10 Key Stories That Shaped the Vegan Narrative in 2024
Year in Review
“2024 was transformative: lab-grown meat went mainstream, climate reports spotlighted animal agriculture, vegan athletes inspired millions, and grassroots activism soared—proving veganism is the way forward for animals, humanity, and the planet.”
The vegan movement has seen incredible growth and transformation over the years, with 2024 being no exception. From high-profile endorsements to innovative campaigns, this year’s developments have further cemented veganism as a global force for change. Here are the top ten stories that shaped the narrative around veganism in 2024:
Jeff Bezos’ Investment in Plant-Based Food Systems In March 2024, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced a $60 million pledge to support sustainable, plant-forward food systems. This significant investment highlighted the growing recognition of veganism as a key solution to global challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health. By leveraging his influence, Bezos brought much-needed attention to the potential of plant-based innovations to transform the global food industry.
Stanford Twin Study on Vegan Diets and Biological Age A groundbreaking study from Stanford University in July 2024 revealed that adopting a healthy vegan diet could reduce biological age markers within just eight weeks. This research provided compelling evidence of the anti-aging benefits of plant-based diets, further reinforcing the idea that veganism is not only ethical but also beneficial for personal health and longevity.
Kevin Hart’s Closure of Hart House Restaurants In a surprising turn of events, comedian Kevin Hart closed all locations of his vegan restaurant chain, Hart House, in September 2024. This move sparked debates about the challenges plant-based businesses face in a competitive market dominated by traditional fast-food giants. While the closure was disappointing for many, it also underscored the importance of supporting vegan enterprises to ensure their sustainability.
Vegan Food Controversy at Paris Olympics The Paris Olympic Games in July 2024 became a focal point for debates around veganism when athletes expressed concerns about the emphasis on plant-based food options in the Olympic Village. While some praised the organizers for promoting sustainable eating, others questioned whether the menu adequately met the nutritional needs of high-performing athletes. This controversy highlighted the broader conversation about balancing sustainability with individual dietary requirements.
Nutella’s Introduction of a Plant-Based Spread In a move celebrated by vegans and sustainability advocates, Ferrero released a vegan version of its iconic Nutella spread in July 2024. This decision reflected the growing demand for plant-based alternatives in the confectionery market, making it easier for consumers to align their dietary choices with their values without sacrificing indulgence.
Vegandale Festival’s Controversial Social Media Post In November 2024, the Vegandale festival faced backlash after referencing a tweet by a white supremacist in its promotional material. This incident sparked outrage within the vegan community and led to important discussions about ethical marketing and inclusivity. While the festival organizers apologized, the controversy served as a reminder of the need for accountability in advocacy efforts.
Neat Burger’s Hygiene Rating Incident Neat Burger, a vegan fast-food chain backed by Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, made headlines in July 2024 when one of its London locations received a low hygiene rating from health inspectors. Although the issue was swiftly addressed, it underscored the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure consumer trust in vegan brands.
Expansion of Plant-Based University Campaigns The Plant-Based Universities campaign gained significant momentum in 2024, with several institutions committing to transition their catering services to fully plant-based menus. This movement, driven by students concerned about climate change and sustainability, demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy in pushing for systemic change. Universities’ decisions to embrace plant-based menus reflected a growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Growth of Veganuary Participation The Veganuary campaign reached new heights in 2024, with over 1.8 million participants worldwide pledging to go vegan for the month of January. This annual event has become a powerful tool for introducing people to plant-based eating, offering support and resources to make the transition easier. The campaign’s success highlights the growing interest in veganism as a viable and appealing lifestyle choice.
Denmark’s National Action Plan for Plant-Based Foods In October 2024, Denmark unveiled a comprehensive action plan to promote plant-based food development and consumption. This initiative aimed to address climate change and public health challenges by encouraging a shift away from animal-based products. Denmark’s bold move set an example for other nations, demonstrating how government policies can drive meaningful progress in sustainability and food innovation
Reflection on 2024’s Vegan Milestones
The stories of 2024 showcase both the triumphs and challenges within the vegan movement. High-profile investments and scientific studies highlighted the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets, while controversies and setbacks reminded us of the importance of vigilance and support for ethical advocacy. These events collectively contributed to shaping a more informed and engaged public, paving the way for further progress in the years to come.
As veganism continues to grow, these narratives serve as powerful reminders of the movement’s potential to create a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable world.
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General Resources
Books:
Dominion: The Power of Animals in Nature and in Our Imagination by Matthew Scully
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
A Billion Hungry Mouths: Feeding the World Without Consuming the Planet by Colin Tudge
Websites and organizations:
Documentaries:
Articles:
"The Case for Animal Rights" by Tom Regan
‘‘Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism’’ by Melanie Joy
‘‘Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach’’ by Gary L. Francione
‘‘Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals’’ by Christine Korsgaard
Seeds of Compassion: Finding Jesus Christ in a Vegan World by Michael Corthell
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The information on this vegan/plant-based blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation. The blog owner is not responsible for any reliance on the information herein.
Thank you for all this fabulous vegan information! I especially am excited to read about Denmark. Wow, just wow!