There is nothing wrong with being picky when it comes to choosing your next partner. Sharing similar life experiences or having common interests and hobbies strengthens the bond between the two — a bond that might get loose because of the two’s culinary preferences. According to research, 42% of meat-eaters refuse to go out on a date with a vegan or vegetarian. The same happens in the vegan world, with more than 50% of vegans saying that dating a carnivore is a no-no.

There’s an expression that goes like this: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” implying that one can earn or boost their partner’s love by cooking them a great meal. But have you ever wondered what happens when you cook something for your partner that is against their food beliefs? Will the two continue as a couple or are they willing to sacrifice love because of what they eat?

To find this out, The Vegetarian Butcher conducted a social dating experiment, the “Unthinkable Date,” putting vegans and meat-lovers at the same table. Conceived with the help of the Amsterdam-based agency TBWA\NEBOKO in time for Valentine’s Day, the campaign sought to match people with different culinary preferences. Six vegans and carnivores were set up for blind dates, none of them being aware of their date’s dietary choices.

With just the wording changed to suit their preferences, the couples were (unknowingly) served exactly the same plant-based menu. After they each reveal their food beliefs, they discover that what they ate was, in fact, a meatless dish. At the end of the experiment, the participants are asked whether they consider going on a second date. Curious about their answers? Check out the video below to find that out.

Joris Philippart, Creative Director at TBWA\NEBOKO, says: “We’re lucky that we work with such brave clients who dare to stand behind such an important message. Because no one should ever sacrifice love because of what they eat. Especially on Valentine’s Day.”

Laura Iliffe, Senior Brand Manager at The Vegetarian Butcher, adds: “Following Veganuary last month, Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect opportunity to prove a plant-based diet can be for life, not just for January. It’s clear more people are choosing to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, but that doesn’t need to be at the sacrifice of finding love. At The Vegetarian Butcher, we believe that we must sacrifice nothing when it comes to enjoying our food and in a world that is already so divided, we want to bring people together with our plant-based meats — not tear them apart.”

If previously, some of these participants considered that dating a person who doesn’t share the same food beliefs as them was, let’s say, “unthinkable,” the experiment enabled them to rethink their “dating principles” and sacrifice nothing when it comes to love.

Vegan Drew Miller is really worried about the planet’s future, finding it quite difficult to date someone who doesn’t share the same beliefs as he does. On the other hand, Jonathon Charlesworth confesses that bacon sandwiches are heaven and would definitely go on a second date with Drew. According to the press release, the two are still dating one another.

How about you; would you let your dietary preferences stand in the way of your love life?

Credits:

Client: The Vegetarian Butcher

Agency: TBWA\NEBOKO