Why Choosing Vegan and Cruelty-free Products is a Small Win for a Big Planet

From onegreenplanet.org

By Mathew Davis

Take a glance at any bathroom shelf these days. Chances are, at least one bottle has a “vegan” tag or a little bunny logo somewhere on it. The thing is, these aren’t just trendy words or cute icons. They’re shorthand for a whole story about how our everyday stuff gets made, what goes inside products and what doesn’t.

If you care about animals or the planet, these labels are a bigger deal than most people think. They point to actual changes in how things are developed and tested. Not just one or two companies, but across a massive industry worth more than $20 billion worldwide.

Image Credit: images.pexels.com

Vegan versus cruelty-free, because there’s a difference

People lump these two together all the time, but they’re not interchangeable. “Vegan” means a product contains zero animal-derived ingredients. No honey or beeswax, no lanolin, which is the stuff from sheep’s wool, no collagen, no sneaky red dyes made from insects, nothing. “Cruelty-free” means the product, and usually its ingredients, hasn’t been tested on animals at any point.

So, you can have one without the other. A cruelty-free shampoo might still use honey or milk proteins, so it isn’t vegan. The flip side: A vegan face cream could be totally plant-based, but if some third party tested it on rabbits, it isn’t cruelty-free.

Shopping tips and what to check before you buy

It’s easier than you think to spot which products walk the talk. Look for independent certifications: Leaping Bunny and PETA’s “cruelty-free” logo are both legit, since companies can’t slap these on without real audits. Give those ingredient lists a quick scan for things like lanolin, beeswax or carmine, as these are all animal-based, so skip those for vegan options.

Fragrances are a sneaky category. Traditional perfumes often rely on ingredients like musk or ambergris, which comes from whales. Brands are finally switching to plant-based or synthetic versions, which skip the animal connection altogether. Worth knowing: when a modern fragrance lists “musk” or “ambergris,” it almost always means a lab-made molecule rather than the animal-derived original — real ambergris is a sperm whale product and is illegal to sell in the US. DUA Fragrances’ Gone Swimming, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s Afternoon Swim, is one example of a vegan, cruelty-free scent built on bright citrus notes.

Animal testing is changing, but slow

Animal testing bans have rolled out in more than 40 countries and a growing chunk of U.S. states. Washington joined the movement in 2025, making it illegal to sell cosmetics tested on animals. California, Nevada, Illinois and a bunch of others have already done the same.

Each time someone picks a vegan or cruelty-free product, it does two things: Supports the brands already making the switch, and sends a direct signal to the industry. It’s like a tiny vote every time you shop, nudging things toward a world where animal testing and animal by-products aren’t the norm.

The environmental angle is where it gets even bigger

Animal agriculture, the stuff behind a lot of non-vegan ingredients, is heavy on the environment, way more than most people realize. According to the United Nations’ 2025 report, agrifood systems are responsible for about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions humans generate, factoring in not just farming but everything from land changes to transportation and waste. Raising animals is a big slice of that pie, due to the land it takes, the feed required and emissions, especially methane, from livestock.

So, skipping animal-based ingredients isn’t just good for cows or bees. It cuts out one of the most carbon-intensive links in the chain that runs from a field somewhere to your shower shelf. Sure, not every vegan product is flawless, packaging and shipping matter too, but switching to plant-based ingredients matters, maybe a lot more than it seems at first glance.

Innovation, as it’s not just about shampoo anymore

There’s real momentum behind creating alternatives to animal-based materials, and that wave is rolling into everything from beauty to fashion. Look at leather: Companies like Australia’s Alt.Leather are racing to make plant-based, plastic-free leather from things like cellulose and starches.

They’re moving from the idea phase into actual pilot plants, aiming to scale up by 2027. It’s wild, because what started with beauty and body care is now showing up in shoes, bags and who knows what else next.

Does one purchase matter? More than you’d think

One shampoo bottle isn’t going to tip the climate scales or end animal testing overnight. But here’s the thing: The vegan cosmetics market is already growing at more than 6.5% a year, projected to surpass $37 billion globally by 2034. That’s not just a consumer fad, it’s the kind of steady demand that pushes big companies to rethink how they make things, ramp up better options, and drop old practices for good.

