Feeling Alone as a Vegan? Why It's Normal & How to Cope

Feeling isolated as a vegan? Learn why it's normal, plus practical tips to find support, connection, and joy on your plant-based journey.

Sep 20, 2025

by Megan McFadden

Feeling Alone as a Vegan? Why It's Normal & How to Cope

What I Wish I Knew Before Going Vegan (And What You Should Too)

Before I went vegan in 2017, I did a few months of research here and there. I analyzed the data and concluded that veganism was the solution. I did not realize the main consequence that I have dealt with since going vegan: isolation.

I feel so alone as a vegan for so many reasons.

I'm almost always the only vegan in the room. The closest thing to having another vegan in the room is having someone know a vegan or people confusing my pescatarian sister-in-law as a vegan.
There are a decent number of times that I'm not invited to events because of being vegan. For example, I wasn't asked out to lunch with my family today because the venue didn't have any vegan-friendly options.
Other times, I'm watching my family eat at a place with little to no vegan options, and I'm stuck with water, French fries, and/or a plain side salad.
Then, there are many times when I want to discuss veganism, such as a vegan cookbook I tried or a vegan recipe I like, and I have no one to talk about it with.
I cannot even talk about my blog that I've been writing since 2019, aka Mischievous Monsters. The few times I do, I get side comments about my values or confusion about why I'm wasting so much time on this instead of getting a second job.

Going vegan can be one of the most rewarding choices you'll ever make, but it can also feel isolating at times. Maybe you're the only vegan in your family, like me, or your friends don't quite "get it." Maybe social gatherings revolve around food you don't eat, and suddenly you're the one bringing your own dish (again).

If you've ever thought, "I feel alone as a vegan," you're not the only one. In fact, it's a common experience, and it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Here's why those feelings show up and what you can do to navigate them.

Keep reading to discover practical tips and comforting strategies to feel connected, confident, and empowered as a vegan.

Why Feeling Alone as a Vegan Is Normal

Eating is more than just nourishment—it's a way people connect, celebrate, and express love. When your meals look or taste different from those around you, it can feel like a subtle form of separation. Birthday dinners, potlucks, or weekend brunches might suddenly come with a twinge of isolation if the options don't fit your lifestyle.

Cultural traditions run deep.

Many family and cultural recipes center on meat, dairy, and other animal-based products. Choosing a vegan path doesn't just change what's on your plate—it can feel like stepping outside familiar rituals. Holidays, family gatherings, and comfort foods may remind you that you're doing something different, and that difference can feel heavy when you're craving connection.

Representation is still limited.

Even as veganism grows in popularity, most social, professional, and public spaces are designed with non-vegan diets in mind. From office lunches to restaurant menus to social events, navigating the world as a vegan can require extra planning and awareness—making you feel like you're always a step removed from the "default."

You care deeply.

Veganism is often rooted in compassion—whether for animals, the environment, or personal health. That depth of caring isn't always mirrored by those around you, which can make you feel emotionally isolated. When ethics and empathy guide your choices, it's natural to crave peers who understand that motivation.

How to Handle Vegan Loneliness

Find your people.

Connection is key. Seek out vegan communities both online and in your local area. Social media groups, vegan Meetups, cooking classes, and festivals are great places to meet like-minded people who share your values. Even one conversation with someone who truly "gets it" can make a world of difference.

Sometimes, the best way to bridge gaps is through the sense of taste. Invite friends or family to try your favorite vegan recipes or bring a dish to social gatherings. Food can open hearts and spark curiosity—often more effectively than debates or explanations ever could.

My family enjoys coming to my house once a year to celebrate my cats' birthday party. This year's party theme will be Super Mario. In honor of Mario's and Luigi's Italian-American heritage, I will make it Italianish with dishes like minestrone and pasta.

Something like that would encourage your family and friends to taste-test some of your favorite vegan dishes, and they may add a plant-based recipe or two to their meal prep.

Shift perspective.

Feeling different can be challenging, but it can also be empowering. Instead of focusing on what separates you from others, recognize the positive impact of your choices.

By living compassionately and sustainably, you're modeling a lifestyle that could inspire others—even if they don't fully understand it yet.

Keep learning.

Engage with the larger vegan community through podcasts, books, documentaries, and blogs. Understanding that you're part of a growing, worldwide movement can reduce feelings of isolation. Learning new recipes or ethical insights can also give you fresh confidence and conversation topics.

I admit that I tried being a part of a vegan Facebook group, and I never went back because someone told me to euthanize my cat, Edward, because he was incapable of being vegan with his dietary restrictions. Granted, cats are carnivores, and it's unethical to make a carnivore a herbivore and vice versa because those diets do not work for their species. That's a conversation for another VeganBusters.

Anyway, negativity isn't good for you, regardless of why you get it. Just make sure the vegan group is inspiring, not discouraging, like the one I previously experienced. If you need any help finding more vegan perspectives or groups, feel free to comment below. I would be happy to help you with that.

Celebrate your wins.

Every plant-based meal, conversation, or ethical choice matters—even the small ones. Recognize and appreciate your efforts because they contribute to a larger change. Feeling proud of your choices reinforces positivity and resilience, helping combat feelings of loneliness.

You're Not Alone

Feeling alone as a vegan is normal, but you're far from alone in reality. Millions share your values, even if they're not at your dinner table right now. By seeking connection, sharing your choices with love, and celebrating the impact you're making, you can turn isolation into empowerment.

Remember: every plant-based meal, every kind choice, and every compassionate action is a seed of change—quiet but powerful.