What Is Veganuary?
Veganuary was launched in 2014 by a nonprofit organization based in the UK. The founders, Jane Land and Matthew Glover, a couple from the United Kingdom, wanted to encourage others to try the vegan lifestyle.
Veganuary aims to inspire and support individuals to adopt a plant-based diet for health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons.
It is estimated that if 1 million people eat vegan for 31 days, over 6.2 million liters of water will be saved, but even more impressive is that 3.4 million animals will be spared from their suffering.
Participants who sign up for Veganuary commit to eating a plant-based diet and receive support through recipe ideas, meal plans and coaching emails. It is a simple yet effective way to try a plant-based lifestyle!
In 2023, over 700,000 people officially signed up for the campaign. However, research suggests the number of participants (including those who don’t sign up formally) is much higher, reaching millions globally. Veganuary has also influenced retailers, leading to the launch of new vegan products and menu items, making it easier for people to explore plant-based eating.
Veganuary even has the support of numerous plant-based celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Joaquin Phoenix, Paul McCartney, and many more. Everyone from athletes, TV hosts, chefs, and business owners are proud ambassadors for Veganuary and play a vital role in getting the vegan movement out to the broader public.
What's New For Veganuary 2025?
If you think that Veganuary or the vegan movement is slowing down – think again. More brands are participating in the campaign than ever before, making plant-based more easily accessible.
Here are just some of the products that you can check out during Veganuary:
UK
- Ben & Jerry’s Bohemian Raspberry: Vegan oat-based ice cream with fudge brownie pieces and a raspberry swirl
- Beyond Meat Beyond Smash Burgers: Thinner patties designed for crispier cooking available at Tesco UK
- Tofoo Co. Products: Stir Fry Block (soy and ginger seasoned), Veggie Balls (Italian spiced), Sweet Chili Cubes, Crispy Tofu Dippers
- Greggs Spicy Vegetable Curry Bake: Spicy curry sauce with mixed vegetables, returning across 2,000 UK stores
- Greggs Vegan Sausage Roll and Breakfast Roll: Popular plant-based options returning for the campaign
- Wicked Kitchen’s Tex-Mex Bites: A new grab-and-go snack option at Tesco
- Plant Pioneers Coconut and Vanilla Rice Pudding: A creamy dessert option from Sainsbury’s
USA
- Coyotas Cassava Tortillas: Gluten-free, vegan tortillas made from cassava, ideal for wraps and tacos
- Mint Chocolate Clif Thins: A new flavor addition to Clif’s plant-based snack line, perfect for on-the-go treats
- Squeaky Bean Tofu Slices: Pre-sliced tofu designed for convenience, great for sandwiches and salads
- Squeaky Bean Rye Burger: A plant-based burger alternative made with rye, offering a unique flavor profile
- Papa John’s x La Vie Hawaiian Vegan Pizza: A vegan Hawaiian pizza featuring plant-based ham and pineapple
AUSTRALIA
- Sanitarium Plant-Based Deli Slices: A new range of plant-based deli slices, perfect for sandwiches and charcuterie boards
- Beyond Meat Sausages 3.0: The latest version of Beyond Meat’s plant-based sausages, featuring improved taste and texture
- V2Food Plant-Based Nuggets: A new offering from V2Food, providing a crispy and juicy vegan nugget option
- CocoEarth Vegan Butter: A plant-based butter alternative made from coconut oil, suitable for baking and cooking
- Oat Milk Creamer by MILKLAB: A new barista-quality oat milk creamer designed for coffee lovers
- Fry’s Chick’n Strips: A new addition to Fry’s Family Foods, offering versatile plant-based chicken strips
- Bodhi Vegan Cheesecake Range: A selection of plant-based cheesecakes in flavors like lemon, chocolate, and berry
- YoPro Plant Protein Yogurt: High-protein, plant-based yogurt available in a variety of flavors
- Vego Crunchy Chocolate Spread: A new crunchy hazelnut chocolate spread from Vego
- Lauds Vegan Parmesan: A dairy-free parmesan alternative with a rich and savory flavor
How To Get Started: 3 Easy Tips
Here are three tips for getting started with Veganuary or anytime you want to try going plant-based in 2025:
1. Set Your Intentions
Understanding your motivation for participating in Veganuary can give you clarity, purpose, and commitment. Everyone is different, so it is important not to compare your journey with others and set your intention for trying out a plant-based lifestyle.
2. Stock Your Pantry With The Essentials
When starting something new, it is essential to keep things simple. One way to ensure you will make the most out of your plant-based meals is to stock the pantry and have vegan-friendly ingredients readily available in the kitchen. The good news is that many of these items are affordable in most major supermarkets.
