The world against vegans: can the movement withstand the reactionary wave and its own crisis of faith?

"The flame of veganism is beginning to flicker. It's still too early to assess the extent of the decline in the movement that rejects the consumption of animal products, and the conclusions of studies, depending on who commissions them, point in opposite directions. In any case, if there is a decrease in the veggie population (which includes vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians), it's not particularly significant. The change is more qualitative than quantitative."

"Last August, the Financial Times published an article discussing why the vegans lost. It mentioned the case of the New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park, which, after Covid-19, opted for a completely plant-based menu and has now reintroduced meat. In another article, The Guardian added more examples such as London's Unity Diner, famous for its 3D-printed vegan steak, and other establishments that have disappeared both in the British capital and elsewhere in the country."

"The alleged decline in sales at chains like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which make vegan burgers, is another point covered in the Financial Times. According to The Guardian, vegan food sales have fallen by 13.6% year-on-year in the UK. Meatless Farm recently ceased operations before being rescued from administration when its competitor, VFC, acquired it, while vegan brand Oatly and food manufacturer Heck have reduced production of some products."

"The Financial Times mentions some well-known vegans, such as crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried, currently in prison, and former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was reportedly caught enjoying a plate of fish. To this list could be added the case of singer Miley Cyrus, who followed a vegan diet for nearly seven years and decided to quit in 2021 after feeling her brain wasn't functioning properly. She reintroduced fish into her diet to regain essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids."

Veganism shows modest shifting rather than a large numerical decline. Some restaurants and brands moved away from strict plant-based models or reduced vegan product lines, while a few vegan food businesses faced financial strain or ownership changes. Sales figures for plant-based products fell in some markets, with reported UK vegan food sales down 13.6% year-on-year. High-profile individuals who had followed vegan diets have returned to animal products, sometimes citing nutritional needs like omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, the trend reflects qualitative changes in consumption patterns, business strategies, and individual dietary choices rather than a dramatic collapse of the vegan population.

Read at english.elpais.com