Is Veganism Really New to Indian Food Culture?

Vegan food is everywhere on the internet. From oat milk and cashew cheese to plant-based burgers, veganism has become closely associated with modern lifestyles. But India’s connection to plant-based food goes back much further.

Our dals, leafy sabzis, coconut-based curries and regional recipes have relied on vegetables, grains and lentils for generations. Yet these familiar ingredients are now finding new identities in supermarkets and cafés.

Is veganism really a new idea in India? Or are we simply looking at familiar food habits through a different lens?

India’s connection with plant-based food is complicated

Indian cuisine is full of plant-based dishes. Yet ghee, curd, butter, paneer and milk are essential to cooking in many households. We add ghee to dal, use curd in gravies and prepare sweets with milk. India is also the world’s largest milk producer.

While our culinary history is rich in plant-based cooking, calling Indian food culture vegan wouldn’t be accurate.

According to The Vegan Society, veganism involves avoiding animal exploitation as far as possible, extending beyond food to clothing and other purchases. Eating a plant-based meal doesn’t necessarily mean someone follows a vegan lifestyle.

When familiar food becomes a premium product

Walk through a speciality food aisle and you’ll find oat milk, vegan butter, dairy-free cheese and mock meats designed to resemble chicken or sausages.

But Indians have been cooking with soya chunks, raw jackfruit and lentils for generations. Why does jackfruit suddenly become exciting when it’s marketed as a meat substitute?

These innovations have their place. Someone giving up meat or dairy may find familiar alternatives helpful. But the way these products are marketed can create the impression that eating vegan requires expensive speciality foods.

Plant-based dairy alternatives can cost considerably more than conventional dairy. Yet many everyday plant-based meals can be prepared without buying any branded substitutes.

Has veganism become a lifestyle brand?

Veganism has created opportunities for food businesses, from plant-based milk to dairy-free desserts. As brands respond to changing consumer preferences, familiar ingredients are being processed, packaged and presented in new ways.

There is value in making animal-free alternatives available, especially for people who want to change their eating habits. But veganism’s growing commercial appeal also raises questions about who these products are meant for and whether their pricing makes the lifestyle appear exclusive.

India already has a rich tradition of plant-based cooking alongside a strong dairy culture. Modern veganism introduces ethical questions that deserve attention beyond food trends and marketing.

Perhaps we need to reconsider how veganism is being presented in India. After all, a way of eating that can begin with everyday ingredients shouldn’t appear accessible only to those who can afford speciality products.