Things vegans get asked…
...and what it says about what we (don’t) know about food
The face I can’t help, but make when I get asked some of these questions
Can you eat that?
Said in a genuinely surprised tone - usually while I’m mid-bite, plate full of delicious, colourful vegan food.
It’s a classic. Especially from someone who’s just clocked that I’m vegan. Or from a friend cooking for me, double-checking if I can eat… carrots. (Yes. Yes, I can.)
I do love watching someone’s face light up when they realise something is accidentally vegan. Like shop-bought pastry. Honestly, it’s the small wins.
Would you like some [insert any dairy heavy treat]?
I absolutely love this one. It shows people are being thoughtful, and it gives me the chance to say, “thank you, but no thank you” - or surprise everyone with, “actually, yes, that one is vegan!”
Where do you get your protein?
A classic question, but one I don’t hear as often these days. People are starting to realise that vegans do, in fact, survive. Some of us even go to the gym and have jobs.
What do you eat?
One of my favourites. It opens the floodgates to a chat about jackfruit tacos, tofu magic, and the unexpected joy of a well-seasoned mushroom.
This one usually comes from genuine curiosity, and sometimes it ends in recipe swaps.
Can you eat... spinach?
It’s wild how often I’m asked if I can eat actual plants. Cue a silent eye-roll - not at the person, but at the fact our understanding of nutrition is so patchy that ‘vegan’ can be assumed to mean air and sadness.
How long have you been vegan?
This one feels like a test. Like the longer you’ve been vegan, the more legitimate your membership badge is.
Now that I’m five years in, I get more nods of approval. When I was two weeks in, I got a lot of “it’s just a phase” looks. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
Why did you go vegan?
Sometimes people are genuinely interested. Other times, they’re warming up for a debate.
I love saying it’s for digestive reasons. It stops the “but lions eat meat” argument before it even starts. Telling them my family were dairy farmers too, that’s just bonus points for cognitive dissonance.
What about eggs?
Great question. Personally, I eat eggs from garden chickens, happy hens from happy homes, mostly family and friends. I call them “vegan eggs,” which confuses absolutely everyone and delights me no end.
Do you take supplements?
This one is quite personal and I tend to only answer if the person I am speaking with is genuinely interested.
The answer is yes! Especially B12, which incidentally, I believe everyone should be taking, not just vegans. Ask me this question and you’ll get a TED Talk. You have been warned.
Is there something on this menu for you?
A kind question, and one I always appreciate. If there isn’t a vegan option, I’ll channel my creative side and put something together out of sides and salads. Chefs may cringe, but I will not leave a restaurant hungry… if I can help it.
Do you mind if I eat meat in front of you?
This one melts my heart. It’s so kind. I have never said yes - I wonder what would happen then?! I live with a proud carnivore. I prep and cook meat regularly. I’m even ok with shared BBQs, as long as I get my own section and we don’t mix up the serving spoons. (I draw the line at meat juices on my grilled corn.)
This is meant to be a bit of fun, but behind every one of these questions is something deeper: a widespread lack of understanding around nutrition, dietary preferences, and plant-based eating.
And this misunderstanding doesn’t stop at the dinner table, it makes its way into professional kitchens, menus, and service. I’ve left restaurants hungry while my friends roll out of the place too full to walk. That gap, between being politely included and properly catered for, is what Vegan Con Carne is here to close.
I help hospitality teams confidently cater to dietary needs so that everyone leaves the table full. And yes, that includes vegans. Even the ones who eat ‘vegan eggs’.
Learn more about what Vegan Con Carne can do for your business.