Vegans are known for their love of animals, plants, and the planet. But as any vegan can tell you, certain habits, quirks, or even well-meaning comments can be major turn-offs. Here are some of the most common “icks” that make vegans cringe.
1. “I could never give up bacon.”
We get it, bacon tastes good! But hearing it every time someone finds out you’re vegan? Cringe. Many of us don’t go vegan because we hate the taste of meat, we do it because we value the lives of animals over their taste.
2. “How do you get your protein?”
Just. Stop. Asking. (Or, prepare for a deep dive into chickpeas, lentils, and tofu!) Every vegan knows it’s coming, and yet it’s still so exhausting. Protein? Oh no, you caught me—I’ve just been surviving on sheer willpower and kale!
3. Saying “Plants have feelings too.”
Maybe, but they don’t scream when you cut them. Sure, plants may have some form of response to damage, but they’re not sentient. They don’t experience pain the way animals do. So comparing them to animals is like saying rocks have feelings because they can get weathered. Also, have you thought about the amount of plants fed to the animals we eat? Yeah.
4. Complaining about “fake” vegan meats.
If you don’t want the vegan option, you don’t have to eat it! If you don’t like vegan meat substitutes, cool. But, maybe don’t knock them just because you don’t get the appeal. At the end of the day, they’re just about bringing a similar taste without killing someone.
5. Bragging about hunting.
This one’s a no-brainer; nothing says “ick” to a vegan quite like talking about your latest catch. For vegans, the idea of turning life and death into a game is wrong. Like, if you wouldn’t do it to your dog, why is it okay for another animal?
6. Eating endangered animals “for the experience.”
Whether it’s exotic meats or rare delicacies, eating animals under threat is an eco-no-go. Plenty of amazing food isn’t endangered (or an animal!). You want unique? Try jackfruit, seaweed caviar, or black garlic ice cream. No species has to go extinct for you to broaden your palate.
7. “I’m basically vegan, but I still eat chicken and fish.”
Oh, honey… close, but not quite. Chickens and fishes are animals -I know, shocking. If you’re eating animals, you’re not “basically vegan.” Besides, veganism means not using animals for human gain in any aspect of our lives, where practicable.
8. Insisting that veganism is “just a phase.”
For most vegans, it’s not a phase; it’s a lifestyle. Veganism isn’t a phase you try out like a new hairstyle. It’s a choice rooted in ethics, compassion, and often a concern for human and planetary health. So no, it’s not just something we’re doing for a few months before we go back to eating bacon.
9. Joking about eating their vegan pets.
Some vegans joke about having a pet pig; don’t be the one to joke about what could happen at Thanksgiving. The joke isn’t funny because it’s rooted in animal exploitation, commodification, and cruelty, which is the very thing vegans are trying to avoid.
10. Loudly complaining about “rabbit food” at vegan-friendly places.
Hey, some people actually enjoy salads, thank you very much. Calling vegan food “rabbit food” is just lazy. Have you seen the insane variety of vegan dishes out there? Pretty sure bunnies aren’t whipping up jackfruit pizzas or oat milk ice cream!
11. Meat juice dripping onto their plates.
You’re sitting next to someone cutting into a juicy steak, only to have those juices squirt on your food? Vegans go out of their way to avoid animal products, and then there it is—sneaking onto their plate like an uninvited guest. That’s a one-way ticket to Icksville.
Being vegan isn’t just about the food you eat, it’s a commitment to seeing animals as individuals and not just for the taste of their bodies -or anything else they can be used for. While some of these ‘icks’ might seem like harmless jokes or playful banter, it’s important to remember that behind every laugh is a vegan who is simply trying to live their vegan life in peace. So, the next time you crack a joke or make a remark, take a moment to think about the deeper values at play—because being vegan is about more than just food; it’s about respect, empathy, and making the world a kinder place for all creatures, big and small.
Take the Vegan Pledge: https://drove.com/.2A4o
