Let’s get this out of the way first: this isn’t a post about tofu. Or almond milk. Or the protein content of lentils.
This is about something deeper. Something most guys don’t even realize is driving their decisions around what’s on their plate.
And no, it’s not just “habit.”
It’s identity.
Masculinity is still tethered to meat
I know, I know—sounds a little dramatic. But hang with me.
Back in my twenties, I traveled through Argentina, where meat wasn’t just a food group—it was a personality trait. You’d see huge asados (BBQs) in the park every Sunday, grill smoke rising like a flag of pride. No one questioned it.
But when I started leaning into veganism years later, I started to notice just how closely food choices and masculinity were linked—not just in Argentina, but in the U.S. too.
And I’m not the only one who’s seen this.
As noted by psychologist Dr. Jared Piazza in his research on meat and masculinity, “Meat is more than just food. For many men, it’s a symbol of strength, dominance, and control.”
This isn’t conscious. Most men aren’t out here saying, “I need steak to prove I’m a man.” But the association is baked into the culture, reinforced by everything from gym bro meal plans to fast food ads featuring flame-grilled everything and deep voiceovers.
Veganism feels like a threat to old scripts
Here’s where things get interesting.
Choosing veganism doesn’t just mean eating differently—it means aligning with values that challenge traditional ideas of power.
Nonviolence. Compassion. Interdependence.
These aren’t traits the old-school model of masculinity tends to reward. That model favors grit, toughness, self-sufficiency. Being soft or emotionally attuned? That’s still code for “less manly” in some circles.
So when a man considers going vegan, he’s not just evaluating his diet. He’s confronting a whole identity shift.
And if you’ve been taught your whole life that your value comes from being hard, decisive, and carnivorous? Swapping your burger for tempeh can feel like crossing enemy lines.
It’s easier to joke than to feel vulnerable
Ever noticed how quick some guys are to joke about vegan food?
I have.
“I’d rather die than give up bacon.”
“You eat rabbit food now?”
It’s meant to be funny, sure. But there’s a defensive edge there. The humor is a shield. Because underneath, some guys are feeling challenged—by the ethical implications, by the social discomfort, or even just by the fear of being judged for doing something “different.”
As Dr. Melanie Joy has said in her work on carnism, “Most people don’t want to hurt animals. But they eat them because they’ve been conditioned to disconnect.”
When you start reconnecting with that inner value—when you admit the system you’re participating in doesn’t align with your actual beliefs—it brings up stuff. And for many men, those feelings of guilt, discomfort, or sadness are unfamiliar terrain.
So, it’s easier to mock veganism than sit with those emotions.
Social risk is real
Let’s talk about the friend group factor.
I once had a friend tell me he actually liked vegan food, but he couldn’t imagine ordering a vegan burger while out with “the guys.” It would spark too many questions. He didn’t want to be the butt of the joke. Didn’t want to explain himself.
This isn’t just immaturity. It’s group psychology.
We humans are tribal. We want to belong. And men, especially, are taught that camaraderie is built around shared rituals—sports, grilling, bar food.
Disrupting that? Risky.
That’s why some men won’t say they’re vegan even if they eat that way 95% of the time. I’ve met more than one “I’m not vegan, I just don’t eat meat” guy who clearly doesn’t want the label but lives the lifestyle.
The word feels loaded. Like a line in the sand.
It challenges the myth of dominance
This one’s big.
The old story of man vs. nature is all about domination. Hunt, kill, conquer. That’s how strength was measured.
Veganism flips that on its head.
It’s not about dominating nature—it’s about coexisting with it.
It’s not about power over others—it’s about reducing harm.
And that rewiring doesn’t come easy, especially if you’ve built your sense of self around being “in control.”
But I’ll say this—some of the most grounded, confident, emotionally intelligent men I know are vegan. Not because they’re trying to prove something. But because they’ve let go of needing to.
They’ve redefined strength.
Change doesn’t come from shaming
Quick note to anyone trying to get their boyfriend, dad, or coworker to go vegan: skip the shame.
I’ve mentioned this before, but pushing someone with stats and guilt-trips rarely works. Especially not with men who are already feeling their identity is being poked at.
Instead, try curiosity.
Ask them what they think masculinity should look like now.
Ask them if they’ve ever felt uncomfortable eating meat for ethical reasons—and let them sit with that, without a lecture.
Sometimes, just knowing that it’s okay to feel conflicted is enough to crack the door open.
Many men are already shifting quietly
Not every man who chooses veganism makes a big deal out of it.
Some are just… doing it.
They’re reading up on the environmental side. They’re trying oat milk in their coffee. They’re skipping the steak without needing a “reason.” And they’re finding that none of it has taken away their masculinity.
If anything, it’s added to it.
Because taking responsibility for your impact? That’s mature.
Because making values-based decisions, even if they’re inconvenient? That’s leadership.
And because opting out of harm—even when it’s normalized? That’s courage.
Final thoughts
The resistance to veganism among some men isn’t really about the food.
It’s about identity. About masculinity. About not wanting to feel judged or lose social capital. And about navigating emotions that don’t come with a built-in playbook.
But here’s the good news: identity isn’t fixed.
Culture is evolving. So is masculinity.
And the more we normalize compassionate choices—without mocking, shaming, or stereotyping—the easier it gets for men to align with what they already value deep down.
Even if it means skipping the burger.
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