Marketing & Media

Webtalk Recording: 10 Years Veganuary – Lessons, Leads and Learnings

Curious how Veganuary campaigns are evolving to inspire change on an international scale? Our recent webtalk unpacked key strategies, including the role of retail in accelerating transformation, the importance of fun narratives, and how to engage both vegans and heavy meat-eaters alike. We also explored why more people are sticking to plant-based diets post-Veganuary—and what this means for the future of food. Expert panel Toni Vernelli, International Head of Policy and Communications at Veganuary Denise Schmidt, Brand Activist at The Vegetarian Butcher Nadine Filko, Moderation Watch the replay Explore the discussion in depth by viewing the entire session below. Display “10 Years Veganuary” from YouTube Click here to display content from YouTube. Learn more in YouTube’s privacy policy. Always display content from YouTube Open “10 …

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Veganuary workplace challenge

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary Workplace Challenge 2025 Expands Across US and Global Employers

The Veganuary Workplace Challenge has seen growing participation in 2025, with a diverse array of employers across industries encouraging their employees to adopt plant-based diets for the month of January. This year, organizations from sectors including media, manufacturing, education, solar energy, and local government have joined the initiative, which the non-profit Veganuary promotes to explore the environmental, health, and ethical benefits of plant-based eating. The initiative aligns with many companies’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies by providing a structured, accessible way to encourage sustainable habits among employees. Notable participants in 2025 include Ernst & Young (EY), the City of San Antonio, LUSH, KSPS PBS, and Miyoko’s Creamery. Globally, hundreds of employers are taking part in the program. “We’re on a mission …

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Ingredion plant-based cheeseburger

© Ingredion

Guest Posts

Guest Post: Veganuary 2025 Heralds the Year of Clean Label in Plant-Based

Veganuary began in 2013 and has today evolved into a highly influential global movement, transforming how millions approach their diet each January and beyond. In this article, Matthieu Bertoux, Marketing Director EMEA, Ingredion, looks at the manufacturing and consumer trends that are making plant-based eating more accessible than ever before. Veganuary was conceived around a kitchen table in York, UK, and last year, 25 million people worldwide participated in the initiative [1]. Whether or not 2025 sees a consecutive annual increase in the number of people getting involved, Veganuary has been part of a seismic shift in the eating habits of European consumers. Interestingly, the number of people practicing strict plant-based diets has not exploded. Instead, people who have been inspired to try plant-based foods, have discovered …

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© Squeaky Bean

Products & Launches

Squeaky Bean Launches Two “Market First” Products for Veganuary

UK plant-based brand Squeaky Bean has started the new year with the launch of two products claimed to be market firsts. The first product, ready-to-eat tofu slices, marks Squeaky Bean’s debut in the tofu category. Available in two flavours, Red Pepper & Tomato and Spinach & Basil, the product aims to address a major barrier in the category — low consumer awareness of how to prepare tofu. Since the slices are already flavoured and ready to eat, they could help bring tofu to a wider audience. They are said to be ideal for use in sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The second new product is the Super Grain & Vegetable Burger, which is Squeaky Bean’s first burger and is claimed to be the category’s first to …

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Aldi UK No Chicken Smash Burgers

© Aldi UK

Retail & E-Commerce

Aldi UK Launches Largest Ever Veganuary Range, Including No Chicken Smash Burgers & Plant Based Egg

Aldi UK has announced the launch of its largest ever plant-based range for Veganuary 2025, with prices starting at £1.49. New options include the Plant Menu Kimchi Kofta, said to contribute to gut health, and the Plant Menu Tempura Frickles. Consisting of deep-fried pickles in batter, this snack is becoming popular on restaurant menus and has gone viral on social media. Aldi’s version features a tempura batter and is paired with dill mayo. The retailer is also set to launch Plant Menu Tempura Vegetables. Another new product likely to prove popular is the Plant Menu Plant Based Egg, a liquid whole egg replacer that can be used for scrambling, baking, or making omelettes. The egg alternative can be cooked in just minutes in an oven, …

