I´m looking for some vegan candy for a friend of mine that should look like rocks/pebbles and it should not be licorice. There is not a whole lot I can find and for most of it I don´t really know if it´s vegan so I just want to make sure I get the right stuff. I´d even do it myself if anyone has a recipe.

Hey! I’m developing an AI app for meal planning and grocery shopping that can adjust to any diet and taste. I’m actually doing it bc me and my gf are eating same meals every day, and we are tired of it

Here’s a demo: https://youtu.be/b90E7IOt85E

I need your help (and your thoughts). Would you actually use it? What features would you like to have there? I'd love to hear literally any feedback you have!

P.S. If this app sounds like something you’d use, please leave your email here at https://pumpkin.food (no spam, I promise)

So my problem is, that I need about 3000 calories a day and I want to gain some weight so I need even more than that. I really struggle to hit that, since my daily food is healthy, but does not have that many calories. Does anyone have any tips what healthy food I could eat to gain some calories fast. I could just start eating candy, but I doubt that’s healthy 😅

I also read there are some powders/drinks that help to gain calories. Does anyone have any experiences with that and can recommend something.

Thanks for every bit of help :)

Rough time right now for left-wing American Jews. We want to maintain and build strong connections to fight rising authoritarianism and bigotry, but so many vegan businesses/groups/activists have come out as Hamas supporters in the name of “total liberation.”

I’ve tried to be understanding, give people the benefit of the doubt, and reach out to let them know they’re spreading antisemitic, pro-war, and pro-Iranian-regime propaganda, but they ignore me and double down. Rather than pick fights against my fellow vegans, I’d rather just cut these people off and build new connections with kinder people. But how?

Any suggestions for genuinely welcoming vegan organizations/groups/spaces? Any guidance from Iranian vegans? Feel free to DM me to avoid exposing yourself or others to vitriol.

ETA since some have asked, total liberation is in air quotes because I can’t take your commitment to liberation seriously if you support Kfir Bibas being held in a cage.

I’ve been eating one meal a day (dinner) for close to 20 years now. I’ve never been one to cook full meals, I usually just meal prep some type of medley/concoction on Sundays for the week and eat that plus various other things. I recently noticed how close to vegan I was already, so I made the switch and it’s been quite easy since I don’t have to think of 3+ meals to make each day.

For the past six months before going vegan, my daily meal has consisted of: -black bean bowl with spinach, bell pepper, zucchini -a can of sardines with a cup of guacamole (taking a bite of each) -frozen bag of veggies/corn -banana or apple -almonds or peanuts -popcorn as a snack -sometimes a little peanut butter if I’m still hungry

Since switching to vegan, my daily meal has been the same, minus the sardines and guac and popcorn (it had butter). To get more calories, I add either more nuts or PB.

However, it’s been a week now, and even though my meals are basically the same minus the fish and guac, my bowel movements have been horrible! I’m backed up and when I do go, they’re hard to pass and yesterday I noticed a touch of blood on the TP from strain.

My water intake is fine, I drink a ton throughout the day.

Anyone have any idea what my problem could be? Before going vegan, my BMs were great, like a fine pudding and easy to pass. I can’t imagine what the problem would be. Too much fiber? Not enough (I doubt it)?

I’m sure someone smarter than me has some help here, much appreciated.

I've had discussions with people professing to be "vegan" who claim that it is "vegan" to fund violent abuse and killing of innocent animals by purchasing animal products under the following conditions:

1. The animal products are used to feed nonhuman animals (eg. pets) AND they cannot be fed plant-based for whatever reason.

2. The animal products are guaranteed to be purchased regardless of whether one is doing it or someone else is doing it.

They claim that if one is already purchasing animal products to feed pets, then re-homing the pets would just be "kicking the can down the road" or "shifting responsibility" and so it would still be "vegan" to continue to fund animal abuse to feed the pets.

Vote your thoughts on this question!

View Poll

I'm trying to find a quality pair of men's boots in the US that fit well. Sizing is a pain in the butt when ordering online due to no two brands sizing the same way and having to convert to UK or EU sizes. I'm pretty rough on my shoes and I live in a rural area, but want to also be able to wear them with a suit and still look good.

I own a few pairs of Will's Vegan shoes, but their sizing always gets me and my little toe ends up crushed. I've also got a larger pair of Vegetarian Shoes, but the quality of them doesn't seem the same.

