By Avery Chalk

It’s no secret that environmentally-friendly diets have risen in popularity. Foods such as tofu and oat milk have quickly replaced their more traditional counterparts in the shelves of many, implementing greener short-term eating habits. But, their trendy nature leaves people wondering what their benefits are. Is the vegan-eating regime in Franklin here to stay?

According to a study conducted by The Guardian, plant-based food sales have more than doubled by August of 2020 - and they are only continuing to rise. A driving contributor to this boom has been the newfound accessibility and taste of vegan food options. The former meatless aisles of grocery stores housed bland, costly items that left shoppers turning their nose in search of tastier alternatives. However, with the growing number of available choices, cleaner eating has never looked so appetizing and been so easy.

Another factor that has led vegan diets towards popularity is a growing care for the environment itself. Without the excessive waste that a pre-packaged snack requires, veganism (and similar diets) leave one feeling a sense of pride. Within the same vein, the protection of animal welfare after choosing to replace meat for something greener provides a sense of ethicality that is no-doubt appealing.

While vegan eating certainly has its pros, there is still one gaping uncertainty within the minds of many: Is it as nutritionally healthy? While plant-based burgers and other similar meals may taste and look virtually the same, critical variables (such as protein levels), still act as a repellent among consumers. Understandably, these are valid concerns when choosing a weekly dinner menu - it is human nature to want to feel as nourished and healthy as possible. In a study conducted by Everyday Health, researchers found that vegetarian burgers typically do not have the same amount of protein as regular beef. However, along with supplemented sources of protein, Impossible and Beyond Burgers can function similarly in a daily diet. 

As for sustainability, greener eating can certainly work just as well in the long term. As nutritional innovations continue to surface, it has become increasingly clear that there is no limit to their boundaries. Emma Barry, a dancer from Millis, Massachusetts, has stuck to dietarily-restricted eating since April of 2021. Barry says that balance can definitely be challenging, especially when it comes to fueling her body with enough protein to sustain an athlete. 

“I originally started as a challenge for Lent, but I decided to make it full-time for environmental and spiritual reasons. The meat industries are very bad for the earth, they create a lot of waste each year and also are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases.” Barry explains. “I’m super passionate about the environment so I thought it was a step I could take toward change.”

Barry’s story is similar to those of many others in Franklin. Peter Bower, Franklin resident and Grocery Manager of nearby Roche Bros, says that vegan food sales have been “huge” in the last 3-5 years - and largely because of the environment. “It is easily our fastest-growing category in that time,” he adds.

Bower also notes that Roche Bros, like other stores, has wholeheartedly embraced vegan products. “What once was a small niche category is now found in every aisle, from potato chips to pasta and a huge selection of vegan meat products,” he says. “Vegan foods have a huge impact on our business and have just kept growing over the past five years.”

The switch to cleaner eating has been not only fast, but pervasive. Only time will tell if this shift will reverse, but one thing is clear: Vegan eating has certainly taken the world by storm.