Here’s a list of basic vegan pantry essentials to help you get started:
Grains and Starches
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Pasta
- Oats
- Flour
- Potatoes
- Bread
Legumes and Proteins
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Beans
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Plant-Based Protein Powders
Non-Perishable Goods
- Coconut Milk
- Tomato Products
- Vegetable Broth
- Nut Butters
- Tahini
Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruits
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Dried Fruits
Oils and Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Balsamic Vinegar
Spices and Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper
- Garlic and Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika, Cumin and Turmeric
- Italian Herbs
- Nutritional Yeast
- Soy Sauce or Tamari
Sweeteners
- Maple Syrup
- Agave Nectar
- Coconut Sugar
Dairy Alternatives
- Plant-Based Milks
- Vegan Butter
- Vegan Cheese
- Vegan Ice Cream
Frozen Essentials
- Vegetables
- Fruits
3. Try New Vegan Recipes
Trying new recipes helps uncover flavors, textures, and cuisines you may not have experienced. This might seem scary at first, but it’s an opportunity to recreate vegan versions of recipes you love!
In addition to figuring out the type of plant-based cuisine you enjoy cooking, you can encourage your family and friends to join in and try new recipes together.
Once you start, you will see how simple vegan cooking can be and naturally incorporate more whole foods, such as vegetables, grains, legumes, and healthy fats, into your diet.
The key to success with vegan recipes is realizing that many ingredients used to make a dish you like are vegan.
For example, spaghetti made with beef mince can be recreated by substituting a vegan protein alternative such as tempeh, textured vegetable protein, or lentils.
Easy Vegan Recipes From Our Hosts
LAUREN TOYOTA: hot for food
Lauren Toyota is a prominent vegan chef, content creator, and author known for her brand, hot for food.
Her approachable and fun style has gained a large following for her innovative vegan recipes.
Lauren’s YouTube channel and social media accounts are packed with recipe videos, cooking challenges, and tips on living a plant-based lifestyle.
BOOK A VEGAN HOLIDAY: Lauren is hosting our first getaway of the year, A PLANTASTIC ADVENTURE CROATIA, from May 17 – 24, 2025 (SOLD OUT) in Split and Dubrovnik.
This vegan breakfast sandwich recipe features a tofu patty made from medium-firm tofu, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, tapioca flour, turmeric, garlic powder, and seasoning. The batter is cooked into patties in a pan and served on toasted English muffins with desired toppings like melted vegan cheese. The sandwich is quick, customizable, and perfect for meal prep.
This roasted cauliflower Alfredo sauce is made by blending roasted cauliflower with pantry staples like miso, nutritional yeast, and spices to create a creamy, vegan pasta sauce. The cauliflower is roasted until golden and blended with ingredients like nondairy milk, tahini, and garlic for a silky sauce. The sauce is then combined with cooked penne pasta garnished with fresh parsley and extra roasted cauliflower.
These Greek tomato fritters are made with chopped roma tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and a hint of cinnamon mixed with flour and baking powder. The mixture is fried until golden and served with a vegan yogurt dipping sauce made with lemon zest, herbs, and green onions. This dish is flavorful, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
RICHARD MAKIN: School Night Vegan
Richard Makin, known as School Night Vegan, is a prominent figure in the vegan culinary scene, celebrated for his innovative plant-based recipes and engaging online presence.
Richard transitioned from a lifelong vegetarian to a full-time vegan in November 2017, driven by a desire to explore the world of plant-based cuisine more deeply.
BOOK A VEGAN HOLIDAY: Richard is hosting two getaways this year, starting in Switzerland with HERBIVORES IN HELVETIA June 21 – 28, 2025 (SOLD OUT) and then a 10-day adventure awaits for TEMPEH NATION CELEBRATION on the island of Bali from September 20 – 30, 2025!
This vegan bibimbap is a quick and flavorful rice bowl with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, crispy rice cakes, and a tangy gochujang sauce. The dish is topped with fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumber, carrot, and vegan kimchi. The rice is formed into crispy cakes to mimic the traditional texture of a hot stone bowl. This recipe is a vegan twist on the classic Korean bibimbap, ready in 20 minutes.
This vegan roast chicken features roasted seitan with a balsamic cranberry glaze and seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and shallots. The seitan is made from a stretchy dough wrapped in tofu skin to mimic chicken skin, then steamed and marinated in a tangy glaze before roasting. It’s a flavorful and festive dish for winter celebrations.
This tofu scramble is designed to mimic the texture and flavor of scrambled eggs. It uses both extra-firm tofu for texture and silken tofu for creaminess. The scramble is cooked with a blend of spices, including black salt for an eggy taste, and served with various options like vegan bacon, avocado toast, or breakfast burritos. It’s a quick, protein-packed breakfast that can be stored for up to three days.