My reasoning is based on history. For thousands of years, nearly all societies viewed it as ethical to practice slavery, until a few hundred years ago. No moral argument stopped people from doing what was profitable. Then, the industrial revolution happened and in the following centuries, it slowly vanished from the earth. What ended it was technological progress caused by unrelated reasons. Suddenly, as soon as it stopped being convenient, slavery was viewed as immoral.

Meat has many similarities. Moral arguments fail due to a conflict of interests. An unrelated reason, climate change, is pushing us to limit our meat consumption and create plant or lab based alternatives. These alternatives will then remove the conflict of interest that blinds humanity. Currently, killing animals for fun is viewed poorly, and I think removing the benefits of animal slaughter will lead to all animal deaths being viewed as "for fun".

Moral and health reasons have existed for so long, yet they do not seem to drive our numbers up.

I own several chickens, no roosters, and they live outdoors. They spend their day fluttering about, eating feed, bugs they happen to find, and the odd strawberry from our patch when my wife throws them some. They lay eggs in their coup, which we generally dispose of, since they're unfertilised. Would it still be considered ethnical/vegan if we ate them (the eggs, not the chickens)?

We eat A LOT of cashews daily as we are big on cashews for pasta, pizza, lasagna, tiramisu etc etc. I read online cashews in excess can cause digestive issues and kidney stones. I'm an idiot and knew this about spinach in excess, but not cashews or other nuts. It says only eat one ounce per day and we probably eat 4x that....

Has anyone experienced issues eating large amounts of cashews per day? Lol

My birthday is November 23rd and my boyfriend and I are going to New York City for a Broadway show. We'll be there from the 22nd to the 25th. I'm looking for mostly vegan restaurants for our lunch and dinner, and I especially want something special for my birthday dinner (which must be decently close to the Lyric Theatre, the show is on Saturday at 7 PM). So far we have plans to go to the Butcher's Daughter for brunch on Sunday with my friend. NYC vegans, please help me out! I have been Googling, but I want the hidden gems from those who know the city best.

What are the easiest protein sources?

How much of vegan protein drinks are you guys taking?

I used to just take one shake a day. But I also ate a lot of meats and eggs, yogurts and milk. So protein was high in my diet.

So I am looking for options that are easy since I just started, so I don’t lose muscle and strength.

I used to be very diligent about taking supplements like B12. But last year I stopped taking them, and nothing happened. All of my blood work has come back excellent, and according to my primary care physician, I’m one of her healthiest patients. What gives? Is it just because I eat cereal with plant milk that’s fortified? I don’t eat any nutritional yeast or foods that naturally contain B12, like water lentils. Also, I don’t recommend doing what I’m doing. I’m just curious as to why I haven’t had any adverse test results after hearing for years how important it is to take a B12 if you’re a vegan.

Edit: thank you everyone for the info, I feel foolish for messing around with my health and I just took my first B12 supplement in over a year. It’s also important to take a DHA / EPA supplement as a vegan.

Hey everyone, I'm curious about how veganism has impacted your life in both big and small ways.

Whether it's physical health, mental well-being, relationships, politics, or even how you see the world—has going vegan had a noticeable effect on you? For some, it might just be a lifestyle or food choice. Looking forward to hearing your stories and reflections!

I can't be part of a vegan sub that just allows sick transphobic remarks and jokes to go unchallenged and unbanned. Especially right after recent events. Can we get some moderation and maybe some sidebar rules about racism, homophobia, transphobia, etc? The ace ventura thread is vile and disgusting. I want no part of a sub that allows that behavior to go unchecked.

Edit: I'm turning off notifications because ppl can't read. I said the ace ventura thread. Go look at it. Jfc

So, I've been wondering...I started to develop a fear that people might sneak animal products into my food and lie or tell me there isn't..and there's no way I would find out unless I overheard them. Even just thinking about it makes me feel sick and just emotionally anxious. Is there a term for it lol?

pseudophobia?

misfedophobia?

contaminophobia?

or simply just being vegan that don't want unintended pain, suffering, and tortured flesh/products inside their bodies?

https://apps.apple.com/app/ecoguide-your-carbon-tracker/id6737694517
https://carbon-footprint.dev/

I'm developing a new app to help people monitor and reduce their personal carbon emissions. But I want your feedback - what features would you find most useful in a carbon footprint tracking app?

