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FactuallyVegan
Myth Debunked
EthicsMisleading

The Myth

Humans evolved to eat meat, so we should continue eating it

Humans evolved to eat meat

Last reviewed: January 10, 2026

Quick Answer

Humans evolved as omnivores who CAN eat meat, not obligate carnivores who MUST. Evolution describes what was, not what ought to be. We also evolved to do many things we now choose not to do.

Evidence Summary

The claim: "Humans evolved eating meat, so it's what we're meant to eat." What evolution actually tells us: 1. We evolved as opportunistic omnivores:

  • Our ancestors ate whatever was available
  • Diet varied enormously by geography and season
  • Meat was part of SOME ancestral diets, less so in others
  • We have adaptations for both plant and animal foods 2. "Can" vs "Must":
  • We CAN digest meat (we're not obligate herbivores)
  • We don't NEED meat (we're not obligate carnivores)
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