On World Vegan Day, experts explain why going vegan can be expensive in India
On the occasion of World Vegan Day, experts shed light on the financial implications of adopting a vegan lifestyle in India, a practice increasingly touted by celebrities and influencers, despite it being an expensive option.
But before getting into whether it is really expensive to become a vegan, let us understand,
What actually is veganism?
Dr Shyam Sharma, a physician from Assam, clarifies that "Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that aims to avoid the use of animal products for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. Those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle are referred to as 'vegans.'"
Vegans abstain from consuming or utilizing any animal-derived products, including:
Meat: This encompasses beef, poultry, pork, and all other forms of animal flesh.
Dairy: This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and even paneer, all derived from animal milk.
Eggs: Vegans steer clear of eggs, regardless of their source.
Honey: While some vegans choose to include honey in their diets, many avoid it due to its production by bees.
Other animal-derived ingredients: Vegans meticulously inspect ingredient labels to avoid products containing animal-derived additives such as gelatin, certain food colorings, and specific emulsifiers. They do, however, consume gluten-containing items such as bread and tortillas.
Moreover, many vegans also opt out of using or wearing products made from animals, such as leather, fur, and silk.
Additionally, they prioritize the use of personal care and household products that are cruelty-free or not tested on animals, although this is a lifestyle choice that extends beyond the dietary aspect of veganism.
Vegan vs Vegetarian distinctions
The fundamental difference between vegetarians and vegans lies in the consumption of dairy products. While vegans exclude all animal products from their diets, vegetarians include dairy products while abstaining from meat, seafood, and other animal-derived foods.
Is going vegan expensive?
Don't get us wrong, going vegan can be extremely helpful for your health, and your gut, and might help you lose weight, but somehow in India, going vegan can definitely burn a hole in your pocket.
Dr Darshini Bali, a dietician from Noida, says, "I do think going vegan can be expensive in India".
She explains that since a vegan diet means cutting of dairy products like milk, getting other kinds of milk like soy or almond is definitely more expensive.
- dailyO checked some prices, for instance: 500 ml of normal milk? 27 INR.
NOW,
- The same 500 ml of almond milk is 300 INR.
Dr Bali adds, "If you're adding food and vegetables to your diet, it is also very expensive."
She further adds, that if you're going out, there are not only very limited options but the prices are always too high.
However, it's essential to note that not all vegan substitutes are prohibitively expensive. For instance, soy, as a replacement for paneer, is comparatively more economical, albeit with a slightly lower protein content.
Bottom line
The decision to embrace veganism or vegetarianism is often guided by ethical, environmental, and health considerations. Individuals should opt for a dietary plan that aligns with their values and preferences, taking into account their financial circumstances and overall health.