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AITA for bringing “back up” vegan food to the family function?

· 3 min read

So, you’re the vegan soul who loves their kale smoothies and tofu steaks. Your grandma, bless her heart, is trying (and occasionally succeeding) to accommodate you at family gatherings. One fateful day, the salad comes with a non‑vegan dressing, the potatoes are fried in butter, and you’re left staring at a plate that says, “You’ll have to eat whatever is left.”
Your solution? Pack a bag of pre‑cooked vegan burrito‑style rice, a few veggie chips, and a smug grin.

Grandma, however, sees your portable pantry as an affront. She claims it’s rude—after all, she’s been “making sure” you’ve got enough to eat, right? She’d never let a non‑vegan dish even touch the kitchen, and she’s been “trying” to keep your meals safe for years.
You wonder if your back‑up snack stash was a crime, or if you’re the one acting like a culinary terrorist.

The Reddit comment section (in comedic form)​

  • Comment 1
    “I’m not a vegan, but I have allergies and sometimes people forget or only make sure one food item like a dessert is safe for me. I need to eat more than just dessert for a meal, so sometimes I bring a backup of food. I think it’s a normal thing to do if you’re vegan or have allergies.”
    Verdict: 100% NTA. Bring your own or your mom’s fridge will never know what’s real.

  • Comment 2
    “If you’ve ever had someone say a dish is safe and then you get sick, you’ll understand why I prefer to bring my own. I’ve been told to “just eat what’s on the table” and ended up with a stomach that feels like a raccoon in a dumpster. The best move? Pack a lunch and chill.”
    Verdict: NTA. Your stomach is a VIP club, not a free‑for‑all buffet.

  • Comment 3
    “I’m not even a vegan and it gives me a headache! Bring your food. If they want you to eat what they make, it would have to be vegan. If that’s something they can’t or won’t take on for whatever reason, then yeah I think you reserve the right to bring your own. I’ve had to do this on a FODMAP diet, too.”
    Verdict: NTA. The universe is basically saying, “You get to decide what goes on your plate.”

  • Comment 4
    “If experience has proven that you’re not always able to eat the food at a function, you’re well within your right to bring some food for yourself as a backup. If your grandma takes it personally, just explain why this dietary choice is so important to you so she understands it’s not about her. Bonus points: show her how to make a vegan dip.”
    Verdict: NTA. Grandma’s probably just jealous she can’t whip up a quinoa salad in under 5 minutes.

  • Comment 5
    “NTA. In fact, you’re taking care of yourself. Any argument against this is just silly.”
    Verdict: 100% NTA. The only thing you’re racking up is healthy eating points.

TL;DR​

You’re not a culinary villain; you’re a vegan with a backup plan. Grandma’s rudeness is a classic case of not seeing the pantry. Bring your own, explain your dietary needs, maybe teach her a vegan recipe—then everyone gets the right amount of food and a few extra laughs.