Root Causes?

 In the UK and US, apparently popular and successful vegan/vegetarian restaurants are reportedly closing or adding meat to their menus (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/sep/02/plant-based-problem-why-vegan-restaurants-closing-or-adding-meat-menu). There are a number of potential reasons for the downturn. They include 1. The impact of the Covid19 lockdowns. This has made life difficult for all eating establishments but impacts on specialist establishments may be greater; 2. A reason given by some restauranteurs for adding meat to the menu is that it enables 'herbivores' and 'carnivores' to eat together. Not all gatherings are exclusively vegan! Most restaurants now offer vegetarian options, so they could also cater for mixed groupings and 3. There's been a debate about the negative effects of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health. UPFs are not well-defined but some folk believe that certain vegan ingredients deserve this label. This could reduce the attractiveness of plant-based foods, especially in locations where the exact technologies used in preparation are uncertain I personally feel that reducing the intake of animal protein, benefits both the individual and the planet. Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients. It's probably, however, better if they look like the actual ingredient rather than trying to mimic sausages, burgers etc.