Veganuary

Evanna Lynch © Veganuary

Veganuary Hits 25.8M Global Participants, Strengthens Presence in North & South America, Asia

Veganuary, the annual campaign promoting plant-based diets in January, has reported participation from approximately 25.8 million people worldwide in 2025. The organization expanded its reach this year with new initiatives in Canada, Peru, and Malaysia, working alongside local partners to encourage plant-based eating. The participation estimate is based on surveys conducted in 11 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil. The findings were then extrapolated using population data. In the US, the campaign saw engagement from major food brands, retailers, and restaurants, with companies such as The Kraft Heinz Not Company, Amy’s Kitchen, and Voodoo Doughnuts launching plant-based products and promotions. According to Sandra Hungate, Veganuary’s US director, “It’s incredibly exciting to see the numbers of participants in January and to know …

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Chunk Foods

© Chunk Foods

Chunk Foods Donates Thousands of Plant-Based Steaks to Support Fire-Affected Communities in Los Angeles

Chunk Foods, a producer specializing in plant-based whole-cut products, has donated thousands of plant-based steaks to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles. The donation is intended to support first responders and residents affected by the recent Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas. The contribution enables local nonprofit organizations to provide high-protein, ketogenic-certified, and clean-label meals to those impacted by the fires. The meals are aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of both emergency responders and displaced community members. “This donation is more than just food. It’s about nourishing the body and soul during a time of crisis. We’re deeply moved by the bravery of first responders and the resilience of those impacted by these fires. This includes many restaurants and …

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© Melt Pizzas

More Than 140 Latin American Brands Join Veganuary With Special Offers & New Products

More than 140 brands from Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina have joined this year’s Veganuary campaign in Latin America. The companies have collectively introduced 120 special offers and promotions for Veganuary participants, along with 19 new vegan products and menus. In Chile, participating brands include PedidosYa, Melt Pizzas, and Juan Valdez. Through its PedidosYa Market stores, the former is offering discounts of up to 20% on over 50 plant-based products throughout January. Meanwhile, Veganuary participants can get 20% off the plant-based Vegana Veggie pizza at Melt Pizzas. “The demand for vegan options has grown notably in Chile, which motivated us to create this alliance with NotCo,” said Lucy Garrido, deputy marketing manager at Melt Pizzas. “With this promotion, we seek to encourage more conscious …

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Veganuary workplace challenge

© Veganuary

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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Veganuary 2025 - WEIRD - Milk

© Veganuary

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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Meatable, a Dutch producer of cell-based pork meat, has become the first company to hold an officially approved cultivated meat tasting in the European Union and the first in the Netherlands.

Image courtesy of Meatable © Bart Maat

Is Cultivated Meat Vegan? The Vegan Society Says “Not Enough to Support it”

The Vegan Society acknowledges that cultivated meat has potential benefits, such as reducing animal slaughter and suffering, environmental improvements (less land and water usage, reduced greenhouse emissions), reduced zoonotic disease risks, and decreased antibiotic resistance. However, the organization states, “Cultivated meat is not vegan. Furthermore, it may never be considered vegan.” In a newly released research briefing, The Vegan Society discusses the intersections between veganism, ethics, and cultivated meat, highlighting the current limitations in alignment with vegan principles and ethical considerations. The paper also provides readers with essential information on the technology that has moved from a “fringe idea found only in science fiction” to being approved in Singapore, the US, and Israel, served in restaurants in Hong Kong, and approved as a pet food …

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microbial protein Formo cheese gratin

© Formo

World Vegan Day: Celebrating 80 Years of Veganism with a Spotlight on Plant-Based Cheese Innovations

The Vegan Society, the world’s oldest vegan charity, is celebrating its 80th anniversary today, marking World Vegan Day. The society was founded in 1944 by Donald Watson and five other non-dairy vegetarians, who sought to create a movement distinct from vegetarianism and coined the term “vegan.” Over the past 80 years, the vegan movement has grown significantly, with veganism now recognized as a protected philosophical belief in the UK. Vegan options are available in supermarkets, restaurants, fashion, and cosmetics in Europe and North America, and the offer is slowly increasing in other continents. To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the charity is launching a virtual reality campaign, “The Future is Vegan.” The campaign features an AI-created avatar of co-founder Donald Watson, guiding users through a virtual world to …

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Planetary Health Diet

© Creatus - stock.adobe.com

Retailers Urged to Adopt 60/40 Protein Split to Drive Healthier, More Sustainable Diets

Three global organizations, ProVeg International, WWF, and the Green Protein Alliance, are urging retailers to set targets for a 60% plant and 40% animal protein split in their sales to support healthy, sustainable diets aligned with the Planetary Health Diet by EAT-Lancet. The Planetary Health Diet suggests that the split between plant-based and animal-based foods should be 70% plant to 30% animal when all food groups are included and 60% plant to 40% animal when just focusing on protein-source foods, including meat, eggs, fish, and legumes. The organizations highlight retailers as “pivotal” in enabling societies to transition to sustainable diets and setting industry standards for measuring and achieving protein rebalancing. They encourage retailers to track progress toward these protein split targets to promote a comprehensive shift …