Some ideas to consider:

• Comprehensive emissions tracking across home, transport, diet, and lifestyle
• Personalized tips to lower your footprint
• Carbon offset marketplace to reach net-zero
• Data visualization and sustainability insights
• Social features like challenges and community engagement

Let me know what you think! I'm aiming to create the best personal carbon tracking solution, so your input is invaluable.

I havent really had any faith in my species being ethical, i feel that most people simply care more about being perceived as ethical ie; selfish motives, people just changing their profile pic to the Ukranian flag and giving utterly useless thoughts and prayers

Basically the church members knew children were getting abused, mostly boys but some girls, people just ignored it and covered for them, eventually it was all made public and Cardinal Law was rewarded for hiding the abuse, the Pope invited him to Italy with a promotion

Catholics still donate to the church and thus the Pope, you would think people would have raped Cardinal Law or killed him so he could get some sort of punishement but nope, i guess its similar to people supporting Trump despite his crimes, not that the Biden admin is any better with their genocide support

People tend to care about others in this order: girls, boys, women, men/dogs/cats, other pets, wild animals, sea animals ie; dolphins, whales, and then i guess farm animals

I looked in the religous subs and apparently people considered this incident an attack on their faith and cared more about their faith being attacked ie; making it about themselves, then they did the children, we all know how carnists do similar things with veganism, so if people are willing to let children be abused and to let child abusers go free i dont really think veganism will gain much popularity and obviously there are newer reports of child abuse with Epstein island where men and women ignored the abuse or participated in it

Even though i have 0 faith in my species and my plan is to become a Buddhist monk and get away from society, i will continue to spread veganism and do my best to make the world better for the animals, i am in Mexico where its especially bad, stray animals are hit by cars, poisoned, beaten etc; but things are changing

Earth's Own Oat Cream

https://preview.redd.it/wpcsgs2ihezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b181cffe85fddffb3fff054faa9deac57e81a372

It is very creamy. It makes an excellent substitute for cream and even tastes better. You can buy one with a sweetener added, which is a bonus for some. This company also has one of the best oat milk varieties.

Yves Salami

https://preview.redd.it/hhboy0cjhezd1.jpg?width=206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=083e42704267987efcc992d00873d9a62e5c8b00

This plant-based salami is practically indistinguishable from meat salami. Its texture is excellent, and its seasonings taste the EXACT same. Plus, since it doesn't come from a factory farm, it's 100% better. This one really exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn't expect anything more from it, considering it's one of the more affordable plant-based options as well.

Yves Turkey

https://preview.redd.it/mwkao0gkhezd1.jpg?width=206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9bfcd09cf19c24244bd01547650847dd5cca8d06

This turkey could easily fool someone. It has an excellent texture, excellent smoked flavour, and great seasoning. Some people may be able to taste the difference. However, it's a better product than real meat, considering it tastes just about the exact same and provides a healthier source of protein.

Yves Ham

https://preview.redd.it/aj10r69mhezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8411605308fd1a0c582c922904a8d9ba20b4efc6

This ham is quite good. It has a great texture. It even looks like a marbled deli slice and has that same smoky flavour. Although it is good, I wouldn't say I like it as much as the salami or the turkey, and I suspect there could be better hams on the market. However, when I tried this on pizza, it tasted just like a meat pizza. It could be worth a try, considering some people's taste buds are different.

Silk Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

https://preview.redd.it/us0qsp4ohezd1.jpg?width=221&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8663c0df6bd757e46a51ebbd413a22113e08ca2

This one had a good flavour and would make an easy substitute for the flavoured dairy creamers we often find in the supermarkets. It could easily fool someone.

Gusta Pepperoni

https://preview.redd.it/bhapm10phezd1.jpg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=286cec90c5a7766f29745453d829d7d104ec3041

This pepperoni is quite good and has an excellent texture and flavour. It could easily fool someone as real pepperoni. It chews just like meat and has all the same seasonings. That being said, it might taste slightly better if they made it more spicy.

Gusta Fish Free Tuna

https://preview.redd.it/rap6k8aqhezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ace550e94682aa13fae265609a02a50ca13b613

I have nothing but good things to say about this tuna. I made a tuna salad, and I am sure that nearly everyone would think it's real tuna. Plus, it's a no-brainer, considering tuna are overfished, contain more toxins, and are way less environmentally friendly. It's sure to make you say, "Is that a fish market? No..? Well, then I will have what she's having!"

