7 Vegan Myths You Need to Stop Believing

Think vegans lack protein or that veganism is expensive? Let’s get 7 popular vegan myths debunked with facts, not fiction.

In today’s world, veganism is gaining momentum — for good reason. From health and environmental benefits to animal ethics, there’s a lot to love about a plant-based lifestyle. Yet, despite growing awareness, misinformation still clouds people’s judgment. That’s why we’re here with these 7 vegan myths debunked — to clear the air and help you make informed choices.

1. Myth: Vegans Don’t Get Enough Protein

One of the biggest myths people hold is that animal products are the only source of complete protein. Many people, especially gym-goers and those who eat non-vegetarian food for taste, believe that non-vegetarian food contains more protein than vegetarian or vegan options and that they can’t get enough protein from plant-based foods. However, this is far from the truth. So, let see:

The average adult requires about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, and this can vary slightly depending on exercise, activity levels, and personal health goals. Protein is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall health, but it is entirely possible to meet these needs through plant-based sources. Let’s take a look at how plant-based proteins compare to animal-based proteins. Here are the approximate protein values (per 100 grams of raw food)

Food Item (भोजन)Protein (per 100g, raw)
Soybeans (सोयाबीन)36g – 40g
Mung Beans (मूंग दाल)24g
Kidney Beans / Rajma (राजमा)24g
Peanuts (मूंगफली)26g
Source: Google Search / USDA Nutrition Database
Food ItemProtein (per 100g)Hindi Name (हिंदी में)
Egg (boiled)13 gअंडा (उबला हुआ)
Chicken (cooked)27 gचिकन (पका हुआ)
Chicken Breast31 gचिकन ब्रेस्ट (छाती का मांस)
Sources:
USDA FoodData Central. Boiled Egg. Link
USDA FoodData Central. Chicken Breast. Link

From lentils, chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, quinoa, seitan, nuts, seeds, and even vegetables like broccoli and spinach, you can get protein as same you can take from nonveg. Here we talked about soya bean, it is hard to digest for human after also cooking. It can’t digest so it is used for eating by make their processed and fermentation like tofu, tempeh, soya milk, and soya chunks and it is clear there is no estrogen increase by consuming normal amount of soya chunks. For mor information, read the article.

Soy ProductProtein (g per 100g)
Tofu (firm)10–15 g
Tempeh19–21 g
Soy Milk (unsweetened)3–4 g
Soy Chunks (dry)50–52 g (dry)

what about amino acids?

There are 20 types of amino acids that the human body uses to build proteins. Out of these, 11 amino acids are non-essential, meaning the body can make them on its own. However, the remaining 9 are essential, meaning the body cannot produce them and they must be obtained through food. These 9 essential amino acids are found in animal-based proteins, leading some to believe that plant-based foods do not provide all the essential amino acids.

This is true to an extent: no single plant food contains all 9 essential amino acids. However, the solution is variety. By eating a wide range of plant-based foods over the course of a day, such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, quinoa, seitan, nuts, seeds, and even vegetables like broccoli and spinach, you can easily get all 9 essential amino acids.

It’s important to remember that variety is key. For example, you might eat mung beans (moong daal) today and then switch to chickpeas or another source of protein the next day. This ensures you get a complete set of amino acids.

Many athletes and bodybuilders thrive on plant-based protein and perform just as well. They prove that it is entirely possible to build muscle and strength on a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Photo by Nature Zen on Unsplash

Example: Daily Vegan Protein for a 60kg Person

Here’s a simple vegan meal plan to show how one can easily meet their protein needs:

  • Morning:
    • 50g soaked peanuts (13g protein)
    • 50g soaked black chickpeas (10g protein)
    • 6–7 almonds (2.5g protein)
    • 2 tablespoons of flax seeds (3g protein)
      Total: ~28.5–29g protein
  • Afternoon:
    • 50g of pulses or kidney beans (12g protein)
  • Evening/Night:
    • Soya products or other plant-based protein sources (at least 15g protein)
  • Additional:
    • 5–10g protein from chapati, rice, and other grains consumed with meals

Total Daily Protein: Around 60–65g, which is sufficient for a 60kg person.

This is just one example. There are many other affordable plant-based foods like dosa, idli, sprouts, tofu, etc. You don’t need to stress excessively about protein—what matters more is a balanced intake of all nutrients. Excessive protein can even harm the kidneys, so moderation is key. Eat all types of things fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, dry fruits, whole grains, beans and more.

Vegan Myths Debunked: You can get enough protein without meat or dairy — and thrive!

The values listed in the tables above may vary by 1 to 3 grams depending on factors such as cooking method, brand, and type of food.


2. Myth: Veganism Is Too Expensive

Let’s examine whether it’s true that vegan food is more expensive than non-vegetarian food.

