The 2019 Health Intervention and Clarification
In September 2019, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith revealed on their show, Red Table Talk, that they had been forced to intervene with their son, Jaden, due to concerns about his health. Jada explained that Jaden, who was experimenting with a vegan lifestyle, had been "wasting away" because he was not getting enough protein. Will noted his son's physical appearance, which included dark circles under his eyes and a gray tint to his skin, prompting immediate family concern. It was a pivotal moment that forced a public reassessment of Jaden's diet.
During the episode, Jaden himself clarified the situation, stating, "I've tried to be vegan. I'm vegetarian, you know, I've tried to eat vegan meals. I'll go vegan for a week or so but for the past year I've been vegetarian". He also admitted to eating only one or two meals a day, attributing his poor health to insufficient calorie intake, not the specific nature of the plant-based foods themselves. A nutritionist was brought on the show, diagnosing him with nutritional deficiencies and recommending he increase his protein and caloric intake.
The Shift to a Healthier Diet
Since the 2019 intervention, Jaden has been more transparent about his health journey. In a December 2021 update, he confirmed he was doing much better. He revealed that he had been working with doctors, using supplements, and drinking protein shakes to ensure he gets adequate nutrients. As a result, he reported gaining 10 pounds and feeling stronger. His experience underscores the fact that any diet, including veganism, requires careful planning to ensure it is nutritionally complete and sustainable for an individual's body.
Jaden Smith's Continued Plant-Based Activism
Despite no longer being strictly vegan, Jaden has remained a passionate advocate for plant-based living, primarily from an environmental and philanthropic standpoint. His involvement in plant-based initiatives is extensive, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the cause.
- I Love You Restaurant: A vegan food truck initiative launched in 2019 that provides free, healthy vegan meals to homeless communities, with the first truck opening in Los Angeles' Skid Row. In 2025, his Instagram announced a move to a brick-and-mortar pay-it-forward model.
- Impossible Foods: In 2019, Jaden became an investor in the plant-based company Impossible Foods and used his platform to encourage followers to reduce their meat consumption.
- JUST Water: As the co-founder of the sustainable water company JUST Water, Jaden has actively promoted environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic bottles.
- Vegan Sneakers: He partnered with New Balance in 2020 to design his own vegan-friendly shoes, incorporating sustainable and partially recycled materials.
Comparing Jaden Smith's Vegan Attempts vs. His Vegetarianism
To better understand his dietary evolution, here is a comparison of Jaden's approach to veganism versus his current vegetarian lifestyle.
| Aspect | Early Veganism Attempts (Pre-2019) | Current Vegetarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motivation | Environmentalism and trying new things | Health, balanced nutrition, and environmentalism |
| Dietary Consistency | Inconsistent, attempting veganism for short periods (week-long stretches) | Consistent vegetarianism, excluding meat but consuming other animal products |
| Nutritional Intake | Irregular, often eating only one or two meals per day, leading to deficiencies | Deliberate, with a focus on supplements, protein shakes, and balanced meals |
| Physical Health | Experienced significant weight loss, lethargy, and other alarming symptoms | Reported feeling much better, gaining weight, and building muscle |
| Public Statement | Often perceived as vegan due to his activism and comments | Openly clarifies that he is vegetarian, and has been since his intervention |
The Takeaway: It's About Health, Not Labels
Jaden Smith's health journey serves as a cautionary tale for anyone exploring a new diet, particularly plant-based ones. The issue was not the vegan diet itself, but rather his failure to consume enough calories and ensure proper nutrient absorption. His experience highlights that any dietary plan, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous, requires diligent attention to nutritional balance.
Today, Jaden is a thriving vegetarian who continues to champion plant-based causes through his businesses and philanthropy. His personal health took priority, leading him to modify his diet to better suit his body's needs. This story reminds us that personal health and nutritional needs are paramount, regardless of dietary labels. His continued activism shows that one does not have to be a strict vegan to contribute meaningfully to the plant-based movement.
Conclusion: Jaden Smith's Balanced Approach
Jaden Smith is no longer a strict vegan but has found a sustainable balance as a vegetarian, a distinction that is crucial to his story. His initial attempt at veganism, characterized by poor eating habits, resulted in health issues that required a family intervention. By addressing his caloric and nutritional deficiencies and transitioning to a well-managed vegetarian diet, he has regained his health and energy. While his diet has shifted, his commitment to environmental and plant-based activism remains strong, evidenced by his ongoing work with the I Love You Restaurant and other eco-friendly projects. His journey provides a powerful lesson about listening to your body and prioritizing health above all else.
How Is Jaden Smith Still a Vegan? The Current Status
No, Jaden Smith is not currently a vegan, but he is a devoted vegetarian. His path demonstrates that activism and dietary choices can be separate but equally impactful. He advocates for plant-based options and sustainable practices while ensuring his personal diet is balanced and meets his unique health requirements. He has successfully found a middle ground that allows him to pursue his passions without compromising his health.