Gusta Beef

https://preview.redd.it/rcg0ik0shezd1.jpg?width=256&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=020aad15342cf7d3a373fb8f51eea96848b8a1f7

This product has a unique beef flavour. It's different from beef, but this recipe brings something different that the other beef substitutes miss. The texture isn't terrible, and it tasted good on a meat lover's pizza I made from vegan meat alternatives. It could be worth a try.

Beyond Meat Chicken Nuggets

https://preview.redd.it/h76pmwzshezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bff1870de0cf1946cd82228e7e970dd09b668b26

These are easily the closest thing to a real chicken nugget I've tasted. People would have absolutely no problem at all fooling me with these. The spice recipe is identical to chicken strips I've had in the past, so it awakens this nostalgic feeling. It has practically the same protein content as a chicken strip and is all-around healthier, except for the fact that it has more salt than a typical chicken strip.

Beyond Meat Steak

https://preview.redd.it/8p84xwauhezd1.jpg?width=224&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9c0efbba088f819286b6d8e566bfd37a5956805

This product is quite good and has an exceptional texture. It's the closest one I've tried to steak. My only complaint is that it's somewhat salty, which impedes one's ability to add spices and salt rubs. There's also not very much in the package, and it's more expensive than I would like. Nevertheless, it's the best beef substitute to fool someone with. It would taste good if people cold-smoked these steak bites as they would bring a new flavour into it that could further trick someone into thinking it's beef.

Beyond Beef and Beyond Burger

https://preview.redd.it/obtlehrvhezd1.jpg?width=229&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75741482c26e070241014c572ffe9b5e5f97db3e

https://preview.redd.it/70wehhrvhezd1.jpg?width=229&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6cbb6726ea71131057d00936edf9abd1f92f9a4

I think Beyond Beef is one of the best, if not the best, burgers I've tried on the market. I do get that feeling sometimes that it could be better if it combined some of the elements of the other burgers, such as the Impossible Burger, but it has what it takes to help people transition. I really like frying it up in a ginger garlic recipe like this:

https://laurenslatest.com/healthier-korean-beef/

Yves Mediterranean Harissa Veggie Sausages

https://preview.redd.it/0rnr2xrxhezd1.jpg?width=261&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d9b5027b522333b1091303ee1b44b6a3281e092

These are by far the best sausages I've tried by Yves. The texture is excellent; just about anybody could think it's real meat in a sauce. The flavour is also amazing. It tastes great in pasta with tomato sauce.

O' Doughs Bakery Garlic and Chive Vegan O'Dippers

https://preview.redd.it/9ud9xf50iezd1.jpg?width=224&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a49b1f9a36f597210fc047fe532bae16720ae412

These tasted good with Boursin's Garlic and Herb Dairy Free Spread. They taste delicious right out of the oven.

Boursin Garlic and Herb Dairy-Free Spread

https://preview.redd.it/df97wfi2iezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5572c2ca6baf1e839b36593aeba8fab0672aaa3

This spread tasted really good. People would like it better than a dairy dip. It had me coming back to the fridge several times.

Noble Jerky

https://preview.redd.it/o5uoy1j4iezd1.jpg?width=213&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6181c5597f521e48f46d67cd30cbb217b2d2bcac

These jerkies are quite good. They have the same texture as jerky, and once again, you could fool someone with them. Plus, considering no animals are harmed, it's clearly a noble choice.

Field Roast Chef's Signature Plant-Based Burger

https://preview.redd.it/y553nsx6iezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6bd054c51a2c06425a749544fc50af8af9c64eb5

This burger is quite good. What I like about it is that it's not necessarily trying to be a beef burger. Burgers like this tend to be healthier and bring a whole new flavour, which I appreciate. Its texture is good, and so is its flavour. I definitely would repurchase this.

President's Choice Corn Kale Carrot Peas Veggie Burger

https://preview.redd.it/zcjnm388iezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=111add1f29d0e3277bc5d236e86520ddbbc1eb58

This burger is quite good and has a great texture. It's not trying to be a beef burger but has a great flavour. You'd be amazed at how good it is.

President's Choice Chickpea and Sweet Potato Veggie Burger

https://preview.redd.it/2txqlyb9iezd1.jpg?width=225&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55a7132634c5d80347fc3225c4d8aa73e8e6e3cb

This burger also has a very great texture and flavour. These burgers might seem weird to some, but they would find them quite tasty if they were raised differently. There's something about plant-based meat alternatives that seems cleaner or more refreshing. It must be the fact that they're healthier due to not having as much saturated fat and cholesterol.

