The Salad That Started A Heated Debate - One Redditor’s Vegan Dilemma

A Redditor recently sparked a heated debate after sharing a tense family moment over vegan food at her grandma’s house. As a precaution, she brought her own packaged vegan meal — and it didn’t go over well.

Her grandma genuinely tries to provide vegan options, but sometimes misses the mark. One recent example: a salad with non-vegan dressing and fried potatoes. Faced with another meal lacking proper vegan options, the Redditor decided to bring backup food to avoid going hungry.

When Grandma spotted it, she was upset, insisting it was rude and claiming she always makes sure there’s enough to eat. The Redditor tried to explain that bringing her own meal wasn’t a critique of her grandma’s efforts, just a practical step to ensure she had something to eat.

In the past, she even offered to cook vegan dishes together to help, but Grandma rejected the idea, declaring her kitchen off-limits. This refusal left the Redditor in a tricky position: she wants to respect her grandmother but also avoid being left with nothing to eat at family gatherings.

Her post asked the internet: was bringing backup vegan food really rude? The responses were mixed. Some argued that planning ahead shows thoughtfulness, while others said it could be interpreted as disrespecting a host’s effort.

The debate highlights the challenge of balancing dietary needs with family dynamics. Even well-intentioned actions can create tension, especially when tradition, pride, and differing food values collide. For many, it’s a reminder that navigating family meals requires as much diplomacy as it does careful menu planning.

The Redditor decided to bring backup food to avoid going hungry, but her grandmother wasn't impressed.

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Here's the original post by Reddit user 'gutenoodle'.

I brought my own packaged vegan food to a family get together at my grandma's house. She does try to make sure there are vegan options for me, but sometimes she misses the mark.Example: salad with non-vegan dressing and fried potatoes. So that day I only ate fried potatoes. The food was only a "back up" in case that happened again.She was pretty mad when she saw i had brought it, i tried to explain but she said it was rude and that she always makes sure i have enough to eat. (She *tries* to make sure, but it doesn't always work out)In the past i have offered to cook some vegan dishes together. She said no one is allowed in the kitchen with her. I don't know how else to deal with this, was what I did really rude?

Here's how the Reddit community reacted.

eternal_entropy

"I think it’s a normal thing to do if you are vegan or have allergies."

Ghosty1028

NTA.

Final_Salamander8588

"Grandma is being a bit of an ahole here."

maryjanerain

It's completely understandable.

laztheinfamous

I've never had this problem.

indignantgirl

"It’s necessary."

momminallday

"You have to take care of yourself."

drsusan59

Maybe you could bring something to share.

Pristine_Ad5229

"You must have been really hungry."

Sweet_Cinnabonn

"Grandma doesn't really understand your veganism."

BlondDee1970

"You deserve to be able to eat too!"

elvis-wantacookie

Grandma just wanted to look good.

DominarDio

"Old age isn't an excuse for being nasty."

ImAMorty777

Whether it’s veganism, allergies, or personal preference, bringing your own meal can be practical — but communicating openly and respectfully remains key to avoiding hard feelings. In this case, the Redditor’s story proves that even something as simple as food can stir strong emotions in a family setting.