In short: Vegan living means avoiding products of animal origin, in your diet and beyond. In the kitchen, the right tools and a few basic nutritional guidelines make it easier, especially when it comes to vitamin B12. For personal care and hygiene, look for certification such as the Vegan Society seal, while with textiles it is worth checking the label, as wool and silk come from animals. Here is an overview, area by area.
What vegan means
People who live vegan avoid meat and fish, as well as milk, eggs and honey, and steer clear of ingredients derived from animals. Many vegans extend this approach to cosmetics, clothing and home furnishings. How strictly you follow it is a personal choice. When getting started, it helps to take things one area at a time rather than changing everything at once.
In the kitchen: vegetables take centre stage
Plant-based cooking mainly means plenty of chopping, simmering and seasoning. Three things make it easier.
- A sharp vegetable knife. If you chop onions, carrots and herbs every day, you will notice the difference straight away. The Güde Kappa vegetable knife 9 cm from Solingen is made for the job; for larger quantities, reach for the Güde Alpha Olive Santoku 18 cm. You can find more shapes in vegetable knives.
- A pot that can handle acidity. Tomatoes, lentils with vinegar and lime curry: many plant-based dishes are acidic. Enamel is glass fused to steel and, when intact, reacts very little with acids. One example is the Riess NOUVELLE casserole with glass lid; you can find more in pots.
- A supply of pulses and grains. Lentils, chickpeas, oats and spelt keep for many months when stored in a dry place. Enamel storage tins such as the Riess storage tin with ash wood lid 2,25 l keep them dark and dry.
Nutrients: what to look out for
A varied vegan diet provides most nutrients. However, one nutrient always needs a plan: vitamin B12 is found in significant amounts almost exclusively in animal-based foods. That is why people who live vegan need a B12 supplement or fortified foods (BZfE, eating vegan). It is also worth keeping an eye on iron, iodine, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are unsure, speak to your doctor and have a blood test.
Personal care and hygiene: check the seal
Cosmetics can contain animal-derived substances, such as beeswax, lanolin from sheep's wool, carmine as a red colouring or collagen. The quickest way to identify vegan products is by looking for a seal such as Vegan (Vegan Society) or Vegan (V-Label). Fair Squared from Cologne states that a large proportion of its products carry the Vegan Society seal, and identifies which ones are certified in each product description (Fair Squared). You can find the range at Fair Squared.
At Taiga, Taiga Transparency shows you which product details are verified on every product page.
At home: read textile labels carefully
Wool, silk, down and leather are of animal origin. If you want to avoid them, look for cotton, linen or hemp on the label. One example is the Eliane muslin bedding from Hutch&Putch, which the manufacturer says is made from cotton and sewn in Germany. For throws on the sofa, there is the handwoven Amalia cotton throw from benuta. With rugs, it is worth taking a close look: many natural-fibre rugs are made from virgin wool.
Frequently asked questions
Which nutrients are most likely to be lacking in a vegan diet?
Vitamin B12 above all, which needs to be supplemented. You should also pay attention to iron, iodine, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
How can I tell whether cosmetics are vegan?
The safest way is to look for a seal such as the Vegan Society seal or the V-Label. Without a seal, check the ingredients list for substances such as beeswax, lanolin or carmine.
Is wool vegan?
No. Wool comes from animals. Vegan alternatives for textiles include cotton, linen and hemp.
Plant-based cooking starts with a sharp knife and a good pot. Find our selection in Cooking and Baking.
