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Veganuary inspires millions to try a vegan diet every January. This month-long challenge encourages participants to explore plant-based eating for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. Discover delicious recipes, supportive communities, and how to make a positive impact through your food choices.
Want to sponsor Veganuary? Learn how
Expected Veganuary Deals
As Veganuary approaches, expect a surge in promotions from grocery stores, restaurants, and food brands catering to plant-based diets. Major chains like Starbucks, Chipotle, and Burger King often roll out new vegan menu items or limited-time offers. Retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s typically feature discounts on vegan staples, meat alternatives, and dairy-free products. Look for special bundles from meal kit services like HelloFresh and Purple Carrot, and promotions from plant-based brands like Beyond Meat and Oatly. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January approaches.
Platform Guide for Veganuary
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Veganuary. Share your favorite vegan recipes, meal prep ideas, and plant-based restaurant finds with vibrant photos and reels.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #Veganuary. Film your daily vegan challenges, recipe hacks, and humorous takes on plant-based living to inspire others.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Veganuary. Join or create local Veganuary groups to share tips, support, and community events throughout the month.
Veganuary Hero
Matthew Glover & Jane Land
History of Veganuary
Throughout the last couple of years, veganism has grown from a dietary fad to a fully-fledged way of life for millions of people worldwide. It started as a way to eat and stay sustained without having to harm or endanger animals, and today is one of the healthiest and most popular ways to cook and eat.
In the 1960s and 1970s, a vegetarian food movement emerged in the U.S. as part of the counterculture, focusing on concerns about diet, the environment, and distrust of food producers, leading to an increase in interest in organic gardening. From there, people started cutting out any product provided by an animal, as that animal was most likely from a farm or enclosure. While vegans generally abstain from animal products, some animal products are used in numerous ways. Different individuals and organizations who identify with the vegan practice may use some limited animal products based on philosophy, means, or other concerns. According to philosopher Gary Steiner, it is impossible to be completely vegan because animal use and products are “deeply and imperceptibly woven into the fabric of human society.”
The first Veganuary, a combination of the words ‘vegan’ and ‘January,’ event was held in January 2014 and was founded by Jane Land and Matthew Glover. In 2015 the project received 12,800 sign-ups, and by 2021 it boasted 513.663 sign-ups. This is just another testament to the fact that veganism has grown in popularity worldwide. People use Veganuary to try veganism out each year before fully committing to this plant-based way of life.
Veganuary timeline
Several vegan communities are established in the U.S., predominantly in Massachusetts.
Members of the Alcott House establish the British and Foreign Society for the Promotion of Humanity and the Abstinence from Animal Food.
Members of the Vegetarian Society request that a section of its newsletter be devoted to non-dairy vegetarianism, later known as veganism.
Fay K. Henderson writes and publishes the world’s first vegan recipe book.
Jane Land and Matthew Glover establish Veganuary and hosts the first-ever event driven by sign-ups from the public.
British weekly newspaper “The Economist” declares 2019 the year of the vegan.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Veganuary
Local businesses can fully embrace Veganuary by offering special plant-based menus, discounts on vegan products, or hosting vegan cooking classes and tasting events. Restaurants can highlight new vegan dishes with prominent signage and online promotions, while grocery stores can create dedicated Veganuary sections featuring popular plant-based alternatives and fresh produce. Partnering with local vegan influencers or offering loyalty rewards for vegan purchases can also boost engagement.
Veganuary FAQs
When is Veganuary?
In 2027, Veganuary will take place from Friday, January 1 to Monday, January 31. This month-long event invites participants to explore the benefits and joys of a vegan lifestyle.
How many people participate in Veganuary?
The movement continues to expand globally, with official participation numbers expected to climb even higher in 2027. Millions worldwide are drawn to the challenge, making it a significant annual event for plant-based living.
What are the main reasons people try Veganuary?
Beyond personal health, the environmental impact of food choices and ethical considerations for animals remain strong drivers for joining Veganuary. It’s also increasingly seen as a fun and accessible way to experiment with plant-based eating.
Is Veganuary only for strict vegans?
The campaign is inclusive, welcoming anyone interested in exploring veganism for a month, regardless of their prior dietary habits. The goal is to make plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for all participants.
Veganuary Activities
Cook a vegan meal
You can find hundreds and thousands of vegan-themed recipes online and in cookbooks. So track down some delicious recipes, have some friends over, and cook vegan food for everyone.
Learn about the fundamentals of veganism
Vegetarianism and veganism were born out of the frustration around large-scale factory farms and the inhumane way these farmers would treat their animals. Read up and learn more about these farms.
Go vegan
Take the leap; you can say you’ve tried it if it doesn't work out. And what better way to try it than by taking part in Veganuary?
5 Iconic Vegans
Joaquin Phoenix
In 2020 the actor made news when he chose to speak about his veganism in his acceptance speech following his Oscar win for the film “Joker.”
Erykah Badu
The soulful hitmaker stopped eating meat in the 80s and went completely vegan by 1997.
Morrissey
The lead singer of the alternative rock band, ‘The Smiths,’ is a vocal vegan who never misses an opportunity to speak up for animals and their rights.
Alicia Silverstone
The “Clueless” star credits her becoming vegan to her devotion to animal welfare.
Tobey Maguire
Also known as Spiderman to some, Tobey Maguire went vegan in 2009 and has publicly said that he struggled to eat meat when he was a kid.
Why We Love Veganuary
It encourages a healthy lifestyle
Through the years, vegetarianism has been the model of a healthy lifestyle. Today, vegans are some of the healthiest people in society and boast fit and strong bodies.
It promotes animal rights and humane treatment
For years, people have ignored their harsh treatment of animals. Veganism and events like Veganuary put an end to all of it.
A whole new world of tastes and recipes
Even more, enjoyable is replacing meat or dairy products in classic dishes with vegan-friendly alternatives such as vegan cheese, almonds, plant-based oils, and milk substitutes. Finally, we can have some fun with our meals again.
Social Media Tips for Veganuary
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