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THIS Isnt Chicken Kyiv

© THIS

Products & Launches

THIS to Launch Hyper-Realistic Plant-Based Chicken Kyiv & Wings for Veganuary

UK plant-based meat brand THIS is set to celebrate Veganuary with the launch of two new hyper-realistic meat alternatives — THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Kyiv and THIS™ Isn’t Chicken Wings. The plant-based Kyiv is made from soy and fava protein, stuffed with plant-based wild garlic butter and coated in sourdough breadcrumbs. The product is sold chilled and will launch at Sainsbury’s on January 1. The plant-based chicken wings are said to be high in protein and fibre and lower in saturated fat than conventional chicken wings. They have a seaweed-based crispy skin and are claimed to offer an “unparalleled sensory experience”. The wings can be deep-fried, air-fried, or marinated and baked. They will launch in the freezer aisle at Morrisons from January 13. “Pushing the boundaries” …

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Marketing & Media

Session 8 of the ‘update’ Webtalk Series: 10 Years Veganuary – Lessons, Leads and Learnings

The international business webtalk series ‘update’ discusses the most pressing issues of the ongoing protein transition. Based on the latest news, data, and facts, the future of the industry will be put forward and discussed with key market players in this series of talks. 10 Years Veganuary – Lessons, Leads and Learnings January 16th, 10:30 AM CT (CHICAGO) | 5:30 PM CET (BERLIN) | 4:30 PM GMT (LONDON) >> Register now! Campaigns are a powerful force for shaping mindsets and spreading ideas. While traditional industries often use them to counter transformational movements, progressive companies and organizations come together every year to champion one of the most impactful campaigns for food system change: Veganuary. But here’s the question: Is food system transformation primarily speaking to flexitarians? Campaigns like Veganuary …

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Veganuary 2025 - WEIRD - Milk

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary 2025’s “Weird?” Challenges Public’s Cognitive Dissonance in Boldest Campaign to Date

As registration for Veganuary 2025 officially opens, the charity has launched a head-turning campaign to encourage people to try veganism for the month of January. Through the use of ads with jarring imagery, the “WEIRD?” campaign asks viewers to consider the practices behind some of the most commonly consumed animal products. For example, it highlights that: Sausages are pigs stuffed into their own intestines Cows make milk to feed their babies, just like human mothers do Chicken often comes from birds bred to grow so big that they can barely stand. The ads are now running across social media, and ITVX Pause ads featuring the graphics are set to run later in the month. “Startling reality” Veganuary 2024 saw participation from around 25 million people …

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Veganuary choose chicken free

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary Launches ‘Choose Chicken-Free Week’ in the US With Nationwide Initiatives

Veganuary, the non-profit initiative encouraging plant-based diets, is initiating its “Choose Chicken-Free Week” starting next Monday, accompanied by a range of discounts and special offerings from various brands and eateries across the United States. Following the successful introduction of over 2,000 new vegan products and dishes worldwide during Veganuary 2024, the organization aims to foster long-term dietary changes with the support of campaigns throughout the year. According to a survey conducted among Veganuary participants, 82% expressed intentions to either adopt a fully vegan lifestyle or substantially reduce animal product consumption post-January. Veganuary’s Choose Chicken-Free Week aims to demonstrate the accessibility of plant-based alternatives to chicken and eggs, addressing the mounting concerns regarding avian flu outbreaks and the sustainability of conventional poultry production.  Coinciding with Respect …

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Veganuary participants

© Veganuary

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary 2024 Supports Over 1.8 Million Participants Worldwide to Try Veganism

With Veganuary 2024 having recently come to a close, the organization has revealed that over 1.8 million people received its support and guidance to try veganism, in the form of emails, videos, social media posts, and podcasts. Many also purchased Veganuary products, such as the charity’s cookbook and Vegan Kit card deck. Veganuary has calculated that the actual number of participants is likely to be even higher than the figures indicate, as many people take part without officially signing up. To gain an estimate of the true number, the organization has commissioned YouGov surveys in its core campaign countries. The results suggest that the total number of participants could be as high as 25 million. Awareness of Veganuary also continues to grow, with 75% of …

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Sandra Hungate of Veganuary US

Sandra Hungate. © Veganuary US

Interviews

Veganuary US: “We Have Participants in All 50 States, Interest is No Longer Confined to Cities Like New York and LA”

