From onegreenplanet.org
By Nicholas Vincent
India has announced sweeping tax reforms that make plant-based foods more affordable, a move that could significantly boost vegan consumption across the country. According to VegNews, the changes come just as President Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods went into effect at the end of August, with India responding by lowering its own Goods and Services Tax (GST) on a wide range of products.
Among the biggest winners are dairy alternatives. Soy milk, once taxed at 12 percent, now falls to just five percent. Other plant-based milks, including oat and almond, have also been slashed from 18 percent to five percent. Nuts, avocados, mushrooms, soy chunks, juices, and other vegan-friendly foods are also covered by the cuts.
While meat and dairy also saw some reductions — paneer, for example, is now tax exempt — the lower rates are making vegan options more competitive than ever. Analysts suggest the move will not only encourage healthier diets but also stimulate business, ease inflation, and increase demand for sustainable food alternatives.
The timing is perfect for India’s fast-growing vegan industry. Valued at $612 million in 2021, it is projected to reach nearly $1.9 billion by 2030. Vegetarianism already has deep cultural and religious roots in India, but recent surveys show that modern demand is increasingly driven by health, nutrition, and awareness of lactose intolerance. A 2025 Ipsos report revealed that over half of Indian consumers plan to increase their consumption of plant-based dairy, while 41 percent intend to eat more vegan meats.
India’s shift underscores how food choices connect to global sustainability. By making vegan foods more affordable, the government is not only promoting better diets but also helping reduce the environmental strain of animal agriculture.
For anyone who cares about protecting the environment, supporting animals, and improving well-being, this is a win worth celebrating. Choosing vegan options has never been easier — or more impactful.
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