The documentary Food for Thought offers a lively, sun-drenched exploration of the growing popularity of plant-based diets. It takes viewers on a global journey, from a vegan fair in Croatia to a sanctuary farm in South Africa, with stops in Los Angeles, the world’s vegan mecca. While it’s visually appealing and sure to inspire some to try plant-based eating, it doesn’t go deep enough to fully convince skeptics or answer some of the bigger questions surrounding veganism.

The film starts with a celebratory tone, highlighting the recent growth of veganism and its increasing acceptance in mainstream culture. It touches on familiar themes like the environmental and health impacts of meat-eating, but it skims the surface and doesn’t dive into the reasons behind the changing attitudes toward vegan diets. What we get is more of a feel-good montage than an in-depth investigation.

One of the key issues the film overlooks is the slowdown in veganism’s rise, particularly the challenges faced by the alternative-meat sector. Food for Thought briefly mentions companies like Beyond Meat, but there’s no exploration of the difficulties they face, like the cost and processed nature of plant-based products. The filmmakers’ approach feels a bit dated, given that the vegan movement has encountered some headwinds in recent years.

The documentary also features personal stories from two former cancer patients who credit their recovery to switching to a vegan diet. While this is compelling, the lack of scientific backing leaves the claims feeling unsubstantiated. On the other hand, the film does briefly touch on cultural barriers to adopting a vegan lifestyle, especially in places like South Africa, where meat-eating is deeply ingrained. However, it stops short of offering any real solutions on how to overcome these cultural norms.

At the end of the day, Food for Thought offers a quick, accessible introduction to veganism, but it doesn’t provide the depth needed to spark serious debate or win over those who are more skeptical about plant-based diets. It’s a light, feel-good watch, but it doesn’t quite tackle the tough questions that would make it a truly compelling documentary.

Food for Thought is available on YouTube.