Why is India’s Gen Z choosing vegan startups over meat? Explore Akanksha Ghai’s role and the tasty trends driving this shift in our fun guide!
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Introduction: A Fresh Taste of Change
Picture a bustling Mumbai street: the sizzle of kebabs fades as a new aroma wafts in—plant-based biryani from a vegan startup.
It is 2025, and India’s Gen Z is stirring up a food revolution, swapping meat for greener bites.
However, why are India’s Gen Z ditching meat for vegan startups?
From climate worries to health kicks, young Indians are turning to innovators like Akanksha Ghai of BVeg Foods for delicious, guilt-free eats.
Grab a snack—vegan, of course—and let us dig into this flavorful shift that’s sweeping the nation!
The Gen Z Vibe: A New Way to Eat
India’s Gen Z—born between the late ‘90s and early 2010s—is not your typical crowd.
They are 400 million strong, tech-savvy, and care about the planet.
Meat has been a big deal here forever—think chicken tikka or mutton curry—but these youngsters are saying “no thanks.”
A 2024 survey showed that 52% of urban Indian Gen Zers want eco-friendly food, and vegan startups fit the bill.
They are not just vegetarians (India’s got plenty of those already); they are going full vegan—ditching dairy and meat entirely.
Why?
It mixes heart, health, and hope; startups are making it tasty and easy.
Akanksha Ghai: A Vegan Visionary
Meet Akanksha Ghai, co-founder of BVeg Foods, a name buzzing in India’s vegan scene.
Alongside her husband Prateek, she is crafting plant-based meats that taste like the real deal—juicy “beef” chunks from soy and peas.
Launched in 2020, BVeg hit the headlines in 2025 by exporting 22 tons of vegan goodies to the UK.
“We are here to make veganism fun, not preachy,” Akanksha says.
Her startup’s kebabs and nuggets are popping up in cafes and homes, winning over Gen Z with flavors that do not harm a single animal.
She is a big reason this trend’s taking off!
Why the Meat-to-Vegan Switch?
So, what is driving this change? Let us break it down:
- Planet Power: Gen Z knows meat farming pumps out greenhouse gases—cows alone cause more emissions than cars! Vegan food uses less land and water; these kids want a cooler Earth.
- Health Hype: They are fitness buffs—think Virat Kohli’s six-pack vibes. Plant-based diets cut cholesterol and pack protein without heavy fats. BVeg’s nuggets? High protein, zero guilt.
- Cool Factor: Social media is full of vegan reels. Gen Z’s influencers are munching jackfruit “chicken” and oat milk lattes. Veganism is trendy, not restrictive.
- Animal Love: Many feel for the chickens and goats in cramped farms. Going vegan means saying, “We are done with that.”
Vegan Startups: The Flavor Makers
India’s vegan startups are the secret sauce here.
BVeg is not alone—Imagine Meats (from Bollywood’s Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh) serves up kebabs that sizzle while GoodDot’s mutton mimics melt in your mouth.
These brands use plants like soy, jackfruit, and mung beans to copy meat’s texture and taste.
They are cheap, too—think ₹100 for a meal versus ₹300 for meat.
2025, they will be in supermarkets, cafes, and even tier-2 towns like Jaipur.
Gen Z loves the convenience of ordering online, and dinner’s sorted, so no cow is required!
What is Next for Gen Z and Veganism?
This is not a fad—India’s vegan food market is set to grow 8.6% yearly till 2032.
Gen Z is pushing it, demanding more from startups like BVeg.
Picture vegan chaat stalls or plant-based Diwali sweets—Akanksha’s team is already experimenting.
Schools and colleges are jumping in, too, with vegan days in canteens.
Sure, meat has not gone away yet—rural India still loves its curry—but Gen Z is leading a quiet, tasty revolution in cities.
It is less about preaching and more about eating what feels right.
Trivia Time: A Meaty Fact
Did you know India’s vegan roots go way back? Jain monks have skipped meat and even root veggies for centuries to avoid harming life—talk about OG plant-based vibes!
Conclusion: A Greener Plate Awaits
So, why are India’s Gen Z ditching meat for vegan startups?
Thanks to folks like Akanksha Ghai making it happen, it is a love for the planet, their bodies, and a good meal.
From BVeg’s spicy bites to a cooler Earth, this shift has flavor and purpose.
Loved this tasty tale?
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