In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards plant-based and vegan diets, with more people adopting these dietary choices for various reasons. Some people do it for their health, others for ethical reasons, and some for environmental reasons. This shift has led to many questions about what plant-based and vegan diets entail, and one of the most frequently asked questions is whether plant-based food is vegan. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have significant differences. 

What is a Plant-based Diet?

A plant-based diet is a dietary approach that emphasises the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods that come from plant sources. This means that the majority of the diet is made up of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. A plant-based diet does not necessarily eliminate animal products entirely, but it does reduce or eliminate them. Some people may still include small amounts of animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs, while others may eliminate them entirely. Plant-based diets are generally considered to be a healthier option than diets that include high amounts of animal products. This is because they are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. 

What is a Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet is a dietary choice that eliminates all animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, honey, and any other animal-derived ingredients or by-products. It is a type of vegetarian diet, but it goes a step further by avoiding all animal products, not just meat. The primary reason people choose a vegan diet is for ethical reasons. Many people believe that using and consuming animal products is cruel and unnecessary, and they choose to live a lifestyle that does not support the use of animals for food or other purposes. In addition to ethical reasons, people may also choose a vegan diet for environmental and health reasons. A vegan diet has been associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer

What do they have in common?

Despite their differences, both plant-based and vegan diets have a common ground; they focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods and eliminate or reduce the consumption of processed foods. They also promote sustainable and ethical food practices that prioritise health and the environment.

What's the difference between plant-based foods and vegan foods?

It's important to note that not all plant-based foods are vegan. While plant-based foods do not contain animal products, they may still contain ingredients that are not vegan-friendly, such as honey, gelatin, or milk. This means that some plant-based foods, such as baked goods, may not be suitable for those following a vegan diet.

In conclusion, while both plant-based and vegan diets focus on eating more plant-based foods and reducing animal products, they are not the same thing. A plant-based diet can still include small amounts of animal products, while a vegan diet eliminates all animal products completely. It's essential to read ingredient labels carefully to ensure that a food is suitable for a specific dietary choice, whether it's plant-based, vegan, or another dietary approach.

Where can you find plant-based food in India?

Plant-based food products are becoming increasingly available in India and can be found in a variety of locations such as health food stores, online retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.

Keep in mind that the availability of plant-based meat products may vary depending on your location, so it may be a good idea to check with your local health food stores or supermarkets to see what's available in your area.

With Tata Simply Better, Tata Consumer Products has entered into a new category, aimed at consumers who want to include more plant-based ingredients in their diet without compromising on taste. Tata Simply Better comes with a variety of products that are 100% plant-based, and it tastes just like chicken. Plant-based ingredients are a source of rich nutrients and are at par with the alternatives.

Tata Simply Better has four delicious plant-based food variants and these include - Nuggets, Burger Patty, Awadhi Seekh Kebab, and Spicy Fingers. The product range is rich in protein, trans-fat free, and has no added preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours. While regular meat / alternative meat products need to be refrigerated, Tata Simply Better can be refrigerated and stored at room temperature, making this a convenient and travel-friendly product.

Discover the nutritional goodness and fabulous chicken-like taste of Tata Simply Better’s plant-based products. It's all real, and it comes from plants.

It isn't just good - it's Tata Simply Better.

If you would like to know more about our brand, check out some of the articles we've been featured in:

The Times of India – Tata Consumer Products bets big on recently launched plant-based meat range

Mint - Tata Consumer Products expands foods portfolio

Moneycontrol - Tata Consumer Products enters plant-based meat products category

Afaqs – Tata Consumer Products enters plant based meat segment; launches Tata Simply Better

Media brief - Tata Consumer Products enters alternate meat segment with the launch of Tata Simply Better

MediaNews4U- Tata Consumer Products enters alternate meat segment with the launch of Tata Simply Better

IndianRetailer.com- Tata Consumer Products Enters Alternate Meat Segment, Launches Plant-based Range 'Tata Simply Better'

The Economic Times – Big FMCG Companies Enter Plant-Based Meat Segment

Business Standard - Big FMCG companies enter plant-based meat segment, target non-veg consumers

Moneycontrol - Big FMCG companies enter plant-based meat segment

Deccan Chronicle - Tata, ITC entry boosts faux meat hiz