Is Brendan Brazier Still Vegan? An Update on the Thrive Author

December 22, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 30 years ago, former Ironman triathlete Brendan Brazier adopted a vegan diet and later detailed his plant-based nutrition approach in his book, Thrive. Today, fans and followers often ask whether the acclaimed athlete and author has maintained his commitment to a vegan lifestyle or if his nutritional philosophy has evolved over time.

Quick Summary

Brendan Brazier remains a prominent advocate for plant-based living, with recent interviews and sources confirming his sustained commitment to veganism and his Thrive nutrition philosophy. He actively promotes vegan principles through his businesses, public speaking, and social media platforms.

Key Points

Still Vegan: Brendan Brazier has been a committed vegan for over 30 years and continues to follow a plant-based diet.
Thrive Philosophy is Unchanged: His core dietary philosophy, which emphasizes whole, raw, and alkaline-forming plant foods for enhanced performance and reduced bodily stress, remains consistent.
Actively Promoting Veganism: Brazier maintains an active public presence, using social media and speaking engagements to promote his plant-based lifestyle and business ventures.
Business Ventures Continue: While no longer with Vega, he remains an entrepreneur in the plant-based space, demonstrating his ongoing belief in the market.
A Pioneer for Vegan Athletes: His journey helped legitimize veganism as a viable and effective diet for elite athletes, shifting mainstream perceptions.
Ongoing Public Advocacy: Brazier uses his platform to advocate for sustainable living and environmental consciousness, extending his philosophy beyond just personal nutrition.

Brendan Brazier's Continued Commitment to Veganism

Brendan Brazier has consistently maintained his vegan diet and remains a staunch advocate for plant-based nutrition. As a former professional Ironman triathlete, his dietary choices were initially driven by athletic performance and recovery.

Recent statements, including a September 2022 interview and activity on his social media accounts, confirm his ongoing dedication to vegan principles and his continued consumption of plant-based foods.

The Longevity of the Thrive Philosophy

Brazier's nutritional philosophy, as outlined in his Thrive books, emphasizes whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense plant-based foods. This core belief has remained constant, and the success of the Vega brand, which originated from his personal recipes, further illustrates the practical application of his enduring plant-based principles.

Brazier's Recent Activities and Vegan Advocacy

Brazier continues to advocate for veganism and sustainable living through public speaking and media presence, expanding his work beyond athletic nutrition. While he is no longer involved with Vega, he remains an entrepreneur in the plant-based sector, such as with 101 Cider House.

Brazier's Philosophy vs. Other Plant-Based Diets

Brazier's Thrive diet emphasizes optimal athletic performance through a high-raw approach. For details comparing his Thrive diet to standard vegan and whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diets, see {Link: switch4good.org https://switch4good.org/ironman-brendan-brazier-is-a-pioneer-in-dairy-free-sports-nutrition/}.

How His Philosophy Has Influenced Modern Plant-Based Eating

Brazier's work has significantly impacted the perception of plant-based diets, especially among athletes. His focus on recovery and nutrient density provided a practical framework for athletes. The creation and success of the Vega brand also helped bring plant-based supplements into the mainstream, contributing to the growth of the plant-based market.

Conclusion: Brazier's Vegan Journey Continues

All available evidence confirms that Brendan Brazier remains committed to a vegan diet. His dedication, rooted in performance and ethical considerations, is unwavering. He continues to be an influential figure in the plant-based community, promoting his Thrive philosophy through various ventures and platforms. His journey inspires those interested in high-performance vegan nutrition and highlights the long-term benefits of this lifestyle. For detailed information on his original philosophy, his book Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life is a key resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Brendan Brazier remains a prominent and active public advocate for veganism and plant-based nutrition, regularly sharing his philosophy through social media and other media appearances.

No, there is no evidence to suggest that Brendan Brazier has changed his core vegan diet. He continues to uphold the plant-based principles he detailed in his Thrive books, focusing on nutrient-dense, whole foods.

No, Brendan Brazier is no longer the owner of Vega. He founded the plant-based nutrition company, but it was later sold to another company.

Brendan Brazier initially adopted a vegan diet primarily for athletic reasons, seeking to improve his recovery times and overall performance as an endurance athlete.

The core of the Thrive diet is based on reducing bodily stress through consumption of whole, raw, and nutrient-dense plant-based foods, leading to improved energy, faster recovery, and better overall health.

Based on recent interviews, Brendan Brazier's diet includes staples such as sprouted bread, avocado, arugula, leafy greens, lentil pasta, tofu, and tempeh, in line with his long-standing vegan practice.

Recent updates on Brendan Brazier can be found on his social media accounts, including Instagram (@brendanbrazier) and X (@Brendan_Brazier), as well as through news articles and podcasts that interview him.