Veganism In India: Is It A Sustainable Lifestyle?

In recent years, there has been significant growth in the veganism around the world. The Go-Vegan Movement has influenced Western nations to change their lifestyles. Many people all over the world have opted to go vegan and shift to a plant-based diet that not only tastes great and contributes to animal welfare, but also has numerous health benefits. 

Currently, Europe and North America seem to be the leading regions for plant-based food industries. However, the vegan lifestyle has been disrupting the Indian market in recent years. Even though the popularity of vegan food is relatively lower than the demand in the West, it is also worth noting that Indian food predominantly incorporates plant-based foods. Traditional Indian cuisine is known for a lot of vegetarian and even vegan dishes, which is why the transition to a vegan diet doesn’t seem like a stretch. 

However, veganism in India did seem like a dream because vegan products in India were initially, and to a certain extent still are, very expensive as compared to the rest of the market. Even though the sector has been evolving rapidly, it seems that the vegan lifestyle is one for the rich, and doesn’t seem sustainable currently. Although, research and reports have shown that veganism in India has a promising future and it is only a matter of time before the variety becomes the new normal. So, what can you do to lead a vegan lifestyle in India?

Educate yourself 

Learn about veganism, its principles, and the different aspects of a vegan lifestyle. Understand which foods and ingredients are suitable for a vegan diet and which ones to avoid.

Explore Indian cuisine

Indian cuisine offers a vast array of vegan options. Explore traditional Indian dishes like dal (lentil curry), vegetable curries, dosas, idlis, rotis, and rice-based dishes. Indian sweets like jalebi, gulab jamun, and coconut barfi can also be vegan.

Cook at home

Cooking your meals gives you full control over the ingredients. Experiment with vegan recipes or adapt traditional recipes by substituting animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. There are numerous online resources, cookbooks, and recipe websites focused on vegan Indian cuisine.

Familiarize yourself with ingredients 

Be aware of common animal-derived ingredients like ghee (clarified butter), curd (yoghurt), paneer (cheese), and honey. Look for vegan substitutes like plant-based oils, vegan margarine, non-dairy yoghurt, and tofu or plant-based cheeses.

Read labels

When purchasing packaged foods, read the ingredient labels carefully. Look out for ingredients like milk powder, whey, casein, and gelatin, which are derived from animal sources. Choose products that are explicitly labelled as vegan or plant-based

Connect with the vegan community

Join vegan groups, communities, or online platforms where you can connect with like-minded individuals. They can provide support, share recipes and resources, and help you navigate the vegan lifestyle in India

Eat out mindfully

When dining out, communicate your dietary preferences clearly to the restaurant staff. Indian restaurants often have vegetarian options, but clarify that you want them to be prepared without any animal products like ghee or dairy. Opt for vegan-friendly cuisines like South Indian, Gujarati, or Jain cuisine.