This is a list of substances and ingredients that vegans should avoid. There are also apps such as Is It Vegan that may be useful. Even if a product is marked ‘vegan’ or plant-based you should always check the ingredients. Food products that are labeled as ‘plant based’ could still contain non-vegan ingredients. Toiletries and

This study showed that plant based products like faux meats are healthier and more sustainable than their meat and dairy counterparts. However, it is advised to keep processed foods to a minimum for all types of diets, not just vegan diets.

Yes. The HSE provides information on vegan diets in pregnancy here. Various statutory health bodies have endorsed the vegan diet as being suitable for everyone, at all stages of life including pregnancy. The Vegan Society UK provides dietary guidelines for pregnancy and children here.

Calcium can be obtained from a variety of plant-based sources such as green leafy vegetables and legumes. Beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale and mustard greens are excellent sources, as are calcium-fortified plant milks. Dairy industry advertisements suggest that drinking milk results in stronger bone density. However, a study at Harvard University found little evidence

Humans need about 10 percent of calories from protein. Protein is found in varying amounts in almost every type of food. The following are excellent protein sources: Tempeh, Tofu, Beans, Lentils, Seitan, Chickpeas, Almonds, Cashews and Quinoa. Most meat-eaters already get too much protein.

Vitamin B12 comes from microorganisms that live in the soil.  These are then ingested by animals.  Eating animal products is only one way of obtaining Vitamin B12.  It can also be manufactured by cultivating yeast – this is how vegans obtain it.  People argue that supplements are not natural.  However, many nutrients are already being

Various statutory bodies including the NHS have endorsed the vegan diet stating that “a well planned vegan diet can supply all the nutrients you need.” Numerous clinical studies have shown that a whole food vegan diet is beneficial for health and can help reverse or defend against a number of conditions such as cancer, heart

According to the U.S. National Research Council Committee on Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals pain is experienced by many animal species, including mammals and possibly all vertebrates. According to Swiss scientist Gennady Ermak, an overview of the anatomy of the nervous system across the animal kingdom indicates that not only vertebrates but

The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness concluded that “non-human animals have the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of conscious states along with the capacity to exhibit intentional behaviors. Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. Non-human animals, including all mammals and birds, and many

Many vegans do have companion animals who have been adopted from sanctuaries. Some vegans feed their pets on a vegan diet and vegan pet food (which is shown to be healthier than meat-based pet food) is available in Ireland at some pet stores.  The British Veterinary Association is no longer opposed to plant based diets