VEGAN PERSONALITY
Authenticity that inspires – Anne Menden
A personal interview with the actress
For more than 20 years, Anne Menden has been enchanting us as Emily Höfer in the German soap opera „Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten“ (GZSZ – Good Times, Bad Times), making her one of the best-known and most popular faces on German television. As strong as the character of her most important TV role is, the actress is also strong in other ways. Animals and animal welfare are two of her greatest passions, and that’s why she decided to go vegan over 10 years ago. We wanted to know more about this and asked Anne Menden about her commitment and her visions, but also about the food she eats at home and on the road.
VELIVERY: Many of your fans are closely following the development of your TV character, Emily Höfer. She seems to be becoming more and more environmentally conscious, interested in ethical issues and is now a vegetarian. Of course, she is and remains a fictional character. What do you think: is the topic of mindful eating and conscious care of our planet simply becoming more important, so that it’s now also reflected in media content?
„We can’t look away any more“
ANNE: Absolutely. I think sustainability has become a must. We can no longer look the other way, and this is increasingly reflected in the media world. The fact that Emily is moving in this direction is a great opportunity to make the topic accessible and everyday – not to preach, but to show how it can work.
VELIVERY: What did your own journey look like? How did it start for you, and what were your first steps towards more environmental awareness and sustainability?
ANNE: It started small for me – with animal welfare, because animals have always been very close to my heart. This then led to increased awareness that has affected my diet, my consumption and my lifestyle in general.
The diversity of plant-based cuisine
VELIVERY: How and why did you become a vegan? And how has it changed your approach to cooking and cuisine in general?
ANNE: I became vegan through my intense involvement with animal welfare. As soon as I started to look into animal farming methods, I realised that I no longer wanted to support it. I also discovered how varied and creative plant-based cuisine is. It has really inspired me to experiment!
VELIVERY: What benefits do you see in a plant-based diet?
ANNE: For me, it’s a win-win situation – I feel much better about my health and I know I’m doing something good for the planet at the same time. Studies show that we can save a lot of CO₂ by eating a plant-based diet, and that’s important to me.
A plant-based alternative for almost everything – that also tastes good!
VELIVERY: Many people agree with your arguments, but they may still be afraid to make the step from an often flexitarian diet to a purely plant-based diet because they are afraid of having to give up a lot. What do you say to these people – especially at the moment with Veganuary just around the corner?
ANNE: What I always say is, „Just try it!“ The market is so much further along than many people think – there is now a plant-based alternative for almost everything that also tastes really good. It’s not about being perfect, it’s just about being more conscious.
VELIVERY: You’re also a brand ambassador for the purely plant-based label Vantastic. What motivated you to do this and which Vantastic products do you particularly like yourself?
I love Vantastic sausages and meatloaf!
ANNE: Vantastic supports my values and has so many great products to make the transition easier.
VELIVERY: What are your favourite dishes using Vantastic products?
ANNE: I love their vegan sausages as a quick meal! The Vantastic vegan meatloaf is also great.
VELIVERY: As a busy actress, you must be like many people: you don’t always have time to rustle up great plant-based dishes yourself. What do you do when you’re in a hurry?
ANNE: I always have a few basics ready, like vegan frozen pizza or quick pasta dishes with a good pesto or other sauce. I can also make wraps with fresh vegetables in a flash!
VELIVERY: Do you have any sweet favourites from Vantastic?
ANNE: Yes, definitely the vegan Peanut Caramel Choc Bars! They are really delicious and perfect as a snack.
Remain curious!
VELIVERY: Do you have any other everyday tips for our readers?
ANNE: Small steps count! You can choose more plant-based alternatives in the supermarket, for example, or just have a vegan day. Just remain curious!
VELIVERY: You are very involved in initiatives to protect animals and the planet, such as the oceans. Where exactly are you active and what are you passionate about? Do you have any visions for the world of tomorrow?
ANNE: I am very passionate about the oceans, which is why I support projects that combat overfishing – especially as there are great alternatives to fish. My vision is a world where we live in harmony with nature and use resources more consciously.
VELIVERY: For many people you’re not only a TV star, but also a role model in life. What do you say to that?
The joy of sustainable living
ANNE: That’s a great honour for me! I hope to show that a sustainable lifestyle can be fun and not limiting.
VELIVERY: Is anything changing in this respect in the world of television? What do things look like on set?
ANNE: Yes, definitely! Many sets are now paying more attention to sustainability – from reusable cups to vegan catering options. Things are changing, and I’m really happy about that.
VELIVERY: Will you tell all your fans where they can see you in 2025 and what your plans are for the future?
ANNE: I will continue to be part of GZSZ as Emily and I’m currently working on a book about sustainability and vegan cooking – more about that soon!
VELIVERY: Thank you so much for your inspiration and for showing us so well how a vegan everyday life and a demanding job can go hand-in-hand!
Authentic commitment that inspires
Anne Menden’s commitment to animals and nature doesn’t come across as dogmatic or preachy. Her relaxed and humble demeanour is backed up by her words and actions. That’s why she inspires us, whether she’s in the spotlight or not. Authenticity is key, in our opinion. We are therefore all the more delighted that she’s reaching so many people through social media. On Instagram alone she has over 600,000 followers.And this Veganuary, she is teaming up with the Vantastic brand to inspire people to cook with delicious plant-based alternatives.Let’s be inspired by her even more by trying out some of her favourite recipes…
Cooking with Anne Menden
The actress shares 3 of her favourite vegan recipes that you can easily make for „good times“ for all creatures!
