Two words: Greek yogurt
A 2012 Gallup poll asked Americans if they considered themselves vegan. The result? Only 2 percent. Out of a population of nearly 314 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that's only about 628,000 people. Although the term “vegan” has appeared on the packaging of many food products and menus and has entered the mainstream's awareness for the past few years, it's understandable: Americans love their meaty and cheesy food. It's tradition. And comforting. But consider what psychologist Melanie Joy says about eating meat: It “requires us to be mindless instead of mindful. … It requires us to be apathetic rather than empathetic.” So, in observance of World Vegan Day on Friday, November 1, check out BuzzFeed's “8 Facts About Food That Will Totally Creep You Out” video at http://youtu.be/jXJSmxi2buc, that will make the mindful second guess their Greek yogurt habit.