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Plant Based Foods Association May Cause

© Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA)

Largest-Ever Collaboration of Plant-Based Powerhouse Brands Unites in Landmark Campaign to Drive Consumer Awareness

The Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) has partnered with advertising agency AKQA Bloom to launch the “May Cause” campaign, a landmark initiative that unites leading plant-based giants such as NotCo, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, and many more. This represents the largest-ever cross-category collaboration of plant-based brands, all working to promote the benefits of a plant-based diet, says the PBFA. Launched during New York City’s Climate Week, the campaign represents a pivotal moment for the industry, shifting the focus from competition to collaboration in order to drive wider consumer adoption of plant-based products. CEO Rachel Dreskin enthused about the initiative, “This campaign marks a key moment for our industry. By coming together, for the very first time, as a diverse coalition of brands across 20+ plant-based …

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two people wearing "go vegan" t-shirts at Oslo vegetarfestival

Oslo vegetarfestival 2023, Photo Credit: Oslo Vegetarfestival

Help Spread the Plant-Based Message in Norway!

The Oslo Vegetarfestival is the largest plant-based event in central Oslo and has been running every year for over a decade. To further increase its impact, the organisation works with other festival and event organisers in the country to make plant-based food offerings available at their events. Oslo Vegetarfestival has also started hosting the Future Foods conference, Norway’s go-to event for the plant-based food industry, to foster innovation and collaboration among all stakeholders. It’s the only event of its kind in the country, made possible with the help of ProVeg Grants. Since launching in 2019, ProVeg Grants has provided more than 900 grants to organisations and individuals in over 90 countries working to change the global food system. Your donation to ProVeg Grants will help …

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Vegan military rations developed by Every Animal and proposed to the Ukraine's Ministry of Defence

Proposed vegan meal ready-to-eat (MRE) © Every Animal

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to Include Vegan Military Rations From December 2024

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has announced plans to include kosher, halal, and vegan military rations starting from December 2024. The new ready-to-eat foods aim to meet the needs of military personnel, respecting their beliefs, health considerations, and ethical principles. They will be introduced following the completion of the development and approval process. According to the announcement, consultations have already occurred with various religious leaders and communities, and animal rights organizations such as Every Animal and UAnimals, which contributed to developing vegan rations with similar calorie content, nutritional value, ease of preparation, and price as traditional meals. Halyna Litosh, director of DOT project portfolio management, shared: “As a part of the Euro-Atlantic family, we must adopt an inclusive culture and strive to meet the needs of the …

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Fundación Veg (previously Vegetarianos Hoy) has launched a campaign in the Santiago Metro to encourage a vegan diet during the Fiestas Patrias celebrations.

© Fab Ciraolo

“Be Like Joaquin Phoenix” Urges Fundación Veg in Campaign Promoting Vegan Diet in Chile

Fundación Veg (previously Vegetarianos Hoy) has launched a campaign in the Santiago Metro to encourage a vegan diet during Chile’s Fiestas Patrias, when traditional dishes made with meat and other animal products are widely consumed. The campaign features an image designed by national artist Fab Ciraolo, showing vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix surrounded by happy, alive farm animals and holding a vegan burger certified by V-Label. According to the non-profit the phrase is a nod to Phoenix’s 2020 Oscar speech promoting veganism. The phrase, “Be like Joaquin and discover the great variety of vegan products that exist today,” leads the campaign to encourage citizens to explore vegan options. A QR code on the panels directs users to the website www.sellovegano.com, offering a comprehensive resource of V-Label-certified …

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Environment-focused rugby match to take place at Richmond Athletic Ground

© Green Gazelles Rugby Club

The Big Green Clash in September Will Be a “Networking Goldmine” with VIPs Including Heather Mills

An event claimed to be the first-ever environment-focused rugby match is set to take place at Richmond Athletic Ground, London, on September 8. Called The Big Green Clash, the event is spearheaded by Green Gazelles, who are said to be the world’s first earth-friendly and plant-powered rugby team. The invitational club has over 250 members and aims to promote sustainability and compassion for animals through rugby. Green Gazelles will play against Richmond Rugby, with the winner claiming the Earth Shield. Former professionals and celebrities are expected to make an appearance in the Green Gazelles squad, and the match will raise funds for various environmental causes. The rugby match will be preceded by a Sports Climate Summit, featuring VIP attendees and speakers including Heather Mills, cycling …

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© Nicola Kagoro

African Vegan on a Budget: Help Spread the Plant-Based Message in Africa

Zimbabwean influencer Chef Cola has a deep passion for plant-based cooking – and is using her expertise to bring her African Vegan on a Budget programme to people all over Africa. As a ProVeg grantee, Chef Cola has made sustainable plant-based programmes available across Zimbabwe. Now, with African Vegan on a Budget, she is ready to broadcast her message across Africa by giving people from all over the continent the tools and knowledge they need to integrate plant-based eating into their lifestyles. You can support Chef Cola and African Vegan on a Budget by making a contribution to ProVeg Grants. Since launching in 2019, the programme has provided more than 900 grants to organisations and individuals in over 90 countries working to change the global …