Each time you pause to check for the Leaping Bunny certificate or choose vegan and cruelty-free, you’re nudging the industry a bit further along. Those small, repeated choices build up over time.

https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/why-choosing-vegan-and-cruelty-free-products-is-a-small-win-for-a-big-planet/#goog_rewarded 

UK: 6 best vegan recipe boxes for easy plant-based meals

From veganfoodandliving.com

From fully vegan recipe boxes to plant-based dinners from the UK's most popular meal kit brands, we've put them to the test to find the very best

Life gets busy, and with our weeks full of school runs, work, errands, housework, and life admin, it can be hard to find the energy to plan and cook healthy family meals each day. That’s where recipe boxes come in.

These wholesome meal kits are delivered to your door, containing pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. They really take the hard work out of meal planning, and make weekday dinner prep a breeze. Sure, they can be more expensive than just buying the ingredients at your local supermarket. But the time and effort saved can be well worth the extra spend, not to mention the reduced food waste.

Luckily for us, there are now plenty of plant-based recipes available in meal kits, and even a few fully vegan recipe boxes to order. But too much choice can mean picking the right one feels like yet another chore to do.

So, the team at Vegan Food & Living have tested the biggest names in home-delivered meal kits and shared their experiences to help you find the best vegan recipe box for you. Here’s what they thought.

1. Grubby – Best vegan recipe box for healthy, vibrant dinners

From £48.50 for 4 meals that serve 2, with offers available | grubby.co.uk
Overall score: 5/5

I’m a huge fan of the Grubby recipe boxes. Not only is the company fully vegan, but the recipes are so vibrant and creative, they’ve really helped elevate my cooking.

I tested a box containing Sweet Mustard Pulled ‘Pork’ Buns, Chips & Red Cabbage Slaw, Miso Aubergine, Sticky Coconut Rice, Lime Avo & Steamed Kale, and Brothy Thai-Style Peanut & Broccoli Udon Soup. All of these came with recipe cards and even a scannable playlist to entertain you while you cook.

They were quick to prepare, generously portioned and high in fibre and protein. The depth of flavour was incredible and I loved the use of mushrooms to get that meaty feel. I kept the recipe cards to add to my repertoire of dishes, and I’ll be adapting them to make again.

I’d love to cook these meals for non-vegans, as you really don’t feel like you’re eating healthy, plant-based dishes.

Tester: Holly Johnson

2. Planthood – Best for restaurant quality dinners

From £60 for 4 meals that serve 2, with offers available | planthood.co.uk

Overall score: 5/5

I have never cooked with a meal kit before, so imagine my excitement when a bundle of fresh ingredients arrived at the door with very clear step by step instructions – perfect for a lazy cook like me! You just scan the QR code provided for the recipe.

My meal kit for the week came with garlic galette, a butternut squash bowl and – the main star of the show – a delicious tofu butter ‘chicken’ recipe. This included a mild but richly spiced creamy sauce, spinach, a block of tofu and some incredibly fresh naan bread. The meal was really elevated beyond ready meal or jar standard by some flaked almonds which I toasted in a dry frying pan and sprinkled on the top of the dish, adding a delicious nutty crunch.

I expected this to be not much better than a supermarket-bought meal but it was actually more like restaurant standard. Everything tasted so fresh and flavourful.

To complete the package and add further value for money, there were a couple of freshly pressed fruit juices and a couple of oat and fruit pots included, which make a great breakfast or dessert.

I couldn’t fault this experience and loved the fact that all the dishes were plant-based, so there’s no room for error or confusion when choosing your meals.

Tester: Jenny Davies

3. Gousto – Best for mixed-diet households

From £42 for 4 meals that serve 2, with offers available | gousto.co.uk
Overall score: 4/5

Gousto offers a wide range of dietary options, with plenty of dishes for vegans (which can easily be found under the ‘Plant-Based’ category when browsing the website menu). While they’re not a fully vegan company, they are B Corp-certified and use plenty of recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging. And there are plenty of plant-based options, including veg-forward dishes, great meat alternatives, and even kid-friendly meals. A significant amount of the vegan dishes do appear to be spicy, but Gousto’s recipe instructions usually suggest ways to reduce the heat.