Cost Comparison (India – Example from My Region):

  • Peanuts cost around ₹150 per kg.
  • Chicken costs between ₹180–₹210 per kg.
  • Black chickpeas (Kala Chana) cost around ₹70 per kg.
  • Eggs cost about ₹110 per kg (1 egg is about 50g and costs ₹5.5 or more).

If we look at protein content:

  • 100g of kala chana provides around 20g of protein.
  • 100g of egg provides around 13g of protein.

So clearly, kala chana is both less expensive and higher in protein than eggs. The same holds true for other vegetarian sources when compared to meat or eggs.

Photo by Yoav Farhi on Unsplash


If someone finds the above example of diet is expensive, they can simply reduce spending on junk food and unnecessary expenses. There are also people for whom the example vegan diet might still be expensive, so it’s important to adapt it based on your comfort and budget. However, it’s also true that the high consumption of non-vegetarian food is one of the main reasons why vegetarian food becomes more expensive in some areas.”


Global Perspective: How Non-Veg Diets Contribute to Hunger & Environmental Issues

Do you know that non-vegetarian diets are a major contributor to the global hunger crisis?

A significant portion of agricultural land is used to grow crops that are not for direct human consumption, but for feeding animals raised for meat, dairy, and eggs. This is an inefficient system.

Here’s how global cropland is used:

  • 60% for animal feed
  • 25% for direct human food
  • 15% for biofuels and industrial uses
vegan myths

If even half of the land used for animal feed were instead used to grow food directly for people, food would become cheaper, and more people could meet their nutritional needs. This shift could greatly help address poverty and malnutrition worldwide.

Moreover, in dairy farms, animals are often bred forcefully. If the demand for animal products decreases, the need for such practices would also reduce.


Conclusion

Veganism isn’t just a personal health choice—it has a positive global impact. It:

  • Saves money
  • Provides sufficient nutrition
  • Reduces environmental damage
  • Helps make food more accessible to everyone
  • Avoid nonveg makes vegetarian food more cheap

So yes, veganism can be more affordable than a meat-based diet, and it contributes positively to both individual well-being and global sustainability.

Vegan Myths Debunked: Veganism can be more affordable than a meat-heavy diet.


🥱3. Myth: Vegan Food Is Boring and Bland

Anyone who believes vegan food is tasteless or repetitive simply hasn’t experienced the incredible variety that plant-based cuisine offers. Far from being dull, vegan food is rich in flavor, color, and creativity. With the right spices, herbs, and cooking techniques, plant-based meals can be just as—if not more—delicious and satisfying than meat-based ones.

Photo by Stefan Vladimirov on Unsplash

Take a look around the world, and you’ll find that many global cuisines are already plant-forward. Indian cuisine celebrates dishes like chana masala, rajma, and dosas. Thai food brings the zing with green curry, peanut satay, and stir-fried vegetables in aromatic coconut milk. Ethiopian injera platters, Middle Eastern falafel wraps, and Mediterranean hummus bowls are just a few examples of vibrant, naturally vegan dishes that are beloved worldwide.

Modern vegan cooking has also evolved into a world of its own. You can enjoy comfort classics reimagined—like creamy cashew Alfredo pasta, spicy BBQ jackfruit tacos, crispy tofu stir-fry, or indulgent vegan chocolate brownies made without dairy or eggs. With ingredients like lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, grains, and a rainbow of vegetables, the possibilities are endless.

Moreover, vegan cooking invites creativity. Since you’re not relying on animal products, you become more adventurous with textures, flavors, and combinations. And with today’s plant-based innovations—like vegan cheese, meat alternatives, and dairy-free desserts—there’s truly something for every craving.

In short, the idea that vegan food is boring is a myth stuck in the past. Whether you’re into traditional home-cooked meals or gourmet experimentation, there’s a whole world of flavor waiting for you in vegan cuisine.

When we eat meat, it’s not the meat itself that tastes good—it’s the spices and ingredients used to prepare it. Without seasoning or added flavors, meat would be bland. So, just for the sake of taste, is it really fair to kill an animal?

Vegan Myths Debunked: Vegan food is rich, flavorful, diverse, and anything but boring.


💪 4. Myth: You Can’t Build Muscle on a Vegan Diet

The belief that you need meat, eggs, or dairy to build muscle is a major myth. Muscle growth doesn’t depend on animal products—it depends on three main things: resistance training, caloric surplus, and adequate protein intake. As long as you’re training consistently, eating enough, and getting the right amount of protein, building muscle on a vegan diet is entirely possible—and many athletes are proving it every day.

