On episode 10 of the 21st series of the show, Nick King and his sons Daniel and Ricky presented their Somerset-based business Goats Of The Gorge to the panel of angel investors. They brought a two-week-old baby goat with them, who was passed around and fed by the panel. King explained that the idea for the skincare came when his doctor recommended drinking goat’s milk for his osteoporosis condition. Goats Of The Gorge claims that their products are cruelty-free. 

Dragon’s Den is a popular British television programme, in which startup companies and aspiring entrepreneurs have an opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of experts and attempt to procure investment from them. 

One of the show’s longest-term stars and investors, Deborah Meaden, was the “dragon” who raised concerns about the company’s animals, and how ethical they could claim to be alongside their plans to grow and expand their manufacturing.

Deborah Meaden raises concerns

Meaden took the discussion in a new direction when she explained that she is plant-based. She initially said she was vegan, but then corrected herself as she is not “strict about her use of skincare products.” 

She told the family: “I don’t eat any animal product, whether dairy or animal, I’m not so strict on the skincare as long as it’s high welfare animals, so what sits behind this in terms of welfare?” They claimed that all their animals were “very well looked after,” and that they use milk from “show goats” which was otherwise going to be thrown away. Meaden was impressed by this, saying it was a “good answer.”

She decided not to invest, saying “I’m not that supportive of the dairy industry, or the goat industry. I would cause you a problem because right now you’re quite small scale and you can see the goats that you’re buying from. But, as you get bigger, I suspect you’re going to have to think about those things, and I’m going to be standing in your way saying ‘you can’t do that.’”   

Viewers criticize the company

Writing online, several people further questioned the “cruelty-free” claims. Cruelty-free is generally used to refer to products that aren’t tested on animals, and companies that use animal products in ingredients often promote themselves as cruelty-free.

“Hmm, not sure about cruelty-free. Where you use animal products, there’s cruelty”, was one comment.

Another said: “This is a dairy industry business so without a doubt it is not cruelty-free!”

A third commented: “No deal for goat’s milk beauty products! Thank goodness! Goat’s milk is for baby goats – not slathering on human skin!”

And a fourth said: “Talking about goat products such as goat milk and soap and bringing on a goat, is that ethical?”

The goat milk industry is inherently exploitative, and it’s also on the rise. Find out more about the ethical costs of goat farming here. 

More like this:

• You Can Now Buy Vegan Goats Cheese In UK Supermarkets
• Is ‘Dragons Den’ Star Deborah Meaden Vegan?
• Person Shouting ‘Help’ Was Actually A Dairy Goat Crying Out For Her Babies

The post Deborah Meaden Raises Concerns Over Goat Milk Skincare Range On Dragons Den appeared first on Plant Based News.

Kirk Haworth won the north west England heat last week. He secured his place in the finals with a vegan lasagna, a “fish” dish, and a dessert judges called “phenomenal.”

Haworth, co-founder of vegan restaurant Plates in London, is the first plant-based chef to compete on the programme. His 38/40 score in this round of the competition is the joint-highest in the history of the Great British Menu regionals.

No fish needed

To make it to the finals, the contestants had to create a series of dishes in the theme of the Olympics and Paralympics.

Haworth’s main dish was named The Feast of Farah after the athlete Mo Farah. It featured a lasagna made with beans served under a shoe box to symbolize Farah’s achievements as a runner. Judge Michael O’Hare, who is also a chef, said that he didn’t “miss for a second the lack of dairy or the fact that it is plant-based.”

The judges were especially impressed by Haworth’s efforts in the fish round of the challenge. The second course in his menu was titled “a celebration of table tennis.” He made it using whipped crème fraiche, fermented cheese, seaweed caviar, and crackers. It gained him a perfect score of 10 out of 10 from O’Hare.

“The presentation was excellent,” O’Hare told Haworth. “The skill you have implemented in this is extraordinary.”

A perfect finish

Haworth’s dessert for the challenge also scored a 10. He took inspiration from the five Olympuc rings, with each one in the dessert flavored to represent a different continent. 

O’Hare said the dessert “looked and tasted incredible” and praised Haworth’s “world-class” cooking.

“This has turned the competition on its head because it is the first ever fully plant-based menu through to finals week of the Great British Menu, so congratulations,” said judge Ed Gamble, the comedian and food podcaster.

Haworth started on his plant-based journey after being diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2016. “Who I am now as a chef is determined by my health challenges,” he has said. “It has completely changed the way I create, cook, work. At Plates what I am trying to do is create a new genre of cookery to showcase fruits and vegetables in a new way, with lots of creativity, innovation and deliciousness.”

More like this:

• Plant-Based Chef Crowned Winner Of MasterChef Portugal
• Pamela Anderson To Host New Plant-Based Cooking Show
• ‘Celebrity Bake Off’ Line-Up Features Two Plant-Based Contestants

The post Vegan Chef Wins Fish Challenge On Great British Menu appeared first on Plant Based News.

The four-part documentary series, named You Are What You Eat: Twin Experiment, follows four pairs of identical twins in the US for eight weeks. In each pair, one twin follows an omnivorous diet and the other an animal-free diet.

The documentary allows viewers to visualize the randomized control trial published last month by the Stanford University Department of Medicine.

After seeing the documentary, some omnivore viewers reacted with surprise. “Watching You Are What You Eat: Twin Experiment and I am shoooooook,” one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“Mannnn I’m really going vegan after watching this,” another declared. “Watching ‘You Are What You Eat’ on Netflix…and am now seriously considering eating little to no red meat from now on,” added a third.

Netflix documentary shows benefits of vegan eating

Released in time for Veganuary 2024, when many people sustain a plant-based diet for the first time, the documentary provides a rundown of the main benefits of veganism.

The results of the study provide a compelling case for eating a plant-based diet for personal health. Participants following a vegan diet saw visceral fat – the bad kind of fat that builds up around organs – reduce significantly. In contrast, the meat-eaters experienced small increases in visceral fat.

