Veganism is a great choice for many reasons, but let’s be honest—some vegans don’t stop at changing their diet; they turn it into a full-blown identity.
While most plant-based people are chill, there’s always that one person who can’t resist bringing it up in every conversation. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these particular vegans so memorable (and occasionally a bit annoying), here are 17 things they love to say. Try not to roll your eyes too hard while reading these!
1. “I could never eat something with a face.”
It’s a valid perspective, but announcing it at the dinner table while everyone else is halfway through their steak feels like a calculated move. They’re not just sharing—they’re setting the tone for the rest of the meal. You’re suddenly hyper-aware of your plate’s contents.
2. “Being vegan is SO easy; you should try it!”
While it might be easy for them, not everyone is ready to trade their late-night pizza habit for tofu and cashew cheese. When they say this, it’s hard not to feel like they’re glossing over the actual effort it takes to change a lifestyle.
3. “Did you know it takes 2,500 gallons of water to make a pound of beef?”
Ah, the unsolicited animal agriculture fact bomb. It’s not that the stat isn’t impressive—it’s that they’ve somehow managed to shoehorn it into a conversation about your new sofa. The leap in logic is both baffling and impressive.
4. “This tastes exactly like meat!”
Except it doesn’t. No one is fooled by jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork. While vegan substitutes can be delicious, insisting they’re identical to the real thing feels more like wishful thinking than reality. It’s okay to admit it tastes different.
5. “How can you eat that?!”
They deliver this line with a mix of shock and pity, usually as you’re enjoying a cheeseburger. Instead of inspiring you to reconsider your choices, it mostly inspires the urge to order a milkshake to go with it.
6. “I don’t even miss cheese.”
Sure, some vegans might truly have moved on from the allure of melted cheddar, but for many, this line feels more like self-reassurance than fact. The enthusiasm is suspiciously over-the-top. Who are they really trying to convince here?
7. “You’d feel so much better if you went vegan.”
While veganism has many health benefits, this phrase can feel a bit presumptuous. They don’t know your life—or your complicated relationship with late-night snacks. Sometimes, comfort food takes precedence over kale smoothies, and that’s okay.
8. “But plants feel pain too!”
This one’s usually delivered as a comeback to someone questioning their lifestyle. It’s meant to be deep and thought-provoking, but instead, it leaves everyone staring awkwardly at their salad, wondering where the conversation went wrong.
9. “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be vegan.”
This phrase is practically a bumper sticker in the vegan world. While it’s an impactful statement, its timing is rarely ideal—like when you’re all trying to enjoy a relaxing barbecue. The message is serious, but the delivery often feels a bit heavy-handed.
10. “What do you even eat, though?”
Ironically, this line is usually uttered by vegans who then launch into a 10-minute list of everything they’ve eaten in the past week. While it’s meant to prove their diet is varied and exciting, it often has the opposite effect.
11. “Almond milk is SO much better than cow’s milk.”
Is it, though? It’s fine for a latte, but pouring it over cereal is another story entirely. When they insist it’s better, it feels like they’re trying to turn a necessary substitute into a luxury—something no one really asked for.
12. “I went vegan for the animals.”
Source: Unsplash This statement is admirable, but when it’s said repeatedly, it can feel more like a badge of honour than a simple explanation. It’s great that they’re passionate, but there’s no need to weave it into every conversation.
13. “Meat eaters are destroying the planet.”
While there’s truth to the environmental impact of meat production, this phrase doesn’t exactly invite open conversation. It tends to spark defensiveness instead of thoughtful reflection. The delivery might need a little more finesse.
14. “I’m making vegan lasagne—you won’t even notice the difference!”
Challenge accepted. The moment they set the bar that high, everyone becomes hyper-aware of the missing cheese, meat, and overall richness. It might still be delicious, but pretending it’s identical to traditional lasagne sets unrealistic expectations.
15. “It’s not that expensive to be vegan.”
Maybe they’ve mastered the art of budget-friendly veganism, but for most people, swapping pantry staples for trendy plant-based substitutes can add up. They conveniently leave out the part where almond butter costs the same as a small gold bar.
16. “You should watch this documentary—it changed my life.”
Source: Unsplash If you’ve heard the words *Forks Over Knives* or *Earthlings* one too many times, you know where this is going. While documentaries can be informative, the unsolicited recommendation can feel more like homework than inspiration.
17. “Once you go vegan, you’ll never go back.”
It’s a bold claim, but one that feels a little extreme. The journey to veganism is personal, and painting it as an all-or-nothing lifestyle can feel more intimidating than encouraging. Let people take their own steps at their own pace.