Impossible Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

https://preview.redd.it/hurv8xqaiezd1.jpg?width=275&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef43a54b45a75e74d0431133333bc845d50f1371

These chicken nuggets are delicious. They could fool people. Great texture and great flavour. I recommend these for those struggling to transition. I think Beyond Meat's Chicken tenders are a bit tastier; however, these are definitely worth it, and I think they're typically a bit cheaper.

This article points out that studies about omega-3 in vegans are still very limited - the increasing vegan population has been neglected by research and authorities, whose intake recommendations lack evidence. But current science seems to lean more towards the recommendation of supplementing rather than not. The consequences of a long-term vegan diet low on omega-3 are not fully known, but it's well known that omega-3 is essential for brain function, mental health, prevention of cognitive decline, heart health, etc.

This is perhaps one of the most comprehensive reviews of the available literature so far. 

Some points of the article:

• It’s highly recommended that vegans supplement EPA and DHA from algae. 
• Vegans had the lowest omega-3 levels compared to all other groups (but meat eaters who don't often eat fish also have low levels, so this is not only a problem for vegans). 
• Flaxseed oil supplementation did not increase DHA levels.
• Microalgal oil supplements are a sufficient and viable source of DHA.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2021.1880364

A little lesson:

There are three types of Omega-3: ALA (flaxseed, chia, walnuts), DHA and EPA (algae and fish). Our bodies can covert only a small percentage of ALA (5-10%) into EPA, and even less into DHA. Conversion is very inefficient. In spite of that, we'll generally find the information that "vegans will be fine with two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds a day" (only freshly ground in your mixer so it won't oxidize, and hydrated 5 minutes before so it won't stick to your guts) - the study shows that this information could be potentially misleading.

Omega-6 can further hinder conversion, so we should limit consumption of omega 6 (corn oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, etc., fried and processed foods).

General guideline: about 250-500 mg combined EPA and DHA per day. We should still consume ALA, as it also has benefits.

Omega-3 can also help patients with migraine. A few days ago I watched a documentary on German TV showing a doctor telling a girl that her episodes of migraine crisis could have increased because of her vegan diet lacking omega-3, so he recommended supplementation, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

...

Edit

For people attacking veganism:

Ask anyone: "ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF ANIMAL CRUELTY?" If the answer is "yes", you can be sure this person is either a psychopath or a clown (using that as a defense mechanism to tease and ridicule people who are trying to make them think rationally). Most humans go along with animal cruelty because it's cultural, not because it's rational, so they prefer not to think or be reminded about it. Humans have enough intelligence to explore the universe and atoms - we can use that same intelligence to stop exploiting animals. Science can help us.

There is no problem in supplementing. Good source of omega-3 EPA and DHA originates from algae. Guess how fish get that nutrient? We are smart enough to know we can go straight to the source and skip killing fish. And guess what? Your meat is often artificially supplemented with B12 - again, vegans just skip the part of killing.

For vegans downvoting and being defensive:

I understand you are afraid information like this can potentially scare people away and fuel opposers. But we need right information so more people will feel safe to turn vegans. We have to try to be more rational and less emotional. Adopting a religious defensive approach won't help veganism and animals, that's what really scares people away.

IS THIS REALLY TRUE?

Obviously, as it is often for research, this information is not conclusive, as the article itself points out, you're bound to find opposing points. A poster shared this not so recent study saying our bodies can adapt when we become vegan and convert more ALA into EPA and DHA. Maybe that's true? But then we can find more recent study contradicting that.

So each one of us has to decide what to do.

(If you have links to other major studies confirming or contradicting this, which have relevant information for the vegan community, I'll be glad to post here as footnote).

IS IT THAT EXPENSIVE?

I'm sharing my price list search for Amazon Italy. In Italy, it can be as low as 6.50 euros/month for 225 DHA + EPA daily, or €8.00/month for 350mg. Is that cheaper than fish?

Shopping tip: calculate price per month to reach minimum concentration or price per each 250mg, as the labels and ads can be very tricky!

https://preview.redd.it/krghohyh0lzd1.png?width=1158&format=png&auto=webp&s=db3ccaba72b2743da1d2b50e84156f209779fa95