Moreover, after eight weeks, the plant-based twins had significantly lower LDL cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol) than the omnivores. Both omnivores and those on a vegan diet lost weight. However, the latter lost an average of 4.2 pounds (1.9 kilos) more than the omnivores.

Viewers shaken by realities of animal agriculture

As well as dramatizing the results of the experiment, the documentary also outlines some of the effects of animal agriculture on the environment, people, and animals.

An explainer on the salmon farming industry revealed the realities of intensively farming fishes*. In the episode, disease-ridden salmon disgusted the twins and made them vow to be more careful with what they are eating.

Another section explored the environmental racism of large-scale pig farms in North Carolina. In majority Black and poor neighborhoods, residents suffer adverse health effects from farmers spraying pig manure near their homes.

Cultural heritage to eating meat

Making a research study into a Netflix documentary allowed viewers to see the participants as more than a statistic. This meant seeing some of the barriers to moving towards plant-based eating.

Two sisters with South African heritage discussed the importance of meat to their culture. After seeing positive health outcomes and learning some of the effects of animal agriculture, they started to explore alternatives. In the final episode, they prepared vegan biltong for their friends and family.

From reducing your greenhouse gas footprint to boosting your own fitness, swapping from meat to plant-based food has been linked with many better outcomes for the environment and health.

*While the English language usually refers to multiple fishes as “fish,” we have chosen to use “fishes” to emphasize their individuality

More like this:

• What Is ‘Christspiracy’? Inside The Film Everyone’s Talking About
• Veganuary 2024: The Best New Food Launches In The UK
• World Health Organization Head Calls For Plant-Based Diet Shift

The post Netflix Documentary Tracking Identical Twins Inspires People To Ditch Meat appeared first on Plant Based News.

In the letter, which has been widely shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Packham calls the show an “anachronistic embarrassment” and tells Ant and Dec that he and many others are “sick of your perceived disregard for animal welfare.”

The long-running ITV show sees a group of celebrities live in a camp in the Australian outback for around four weeks. Campmates take part in tasks – known as “Bushtucker Trials” – to earn food. Many of these trials involve the exploitation of a vast number of animals and insects.

According to Packham, the show’s “continued exploitation of animals for entertainment […] betrays a dangerous disconnect between a world increasingly concerned with an environmental crisis, and a reckless and marginalized part of the media which doesn’t appear to give a sh*t.” 

This year’s opening episode aired with two million fewer viewers than last year. Packham’s letter was liked more than 20,000 times within the first 24 hours.

Cruelty masquerading as entertainment

The show’s model has barely changed in more than 20 years.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! brings together a group of more-or-less-well-known celebrities, which this year includes former politician Nigel Farage and social media star Nella Rose, for winter escapism and light entertainment.

Amid the jokes and joviality however, sentient beings have been eaten alive, crushed, thrown, confined to small spaces, and subjected to unnatural environments in the show’s two-decade history.

“The cruel exploitation of wildlife for gratuitous entertainment on your programme continues to damage the great reputation of the UK as a ‘nation of animal lovers,’” Packham writes.

Moreover, he highlights the juxtaposition between a world “seriously imperiled by climate breakdown and biodiversity loss” and a programme that uses the “wilful abuse of animals” for laughs. At present, one species is dying every 10 minutes, research from last year showed.

A long history of concern

In the letter, Packham says that he has written to Ant and Dec about the show’s animal abuse in the past and never received a reply. “I’ve tried to be polite but my patience has run thin,” he wrote on X.

Animal rights groups have criticized I’m A Celebrity for years. Last year, campaigners at PETA called on Ant and Dec to step down to avoid being complicit in animal abuse. In 2019, it was reported that the show had implemented a ban on eating live insects.

“Read the writing on the wall”

To highlight the show’s outdated model, Packham lists other examples of animals being used for entertainment that the UK public generally condemns. This includes dancing bears, cock and dog fights, and performing dolphins.

“Look at the world, listen to the voices of concern, read the writing on the wall,” Packham urges. Instead of abusing animals, I’m A Celebrity could use its popularity to “celebrate wildlife and its conservation,” he suggests.

More like this:

• After 20 Years, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Is Still Exploiting Animals
• A Major US Meat Producer Has Invested In Insect Proteins – What Happens Next?
• Chris Packham ‘Immensely Proud’ As He’s Named RSPCA President

The post ‘I’ve Tried To Be Polite’: Chris Packham Slams Ant And Dec Over ‘I’m A Celeb’ Animal Use appeared first on Plant Based News.

Directed by Stephanie Soechtig, Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food looks at how the US food industry manages deadly pathogens, including E. coli and salmonella. The film is described as a “shocking indictment of the food industry and its regulators.” It looks at how “decades of apathy and malfeasance” has led to the US population to be vulnerable to disease and death caused by these pathogens. It’s based on a 2011 book by Jeff Benedict called Poisoned: The True Story Of The Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed The Way Americans Eat. 

“The film unearths food companies’ cover-up attempts, reveals disturbing truths about America’s food supply system, and details criminal prosecutions that have resulted from these contaminations,” the film’s description reads. “Unfortunately, things like E. coli, salmonella, and toxic waste simply aren’t listed on the label of ground beef chuck.”

‘Poisoned’ viewers swear off meat

Taking to social media after watching the film, many viewers stated that they planned to cut out animal products. “This Poisoned documentary on Netflix makes me wanna turn vegan,” wrote one. “Just watched Poisoned on Netflix. Thinking imma go vegan, boy was I wrong,” added another. 

In reference to one scene that demonstrated how chicks were treated in the food system, one viewer wrote: “The Poisoned Netflix documentary makes me contemplate switching to a vegan lifestyle perdue [a chicken supplier] tossing those lil chicks like rags.”

