It is not possible to know how many vegans are in the world today. However, in general, it is estimated that 33 percent of the population in European countries reduce or abandon meat consumption. Again, according to an estimate, 10 percent of the population is vegetarian and 3 percent vegan. In other words, it is thought that there are around two million vegans. This number is around 30 million worldwide. 60 percent of vegans and 40 percent of vegetarians state that they have adopted this as a lifestyle in the last five years. But what is certain is that the vegan diet is growing rapidly and gaining momentum every day.
According to experts, vegans are healthier. Eating a vegan diet provides all the nutrients and minerals the body needs without the added animal fat, animal protein and growth factors from meat and dairy products. So vegans tend to be healthier.
It is not true that a vegan diet is low in protein. Today, the problem of most people in developed countries is to take too much protein. Protein deficiency is almost never heard of. Apart from animal products, the best plant protein sources are legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas and soy, nuts, seeds and whole grains such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice. One serving of cooked tofu provides half of the protein needed in a day. Tofu is a type of cheese made from boiled soybeans cut with acids or salty compounds and is an essential food for those who choose a vegan and vegetarian diet.
Besides, the best vegetable sources of calcium for a vegan diet are: tofu, enriched vegan breakfast cereal, calcium-enriched plant-based milk alternatives, dried figs, collard greens, sesame and tahini, whole wheat bread, beans, pumpkin, almonds, spring. greens and watercress.
To end animal suffering, protect the environment and reduce disease, the strongest step is to be vegan. People increasingly recognize the benefits of veganism.
What Are Vegan Tests?
The increasing number of vegans among people also increases the demand for vegan products and vegan alternative food ingredients. Different people adopt different criteria around what they consider to be vegan. Therefore, it is difficult to make a single universally accepted definition. Despite this, people often agree on certain practices that are vegan and not. Defining exactly which ingredients are vegan is a complex matter, but it is possible to determine to what extent something does not contain animal products and to what extent it does not contain animal by-products. Essentially, the tests performed in developed laboratories are aimed at determining this.
These tests follow very strict rules for vegan certification. In product tests made of vegan materials, the content of these products goes beyond the search for animal-derived materials such as leather, feathers or fur, and traces of any animal origin chemicals used in the production of products and materials are also sought.
To verify this, manufacturers and retailers need to implement a robust test management strategy that includes specific tests to check that animal products are not used in their supply chain.
These tests allow a brand or retailer to accurately describe their products and label them completely vegan. In advanced laboratories, all elements of clothing or food products are tested and all materials used in their contents are determined. It is also checked whether there is any cross contamination during the production process.
The proliferation of vegan products means more availability to consumers. The endless search for animal-friendly products has disappeared and a brand new marketing strategy has been created. Consumers are increasingly aware of their health and environment. The product range is growing rapidly as more brands embrace this new market and see its potential growth. In parallel with this, products that prove that the products are completely vegan-friendly are increasing.
TÜRCERT Technical Control and Certification Inc., accredited by national and international organizations, closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and has a strong staff that constantly improves itself. It also uses modern test equipment and applies test methods accepted all over the world. TÜRCERT also offers vegan and vegetarian certification services within the scope of testing and certification services it provides to companies from all sectors with this strong infrastructure.