Here are 5 surprisingly problematic vegan foods. While going vegan is great and proven to be the best overall diet for animals, people and the planet…that doesn’t make all vegan foods perfect. Keep the following in mind the next time you go grocery shopping.
What’s Wrong With Almonds?
There’s no doubt almonds are excellent for health! However, bees are often used for almond pollination (California, USA). This is very harmful to bees themselves and the ecosystem. Almonds also have a very high carbon footprint and water footprint…
READ MORE ABOUT: ALMONDS
What’s Wrong With Chocolate?
The good news is pure, dark chocolate in moderation is great for health. But chocolate presents some environmental problems. Additionally, if not fair trade, chocolate often involves laborer mistreatment, as beans come from countries that don’t have strong workers rights laws in place…
READ MORE ABOUT: CHOCOLATE
What’s Wrong With Figs?
Most people consider figs vegan…they are fruits, after all! But did you know that wasps may die in fig production? Wasp involvement is natural so whether figs are deemed vegan or not vegan is debatable…
READ MORE ABOUT: FIGS
What’s Wrong With Coconuts?
Coconuts are in demand, as they make great milk and cream substitutes for smoothies and desserts. Yes, they’re vegan but be sure to avoid coconuts from Thailand. People may use monkeys to fetch the foods high in trees during the harvesting process!
READ MORE ABOUT: COCONUTS
What’s Wrong With Soybeans?
No, it’s not the estrogen…it’s the Amazon! Brazil is one of the world’s top soybean producers since they are also a top beef producer (cow fodder). Rainforest deforestation is linked to soy for this reason. Be sure to buy local, organic soy products whenever possible…
READ MORE ABOUT: SOYBEANS
Do you know of more foods that are vegan but problematic? Send a quick message to HEALabel here.