E. coli and the meat industry

The first outbreak of food-related E. coli in the US was in 1982, and was linked to ground beef. In 1992, a major outbreak linked to 73 Jack in the Box fast food restaurants in California, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington led to the deaths of four children. It infected 732 people across the four states, the majority whom were under 10 years old, and 178 were left with permanent injuries like kidney and brain damage. The outbreak was described as “far and away the most infamous food poison outbreak in contemporary history.”

Almost three decades later, E. coli continues to be a problem in the US. The pathogen often lives in the intestines of animals, and their meat can become contaminated with it during the slaughtering process. Those at most risk of death from E. coli are very young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. The disease can also cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pains, and cramps. E. coli is also found in some vegetables, as infected manure from farms can pollute rivers used to irrigate crops. 

Earlier this year, it was reported that E. coli found in meat was behind half a million urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the US every year. “People are carrying the strain of E. coli that causes the UTI in their gut, so the bacteria has traveled from the anus [into the urinary tract to cause the infection],” explained Lance Price, one of the study’s authors and a professor of antibiotic resistance at Washington DC’s George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, at the time.

More like this:

• ‘Wednesday’ Star Jenna Ortega Stopped Being Vegan To Film Netflix Show
• WATCH: ‘Let Us Be Heroes – The True Cost Of Our Food Choices’
• Iconic Vegan Documentary ‘The Game Changers’ Is Getting A Sequel

The post Netflix Documentary ‘Poisoned’ Makes Viewers Vow To Go Vegan appeared first on Plant Based News.

Takeaway the Meat, which comes from animal advocacy organization Viva!, first hit screens in February 2022. It depicts a couple, who are snuggled on the sofa with their dog, ordering a pulled “pork” takeaway. When the doorbell rings, they are confronted by a delivery person bringing them a live piglet and a cleaver.

The ad was praised for its messaging and aim to encourage viewers to make the connection between animals and the food on their plates. It won two awards at the 2022 Drum Roses Awards for Marketing, and Viva! stated that it was “inundated” with messages from people saying the advert made them go vegan. 

Viva! is now crowdfunding to bring the advert back to TV screens where, according to the charity, it will be seen by up to 18 million Brits. Viva! is aiming to raise £40,000, which an anonymous donor will double to £80,000. At the time of writing, the campaign has brought in nearly £20,000.

“Britain frequently describes itself as a nation of animal lovers, from the dogs and cats we live with, to the birds and other wildlife we watch for outdoors,” Viva!’s founder and director Juliet Gellatley said in a statement.

“But to be a truly compassionate country, we must stop eating animals. Takeaway the Meat highlights the hypocritical nature of loving one animal while eating another but provides an easy solution: try vegan!” 

Vegan advert sparks controversy

Despite the fact that the advert provides an accurate depiction of where “pork” comes from, many Brits rushed to complain about its message. In fact, it became the second-most complained about advert of 2022.

It was accused of being “offensive,” “distressing,” as well as “vilifying meat eaters.” Some social media comments referred to the ad as vegan and “vegetarian terrorist propaganda.”

Some viewers praised the ad, however, with one writing: “Woahhhh did anybody else just see the vegan Viva advert?! Amazing work guys getting that out! Wow really powerful.”

Channel 4, on which the advert appeared, said at the time: “We believe it’s up to our viewers to make their own judgment about the adverts they see across Channel 4’s platforms. 

“All adverts that appear on our channels are cleared against the relevant regulatory codes by Clearcast prior to transmission.”

The pig flesh industry

Pigs like those seen in the advert suffer tremendously for “pork” products. Mother pigs (also known as sows) are often housed in farrowing crates for up to six weeks after giving birth, which don’t allow her any room to turn around. Her piglets nurse from a small area next to her known as “the creep,” but the sow cannot access her children. Piglets will also have their tails docked and teeth clipped without pain relief. This is to stop them injuring each other due to their stressful environment. 

At the slaughterhouse, around 86 percent of UK pigs will be gassed to death with a high concentration of carbon dioxide. This gas is highly aversive, and forms an acid on wet surfaces it touches (like the pigs’ eyes, throat, and lungs). Experts have stated that this means they burn from the inside out.

The pigs who aren’t gassed will in theory be stunned before having their throats cut. Stunning pigs is complicated, however, and improper stunning is rife. Many animals will still be alive when they have their throats cut, and some will be conscious when put into scalding tanks of extremely hot water.

Those interested can visit Viva!’s crowdfunding campaign here

More like this:

• 1 In 4 Brits Willing To Go ‘More Vegan’ After Learning About Dairy Farming
• New Investigation Warns Of Factory Farming’s ‘Silent Takeover’ In UK Dairy
• ‘Listen To Their Screams’: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Narrates Video On Pig Gassing

The post Vegan Advert That Attracted Hundreds Of Complaints Could Return To TV appeared first on Plant Based News.

Some of the sisters have promoted plant-based food brands on Instagram. They have also publicly discussed the health benefits of meat-free eating. As of 2023, here’s what we know about their diets, as well as history of animal advocacy. 

Is Kim Kardashian vegan?

Perhaps the most famous of all the family, Kim Kardashian’s diet is regularly the subject of media attention. She has regularly promoted meat-free eating, but is she really vegan?

At the time of writing, it isn’t thought that Kim is vegan. She does, however, reportedly follow a “mostly plant-based” diet that includes meat very rarely. It’s thought that Kim cut out meat over health concerns. The star suffers from psoriasis, a skin condition that causes itchy and flaky patches of skin. 

She previously wrote on her sister Kourtney’s website Poosh that her diet had helped her symptoms clear up “immensely.” Kim added that her plant-based transition made her “more mindful about how what I put in my body affects me—not just psoriasis, but also my mood, my stress levels, my energy, everything.”

In a 2022 episode of The Kardashians, Kim was seen eating a number of animal products in a restaurant in Italy. She later cleared up any confusion about the diet she follows. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever clarified this, but I’m what I think they call a flexitarian, which is, like, vegan sometimes and just not other times.”

