Veganuary is a global movement that invites individuals to try a vegan diet throughout January. Whether motivated by health, environmental concerns, animal welfare, or simple curiosity, Veganuary offers an opportunity to start the year with intention and impact.
What started as a small UK-based campaign has grown into an international phenomenon. Since its launch in 2014, it has grown rapidly, with over 25.8 million participants and support from restaurants, supermarkets, and major food brands. What sets Veganuary apart is its inclusive and non-judgemental approach. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s exploration, education, and progress.
Why try Veganuary?
- Health benefits
A well-balanced vegan diet can be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Many people report the following benefits:
- A surge in energy
- Improved mood
- Better skin quality
- Heart health improvement
- Weight management
- Reduced inflammation
2. Environmental benefits
Plant-based diets typically require fewer natural resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than diets heavy in animal products. Even one month of eating vegan can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, proving that individuals’ actions can create real change for the planet.
3. Animal welfare and ethical eating
For many participants, Veganuary is a chance to align their eating habits with their values by reducing harm to animals. Choosing plant-based alternatives helps reduce demand for intensive animal farming and supports more compassionate food systems. For many, this awareness becomes one of the most powerful and lasting takeaways from the experience.
Is it hard to do?
There is a common misconception that veganism is difficult, restrictive, and expensive. It can feel extremely daunting to try something completely new but thankfully since the launch, there has been increased education on the topic, and the expansion of Veganism has made it more accessible than ever. Supermarkets have sections catering to the movement, there are many food blogs, vlogs and much more.
Some simple swaps can be made to your diet, such as:
- Dairy-free milks such as coconut, oat, almond and soy
- Meat-free alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, meat free burgers and sausages
- When baking, swap eggs for mashed banana or an egg alternative such as Oggs
- Vegan butters instead of dairy butters
- Agave or maple syrup instead of honey
Veganuary isn’t about strict rules or long-term commitments unless you want it to be. It’s about trying something new, learning what works for you, and making more conscious choices.
Tips for Veganuary
- Start with familiar meals
If you start with some of your favourite meals and make slight alterations, this can be an easy way to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed. Checking out some vegan alternative recipes is a great way of doing this, as there are many delicious meals to try.
2. Exploring vegan alternatives when eating out
Global cuisines that naturally feature plant-based dishes or restaurants that have a vegan-based menu can be a great way to help you on your vegan journey.
3. Plan your meals
To avoid last minute decisions for food choices, having vegan staples in your cupboards can help to avoid temptation. Stocking the cupboards with chickpeas, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables can help. Visit our blog for more information on maintaining a balanced diet.
4. Be kind to yourself
It is okay to learn as you go, it is not something you can master in one day. It takes dedication, planning and reading to educate yourself on a brand-new addition to your lifestyle.
Whether you’re fully vegan-curious or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your routine, Veganuary is an invitation to start the new year with curiosity, compassion, and creativity.
What happens after January?
Veganuary is not a pass-or-fail challenge; there is no ‘right’ outcome. After January, many choose to remain fully vegan, others are more flexible but remain plant focused.
By the end of the month, people have reported feeling more confident in cooking vegan meals, reading ingredient labels and navigating vegan options when at a restaurant.
Once an individual has become more comfortable with eating vegan, they may start to look more in depth at how to change their lifestyle, such as choosing vegan clothing, beauty products, and home furnishings.
For more guidance on a vegan diet, visit the NHS website.
