- PETA sent a letter and a vegan food basket to “The Bear” creator Christopher Storer.
- The nonprofit asked that animal-derived foods and props be replaced with vegan alternatives on Season 5.
- PETA says plant-based swaps reduce food waste, environmental impact and animal suffering.
PETA asks production to use vegan foods and props
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has formally asked Christopher Storer, creator and showrunner of the Emmy-winning series The Bear, to use vegan foods and props during production of Season 5. The request arrived in a letter from Lauren Thomasson, PETA’s director of animals in film and television, as filming prepares to begin.
What PETA sent to Christopher Storer
Alongside the letter, PETA shipped a curated basket of plant-based products intended to show how the show’s culinary scenes can look and taste the same without animal-derived ingredients. Items included sustainable, fish-free caviar from Cavi-art and other shelf-stable, animal-friendly alternatives that PETA says are practical for set use.
Why PETA wants the show to switch
In the letter, PETA urged behind-the-scenes changes that would spare animals’ lives, reduce the production’s environmental footprint and minimize food safety and waste concerns. The organization noted that some food waste is inevitable on a series built around cooking, but argued that using vegan stand-ins means “at least no one will have died for it.”
PETA also highlighted practical benefits: plant-based substitutes can be more affordable, longer-lasting and less risky to handle than perishable animal products like fish roe, making them easier for prop and catering teams to manage on set.
How this could work on a food-focused show
The Bear is known for its close-up, realistic depictions of dishes being prepared and served. PETA suggested that viewers would likely not notice the switch, and that characters need not change diets on screen for props to be vegan. The organization framed the proposal as a modest, behind-the-scenes shift that aligns with sustainability and animal-welfare goals.
Response and next steps
As of the letter’s release, there is no public response from Christopher Storer or FX confirming whether the production will adopt PETA’s suggestions for Season 5. The request adds to broader industry conversations about sustainable and ethical sourcing for film and television food departments.
Embedded links and sources
PETA’s letter and the vegan gift were reported by Parade. Related links mentioned in the original report include:
For now, fans await official production details and any statement from the show about whether vegan substitutes will appear on screen when The Bear returns.
Image Referance: https://parade.com/news/peta-urges-vegan-production-the-bear-season-5