A Question from My Son—and a Wake-Up Call for Big Brands
The other day, my son asked me a simple question.
“Mom, when will I get eggless donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts?”
It wasn’t a complaint.
It wasn’t an argument.
It was genuine curiosity—the kind only a child can express so honestly.
I smiled and told him, “They will do it one day, when they realize they need to care for their entire customer base.”
That conversation stayed with me longer than I expected.
And it is the reason I decided to write this piece—for him, and for millions of families like ours.
This Is Not a Niche Request Anymore
For many Indian families, vegetarianism is not a trend.
It is culture.
It is faith.
It is how children are raised from day one.
Eggless does not mean “almost vegetarian.”
For a large section of the Indian community, eggs are a hard no—just like meat.
Now layer on top of that:
- A growing vegan population
- Consumers with religious dietary restrictions
- Families seeking plant-forward, cleaner eating
- Parents who want simple, inclusive options for their kids
Suddenly, this is not a “special request.”
It is a mainstream expectation.
Big Brands, Big Footprint, Bigger Responsibility
Brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, KFC, Publix, and Kroger serve millions of customers every single day.
They already localize:
- Menus by country
- Spice levels by region
- Ingredients based on availability
In India, McDonald’s runs successful vegetarian-only kitchens.
Globally, vegan patties, plant-based nuggets, and dairy-free options already exist.
So the question isn’t can they do it?
The question is why haven’t they done it consistently here yet?
Inclusion Is Also a Business Decision
Let’s be clear: this is not charity.
The Indian diaspora is one of the highest-spending communities in North America.
Indian families dine out.
They celebrate.
They bring extended families along.
But when a child cannot eat a donut, or a family cannot share a simple meal together, what happens?
They quietly choose another brand.
They stop showing up.
They stop becoming loyal.
Inclusivity is not just about values—it is about long-term customer lifetime value.
What Eggless and Vegan Options Really Signal
When a global brand introduces clearly labeled eggless, vegetarian, or vegan items, it sends a powerful message:
“You belong here too.”
It tells children like my son that they are not an exception.
It tells parents they don’t need to explain why their choices are different.
It tells communities that their culture has been seen—and respected.
That kind of emotional connection cannot be bought with advertising budgets.
A Note to Brand Leaders
This is not a criticism.
It is an invitation.
Start small:
- One eggless donut
- One clearly labeled vegetarian dessert
- One plant-based kids’ option
Make it visible.
Make it consistent.
Make it easy to trust.
You will not lose customers.
You will gain families.
Why I Wrote This
I wrote this because a child asked an honest question.
And because I truly believe that the brands shaping everyday life have the power—and responsibility—to include everyone at the table.
One day, when my son walks into Dunkin’ and sees an eggless donut behind the glass, I hope he remembers this moment.
And I hope the brand that made it happen realizes just how much loyalty they earned—without even trying too hard.
Sometimes, the future of inclusion begins with a child’s simple question.
