Vegans do not eat or use animal products or byproducts, including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, honey, wool or silk. The Vegetarian Resource Group explains that some people choose to go vegan for health reasons, while others may do it for environmental or ethical reasons. Because vegans shun animal-based products, they need to be diligent when reading labels. Fortunately, alternatives to cover just about every need can be found at the grocery store and mall.
Food
The American Dietetic Association explains that a well-planned vegan diet can be healthful and provide adequate nutrition while offering potential benefits such as lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and overall lower cancer rates. Supermarkets carry a variety of vegan items, and many common foods contain no animal products. Breakfast choices include fortified whole-grain or puffed-rice cereals, pancake mixes and fruit-filled pastries. For lunch and dinner, try veggie burgers and other meat alternatives found in the freezer section. Boca and Morningstar Farms are two popular brands commonly found in most supermarkets. Most pastas, pretzels, crackers and potato chips are also vegan. For dessert, look for nondairy ice cream, ice pops or frozen soy yogurt.
Clothing
Clothing manufacturers and designers use a variety of plant-based and man-made synthetic fibers to create an array of animal-free styles. Although some boutique shops and mail-order companies specialize in vegan clothing, many alternatives can be found closer to home. Synthetic materials such as rayon, polyester and acetate fiber are good alternatives to wool and silk. Plant-based materials such as cotton, hemp and bamboo are also widely available. Several popular shoe manufacturers, including Vans, Converse, Crocs and Adidas, offer shoes made from synthetic leather, recycled rubber or canvas materials, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal's Shopping Guide to Compassionate Clothing.
Cosmetics and Toiletries
Vegans face a different challenge when choosing cosmetics and toiletries than they do with food and clothing. They must not only avoid products that contain animal byproducts, but also look for those that are not tested on animals. Fortunately, the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, composed of several organizations such as the American Humane Society and Beauty Without Cruelty, came up with a set of standards and a method of identifying companies that meet those standards. Look for the leaping bunny logo on cosmetics and toiletries, which indicates that the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals or derived from animal sources. Examples of products commonly found in stores include Paul Mitchell, Burt's Bees, Kiss My Face and Tom's of Maine.
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