Since starting out in the UK ten years ago, Veganuary has surged in popularity worldwide — particularly in the US, where the campaign is now taking place for the fifth time. The country has the highest number of participants of any nation, and over 400 American businesses took part last year. In 2024, a variety of restaurants are offering Veganuary menus, with new options such as pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. With a significant proportion of participants remaining plant-based for good after taking part in the challenge, Veganuary is driving a meaningful shift in dietary patterns, prompting many food service outlets to continue offering vegan dishes after the month is over. Veganuary US Director Sandra Hungate told us more about this incredible momentum and the highlights …

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Daphna Nissenbaum headshot

Daphna Nissenbaum © TIPA

Opinion

Op Ed: Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO of TIPA, on Sustainable Packaging During Veganuary

Daphna Nissenbaum is the CEO of global compostable packaging developer and manufacturer TIPA. She established TIPA in 2010 when she recognised that there was an urgent need to revolutionise packaging systems and reduce plastic pollution around the world. A proud female entrepreneur, Daphne’s leadership has resulted in the female-led business raising an impressive $70 million in its latest funding round. Many vegan brands frequently depend on plastic packaging to maintain the freshness of plant-based offerings. Nevertheless, Daphna emphasises the importance of embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions as a critical step in adopting a comprehensive approach to Veganuary. In this opinion piece, Daphne speaks to the need for consumers to demand that brands use environmentally friendly packaging to ensure veganism does not contribute to the plastic problem. …

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Nigel Draper headshot

Nigel Draper, image supplied

Opinion

Veganuary: Passing Fad or Pressing Sign That Hospitality Needs to Change?

Nigel Draper is the Founder and Managing Director of Sorsco, experts in logistics and procurement for the hospitality sector. Nigel Draper’s unique perspective as the Founder of Sorsco brings a pragmatic and strategic approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by Veganuary in the hospitality sector. “Is veganism just for the month after Christmas? Or should we be making permanent changes?” he asks. Veganuary: passing fad or pressing sign that hospitality needs to change? By Nigel Draper The first of January often means sacrifice, be it mince pies, fast food, or the joys of lounging guilt-free on the sofa. But for some, the lifestyle changes welcomed in by New Year’s are more significant, with 700,000[1] of us vowing to give up meat, cheese, and other …

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Image courtesy of Beyond Meat

Marketing & Media

Europe Continues as Beyond Meat’s Strongest Market With Multiple Veganuary Activations

Beyond Meat’s vision is to be a global protein company helping the transition from animal to plant-based meat to address the climate crisis and animal welfare positively. On various occasions, the company has expressed strong ambitions for Europe, aiming to have a localized production to serve the growing demand for meat alternatives in the region. In 2021, the brand created a new position, General Manager of Europe, to expedite its growth in the continent. Since then, the company has expanded its presence in the UK and European countries, including Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Slovenia, Belgium, Italy, and more recently Romania, launching different products through retail and foodservice. In November it was reported widely that customer demand in Europe is a bright spot for the company amid …

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Land of Kush

© Land of Kush

Charity & Campaigns

Veganuary 2024 Sees Major US Cities Embracing Plant-Based Living

Veganuary, a global movement encouraging people to try vegan in January, has seen remarkable growth in the United States. With the highest number of participants among all of Veganuary’s participating countries and over 400 US businesses participating in 2023, the campaign is gaining substantial momentum. Cities across the nation are embracing this trend, each offering unique highlights and specials to celebrate Veganuary. Baltimore Baltimore set a national precedent by declaring January as the official Veganuary month, a move initiated by the Black Veg Society and Veganuary, supported by DefaultVeg. Mayor Brandon M. Scott emphasized the city’s commitment to “resilient, sustainable, and healthy” communities, urging residents and businesses to explore plant-based options. He proclaimed “the month of January as ‘Veganuary’ in Baltimore, and urges residents, restaurants, …

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ALDI, the popular discount supermarket chain, has announced the launch of its new vegan private label brand, MyVay, in celebration of Veganuary.