Being vegan is a lifestyle, not a diet, and entails avoiding animal exploitation in more aspects than just food. Kim has seemingly worn animal-derived materials in her clothing, including leather. She has also previously worn fur, but is thought to have replaced her real fur garments with faux alternatives (after encouragement from Pamela Anderson).

Kim Kardashian promotes Beyond Meat

Despite not following a completely vegan diet, Kim has regularly promoted meat alternatives on Instagram. Most recently, she promoted Beyond Meat chicken nuggets to her more than 330 million Instagram followers.

“As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy options to feed my family that are both healthy and delicious,” she said in the video. She went on to call the nuggets her “go-to,” saying they’re a “delicious plant-based protein option.”

Kourtney Kardashian’s diet

Like her younger sister Kim, it’s thought that Kourtney eats mostly plant foods. According to Poosh, she follows a “mostly” vegan diet. Other reports suggest that she is “95 percent vegan” (nb: it’s impossible to be partly vegan, as veganism is an all-encompassing philosophy). Kourtney also has a number of plant-based recipes on the site, including Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad and Vegan Butter Candles. 

Kourtney is thought to have cut fish out of her diet after watching Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, which looks at the huge environmental and ethical costs of fishing. “I haven’t eaten meat in a few months at all but was still eating a little fish. But after watching this …,” she wrote in 2021. 

Kourtney’s husband, Blink 182 drummer Travis Scott, is a long-term vegan, and the two also starred in an advertisement campaign for Daring chicken in 2022. She also previously opened up about being influenced by his way of eating. 

“I’ve been on a health and wellness journey for the past 13 years, which has made me super conscious of what I put into my body and my kids’ bodies.

“I’m not fully vegan, but Travis has helped me keep to a mostly plant-based diet, which is so much easier with Daring,” she continued. “I honestly cannot believe how much it tastes like chicken. There are a lot of plant proteins out there, but we’re always looking for options that are super clean with all-natural ingredients.”

Khloe Kardashian and veganism

Unlike her older sisters, Khloe has never claimed to eat a plant-based, or mostly plant-based, diet. In February 2021, however, she did reveal that Kim had convinced her to add more vegan food to her diet. Kim tweeted that she had “converted three of her family members” to plant-based eating. She then posted a meme stating: “Me judging people who aren’t plant-based!!! JK I don’t judge JK I do.” To this, Khloe replied: “Listen cutie pie, you’ve been plant-based for a few months. Calm down, we are trying to catch up.”

It is thought that Khloe followed a mostly vegetarian diet during her pregnancy with daughter True, who she gave birth to in 2018. “Before pregnancy I really only ate chicken or turkey – no pork, red meat, most fish, lamb etc…,” she previously revealed in a blog post for her app. “But now I find meat absolutely disgusting, LOL.”

However, reports have stated that since she gave birth, Khloe eats meat such as steak and chicken.

While Khloe isn’t vegan, she has in the past advocated for some animals exploited by humans. She appeared in a campaign for PETA in 2008, posing alongside the words “I’d rather go naked than wear fur.” She distanced herself from the organization in 2012, however, after her sister Kim had flour thrown at her by an anti-fur activist. 

Is Kendall Jenner vegan?

Kendall isn’t thought to follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet. Speaking previously to Harper’s Bazaar, she confirmed that she often eats chicken in her daily diet. 

“I typically eat lean chicken and brown rice, and am always snacking on raw veggies with dip and hummus. I wish I had more time to do grocery shopping because I like picking out my own vegetables.”

Is Kylie Jenner vegan?

The youngest sister in the Kardashian-Jenner family has regularly dipped her toe in the plant-based lifestyle. In 2021, she told her 223 million Instagram followers that she was “really trying” to not eat meat. She also posted on Snapchat that she was “trying out this whole vegan thing.”

In 2022, Kylie announced on social media that her hugely successful make-up brand Kylie Cosmetics would be going vegan. The brand was already cruelty-free, meaning it was never tested on animals. 

Kylie has been blasted in the past for wearing fur, however. In January 2020, she posted a photo of her new Louis Vuitton slippers, which contained mink fur. 

What has Kris Jenner said about veganism?

While the family matriarch Kris isn’t thought to be vegan herself, she has publicly endorsed plant-based food. In April 2023, she promoted Plant Butter from Country Crock, and discussed the benefits of moving away from dairy. 

“What I love about Country Crock, it’s the one thing I have in my refrigerator that’s older than I am,” she said in a video for the campaign. “I have had this around since the dawn of time.”  

She added that her daughters were “trying” to get her to “eat the way they eat.” 

“I don’t want to taste a difference,” she continued. Kris also said that she’s been “trying to do less dairy” and find swaps where you “don’t taste the difference.”

—

Looking for more content like this? You might like:

• Is Lizzo Vegan? Here’s What We Know
• A History Of Pamela Anderson’s Animal Activism
• Is Billie Eilish Vegan? Everything She’s Said About The Movement

The post Are The Kardashians Vegan Or Plant-Based? Here’s What They Say About Their Diets appeared first on Plant Based News.

Yee recently appeared on the Black Vegan Cooking Show with Chef Charlise Rookwood. The episode was to celebrate Black Women’s History Month, and the two cooked up a range of vegan dishes. This included Buffalo cauliflower and zucchini, banana blossom “FISH FRY,” and vegan bread pudding.

Plant Based News writer MeccaGodZilla went behind the scenes at the shoot and interviewed Yee about plant-based living and her career.

Find the interview below…

MeccaGodZilla:

Angela, as somebody that’s been involved in the Hip Hop and R&B community for many years, how do you see the intersection of plant-based living and Hip Hop culture? And what role do you think artists can play in promoting a healthier lifestyle?

Angela Yee:

I think so many people watch what artists are doing. So when they can live a certain lifestyle and organically promote it, people really will follow and believe that. We see NLE Choppa and what he’s doing with his lifestyle, being vegan and having the truck and all of that… Styles P with the juice bars and the pharmacy… even when we opened Juices for Life at first, I remember Common coming through. We see Jeezy and how much he slimmed down and paid attention to what he’s eating. And I just think that it’s something for other people to pay attention to. Because the earlier you start practicing healthy habits, the better it will be for you in the long run.

