What Is a Dirty Vegan? Bring on the Vegan Junk Food (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Dirty Vegan? Bring on the Vegan Junk Food? ›

Vegans can still eat junk food, if by junk, we're talking highly fatty and calorific food. Otherwise known as being a dirty vegan, as long as your ingredients are not animal-based, including your cooking oils (as opposed to butter or lard), then that's veganised junk food.

So, what exactly is the Dirty Vegan Diet? The term refers to two variations of the plant-based diet, according to Boehmer. The first refers to mainly processed foods that mimic animal-based meals. For example, pepperoni and cheese pizza, buffalo wings, and fried chicken could be deemed "dirty vegan" foods.

Vegan junk food: Vegan ice cream, candy, cookies, chips and sauces generally contain just as much added sugar and fat as their non-vegan counterparts. Plus, they contain almost no vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds.

A vegetarian does not eat any animal flesh such as meat, poultry, or fish. A vegan is a stricter vegetarian who also avoids consuming dairy, eggs, and any other ingredients derived from animals.

There are three main types of vegans: ethical, health-focused, and environmental. They may follow a variety of vegan diets, ranging from “typical” vegan diets including both processed and unprocessed vegan foods, whole-food plant-based, raw vegan, fruitarian, or high-starch/low-fat.

Beer and Wine

Isinglass, a gelatin-based substance derived from fish, is used as a clarifying agent in some beer and wine. Other non-vegan ingredients sometimes used are casein (from milk) and egg whites.

Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.

No statistically significant differences have been shown for total cardiovascular disease between vegans and meat eaters, but the data so far suggest there may be a lower risk of ischaemic heart disease and perhaps a higher risk of stroke in vegans. There is no evidence of a difference in life expectancy.

While studies have shown that a vegan diet (VD) may be associated with improved health outcomes [6,7], the negative health repercussions of these food preferences, on the other hand, are rarely highlighted, and veganism may be associated with negative health effects due to nutritional deficiencies.

Do vegans eat honey? ›

The bottom line. Vegans try to avoid or minimize all forms of animal exploitation, including that of bees. As a result, most vegans exclude honey from their diets. Some vegans also avoid honey to take a stand against conventional beekeeping practices that can harm bee health.

Super vegans are committed to a plant based diet and look for products certified by The Vegan Society, Cruelty Free International and other reputable organisations. There are multiple benefits of veganism but most people are attracted to the impact it has on farmed animals and fish.

Level 4 vegans are incredibly committed to veganism, and follow a strict dietary regime. A level 4 vegan's diet is likely to contain more fruits, vegetables and nuts. Level 4 vegans will often only eat out at vegan restaurants, or if that is not an available option they will only choose a vegan option.

The semi-vegetarian Flexitarian Diet focuses on healthy plant proteins and other whole, minimally processed plant-based foods but encourages eating meat and animal products in moderation. Eating flexitarian may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.