ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Most Vegans Claim They've Been Snubbed And Ridiculed For Their Choices

Most Vegans Claim They've Been Snubbed And Ridiculed For Their Choices

UK vegans said they have been discriminated against, mocked, and snubbed by people who work in restaurants

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

It's a tough old life being a vegan. First off, you've got to watch what you eat to check that no animal products accidentally make their way into your grub. Secondly, everyone mocks you for what is essentially a decision to not engage in the death or exploitation of animals.

That shouldn't be a bad thing, should it? Well, vegans in the UK have claimed that they are discriminated against, mocked, and snubbed by people who work in restaurants because of their dietary choices.

A recent study found that more than 60 per cent of vegans have experienced problems or been snubbed by waiters at restaurants. Not great customer service there, guys.

As well as that, 41 per cent said that they'd been served something they couldn't eat, 35 per cent said they had difficulties finding something on menus for them to tuck into.

See, vegan options can look pretty good.
PA

More people in Britain are turning towards a cruelty-free diet. In fact, the UK recently overtook Germany to become the vegan capital of the world.

So, why is it that vegans are still finding life tougher than a well done steak? MailOnline spoke to a few to figure out where it has all been going wrong.

Leah Jennings, a teacher from London, said: "Three months ago, I went out to a big chain restaurant with four other friends, and when requesting a vegan option, they informed me that they had run out.

"I have asked if they could put something simple together, the waiter giggled and replied 'I can bring you some plain spinach if you like?'. The tone of voice and the whole situation has made me really uncomfortable.

"I now call up ahead of time when going out to avoid situations like this. On another occasion when ordering a vegan salad from the menu - I was brought the wrong food - a salad with anchovies and egg on it."

Yeah, last I checked, anchovies aren't vegan.

Another vegan, Stef Bottinelli, said: "I went out for a dinner with my partner just outside London before Christmas. We called the pub in advance and we were told they had a good selection of vegan food, but once there, all we saw on the menu was veggie curry, which in fact wasn't vegan, so I ordered some olives instead, and that was my dinner."

As nice as olives are, they ain't a meal.

However, despite these issues, it can only get better as more consumers adopt a vegan lifestyle. Jennings thinks that things are improving, but there is more work to be done.

She continued: "While the UK food scene has gotten better, there is a lot of education and improvement to be made. While I really want to be a vegan for ethical reasons, I find it incredibly challenging due to lack of understanding from the general public."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Food, UK News, Food And Drink, UK