I tried a tomato linguine dish, featuring plant-based ‘nduja by Belazu. I found the instructions easy to follow, and liked how the instructions are easily adapted for different portion sizes. The portions were generous, and the ingredients were still fresh after being stored at home for a few days.

The box included more than one recipe, and the ingredients weren’t separated or labelled by recipe (cutting down on packaging), so it did take a little time to sort out which were needed. However, they were well-portioned and labelled, so cooking a delicious, wholesome meal didn’t require too much weighing or measuring.

Tester: Helen Greaves

4. Green Chef – Best for trying something new

From £56 for 4 meals that serve 2, with offers available | greenchef.co.uk

Overall score: 4/5 

With a name like Green Chef, I presumed that this was an all-vegan recipe box, but Green Chef also provide meat and fish options. However, they have a good selection of vegan recipes.

A standout recipe was the Hoisin Duck-less Shredded Fable Mushroom Wraps with Cucumber, Spring Onion and Sesame Seeds. I loved the zingy flavours and the portions were good. The Fable mushrooms (made from pulled shiitake) were definitely the star of the show.

I also tried the Spicy Maple Gochujang Tofu with Lime Miso Pearl Couscous, Smacked Cucumber & Peanuts and the Smoky Mushroom Shawarma Skewers with Tomato and Cucumber Bulgur Wheat. All of these were dishes I’d not tried cooking before, so it was fun trying something new.

I did find that a few of the ingredients weren’t quite as fresh as they could be; the cucumbers were quite small and a little wilted. Other than that the whole kit was faultless. If you’re new to plant-based eating, this is a great one to try.

Tester: Holly Johnson

5. Mindful Chef – Best for high protein options

From £69 for 4 meals that serve 2, with offers available | mindfulchef.com
Overall score 4/5

The box that arrived was carefully packed with all the ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, including a magazine with all of the recipes for spring 2026. We tried the Vegan L*mb Ragu, the Sticky Teriyaki Tofu and the Thai Yellow Lentil Curry, all of which were really tasty and easy to cook. I loved trying some new recipes that I wouldn’t usually think of making, and the flavours were incredible.

I like the fact that Mindful Chef focuses on healthy, gluten-free and refined-carb-free meal options and the quality of ingredients is second to none. While it sits at a premium price point, it offers excellent restaurant-quality variety. It is not fully vegan, but there are a few good options to choose from.

It uses organic vegetables that taste noticeably fresher and premium compared to standard supermarket offerings. The company is carbon-neutral and operates a ‘One Feeds Two’ charity program, donating a school meal to a child in poverty for every box purchased.

The portion sizes are generous, often leaving enough for lunch the following day. There seems to be a lot of packaging, but most of it is recyclable.

Tester: Debra Butler

6. Riverford – Best for seasonal ingredients

From £15 for a recipe box that serves 2 | riverford.co.uk

Overall score: 4/5

As with the majority of recipe boxes, you can choose from a selection of recipes each week with Riverford, and we tested the Spring Tofu Larb. The box was made to celebrate lettuces, which are a highlight of the season, but it was also packed with other fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, cucumber, chillies and limes, plus a good quality brand of marinated tofu.

The box was designed to cater for two people, and it was the perfect size, giving both people a good sized portion. The flavours had been given a lot of thought as there was a sweetness from the sauce that balanced perfectly with the zing of the onions and the refreshing hit of the cucumber. The brown rice made sure it was filling, as well as adding texture.

The instructions were easy to follow, and this is a perfect one for anyone who doesn’t cook with tofu often. You don’t need to do much with it, but the texture and flavour ends up spot on. It’s a fun one to eat as well, with all the ingredients in little bowls that you can then assemble at the dining table.

I was really impressed with the recipe and result, but I do think it’s a bit more expensive than some other recipe boxes.

Tester: Sally FitzGerald

How we test our products:

The Vegan Food & Living team sample offerings from various brands – both new launches and established products – rating them on visual appeal, taste, texture, packaging and health credentials. The overall rating awarded is based on all of these factors.

Trying to eat more fibre? Try these easy, high-fibre vegan recipes

https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/products/best-vegan-recipe-boxes/

US Vegan seafood maker Impact Food winds down as meat-eating culture persists

From greenqueen.com.hk

US vegan seafood start-up Impact Food, whose plant-based tuna featured on the menu of several poke chains, is ceasing operations after struggling to “change consumer behaviour”.

