World Vegan Day, November 1’s less popular holiday, is here to remind us that a plant-based lifestyle is way more than just ordering salads at restaurants. It’s a day of prioritizing kindness above anything else, while also giving a high-five to our animal friends (we all love a multitasker!).
Founded in 1994 by the Vegan Society, this is like Christmas for vegans but we’re having vegan ham of course. So get ready ‘cos we’re gonna dive into how this special holiday sneaks its way into the missions and visions of brands that are all about keeping it green!
Advertising Vegan Products? Add Some Nutritional Yeast!
You may have noticed some big brands showcase their vegan products lately. Take a look at Beyond Meat and Oatly. These two major brands have taken the world by storm with their quirky ad placements. Who knew that using the line, “It’s like milk, but made for humans,” would stir such a discussion in the digital platform?
When it comes to marketing, they definitely unleashed their inner creative genius – think van Gogh with a side of pickled vegetables – and of course, with an added splash of humor. Just like any type of advertising, they have to get their audience’s attention at first look (+ more of course because their target market is even harder to attract).
The secret ingredient to this? Highlighting the positive benefits of veganism. It’s all about showing that yes, you can save the environment and keep all of Mother Nature’s cows happy without scaring away the non-vegans with the mere mention of “tofu.” Ads that make plant-based eating look delicious and fun can make even the most committed omnivores think, “Hmmm… Maybe I’ll try that!” Plus, these brands’ social media game is so strong that you would surely want to follow them for the recipes!
An 11:11 Vegan Wish
The strongest and most impactful vegan ads often come from – surprise, surprise – 100% vegan brands. That’s because the people behind these campaigns don’t just rely on their creativity; they also have a deeper motivation that fuels their passion – much like a secret stash of banana chips that they can’t stop munching on.
They are like the superheroes of the plant-based world – ready to change minds and turn your plates upside down with a single ad. When it comes to advertising, they infuse their ads with purpose while still blending humor into them to show that veganism isn’t just a diet, it’s about empathy and giving voice to the voiceless. Because at the end of the day, they’re not just selling products, they also want to promote a lifestyle of compassion and sustainability. They have dedicated their lives to show to everyone, in any way possible, that the choice is yours. And that ultimately, you can choose to be kind to all kinds.
Accidentally Vegan Brands: 100% Oopsie…
Vegan brands advertising veganism isn’t much of a shocker. But why don’t brands with accidentally vegan products simply slap a “vegan” label on their products or ads?
First, let’s know what accidentally vegan products are. Specifically and more relevant to the food industry, these are the items that do not contain any animal products but aren’t marketed as vegan. One accidentally vegan snack that’s particularly popular in the vegan community is Oreo. Surprised? Yep, no animals were harmed in the making of this delicious cream-filled cookie.
Yet, the question remains: Why don’t brands with accidentally vegan products market them as vegan? One reason brands might shy away from the “vegan” label is cross-contamination. That’s why all food packaging always has a disclaimer that says “Manufactured on equipment that processes *insert allergen*.” It’s one of the safest ways to work around this topic. Because if this label isn’t present, it could lead to a legal disaster that could blow out of proportion. So to avoid freakouts, most brands just play it safe. Better to keep the label off than risk getting a ticket from the vegan police (or the FDA. Bigger oopsie.).
The BIG Question
While labels can empower consumers, especially vegans, to not overthink what the ingredients are on certain packs of chips, they also have some cons. Aside from the legal aspect, there’s also a bit of a problem in terms of sales and marketing. This is because vegan labels tend to scare off non-vegans who think that “vegan” means weird. Some might even think “Vegan? That’s for rabbits!” while looking at a bag of veggie chips. So while that big “V” label on a packaging might attract vegans, it can also deter some people away.
This is also the reason why most brands get creative with their wording – it’s like a tightrope walk of attracting both vegans and non-vegans. You might have seen some chips plastered with “plant-based,” “healthy,” or “all-natural” in their packaging. You can look at these as marketing games of charades. “It’s made of plants!” so the non-vegans might not picture them as SUPER healthy and sad-tasting. To be honest, this works, especially for the health-conscious crowd who are convinced that eating “all-natural” chips is the same as a 5-mile run.
The Safety Code for Advertising to Vegans
We’ve touched on legal concerns, and let’s be honest, that’s the ultimate deal breaker for a campaign. Using the vegan label is such a controversial topic in both the strict vegan and anti-vegan communities. So sticking to the technical boundaries is a sure way to keep the peace for both parties (and it also erases most confusion).
As we celebrate World Vegan Day, let’s raise our forks high – preferably loaded with vegan chickun – to the progress made in the vegan movement. Together, we can spread kindness, compassion, and the deliciousness of plant-based living. So, dig in, share your favorite vegan treats, and let’s turn everyday into a celebration of kindness! Happy World Vegan Day!
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