We’ve seen a lot of people just look healthier, younger, and feel better.  We’ve seen people who’ve had health issues, and we’ve seen people in our community die from health issues. So it’s just really important to make sure that we push these healthy habits.

A lot of times where we grow up can dictate the type of foods that we eat. We talk about food deserts, we talk about on every corner having a burger and wing spot and liquor stores and all of that, but it’s just as important to have those healthy options. I think if you seek out certain things, you can find it. I feel like there’s a lot more access now than there’s ever been. A lot more people are talking about it. And I love it.

Watch the Black Vegan Cooking Show episode here

MeccaGodZilla:

You’re one of the co-owners of Juices for Life, and your juice bars offer a variety of healthy and nutritious drinks. How do you see this business fitting into the larger plant-based movement or larger health movement? And what impact do you hope that it has on our community?

Angela Yee:

My first business was opening up the Juices for Life in Brooklyn. I also have a fresh juice company, too, Drink Fresh Juice, and then the coffee shop.

In the coffee shop, what has been important for me is just having a lot of vegan offerings in the coffee shop. And I also know in the community it’s important for people to try different things.

I know people who don’t do vegan, that word is scary to them because they think it’s nasty. And so, even having the juice bar for people to realize that these juices are delicious. Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it tastes bad. It can be healthy and taste amazing. And that’s the main thing that I wanna push to people… that things can taste great but also be beneficial for your body.

A lot of the businesses that I do with the press juices that I have… people are like, “oh, this is really good!” or “oh, I never used to like beets but I like your beet ginger aid – I didn’t know beets could taste like this!” I just want people to expand their palate just like I’ve done. And I know because I’ve been there too, where I’m like, “oh, I’m not having that. I’m not eating that…” You know, some people think it’s nasty to put kale or spinach in a drink or even celery. But they don’t know the combinations of things you can put with that so that it all can taste really good.

The evolution of vegan food

MeccaGodZilla:

That’s really dope. I love to hear that! Just on a personal level, I know from my own juices and smoothies that you can mask the taste of spinach and kale. So I gotta ask, because even on the Black Vegan Cooking Show with Chef Charlise (@Vegansoulicious), like you said, you’ve been vegan before for short periods of time. So during those periods, what were you “go to” foods?

Angela Yee:

Well, I love quinoa. I never used to like it until I did the detox that I did. Also, I love zucchini and I like squash. Those are some of what I enjoy… I love a veggie stir fry, you know, and so if I can make my own, I make my veggie stir fry and put that over some quinoa. Sauces are important to me. I love a good dipping sauce, I just had the vegan mayonnaise. I never do mayonnaise period, but that didn’t taste bad. 

MeccaGodZilla:

Oh that’s good, come on over to our side haha. OK, in your opinion, because the era that we came from… vegan food wasn’t necessarily the tastiest and we’ve watched it evolve over time. You know what I’m saying? In the past, it was not on point at all (at least it wasn’t clear how to make the foods taste as amazing as they do today). So was there anything that you’ve seen or wanted to try that was either super delicious, or is there any foods that you’ve seen nowadays that are kind of innovative to where you wanna try it?

Angela Yee:

I used to work for Wu-Tang Clan, a lot of them were very into vegan items, but I remember some of the stuff was nasty. Like vegan bologna, they had vegan pastrami. And even I feel like when vegan bacon first came out, it was kind of nasty and cardboard-ish, but I feel like that’s evolved so much. I also know that processed food in general is not always the best for you. You’re just doing it because you want to have an option that’s not meat, and that’s fine. I try not to overdo it. I’ve never done a vegan chili. I know people love that.

MeccaGodZilla:

Wow, a vegan chili sounds amazing. Nice! Ok, so last question. What message would you like to send to your fans and followers about the importance of healthy living plant-based living? And how do you see plant-based living fitting into larger issues of health, wellness, and sustainability? You kinda answered that earlier, but just kind of wrapping that up. What would you like to say to your fans?

Angela Yee:

I feel that just seeing the effects the pandemic had on so many people and how it disproportionately affected certain people who had health issues. And a lot of times that was us. So, just making sure that you take care of your health and pay attention to it early on. And making sure you go to the doctor and get checked out. I found out I had really high cholesterol when I was younger, and went to the doctor really early. And thank God I found out when I did, but it’s so important to get your blood work done, make sure you know what’s going on with your body.

And so I just think all of those things matter. I think that if you have a family, you wanna take care of your family and part of that is taking care of yourself. And so, the worst feeling would be if you have children or you have loved ones around you… and now you have all of these health issues that you could have prevented if you took better care of yourself. 

That’s an important thing to think about. We care so much about what we look like on the outside and we really have to pay a lot of attention to what our insides are like too. It’s probably even more important than anything and then just the way that it makes you feel. 

I just know when I eat I’m not supposed to be exhausted afterwards or have “the itis”, or I feel like I don’t wanna do anything. You’re supposed to eat and feel great after. And a lot of that is based on the type of food that we eat. Also not overeating – a lot of times you feel like you have to finish what’s on your plate. When we go to restaurants, they give you these huge meals. You don’t have to eat everything. What I started to do was take half of it home as soon as I sit down and wrap half of the meal up and I eat half of it there. There’s just small things that you can do. You don’t have to be perfect and it’s ok not to be, but just make some really conscious, intentional decisions until they become a habit.

Follow Angela Yee and her companies:

Angela Yee (@angelayee)

Drink Fresh Juice (@drinkfreshjuice) 

Coffee Uplifts People (CUP) (@coffeeupliftspeople)

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The ITV show has returned for a new spin-off series filmed in South Africa. It features some of the most iconic famous faces to have appeared in the original Australian version over the years, including Countdown’s Carol Vorderman and TV personality Janice Dickinson. 