Photo by Mike Von on Unsplash

There are countless examples of successful vegan athletes, including professional bodybuilders, Olympic gold medalists, MMA fighters, and endurance runners who thrive on a plant-based diet. Stars like Nimai Delgado, who has never eaten meat in his life, or Venus Williams, who adopted a vegan lifestyle for health reasons, continue to break barriers and bust the myth that animal protein is required for strength, size, or performance.

Plant-based protein sources are abundant and diverse. Foods like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, edamame, quinoa, and green peas are all high in protein and packed with other nutrients. Many of these foods also contain fiber, antioxidants, and complex carbs that support energy and recovery—things that animal protein lacks. You can also supplement with vegan protein powders (made from pea, rice, soy, or hemp protein) to meet your needs more easily if you’re in a muscle-building phase.

Many people — including supplement companies — often claim that vegetarian foods are too high in carbohydrates, implying that this is a bad thing. But that’s not true. Our bodies actually need more carbohydrates than protein each day, especially for energy. Such claims are often made to promote and sell more protein supplements.

If you’re trying to bulk up or gain weight, carbohydrates play a crucial role alongside sufficient protein and other nutrients.

Protein supplements themselves are not wrong — in fact, they can be helpful, especially if you go to the gym and need extra protein. But instead of using whey, casein, or other milk-based protein powders, you can switch to vegan protein supplements.

These plant-based options are effective, cruelty-free, and suitable for those who can’t eat multiple meals throughout the day. I’ve done some research on high-quality vegan protein supplements, and you can explore them from the links I’ve provided if you’re interested.

Link-Amazon- https://amzn.to/3GQssCy

Link-Amazon- https://amzn.to/3H24012

They are not sponsored, just my research.


And the best part? These plant-based foods come with less saturated fat, zero cholesterol, and more health-protective compounds than their animal-based counterparts. Studies even suggest that plant-based diets can improve athletic recovery time, reduce inflammation, and support long-term heart health.

So, no—going vegan doesn’t mean giving up your fitness goals. In fact, it could help you achieve them more efficiently and ethically.

Vegan Myths Debunked: You absolutely can build strength, size, and stamina on a vegan diet. Plants power performance.


5. Myth: Vegan Diets Are Nutrient-Deficient

A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the nutrients your body needs — naturally and effectively.

One of the biggest misconceptions about plant-based eating is that it’s nutritionally inadequate. However, numerous studies and real-life examples prove otherwise. With a little awareness and variety, vegans can thrive and meet their nutritional needs through whole foods and fortified products. Let’s break down how:

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Iron

Plant-based iron is found in foods like:

  • Lentils
  • Beans
  • Spinach
  • Tofu
  • Quinoa
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Apple
  • If you cook your food in iron utensils you also get iron

To enhance iron absorption, pair these with vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, or tomatoes.

Calcium

You don’t need dairy to get strong bones. Excellent plant-based calcium sources include:

  • Fortified plant milks (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
  • Tofu (especially calcium-set tofu)
  • Broccoli
  • Bok choy
  • Almonds
  • White Sesame seed also known as til has 8 times more calcium than milk. (Soaked in water in summer and roasted in winter 2 tablespoon).
  • fruits like mango, bananas, and more

These provide all the calcium your body needs for bone health and muscular function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These healthy fats are crucial for heart and brain function. Plant-based sources include:

  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Walnuts
  • Hemp seeds
  • Algal oil supplements (a direct vegan source of DHA and EPA)
  • Oils of mustard, coconut, sesame, peanuts, olive in cooking

Vitamin B12

This is one nutrient not naturally found in plant foods, but don’t worry — it’s easily accessible through:

  • Fortified plant-based milks and breakfast cereals
  • Nutritional yeast
  • B12 supplements (affordable and available over the counter)

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism, so make sure it’s part of your diet.

By the way, Vitamin B12 is naturally found in soil. When animals eat plants, some soil gets into their bodies, which is why non-vegetarian foods contain B12. However, we usually wash our plant-based foods thoroughly, so we don’t get enough B12 from them. But no worries—we have plant-based milk and other fortified foods available. And for those who need it, B12 supplements are a great option. I’ve included some supplement links below if you’re interested.

Link-Amazon- https://amzn.to/439bKFT

Bonus: Protein

Protein is often overemphasized but still important. A vegan diet can easily meet your daily protein needs through:

  • Legumes (like lentils and chickpeas)
  • Tofu and tempeh
  • Whole grains (like quinoa, oats, and brown rice)
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Vegan protein powders (like pea, rice, or hemp-based)

Whether you’re an athlete or just aiming for general wellness, plant-based proteins are powerful, clean, and sustainable.

Vegan Myths Debunked

Plants are incredibly nutrient-dense. With a bit of planning, a vegan diet can fuel your body with everything it needs — from iron and calcium to omega-3s and B12 — without animal products. It’s better for your health, the environment, and of course, the animals.


