The gluten-free diet is more popular than ever, which is why many ask; is gluten vegan and vegetarian?
Gluten is entirely vegan and vegetarian. It’s a naturally occurring protein found in wheat products. Meaning it’s free from any animal products and not particularly harmful for the environment. So vegans can safely eat gluten although many see amazing health benefits from going gluten-free.
Gluten is not harmful in itself, although you can’t argue with the health benefits some vegans experience on a gluten-free, vegan diet. Some think it’s challenging to be both vegan and vegetarian, which is not entirely true. Many vegan and gluten-free products have sprung up recently, at reasonable prices.
Although there are still some things, you should know about gluten in a vegan diet.
Is Gluten Vegan?
Veganism aims to eliminate as much suffering as reasonably possible. Most people associate a vegan diet with the exclusion of animal products. While that’s true, it’s not the definite truth, as veganism expands much further.
It’s a lifestyle that seeks to reduce suffering, yes. However, that also includes other human beings and the environment. The environment is a significant element in recent times, with global warming becoming worse. So does gluten contribute to any suffering that vegans need to avoid?
Gluten is nothing more than a wheat protein. Nothing more and nothing else. It’s a naturally occurring protein found in wheat among other plants. Gluten does not have any negative impact on the environment. Neither do gluten contribute to any more suffering that gluten-free products do.
There are even a few examples of gluten-free products being more harmful. Although I don’t see it as a significant concern. Especially compared to all the other products we eat. Gluten is not particularly bad nor is gluten-free products harmful.
So this leads to the question if vegans can eat gluten.
Can Vegans Eat Gluten?
So gluten is not particularly bad for anything. It’s a natural protein from wheat, which means it’s not a concern. Vegans can eat gluten entirely guilt-free. So you don’t necessarily have to avoid gluten. Although you might have reasons to do so nevertheless.
In fact, there are a few health benefits to gluten. It’s a wheat protein, not much different from other proteins. Meaning that a little gluten actually just ups your protein intake. That’s something we can all use.
Plenty of protein helps against cravings, builds muscle and aids to normal bodily functions. I don’t want to say that vegans, in general, are deficient in protein. Although some are, and gluten is particularly suitable for those vegans.
Are Vegans Gluten-Free?
You can be vegan and gluten-free, but you can also be vegan and still eat gluten. So it’s not easy to answer whether or not vegans are gluten-free. It’s an individual choice if you are gluten-free or not as a vegan. At least eating gluten does not make you a non-vegan. Let me repeat that.
- Some Vegans Eat Gluten
- Some Vegans Are Gluten-Free
Although I will say that many vegans are gluten-free. It’s very likely one of the biggest diet group overlaps. Vegans are usually highly concerned with health. So many want to explore possibilities to be even healthier. This results in a lot of vegans trying out the gluten-free diet, alongside the vegan.
So there’s some merit to believe vegans are gluten. Just remember that vegans can eat gluten, even though many don’t.
Do Vegans Eat Gluten Products?
Gluten is present in a wide selection of products. In fact, it’s sometimes hard to avoid. Especially when you’re also a vegan since it’s, even more, to look out for. Luckily, for vegans, gluten can be eaten guilt-free.
So vegans can eat all the gluten products they want and still adhere to the diet. Most vegans don’t even consider if gluten is present in a product. You don’t have to either unless you are on a gluten-free diet.
Although many gluten products also contain animal products. Foods like bread, salad dressing, and soups often have gluten. That’s not really an issue for vegans, but these are all products that have animal products. At least many of them do.
This is why some think that vegans don’t eat gluten products. Many foods that contain gluten are avoided, although it’s not because of the gluten. It’s because these products are often contaminated with animal products.
Vegan Gluten-Free Products
It’s sometimes a little difficult to be both vegan and gluten-free. Luckily, it’s not impossible at all. You simply need to be cautious of your food choices.
In fact, many vegans are gluten-free. Thus many brands have begun selling products that are both vegan and gluten-free. It means more sales for them and more delicious prepared foods for us.
One brand that sells vegan, gluten-free products is Neat. They offer a wide variety of different vegan foods that are easy to make. One of their products is the Neat Burger.
Neat – Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Burger
The Neat burger is an excellent example that vegans can be gluten-free. It’s not as difficult as some might have you believe. It’s a 100% plant-based burger that only requires a bit of water to prepare. Be sure to give it a try if you are on a vegan, gluten-free diet!
Check Out: My Favorite Vegan Rice Cakes
There’s also plenty of vegan and gluten-free snacks. One of my favorites is rice cakes. Check out my favorite vegan rice cakes above.
Benefits Of A Vegan Gluten-Free Diet
The vegan diet has many health benefits that you may already be aware of. These include cardiovascular and even improves your general mood. That’s just some of the many health benefits of going vegan, but what about a vegan, gluten-free diet?
Gluten-free diets are actually surprisingly healthy in many regards. Many people experience improved cholesterol, digestion, and energy levels. It’s hard to argue against health benefits like that. Although the question remains, how gluten-free diets have such substantial benefits.
Well, most researchers find that it’s due to less processed foods. Gluten-free diets exclude many oils desserts and almost all bread. Meaning the benefits of going gluten-free might be caused by a generally healthier diet.
Does that mean gluten-free diets are pointless? Absolutely no. Whether or not gluten or processed food is the villain does not change this fact. Many experiences significantly increased health from going gluten-free. -Being both gluten-free and vegan? Well, that’s just even better. Try it out for yourself and see how you feel.
Conclusion
Gluten is entirely vegan and vegetarian. You can be a vegan that eats gluten, but it’s also possible to be gluten-free on a vegan diet. In fact, there’s plenty of benefits from going gluten-free, especially on a vegan diet. It’s the best of both worlds.
However, gluten is not particularly bad for anyone who isn’t allergic. It’s merely a wheat protein and occurs naturally therein. So don’t be afraid to indulge in some gluten products, such as bread, once in a while.
Hey, I’m Gus! I have been vegan for quite some years now, and have collected a lot of knowledge about the subject in this time. My goal with this blog is to spread the vegan message and make it easy to know exactly what’s vegan and what’s not.