Plant-based seafood player Impact Food has reached the end of its voyage as consumer uptake of fish-free alternatives fails to accelerate.

The company, known for its sushi-grade, whole-cut vegan tuna and salmon, has partnered with several restaurant chains over the years and is the latest to fall victim to the faltering market for plant-based meat and seafood in the US.

“We learned so much along the way, including just how hard it is to change consumer behaviour,” co-founder and CEO Kelly Pan said in a LinkedIn post. “Technology and capital can accelerate innovation, but timing, economics, habits, and culture matter just as much.”

From a class project to restaurants across the US

Alternative Protein Sector M&A Activity
Infogram

Impact Food began as a class project during the pandemic in UC Berkeley’s Alt:Meat Lab, where Pan met her co-founders, Stephanie Claudino Daffara and Adrián Miranda.

The start-up was officially founded in 2022, using a mix of seaweed, pea protein, konjac and rapeseed oil to produce whole cuts of sushi-grade tuna and salmon with 4g of protein per 110g serving.

The products appeared in restaurants, universities, corporate dining programmes, hotels, and airline lounges across the US. The raw tuna, for instance, landed on the menu of all 29 Just Poké locations in Washington state, as well as bicoastal stores of fellow poke chain Poke Works.

Courtesy: Impact Food

Impact Food scaled up its technology from lab scale to pilot scale by building its own manufacturing plant in San Francisco and also expanded to Japan, where it completed pilot production and secured partnerships with leading food companies.

“What started as a class project during a global pandemic grew into something far beyond what we could have imagined,” said Pan.

“While the outcome is not what we had envisioned, I’m incredibly proud of what our team built and grateful that we had the opportunity to pursue a mission we care so deeply about: creating a more sustainable food system.”

Before it sails into the sunset, Impact Foods’s salmon can still be found at Lion West Portal in San Francisco. For her part, Pan signed off on a positive note: “We still deeply believe that plant-based food plays a critical role in creating a more sustainable future, and we made real progress toward it.”

A familiar tale for plant-based seafood

Courtesy: Impact Food

Impact Food’s fate isn’t unique in vegan seafood, which remains on the fringes of the alternative protein category. In the US, sales of fish-free alternatives fell by 3% to just $10M in 2025, accounting for less than 1% of the overall dollar revenue from plant-based meat and seafood.

That has forced the closure of several alternative seafood start-ups in recent years, including Hooked Foods, Aqua Cultured Foods, Olala!, Konscious Foods, Upstream Foods, and Vegan Finest Foods.

This is part of a larger trend of consolidation within the alternative protein space, in which more than 85 companies have been acquired, merged, gone bankrupt, or shut down in the last 24 months. A dip in funding, from $6.9B in 2021 to merely $881M last year, has contributed to this shift.

There were signs that Impact Food, which had raised over $2M from investors and grants, was already diversifying its portfolio in response to the market pressures – Pan suggested that the company was expanding into other product categories, including (as Beyond Meat has done) protein beverages.

This was also a move made by Happy Ocean Foods, a German start-up that last year ditched its vegan seafood line to supply clean-label, functional plant protein bases to foodservice operators.

Globally, nearly 90% of fish stocks are at or above their maximum sustainable yield or are overfished. One study suggests that we could be heading towards a complete collapse of ocean life by 2048, driven by factors including overfishing and microplastic pollution. Climate change is worsening things, pushing fish to the high seas where they’re likely to be overexploited, causing diseases, and driving up prices.

And while consumers recognise the threat, to Impact Foods’s point, their behaviours have largely remained unmoved. According to the Marine Stewardship Council, 88% of American seafood consumers are worried about the state of the world’s oceans – that would be encouraging, before you realise that this is down from 91% in 2024.

“In a world where it is ingrained in our culture to eat meat at the centre of every dish, this habit was the hard one to break,” noted Daffara, nodding to the meat renaissance in the US.

“I still believe a more plant-based future will come. But it will take more than better tech and all my friends’ hardworking start-ups. It will require affordability, convenience, distribution, culture change, policy, and hopefully, a little more care for the planet and all the living beings we share it with.”

https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/impact-food-vegan-seafood-tuna-salmon-sushi-poke-plant-based-closure/