🌍 6. Myth: Veganism Is Just a Trend

Veganism might seem like a modern trend, but it’s far more than a passing craze. It’s a deeply conscious lifestyle choice rooted in ethics, personal health, and planetary well-being. At its core, veganism is about living in alignment with values like compassion, sustainability, and awareness of how our choices impact the world around us.

More and more people are turning to plant-based diets to:

  • 🌍 Combat climate change
  • 🐄 Reduce animal suffering and exploitation
  • 💪 Improve their overall health and energy levels
vegan myths

Photo by Cottonbro Studio on Pexels

It’s not just about what’s on your plate — it’s a holistic way of living that respects all forms of life and aims to reduce harm wherever possible.

Fun Fact: The Planet Pays a High Price for Meat

Did you know? Livestock farming is responsible for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. That’s more than all the world’s cars, planes, and trains combined!

Switching to a plant-based diet is one of the most effective personal actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. By choosing plants over meat and dairy, you’re helping:

  • Save thousands of liters of water
  • Conserve valuable land and forests
  • Reduce harmful methane and CO₂ emissions

Vegan Myths Debunked

vegan is not a trend it’s a choice for better life.

Veganism isn’t a fad. It’s a future-forward, compassionate, and health-conscious lifestyle choice that’s gaining momentum worldwide. Whether you go fully vegan or just start making more plant-based choices, every step matters.


🍩 7. Myth: All Vegan Food Is Healthy

Let’s set the record straight: just because something is labeled vegan doesn’t automatically make it a healthy choice. A vegan donut is still… a donut. In fact, many processed vegan foods can be high in added sugars, refined carbs, sodium, and unhealthy fats — just like their non-vegan counterparts.

Vegan Myths
Vegan Myths

photos by Artem Podrez and Engin Akyurl on Pexels

With the rise in popularity of plant-based lifestyles, the market has exploded with convenience foods like vegan burgers, nuggets, cookies, ice creams, and ready-to-eat meals. While these can be fun occasional treats or helpful during transitions, they shouldn’t make up the foundation of your diet.

Also read – What is veganism and its benefits


🥗 What Makes a Vegan Diet Truly Healthy?

A truly nutritious vegan diet focuses on whole, minimally processed plant foods. These are the powerhouses that deliver essential nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and long-term health benefits. Here’s what your plate should regularly include:

Whole Grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole wheat, millet)
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans, peas, soy products like tofu and tempeh)
Vegetables (leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, colorful varieties)
Fruits (fresh, seasonal, and whole)
Nuts & Seeds (chia, flaxseeds, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
Healthy Fats (avocado, olives, cold-pressed oils in moderation)

This kind of plant-based eating has been linked to lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and even better mental health outcomes.


Vegan Myths Debunked: Vegan Junk Food is Still Junk Food

Let’s bust a common myth:

Myth: If it’s vegan, it must be healthy.
Not all vegan food is created equal. Vegan versions of processed snacks, fast food, and desserts are often just as calorie-dense and nutritionally empty as the originals. It’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming “vegan” equals “guilt-free” — but that’s not always the case.

Key takeaway:

Just like any diet, balance and food quality matter. A diet full of vegan junk food can still lead to weight gain, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.


Smart Tips for a Healthy Vegan Lifestyle:

🥦 Focus on whole foods – Build your meals around real ingredients you can recognize.
📖 Read labels – Watch for hidden sugars, additives, and sodium in packaged vegan products.
🧠 Prioritize variety – Eating a rainbow of plant foods ensures you’re covering your nutritional bases.
💊 Don’t ignore supplements – Consider B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s (from algae oil) if needed.
🥕 Cook more at home – It’s the easiest way to control ingredients and stay on track.


Bottom Line:

Veganism can be incredibly healthy — but only when done mindfully. It’s not just about cutting out animal products, but about embracing nutrient-rich, plant-powered foods that fuel your body and support long-term wellness. So yes, enjoy that vegan cookie once in a while — but let plants, not packages, be the star of your diet.

Conclusion: Get These Vegan Myths Debunked for Good

It’s time to let go of outdated assumptions and look at veganism through a lens of facts, not fear. With the right planning, knowledge, and open mind, a vegan lifestyle can be healthy, affordable, and deeply fulfilling.

So next time someone hits you with one of these myths, you’ll be ready — with facts and confidence.

Here is your revised version with correct grammar, improved flow, and clarity:


The purpose of this blog is to share true and accurate information about veganism and bust common myths that people often believe.
This blog isn’t just about food—it’s about raising awareness of what we eat, how our choices impact our health, animals, and the entire planet.

Many people, despite having enough money, suffer from nutritional deficiencies simply because they lack the right information about nutrition.

For example, a 2017 survey revealed that 73% of Indians are protein deficient, and over 90% are unaware of their daily protein requirements.

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