Let’s get something out of the way right now: I’m vegan, I love being vegan, and I am 100% here for anyone who wants to give this lifestyle a shot. BUT… can we be totally honest for a second? Just because something is vegan doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And if no one else is going to say it, I will: the rise of vegan junk food is kind of a problem.
Yep, I said it.
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I went vegan but I don’t feel any better (or maybe even worse),” you are so not alone. The vegan world has exploded in the last few years, and with it came some seriously amazing things—like more options at restaurants and grocery stores than we ever dreamed of. But it also came with a sneaky little side effect: a tidal wave of ultra-processed, plant-based junk food that’s masquerading as health food.
And friend? That’s the vegan trap.
My Wake-Up Call (AKA: Vegan, But Not Really Healthy)
When I first went vegan, I felt unstoppable. My energy was through the roof, my skin glowed like I’d finally found the magic skincare routine, and I couldn’t stop telling everyone about my new lifestyle. But fast-forward a year? I hit a wall. My skin broke out. I was tired all the time. And the worst part? I started questioning whether veganism “worked.”
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the lifestyle. It was how I was doing it.
See, I had fallen into the same trap so many of us do: I swapped out my old non-vegan foods for the vegan versions… and then didn’t think much more about it. Vegan burgers, vegan cheese, vegan nuggets, vegan ice cream—you name it, it was in my cart. And hey, they were vegan, so I thought I was crushing it.
But my meals were basically just the same Standard American Diet—just with different packaging.
The Problem No One Talks About: Vegan Junk Food Nation
Here’s where it gets a little controversial. I’m sure you’ve noticed: plant-based has gone mainstream. You can walk into just about any fast food joint and order something vegan. Your favorite grocery store probably has a whole aisle dedicated to plant-based goodies. Even major brands are slapping “plant-based” on everything from cookies to frozen meals.
Sounds like progress, right? And in a lot of ways, it is. Accessibility matters.
But here’s the thing: a lot of these products are LOADED with the same junk as their animal-based counterparts—sometimes even more. I’m talking:
- Refined oils
- Added sugars
- Mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce
- Salt bombs that would make a sailor blush
And because we’ve been trained to believe that “vegan = healthy,” it’s so easy to think these foods are giving us some kind of health halo. But the truth? A vegan donut is still a donut. A plant-based frozen pizza is still frozen pizza.
In fact, some of the biggest names in health are starting to sound the alarm. The rise of ultra-processed vegan foods is now being linked to the same health risks as traditional junk food: weight gain, blood sugar spikes, heart issues, you name it.
YIKES.
Why This Trap Is So Tempting (And Dangerous)
I don’t say all this to shame anyone—because I’ve 100% been there. The thing is, when you’re vegan (or vegan-curious), you want to fit in. You want to be able to go out with friends and not feel like the weirdo at the table. You want to hit up the drive-thru once in a while or grab something easy on a busy night. And thank goodness we can now!
But the danger is that if you only rely on these convenience foods, you miss the magic of what plant-based eating is really about: whole, nourishing, REAL food.
I’ll tell you another quick story: my daughter, who’s been vegan since birth, went through a phase where she loved these little vegan snack packs—basically crackers with fake cheese dip. We thought they were a fun treat… until we realized they had almost zero nutrition and were sneaking their way into her lunchbox more often than we liked. It was a good reminder that vegan junk food isn’t just an adult problem—it’s something we have to stay mindful of for our kids, too.
Why Some People “Fail” at Veganism (and Blame the Lifestyle)
One of the saddest things I see in vegan Facebook groups or online forums is someone saying, “I tried going vegan, but I felt awful, so I had to stop.”
Of course, every body is different and everyone has to do what’s best for them. But so often, when you dig into their story, you realize: they were living on vegan frozen meals and snack foods and weren’t actually eating a balanced, whole-food diet.
The vegan trap claims another victim.
This is why it’s SO important to get clear on why you’re going vegan and how to do it in a way that works for your body—not just your ethics.
So… What’s the Solution?
OK, now that I’ve ranted (with love!), let’s talk about what actually works. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a raw foodist or a kitchen goddess to do veganism well. You just need a few solid habits to keep you out of the trap:
✨ Make Whole Foods the Star:
The heart of a nourishing vegan diet is simple: fruits, veggies, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These are the foods that love you back.
✨ Use Processed Foods as a Sidekick (Not the Hero):
It’s totally fine to have a vegan pizza night or grab a Beyond Burger now and then. The key is to think of these as “sometimes” foods, not your main squeeze.
✨ Learn to Read Labels Like a Pro:
Just because something says “vegan” or “plant-based” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Get in the habit of flipping that package over and checking the ingredients. If it looks like a science experiment? Maybe leave it on the shelf.
✨ Don’t Forget Your Supplements:
Even the cleanest, whole-food vegan diet needs a little backup (hello, B12). Make sure you’re covering your bases with essential nutrients.
✨ Find Your Go-To Easy Meals:
Life gets busy, and that’s OK. But having a handful of simple, whole-food recipes you actually like can be a total game-changer when you’re short on time. (Need ideas? My black bean + sweet potato tacos are on serious repeat over here!)
Let’s Get Real: Why I’m Still 100% Team Vegan
You might be thinking, “Wait… is she saying veganism isn’t worth it?” Not even a little bit. The ethical and environmental reasons for ditching animal products are as solid as ever. And when you do it in a way that’s rooted in real food, the health benefits are seriously incredible.
What I am saying is this: we need to have honest conversations about how easy it is to fall into the vegan trap—and how to get out of it. Because the last thing I want is for someone to give up on this lifestyle because they didn’t have the tools to make it work.
It’s OK to enjoy the fun stuff. It’s OK to be imperfect. But let’s not lose sight of what this lifestyle is really about: feeling good in our bodies, protecting the planet, and making compassionate choices that align with our values.
Your Turn: Have You Fallen Into the Vegan Trap?
I’d love to hear from you: Have you found yourself relying a little too much on processed vegan foods? What’s been your biggest “aha!” moment when it comes to balancing convenience and health?
Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram (@kristynmedeiros)—let’s swap stories and support each other. 💚
And hey, if you’re new to veganism (or just need a reset), I’ve got a free grocery guide with super-simple whole-food vegan food to easily grab next time you’re food shopping to get you back on track. Grab it here.
Let’s make veganism work for us—not against us.
Kristyn Medeiros 