Misinformation Against Plant-Based Diets Rife On Social Media, Says New Report

A new report has found that nearly a million social media posts contain misinformation about plant-based diets and alternative proteins, mainly on platforms like Twitter. Right-wing commentators and politicians have played a significant role in spreading doubt about the benefits of plant-based foods, greenwashing meat and dairy products in the process. The majority of the misinformation posts disparage vegan diets and plant-based alternatives, pushing narratives that claim meat and dairy are superior in terms of health and environmental impact.

The meat and dairy industries, along with certain influencers dubbed as 'misinfluencers', are actively promoting their products while downplaying their environmental impact. Despite scientific evidence pointing to the benefits of plant-based diets, misinformation on social media continues to influence people's perceptions and political decisions. As governments grapple with regulating the meat and dairy industry, misinformation campaigns are contributing to a general inertia against enforcing stricter environmental regulations on these sectors.