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number of schoolchildren standing in front of their school building

© Uganda Vegan Society

Help Organisations Like the Uganda Vegan Society Bring More Plant-Based Meals to Schools

The Uganda Vegan Society provides nutritious plant-based meals to a growing number of schoolchildren, with its Vegan Lunch Campaign focusing on the importance of making conscious choices that positively impact the world. The Uganda Vegan Society receives financial support and technical expertise from ProVeg Grants. With your help, more organisations like the Uganda Vegan Society can provide more plant-based meals to more schools. Since launching in 2019, the ProVeg Grants programme has provided more than 900 grants to organisations and individuals in over 90 countries working to change the global food system. By making a donation, you can reach, support, and empower organisations like the Uganda Vegan Society. Be part of the plant-based expansion and support ProVeg Grants by clicking here. Every contribution you make will …

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Team of Lviv Vegan Kitchen in front of their building

© Lviv Vegan Kitchen

Project Update: Vegan Meals For Refugees in Ukraine

vegconomist has been supporting the Lviv Vegan Kitchen project since April 2022. The Lviv Vegan Kitchen team provided Ukrainian war refugees and soldiers with vegan meals. To date, with the help of our readers and the matching grant from the Karuna Foundation, which doubled every donation up to the sum of 20,000 US dollars, we have been able to raise a total of €44,600 for Lviv Vegan Kitchen. Project Update: Lviv Vegan Kitchen Ends Refugee Aid – Support for Vegan Soldiers Continues The following changes have led to Lviv Vegan Kitchen’s decision to terminate all processes related to refugee support: Their chef joined the armed forces Difficulties in recruiting employees (this is a problem faced by all Ukrainian employers; there are literally fewer and fewer …

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Petition calls for standardised labelling of vegan and vegetarian foods in New Zealand

Image: NZ Vegetarian Society

Petition Calls for Standardised Labelling of Vegan & Vegetarian Products in New Zealand

The NZ Vegetarian Society (NZVS) and the Vegan Society of Aotearoa have partnered to launch a petition advocating clear and standardised labelling for vegan and vegetarian foods in New Zealand. The organisations are calling on the government to implement legislation to prevent consumer confusion, following an increase in the use of terms such as “plant-based” or “less dairy” for products that may contain animal ingredients. They argue that ambiguous labelling impacts not just vegans and vegetarians but also allergy sufferers and people who avoid certain foods for religious reasons. The petition says that products marked “vegan” must be completely free of animal-derived ingredients, while vegetarian products should not contain meat, seafood, or other ingredients resulting from animal slaughter (such as gelatine or rennet). Additionally, if …

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© Plant Based Treaty

Darebin Becomes 1st Australian Council to Endorse the Plant Based Treaty with 8 Votes Against 1

Darebin Council recently passed a motion becoming the first Australian council to endorse the global Plant Based Treaty having been overwhelmingly accepted with eight votes in favour and just one against the motion. The organisation advocates for a shift towards a plant-based food system, calling for a global agreement that aligns the food system to the Paris Agreement, along with the implementation of best practices in plant-based food policy at the city and institutional levels. The proposed treaty has been endorsed by 30 cities, including Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and recently, Belfast. It has thus far generated support from 150,000 individual endorsers, 5 Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, and more than 3000 groups and businesses, including The Australian Vegetarian Society (NSW), Animals Australia, Animal Justice Party …

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Lancaster University votes for plant-based catering

© Lancaster University

Lancaster University Students’ Union Votes for Fully Plant-Based Catering With Huge 95% Majority

The Students’ Union at Lancaster University in the north of England has passed a motion to transition to 100% plant-based catering across campus. In a vote, the motion was supported by a huge 95% of the members present, after being backed by student campaigners and academics. It proposes a gradual transition, with a target of 50% plant-based catering by 2025 and 100% by 2027. Lancaster is the twelfth UK Students’ Union to vote for plant-based catering, along with others at the University of Kent, the University of Stirling, the University of Cambridge, and more. All have made the commitment as part of Plant-Based Universities, a campaign by animal and climate justice movement Animal Rising that is now active at over 80 universities worldwide. “We are …

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Image courtesy of No Meat May

No Meat May Celebrates Twelfth Year With a Record Breaking 76,000 Signups

No Meat May, an annual campaign challenging participants to give up meat for 31 days, is celebrating its twelfth year. The campaign has seen a record-breaking 76,000 signups in 2024, with many more people believed to be taking part unofficially. This is a 33% increase compared to 2023, indicating that interest in plant-based diets continues to rise. Over a million people have taken part in No Meat May since it was founded in 2013. While the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia see the largest numbers of participants, signups come from over 60 countries worldwide. The campaign has attracted celebrity endorsers such as Dame Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, and Jasmine Harman. “Why not give it a try? Day by day, go without meat, or cut …

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