I’m A Celeb has long been controversial over its use of animals. Countless beings have been thrown, crushed alive, confined to unnatural spaces, and killed throughout the 20 years the show’s been airing. Last year, the RSPCA received 17,000 complaints over perceived cruelty in the show.

This year has seen a number of animals, including rats and reptiles, incorporated into the famous “Bushtucker Trials.” These have, once again, not gone down well with many viewers.

“I hate this show. There is no need to use animals, it’s disgusting,” they said. Another added: “I see ‘I’m A Celeb’ are still traumatizing animals in the name of ‘entertainment’, but because they aren’t cute and fluffy people don’t give a s**t, like all those so-called animal lovers who happily eat them.”

Animal campaigners slam ‘I’m A Celeb’

Before the opening episode on Monday, the RSPCA took to Twitter to warn viewers of its concerns about the use of animals. 

“As a new series of I’m A Celeb launches, we fear that year again we’ll see live animals being exploited for entertainment purposes,” it wrote. 

When the last series aired in November, animal rights group PETA urged hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly to leave the show over its animal abuse. 

ITV claims that it adheres to animal welfare laws while filming, and last year, responded to criticism. “We cannot stress enough that we have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely at all times, before, during and after any filming has taken place, in compliance with all regional and national laws,” a spokesperson said at the time.

The post ‘I’m A Celeb’ Viewers Slam ‘Disgusting’ Use Of Animals appeared first on Plant Based News.

MattJohn02 posted in the r/vegan thread, referencing Vulcans being a vegetarian race and specific episodes that deliver anti-animal abuse themes. He then opened up the discussion, encouraging fellow Redditors to add their own observations and episodes that appear very vegan-friendly.

Multiple comments mention that Star Trek, as a franchise, centers around ethics and the nuances that come with them. As such, many claim that pro-vegan messaging is not a huge surprise. Moreover, one user, tenninjakittens, claims that Star Trek inspired them to “make the switch [to veganism] over 20 years ago.”

A vegan future is predicted by Star Trek

According to the sci-fi franchise, when humanity reaches Stardate 41249.3 (April 1, 2364), animals will not be part of the food system anymore. 

The revelation came in a Next Generation episode, when the Enterprise spaceship’s first officer, Commander Riker, discussed the lack of animal protein at a dinner party. “We no longer enslave animals for food purposes,” the character states bluntly.

When questioned about the fact that humans have been seen eating meat, Riker clarifies that only “replicated” meat is eaten. This is an inorganic food, created by futuristic technology that duplicates the look and taste of animal meat.

A continual distaste for hunting

Later series Voyager also appears to revisit the notion that eating animals is wrong. The Enterprise crew, led by Captain Janeway, are shown to be visibly horrified by another species, called the Hirogen. Still hunting sentient creatures for food and sport, they are viewed negatively. Wanting to be culturally sensitive but also ethical, Janeway offers a “holodeck” (a 3D simulation room) where the Hirogen can “hunt.”

More recently, the Enterprise series (which, confusingly, is the first – chronologically – of the entire Star Trek franchise) included an episode that gave animals an actual voice. Albeit telepathically.

In “Rogue Planet,” the crew meets a species that travels to another planet to hunt the animals living there. Captain Archer communicates telepathically with one of the hunted creatures. They emphatically tell him that they do not want to die for sport.

Don’t forget about Vulcans

Arguably the most enduring vegan messaging Star Trek transmits is through one of its most beloved species: Vulcans.

As a society, Vulcans live by a no-harm ethical code. In fact, non-violence is a key part of their code and as such, most are vegetarian. And while hunting continues, to keep their survival skills honed, no animals are ever killed.

Moreover, Vulcans are predicated on logic. They see food as a necessary source of energy, not something that needs to titilate the tastebuds. This is another reason why they stick to non-animal sources.

In an Enterprise episode called Broken Bow, Vulcan crew member T’Pol finds her choice to be a vegetarian the topic of a dinner conversation with Captain Archer. Frustrated, she delivers the withering blow: “You humans claim to be enlightened, yet you still consume the flesh of animals.”

Live long and prosper

Despite no crew members in Star Trek revealing themselves to be vegan, there is a persistent theme that focuses on humans evolving to remove non-human animals from the food system. This also ties in neatly with one of the show’s most famous quotes.

A growing bank of research is finding that to “live long and prosper” – a Vulcan blessing said by Spock on multiple occasions – we need to ditch meat. Those eating a vegan or vegetarian diet have been found to have a greater life expectancy than meat-eaters. In addition, plant-based meals are deemed cheaper, globally, than their animal-based counterparts.

Given the current global rise of plant-based diets, it is not illogical (sorry Star Trek fans, but we had to get this in) to assume that at least one character might be a staunch vegan in a future series.

The post Live Long And Prosper: Does Star Trek Carry Secret Vegan Messaging? appeared first on Plant Based News.

A rambunctious entertainer, O’Grady was known for his raspy Liverpudlian accent. That, and his infectious laugh and previous penchant for towering heels and outlandish hairstyles, when dressing as his drag character Lily Savage. He will be greatly missed by global audiences, and not just the human kind.

In both his public and private life, O’Grady was a voracious animal activist. Choosing his presenting roles with care, he was often on screen with one of his own rescue dogs. If not, he was championing those in need of homes. 

Meanwhile, at the Kent farmhouse that he shared with his husband, Andre Portasio, there is a menagerie of animal companions. At last count, O-Grady and Portasio had welcomed five dogs, multiple goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and barn owls into their lives. Sadly, one of the pigs, Tom Tom, died just two weeks before O’Grady. A grief-stricken farewell post on Instagram would be the last the presenter ever posted.

“He was the cheekiest of the gang and one of the other pigs who was obviously very fond of him is now depressed and gone into mourning. And there’s those who say that animals don’t have feelings,” he wrote.

