Maja Ljubas (Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
ZAGREB, 11 June 2026 – As interest in plant-based eating continues to grow in Croatia, animal rights organisation Prijatelji životinja (Animal Friends Croatia) is highlighting the work of nutritionist Maja Ljubas, one of the country’s first publicly specialised experts in vegan nutrition.
According to the organisation, discussions surrounding vegan diets in Croatia are still often influenced by misconceptions, outdated information and conflicting claims, despite growing international recognition of plant-based nutrition as an important issue in public health, sustainability and modern food policy.
Ljubas, a member of the Croatian Society of Nutritionists and Dietitians, holds a degree in nutrition from the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology at the University of Zagreb.
She has also completed the Plant Based Nutrition educational programme at the University of Winchester and has experience working with pregnant women, children and adults following plant-based diets.
Prijatelji životinja says her expertise is particularly relevant at a time when claims about vegan diets continue to circulate in public discussions.
Maja Ljubas (Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
The organisation argues that balanced plant-based diets are supported by scientific research and can contribute to overall health and help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases when properly planned.
The organisation stresses that the issue is not whether every healthcare or nutrition professional should be a specialist in vegan nutrition, but that public debate should be informed by individuals with specific knowledge and training in the field.
“Vegan nutrition is not a marginal topic or a passing trend. The public, media and institutions need knowledgeable experts who understand its nutritional, practical and social dimensions,” Prijatelji životinja said in a statement.
The organisation also noted that, just as not every doctor specialises in every branch of medicine, not every nutrition professional necessarily has specialist expertise in vegan nutrition.
Ljubas is available for media interviews, educational programmes, expert commentary, public discussions and consultations for institutions, organisations, schools, kindergartens, employers and families interested in plant-based nutrition.
Her work also includes supporting the development of nutritionally balanced vegan meal plans and advising on the integration of plant-based options into public and private food service systems.
According to estimates from Prijatelji životinja, more than 200,000 people in Croatia follow vegetarian or vegan diets, with that number continuing to increase.
“Vegan nutrition is no longer a topic that can be ignored, ridiculed or dismissed as a personal preference. It is connected to health, the environment, human rights, food accessibility and ethics, and represents the future of nutrition,” Ljubas said.
Prijatelji životinja believes Croatia should take further steps towards including plant-based nutrition specialists in public health, education and institutional decision-making processes as demand for alternative dietary options continues to grow.
Maja Ljubas (Photo: Prijatelji životinja)
Ljubas is available for media interviews, educational programmes, expert commentary, public discussions and consultations for institutions, organisations, schools, kindergartens, employers and families interested in plant-based nutrition. Her work also includes supporting the development of nutritionally balanced vegan meal plans and advising on the integration of plant-based options into public and private food service systems.
