Many vegans struggle with the debate of whether they can eat eggs or not. Some consider themselves to be ‘veggans’ meaning they follow the vegan diet but occasionally consume eggs. This definitely contrasts with a strong belief of veganism which is that eating eggs is not a vegan practice.
For this reason, several vegans feel conflicted about the decision to eat eggs whilst trying to follow a vegan lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Are Eggs Vegan?
Vegans usually avoid eating eggs as their inherent belief is that all types of animal exploitation must be avoided, including the egg industry.
Eggs often come from farmed chickens which are usually kept in terrible conditions. They live in small cages and are forced to produce eggs when they are very young. They are then sent to the slaughter once they can no longer produce eggs.
Can I Eat Eggs on a Vegan Diet?
Some people find it is quite easy to switch to a vegan diet. Considering the vast variety of vegan alternatives ranging from chocolate, cheese, meats and more, becoming a vegan has never been easier.
Since eggs come from the animal food industry, eating eggs on a vegan diet means the diet is no longer vegan. The term to describe eating eggs while sticking to a vegan and vegetarian diet is called ovo-vegetarian.
What is an Ovo-vegetarian Diet?
An ovo-vegetarian diet includes eggs but excludes all animal products. The items permitted in this diet are whole eggs, egg whites, egg-containing foods like mayonnaise, egg noodles, and certain baked goods.
An ovo-vegetarian diet also works well for someone wishing to be a vegetarian but has dairy allergies or sensitivities.
What are the Best Egg Alternatives for Vegans in Cooking?
If you are following a vegan diet and find it difficult to not eat eggs, don’t worry as there are several alternatives. To replace eggs in baking, your best bet is to use flaxseed, applesauce, mashed bananas or silken tofu.
Other Great Egg Substitutes
VEGG Vegan Egg Yolk
This vegan substitute made from all-natural ingredients is healthy, delicious and greatly resembles the taste of real eggs.
Follow Your Heart Eggs
These Eggs are completely vegan replacements for eggs that have a wide range of uses.
Orgran Vegan Easy Egg
Give the Orgran Vegan Easy Egg a try. This egg replacement will help you make the perfect scrambled eggs, quiches, frittatas and omelets!
Summary
The vegan diet you choose to follow is specific to you. A plant-based diet is a great lifestyle choice that reduces or stops your intake of meats and animal products which has many benefits for the environment.
If you have difficulty cutting out eggs from your diet, it is not the worst thing in the world considering that it is natural for hens to lay eggs. However, this depends on how the eggs are harvested. As long as hens are not exploited during egg production, then you can eat them if you desire.
Easy Vegan Scrambled Eggs
Ingredients
- 6 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- juice from ½ lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Scramble the tofu in a small bowl with a fork or hands.
- Stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Add the mixture to onions and cook for a few more minutes, until tofu is heated all the way through. Serve and enjoy!
Leave a Reply