Animal charities pay tribute to O’Grady

As celebrity friends and fans mourn O’Grady, animal charities throughout the UK have spoken out about their own profound sense of loss.

A number of dog charities, including Dogs Trust and Sussex’s Clymping Dog Rescue, have praised the exceptional lengths the presenter went to, to bring their work to light. 

The RSPCA also specifically recalled the kindness and determined activism that permeated everything O’Grady did. The organization reminded the public that he adopted a lamb, named Winston, after he was dumped in a wheelie bin. It was this, combined with his “tireless campaigning” that saw the RSPCA later present him with an Animal Hero Award.

‘For The Love of Dogs‘

Amongst the numerous public demonstrations of shock and sadness that O’Grady has passed away, the tribute paid by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home arguably carried the most resonance.

O’Grady worked as a “devoted ambassador” for the London charity, which rehabilitates and rehomes dogs and cats, for many years. He worked furiously to promote individual centers and drive people looking for companion animals to their doors. His ambassadorship came shortly after filming the first series of the multi-award-winning show For The Love of Dogs, back in 2012.

As the presenter of For The Love of Dogs, O’Grady told the stories of abandoned animals and put the hard work of Battersea’s staff in the spotlight. Regularly falling in love with furry residents (who can forget Carmine, the loveable white Boxer that he routinely pretended to sneak home with?), he brought a deep and unique empathy to the screen. One that, ultimately, inspired viewers, in their thousands, to reach out to Battersea to adopt animals or make donations.

“Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centers,” Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said in a statement.

“Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity. He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed.”

The legacy must continue

Battersea confirmed that as a result of one TV campaign, O’Grady helped secure the charity 2,163 new regular donors in 2016. He also helped raise £141,460 in one year, to support ongoing animal care, and personally adopted six dogs between 2014 and 2021, five of whom now remain with his widower.

While the passing of someone as irreplaceable as O’Grady is never easy, there is a responsibility to continue his work. Animals still need adopting and overburdened rescue centers need showcasing and supporting. 

The death of a beloved animal activist reminds us all of the importance of adopting, not shopping, for companions. And while the man himself is gone, his legacy remains, passed good-naturedly to the rest of us. It is now, more than ever, as the cost of living crisis threatens to make more pets homeless, that we must all seek to be a voice for those without them. For the love of dogs, cats and Paul.

You can apply to become an animal guardian or make a donation to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, in Paul O’Grady’s memory, here.

The post Paul O’Grady’s Animal Activism Legacy Must Live On As Inspiration To Us All appeared first on Plant Based News.

According to reports, the animal was one of 30 on the set of the second series of the Lord of the Rings spin-off that day. Show producers confirmed in a statement yesterday (March 26) that the horse died of a cardiac arrest before filming. 

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a production horse died,” the statement said. “The incident took place in the morning whilst the horse was being exercised prior to rehearsals.

“The trainer was not in costume, and filming had yet to commence. Both a veterinarian and a representative of the American Humane Association were present at the time. The independent necropsy has confirmed that the horse died of cardiac failure.”

The horse was reportedly supplied by a company called The Devil’s Horsemen, which has also worked with Game of Thrones and The Crown. This is said to be the first known death of one of its horses on set.

According to Deadline, the horse was standing near 20 others when their heart stopped. They were said to have been preparing for a battle scene. 

PETA condemns producers

Using real animals in TV and film has long been controversial, and animal rights groups are calling on producers to replace them with CGI. 

“It seems that living underground with the orcs is par for the course for the producers of The Rings of Power, because they have the option to use CGI, mechanical rigs, and other humane methods that wouldn’t run vulnerable horses to death on set,” PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange told Plant Based News (PBN).

“PETA is calling on the show’s creators—and all other producers—to take on a new quest without using any real horses. If they can’t avoid exploiting animals for their art, they should find a new medium, because no one wants to see a spinoff for TV with torment as the theme.”

Horses and other animals suffering on set

This isn’t the first time producers have sparked controversy for real animal use. Back in 2012, whistleblowers working on the set of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey reported multiple instances of animal abuse and neglect. 

According to reports, a horse was tied up and left for three hours on the ground, goats and sheep died from worm infestations, and animals were trampled. There were said to be a total of 27 animal deaths during filming for the movie. 

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They came after the TV presenter filed an appeal against the council, which rejected his request to extend the car park of the shop at Diddly Squat Farm. The farm, which keeps animals and grows crops, is located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

The threats are said to have been made after season two of Clarkson’s Farm aired on Amazon Prime on February 10. 

West Oxfordshire District Council said that it’s aware of “malicious communications” to an unnamed councilor and member of the public who opposed the expansion. At least one has been reported to the police. 

The council ramps up security

In response to the threats, added security measures were implemented for a hearing on the matter (which took place on Tuesday, March 14).

“Unfortunately we have had to take safety precautions following a number of threats and abuse directed at councilors and local people since the airing of season two of Clarkson’s Farm,” the council said, as per the Guardian. “This has included death threats and as a result we have had to consider a range of safety measures to protect councillors, staff and residents.”

“We understand people may not agree with decisions taken by the council but there is no place for threatening or abusive behaviour. It damages the democratic process when people feel intimidated and do not feel safe to express the opinions they are entitled to.”

Planning permission controversy

It was recently reported that Clarkson had been forced to shut down the restaurant on the farm. The council alleges that he did not have planning permission when he opened it in July 2022.  

Clarkson is said to be challenging the decision. His team has stated that he is not guilty of breaching planning laws. They described the council decision to close the restaurant as “excessive.”

The post Death Threats Made Against Opponents Of Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm Expansion appeared first on Plant Based News.

These commercials have looked at everything from the ethical, environmental, and health costs of animal agriculture. Many are hard to watch, but animal organizations see them as a vital tool to bring veganism to the masses.

Vegan ads often feature controversial material. In June 2022, a commercial from nonprofit Vegan Friendly UK was taken off air after viewers complained of being “distressed” by its graphic animal cruelty content.

