Oktoberfest Celebration Now Offers Vegan Options

Germany’s Oktoberfest is known for two things: beer and meat, but this year marks a shift in the festival’s offerings––both vegan food and wine have made their way onto the menu, reports ABC News. Inspired by the growing number of vegetarians and vegans in Germany––a number the Association of German Vegetarians estimates to be about 800,000––food vendors such as the Bachmair family are now serving soy medallions with sautéed mushrooms, a veganized version of a traditional German pasta dish, and chicken-free fricassee. “Whether it’s environmentalism, climate protection or health concerns, there is a growing awareness among Germans when it comes to the vegetarian agenda,” Stephanie Stragies of the Association of German Vegetarians tells the news outlet.