-based food consumption and mainly consuming plant-based foods for animal and environmental protection or religious and health reasons. Depending on the food they consume, vegetarians go through various stages. Veganism is a term that reflects the tendency to avoid the use of animal materials or chemicals in all aspects of life beyond vegetarianism about food.
Protein Foods that Vegans Can Eat
For health, one needs to consume enough protein. Plant-based high-protein foods that vegans cannot consume animal protein can include soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts. Soybeans do not have a big difference in protein content compared to chicken breast, and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, etc., all belong to foods high in protein. They can also supplement the lack of protein by taking protein supplements.
Are Supplements Also Vegan Products?
There are many people in the Millennials and Gen Z purchasing vegan supplements that do not consist of animal materials or are made without animal experiments. The representative shopping mall iHerb has been quickly responding to the needs of the Millennials and Gen Z by offering 30,000 diverse products, including vegan and GMO-free products, since 20 years ago. Not only that, but there are also various vegan-only supplements containing calcium, omega-3, protein, etc., which can be lacking in vegans, so it is called a sanctuary for vegans.
The Expansion of Vegetarianism, Veganism and Veganomics
As the number of people pursuing a vegan lifestyle increases, the word “veganomics” has been created. It is a word that combines vegan and economics. It means the economy targeting vegetarians and refers to the overall related industry. The economy is growing annually as veganism, centered on food before, expands its range to cosmetics, fashion, and all areas of life.
Why Has It Become a Global Trend?
Vegetarianism was a food culture that could not get much attention, but now it is settling as a lifestyle as interest in health has increased. This is because a consumer culture that reveals one’s beliefs has been formed as people are concerned about environmental pollution and animal protection. Vegetarianism is a kind of culture, and it is a time when an attitude that respects the beliefs and attitudes contained in this life is needed.
Food, Cosmetics, etc.
Vegan Craze Spreading to All Industries
Increasing numbers of companies are striving for research, development, and manufacturing of related products such as alternative meats and foods using plant proteins. Also, in the case of cosmetics, they showcase products developed without animal testing, not only in the product’s ingredients but also in the development and manufacturing process. The vegan craze is also blowing in food, beauty, and clothing, and they are showcasing products made not using animal-derived and animal-abusive materials, such as leather, fur, wool, etc., attracting great popularity from consumers.
Will It End as a Simple Trend?
Since veganism is a philosophy or way of life-based on vegetarianism, experts predict it will spread further. The number of strict vegetarians and vegans is not large but continuously increasing, and the trend of people trying veganism is also steadily stronger. This is why domestic and global companies invest in vegan-related businesses.
Collaboration of Luxury Brands and Veganism
Veganism also appears in the fashion and automobile industries. The luxury brand Hermes has participated in veganism by releasing handbags made of vegan leather. Due to the higher cost of vegan leather, the bags are priced higher than the original bags, but consumers have been raving about them. Gucci also has a trademark application with vegan leather material, and Mercedes-Benz and BMW have also launched a vegan leather line, attracting attention.
The Biggest Influence of Vegan Consumption is the 20s
Veganism has expanded from diet to beauty, fashion, etc.; the main consumer group is professional women in their 20s. A survey showed that more than half of the 500 men and women respondents living in Seoul and the metropolitan area expressed their intention to practice vegetarianism in the future, and more than 60% of those in their 20s expressed their intention to participate. It is also noteworthy that as the number of people sensitive to trends and care about health management increases, they positively view companies practicing veganism.
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