We’ve seen a shift in attitudes towards veganism, stereotypes towards plant-based eating are changing and becoming more positive. With going plant-based not being an all-or-nothing way of eating, we’ve seen people change their eating habits, eating fewer animal products and more whole plant foods.
Veganism has become a huge part of everyday life in Britain, with more plant-based options, alternatives, and oat milk being used increasingly in tea. We’ve seen an increase in global movements like ‘Veganuary’, the movement that encourages people worldwide to try veganism throughout January and ‘Meatless Monday’, which encourages people to cut meat at least once a week. More organisations and influential people are encouraging us to add more plant-based foods to our diets.
In 2022, more than 620,000 people took the pledge to try a vegan diet. Companies like ‘Veganuary’ supported people and businesses, with key campaigns leading to more than 1,540 new vegan products and menu options being launched. This massive growth was even more evident when we saw a massive corporation like Cadbury, create a vegan alternative to its signature Dairy Milk chocolate bar in 2021. The Cadbury Plant Bar substituted almond paste for the ‘glass and a half of milk’ they say goes in every Dairy Milk bar.
Why do Veganuary?
Health is one of the main reasons people adopt the vegan lifestyle. The other major motivating factor is animals and the environment. Every year, over 70 billion land animals are killed, with more and more people believing it’s unjust and indefensible. Plus, the killing of animals and fish causes significant and lasting damage to our planet – So much so that environmentalists are finding it almost impossible to justify not being vegan.
Veganuary participants are immediately part of an active and vibrant community, supporting each other, sharing tips, Veganuary recipes, and encouraging one another. What sets it apart is the community essence of the campaign, people taking part during the same month, all at the same time. It’s also seen as a way to dip your toe into veganism, especially better for those who are curious. Others see Veganuary as New Year’s resolution for a healthier start to the year.
Every year more and more brands get behind Veganuary, with more vegan products being released to coincide with January. We’ve seen the vegan menu get bigger, with Greggs’ vegan sausage roll for example and KFC creating a new vegan menu. There has never been an easier time to try veganism and there’s more choice than ever before for people.
If you’re taking part in Veganuary this January, you’re in luck! Find lots of vegan alternatives here at Hammersmith Broadway. There are lots of options to choose from, from Gregg’s Vegan Sausage Roll to Leon’s high-protein Vegan Cumberland Sausage Muffin.