ERIN IRELAND: To Live For
Erin Ireland is a prominent figure in Vancouver’s culinary scene, renowned for her commitment to plant-based living and her innovative vegan bakery, To Live For.
After learning about animal agriculture’s ethical and environmental impacts, Erin transitioned her diet and business to entirely plant-based.
BOOK A VEGAN HOLIDAY: Erin will be hosting two amazing getaways this year, returning for round two of WHISKED AWAY TO ITALY from June 7 – 14, 2025, and for the first time in Athens and Santorini for VEGAN ON THE AEGEAN from October 4 – 11, 2025.
These easy sushi bowls feature marinated tofu, rice, cucumber, carrots, avocado, and pickled ginger, all topped with a simple spicy mayo sauce. The tofu is marinated in soy sauce and maple syrup then pan-fried until golden. The bowl is customizable with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a quick, kid-friendly dish that requires minimal cooking.
These life-changing 3-ingredient pancakes are made with oats, banana, and plant-based milk. The ingredients are blended into a smooth batter and then cooked into fluffy, golden pancakes. They’re simple, healthy, and perfect for quick breakfasts.
Check out these school lunch ideas for kids that are plant-based and nut-free. It includes wraps, sandwiches, pasta salads, and snack options like veggie sticks and seed-based treats. It’s designed to be allergy-friendly, healthy, and easy to prepare.
SARA TERCERO : Better Food Guru
Sara Tercero, known as the “Salad Queen,” is the chef and creative force behind Better Food Guru, a platform that promotes plant-based recipes inspired by global flavors.
Her mission is to demonstrate plant-based cuisine’s deliciousness and assist others in cooking and eating their way to health and happiness.
BOOK A VEGAN HOLIDAY: Sara will be back to host another exciting getaway exploring another magical part of the world with PORTUGAL POR FAVOR! from May 24 – 31, 2025, in Cascais.
This cheezy vegan lasagna layers tofu ricotta, marinara sauce, and tender lasagna noodles with a creamy vegan cheese sauce for a comforting, hearty dish. It’s a plant-based twist on the classic, packed with flavor, and perfect for family meals or entertaining.
These tahini chocolate chip cookies combine creamy tahini with decadent chocolate chips for a unique, nutty twist on the classic treat. They’re vegan, simple to make, and boast a soft, chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
This Harvest Wild Rice Salad is a vibrant dish featuring wild rice, roasted vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for a seasonal side or main course.
NICK CUTSUMPAS: Farmer Nick
Nick Cutsumpas, popularly known as Farmer Nick, is a plant coach, urban gardener, and landscaper dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through plant care.
Nick often shares plant-based recipes, highlights the overall benefits of veganism, and advocates for compassionate living through his social media platforms and public appearances.
BOOK A VEGAN HOLIDAY: Join Nick in Switzerland for PEAKS, VALLEYS, AND VEGANS from August 23 – 30, 2025, for a getaway to the stunning region of Brissago.
This vegan Five-Layer Dip is perfect for a Super Bowl party! Layers of spiced black beans, creamy guacamole, protein-packed lentils, zesty vegan crema, and shredded vegan cheese come together for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve with chips, and even non-vegans will love it!
CHICKPEA TUNA WITH GLUTEN FREE BREAD
This Chickpea Tuna Sandwich is a nostalgic, versatile dish perfect for meal prep. Made with smashed chickpeas, vegan mayo, chopped veggies, seaweed flakes, fresh dill, tomato slices, and romaine lettuce, it’s delicious plain, with crackers, or as a sandwich. Pair it with gluten-free bread for a perfect bite!
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER Original recipe is from abcV
This Roasted Cauliflower is a showstopper dish bursting with flavor. The cauliflower is roasted with a blend of paprika, cumin, turmeric, and other spices, laid over a creamy squash and red pepper puree, then topped with a zesty lemon tahini drizzle. Garnished with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helps you start trying plant-based recipes and embrace the fantastic world of vegan food! Remember that Veganuary is just one month of the year to commit to making better choices but at The Getaway Co. we want to encourage everyone to try and sustain a healthy, balance, plant-based lifestyle as much as possible.
Be sure to check out all of our upcoming getaways in 2025!
Our amazing team of dedicated hosts are excited to share their knowledge with you and a new group of friends. Each getaway features a vegan cooking demo and a 100% plant-based menu from arrival to departure. All you have to do is book your spot and your flights and our team will take care of the rest! Two of our holidays have already SOLD OUT so be sure to secure your place today or send an email with any questions or concerns.
Resources:
https://www.vegansociety.com/get-involved/campaigns/veganuary-2023
