Going vegan isn’t just about what you put on your plate — it’s about history, culture, the planet, and sometimes even bananas (you’ll see). Whether you’re fully plant-based or just curious, here are ten fun vegan facts to brighten your day.
1. The Word “Vegan” Was Born in the UK 🇬🇧
The word “vegan” was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson in Leicester, England. He combined the first and last letters of vegetarian to create a new term for people avoiding all animal products.
So yes — the UK is officially the birthplace of veganism. (We’ll claim that win.)
2. Veganism Helps the Planet More Than You Think 🌍
Switching to a vegan lifestyle can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 73%. That’s because plant-based foods generally use less land, water, and energy than animal-based ones.
At Vegums, we wanted to go one step further — so all of our packaging is plastic-free and compostable, meaning your vitamins don’t just support your family, they support the planet too.
3. Bananas Are Technically Herbs 🍌
Banana plants look like trees, but they’re actually giant herbs. Which means when you eat your morning banana, you’re basically eating a salad (sort of).
4. Gladiators Were Mostly Plant-Based 💪
Ancient Roman gladiators were nicknamed hordearii, or “barley men,” because their diets were packed with grains and beans. Turns out, plant power has been fuelling champions for centuries.
5. Vegan Doesn’t Always Mean “Healthy” 🍪
Oreos? Accidentally vegan. Certain crisps? Vegan. Jam doughnuts? Sometimes vegan too. Just because something’s vegan doesn’t automatically make it a superfood — but it does make for some fun discoveries in the snack aisle.
6. Not All Bread Is Vegan 🥖
Most loaves are safe, but some sneak in butter, milk, or honey. Always check the label — especially on bagels, brioche, and flavoured breads.
7. Vegan Supplements Exist Too ✨
Here’s one many people don’t know: most traditional supplements aren’t vegan. Vitamin D often comes from sheep’s wool, Omega-3 usually from fish oil, and capsules can contain gelatine.
That’s why we made our Vegan Multivitamin — a gummy that covers your family’s essentials (like Vitamin D, B12, and Zinc) without any animal products. 100% vegan, 100% planet-friendly.
8. Water Use Is Dramatically Lower 💧
Producing 1kg of lentils uses five times less water than 1kg of beef. When you think about the planet your kids will inherit, every plant-based swap makes a difference.
That’s one of the reasons Vegums is as focused on eco-friendly packaging as we are on what’s inside our gummies. Because healthy families = healthy planet.
9. Some Fruits Aren’t Vegan (Wait, What?!) 🍊
This one shocks people: certain fruits like oranges and lemons can be coated in shellac (made from insects) or beeswax to make them shiny. Look for unwaxed or organic labels if you want to be sure.
10. Veganism Is Growing Faster Than Ever 🚀
In the UK, there are now over 1.6 million vegans — and that number is rising every year. Campaigns like Veganuary (which started in 2014) have encouraged people from more than 200 countries to give it a try.
The best part? Every small step helps — whether it’s one plant-based meal a week, swapping dairy for oat milk, or choosing vegan vitamins over traditional ones.
Vegan = Fun, Not Fussy
Being vegan doesn’t mean giving up joy — it means discovering new foods, fun facts, and ways to live more sustainably. From gladiators munching barley to bananas secretly being herbs, veganism is full of surprises.
And if you want to make your wellness routine a little more plant-powered too, try our Vegan Multivitamin Gummies — good for your body, your family, and the planet.