Image courtesy of ALDI

Retail & E-Commerce

ALDI Launches New Vegan Brand ‘My Vay’ in Germany Expanding Its Offer for Veganuary and Beyond

ALDI, the popular discount supermarket chain, has announced the launch of a new vegan private label brand, My Vay, in Germany coinciding with Veganuary. The introduction of the new brand expands ALDI’s plant-based assortment with vegan products to simplify shopping for customers while providing them with a diverse range of affordable options, said the retailer. The entire My Vay range is vegan and marked with the V-Label, making it easy for consumers to identify their choices. ALDI Nord offers over 850 vegan products, including Shepherd’s Pie, vegan steaks, smoked salmon, soy yogurt, and My Vay Organic Spread Cream, among many others. Meanwhile, ALDI SÜD has an impressive selection of more than 950 vegan options, with everyday products such as oat drink, falafel, vegetable balls, soy yogurt, My Vay Crème …

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Costa Coffee and BOSH! launch plant-based range

© BOSH!/Costa Coffee

Products & Launches

Costa Coffee Partners With BOSH! to Launch New Plant-Based Range for Veganuary

British coffee chain Costa Coffee has teamed up with vegan chef duo BOSH! to launch a new range of plant-based sweet and savoury products for Veganuary. For lunch, customers can opt for the new Plant-Based Saucy Chicken Fajita Wrap, which consists of plant-based chicken with spicy tomato sauce and roasted red peppers in a tomato tortilla wrap. Those looking for a sweet option can choose the Caramelised Biscuit Rocky Road, consisting of a dark chocolate biscuit base with marshmallows and cherries, topped with Speculoos biscuit spread, Speculoos biscuit pieces, and dark chocolate ganache. Alternatively, there is the new Double Chocolate Cookie, which is studded with dark chocolate pieces. Existing vegan range The new menu options are not the first products launched by BOSH! and Costa. …

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One Planet Pizza and Ben and Jerry's offer Veganuary meal deal

© One Planet Pizza

Company News

One Planet Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s Partner to Offer Exclusive Veganuary Meal Deal at Asda

UK-based vegan pizza brand One Planet Pizza has joined forces with ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s to offer a Veganuary meal deal at Asda. Available online only, it is the retailer’s first ever frozen vegan meal deal, allowing shoppers to order One Planet’s Peppernomi Pizza and Ben & Jerry’s new Oat of this Swirled sundae for a total of £5. Ordinarily, the pizza costs £4 and the ice cream costs £5.50. The Peppernomi Pizza consists of a wood-fired sourdough base topped with Italian tomato sauce, plant-based cheese, and hyperrealistic plant-based pepperoni. It is One Planet Pizza’s bestselling product, and was made permanently available at 400 Asda stores a year ago following a successful trial. “Veganuary is undoubtedly the best time of the year to …

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Veganuary billboard times square

© Veganuary

Food Service

New York City Spearheads Veganuary 2024 in the US With Plant-Powered Menus

In celebration of Veganuary 2024, New York City is leading the charge in the USA, with restaurants across the city offering plant-based specials throughout the month, following a PSA kickoff in Times Square on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Veganuary’s journey in the US began with an advertising campaign in the Boston subway in December of 2017, following a successful campaign in the London Underground the year prior. The initiative has since witnessed a significant rise in popularity. Growing interest in Veganuary By 2022, the US had the highest number of participants among over 200 participating countries, according to Veganuary’s reports. This growing interest is mirrored in the latest YouGov study commissioned by Veganuary, revealing that 71% of US adults are aiming to …

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Vegan fried chicken brand VFC and the plant-based recipe kit startup Grubby, have partnered to offer exclusive chicken dishes for Veganuary.

© Image courtesy of VFC

Delivery Services

VFC and Grubby Join Forces for Exclusive Vegan Fried Chick*n Menu for Veganuary

Two leading UK vegan food companies, the famous fried chick*n brand VFC and Grubby, a recipe kit startup, have partnered to offer exclusive high-protein dishes for Veganuary. VFC will be Grubby’s “breaded chick*n partner,” adding three new recipes: Crispy Chicken Burger, Korean Fried Chicken, and Chicken Katsu Curry. The brand’s popular range of fried chicken alternative products will add a protein-rich alternative to Grubby’s healthy fakeaway and street food 2024 menu. The collaboration will expand to provide five new recipes during the year. Alison Reilly, Head of Marketing for VFC, said: “As the leading plant-based meal kit in the market, partnering with Grubby is a fantastic way to convert new consumers to the incredible taste of VFC and realise our mission to spare as many chickens’ lives as …

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