A PETA ad released in 2023 asked viewers if they were a “bad parent” by feeding their kids meat. The clip stemmed from the fact that animal agriculture is a primary driver of the climate crisis, and featured a child living in a post-apocalyptic world.

Here are Plant Based News‘ picks of the best-ever vegan TV adverts.

Check out Plant Based News’ YouTube channel for more videos like this.

The post WATCH: The Best Vegan TV Adverts appeared first on Plant Based News.

The broadcaster reportedly feared that its theme of natural destruction would cause “right-wing backlash.” Specifically, from Conservative Party ministers, some of the UK press, and the farming and hunting industries.

But the decision was met with backlash of a different kind, as reported by the Guardian on Friday (March 10).

Concerned program-makers and BBC staff raised the alarm that the so-called politically independent broadcaster had bowed to pressure from right-wing lobbying groups when it decided to release the final Wild Isles episode separately from the others.

“Senior sources” at the BBC informed the Guardian that the decision was an effort to avoid confrontation.

One unnamed source commented that “lobbying groups” such as the animal farming industries are “desperately hanging on to their dinosaurian ways.” And, that they would “kick off” had the show presented a “political” message.

BBC accused of censorship

Laura Howard, the producer of the docuseries, confirmed that the program would address farming’s negative effect on wildlife. But, that it would also spotlight those doing good in the sector.

Caroline Lucas, Brighton Pavilion’s Green Party MP, condemned the BBC for its alleged decision.

In a statement, Lucas said: “For the BBC to censor one of the nation’s most informed and trusted voices on the nature and climate emergencies is nothing short of an unforgivable dereliction of its duty to public service broadcasting.”

“BBC bosses must not be cowed by antagonistic, culture war-stoking government ministers, putting populist and petty political games above delivering serious action to protect and restore our natural world. This episode simply must be televised,” she added.

The BBC, David Attenborough, and ‘Wild Isles’

The Wild Isles series is a five-part docuseries narrated by Attenborough. The first episode aired on Sunday, March 12.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) co-produced the program, which was filmed over three years. The BBC says the project aims to “underscore the challenges affecting nature within the British Isles.” In addition, “alert audiences to the species vanishing on their doorstep.”

Right-wing backlash

Despite reportedly looking to appease right-wing political and media figures, the Wild Isles docuseries has failed to go unscathed.

The Telegraph called out the BBC for accepting money from both the WWF and the RSPB to produce the series. The publication claims both charities have been “criticized for their political lobbying.” And as such, the content will be skewed to the left.

Wild Isles producer Howard dismissed this point. “I think the facts speak for themselves,” she told the Guardian.

“You know, we’ve worked really closely with the RSPB in particular who are able to fact-check all of our scripts and provide us with detailed scientific data and information about the loss of wildlife in this country.

“And it is undeniable, we are incredibly nature-depleted. And I don’t think that that is political, I think it’s just facts.”

What has the BBC said about the accusations?

The BBC has denied holding back a sixth episode. It states that the chapter in question was always destined to be an iPlayer-only installment.

In a statement, it said the accusation was “totally inaccurate.”

“There is no ‘sixth episode’,” the broadcaster said about the Attenborough project. “Wild Isles is – and always was – a five-part series and does not shy away from environmental content. We have acquired a separate film for iPlayer from the RSPB and WWF and Silverback Films about people working to preserve and restore the biodiversity of the British Isles.”

Farming’s impact on the environment

Our agricultural system is hugely costly to the environment. It’s a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. It is also a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions. 

The UK government has a demonstrable history of failing to create effective climate strategies.

Moreover, it hasn’t addressed the impact of farming directly. Instead, it has allowed an increasing number of industrial “mega-farms” to be built across the country. There are now thought to be at least 1,000 large-scale farming locations in the UK, coming at great environmental cost. 

Wild Isles is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The next episode, called Woodlands, will air on March 19 at 7pm.

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The PETA commercial is based on the hit HBO series The Last Of Us, the season finale of which airs this Sunday (March 12). The drama, starring vegan Bella Ramsey, is set in a world where humans have been mostly wiped out by a fungal infection. 

The theme of the vegan TV advert stems from the fact that animal agriculture is a primary driver of the climate crisis. It starts with a close-up shot of a young girl sitting in a cafe in a post-apocalyptic world. Meanwhile, the words “Are you a bad parent?” appear on the screen. 

The child lists some rules that her mom had enforced, such as not touching the stove or talking to strangers online. “You said it was your job to protect me,” she says. “You were always telling me what not to do… But you never said ‘Don’t eat meat or dairy.’ Now look what you’ve done.”

At the end of the advert, the words: “Animal agriculture is killing the planet. Do better. Feed them vegan.”

How to watch the vegan ad on TV

PETA confirmed that the commercial will air during a number of apocalyptic TV shows and films in the US. The ad will air on Saturday, March 11 on cable channel SYFY, during both The Day After Tomorrow (9:25pm ET/6:25 pm PT) and Zombieland (11:58 pm ET/8:58 pm PT).

It will also be shown to viewers the following day during the same programs — at 3:30 pm ET/12:30 pm PT and 1:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT respectively — as well as during the season 8 premiere of Fear the Walking Dead.

Livestock farming and the environment

Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of the climate crisis. However, it often gets left out of the environmental conversation. 

It’s responsible for at least 14.5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and has been identified as a primary driver of biodiversity loss and deforestation. 

Various studies suggest that a global shift to a more plant-based food system is essential to avoid climate breakdown. 

PETA’s executive vice president Tracy Reiman spoke about the vegan TV ad in a statement. “The horrors portrayed in The Last of Us are imaginary, but as Greta Thunberg has made clear, kids will face a truly dire future if we continue pumping greenhouse gasses from meat and dairy production into the atmosphere,” Reiman said.

“No parent wants to doom their children to an inhospitable planet, which is why PETA is urging them to feed them vegan before it’s too late.”

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