Everything You Need to Know for Veganuary 2023

Okay, so we are already half way through January, but if you want to know a bit more about Veganuary, here we answer some Frequently Asked Questions about the occasion.

What does Veganuary mean?

Veganuary (a blend of the words Vegan and January, if you hadn’t guessed it) is a month long challenge to only eat a plant based diet, and omit dairy and meat. It was launched in 2014 and has become hugely popular, as has Veganism, with 620,000 people signing up in January 2022.

What does it mean to be Vegan?

Being Vegan is not simply a change in diet, it’s a lifestyle change, with a commitment to changing views on animals, the environment, and your health. As well as food choices, you need to think about everything you consume on a day to day basis – beauty and home products, clothing and accessories, and even things like sweets and wine sometimes are off the cards. Luckily, in 2023 there are plenty of alternative options that are Vegan Friendly, and we’ve listed some below.

Is Veganuary actually good for you?

I know, some people like a good eye roll when you tell them you are trying Veganuary, or when they find out someone is Vegan. “But meat is an essential part of the diet!” you hear them cry. Not necessarily. Extensive studies have shown that a plant-based diet can significantly improve health, with a decrease in obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Eating less meat has also been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranked the consumption of red and processed meat alongside smoking as a major cause of cancer.

And it’s not just good for you. There are also benefits to the environment by being Vegan, and research has shown that by cutting meat and dairy products out of your diet is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet.

Are there any fruit’s and vegetables that are not Vegan?

A bit of a shocker, but the pesticides that are sometimes used on bananas, chitosan, is derived from the shells of crustaceans, such as crabs. You can do your own research into whether companies use this, but it might be better to stick to Organic. There’s also a whole load of other foods that potentially might not be vegan, including alcohol, sweets, pesto, and crisps, so it’s always best to read the label when buying things.

So, what can I eat as a Vegan?

Luckily, 2023 is a great time to become Vegan! The choices have really grown over the years. Here’s some of our top picks that you can buy right now from Online High Street, all from local, independent small businesses. Use the code LOCAL10 to receive £10 off your first order too.

You can order all of the above, plus many more food, beauty products, and gifts from independent shops online, all from one place. Online High Street helps you shop small, easily.

Happy Veganuary!