ماه: آذر 1402

Are you taking up the Veganuary challenge for 2024? If you could do with a hand shopping all things vegan this January, we’re here to help!

 

Where do I start?

So, you’ve made the decision to embark on Veganuary whether it's for the animals, the planet, better health or all three. But making this change, even if you’re just trying Veganuary for a month, can seem daunting if you haven’t shopped much for vegan products before. Don’t panic just yet – our guide to shopping for vegan foods and products this Veganuary is here to make that transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible for you!

Look for the Vegan Trademark

The Vegan Trademark is The Vegan Society's product labelling scheme created in 1990 to make shopping simpler for those living a vegan lifestyle.

Our trusted sunflower mark means that our team of experts diligently check products and their manufacturing against our standards to ensure that there are no animal-derived ingredients, that no animal testing has been conducted (by the company or on its behalf, or by parties over whom it has effective control), and that cross-contamination is minimised as far as possible. Watch our animation on how we check for cross-contamination for vegan options at restaurants.

Sounds like a lot of work, right? Not everyone has the time, resources, or ability to carry out this level of checks, so when you're on your next shopping trip or eating out/ordering in, look for the Vegan Trademark on products and menus. It means you can shop with ease and the confidence that we've done the hard work. We now have over 68,000 products certified so it's easier, more accessible and becoming more affordable than ever to have a vegan diet and lifestyle.

Shopping for food and drinks

Shopping for vegan food and drinks might seem the simplest: no meat, fish, dairy or eggs, right? There are some non-vegan ingredients that can sneak into the most unexpected of places, however, or ingredient lists that aren't so easy to decipher! Again, here's where the Vegan Trademark is your quick and easy marker for which products are safe to go into your basket (or your food order). Aside from looking for our trademark, here are some other tips:

• Whilst vegan products are increasingly being placed alongside their non-vegan counterparts to offer people an alternative to animal products, it's a good idea to look out for specific aisles dedicated to 'Vegan', 'Veganuary' or 'Plant-Based Foods', as well as the 'Free-From' aisle.
• Supermarkets like Asda, Morrisons and Aldi have plant ranges with many certified by us, making these some easy and accessible places to shop for many.
• If you're eating out or ordering in, places like Wagamama, Costa, Burger King, and Krispy Kreme have some great options to rival their animal products.
• For more tips, check out our blogs on vegan food and drink with plenty more suggestions.
• Apprehensive about swapping out cheese? Check out these vegan cheese alternatives.
• If eggs are something you’ll miss, here’s a round-up of vegan egg swaps.

Toiletries and cosmetics

These are often tested on animals as well as containing animal ingredients so it's important to look for the trademark on packaging. Keep an eye on your favourite toiletry and cosmetic brands' websites and social media, where they'll talk more about their vegan credentials. If they mention us - you're good to go! To get you started, check out our blogs on Body Care, Cosmetics, Curly Haircare and Period Care.

Fashion

The obvious materials to look out for to ensure you're buying fashion and textiles that exclude animal suffering are leather, silk, fur and down. However, even claims of ‘faux leather' can be misleading as these alternatives can sometimes be sprayed with leather particles as a finish to make the end product look more ‘authentic'. For reassurance, look for the Vegan Trademark. Brands like New Look, Superdry, Gola, Blowfish, Kurt Geiger, George at ASDA (and more!) carry ranges certified by us. You'll often find our trademark on the website description and/or swing tag of the item. Some brands will have dedicated pages, too, for products registered with us. Learn more about vegan fashion ahead of Veganuary in this blog.

Household

This may not be top of your list on things to veganise in your life this Veganuary, but if you want to throw yourself in fully, we have help on hand! With over 2000 vegan-certified household products, from cleaning to bedding – you certainly have options. Find out more about verified homewares, plus plenty of suggestions in our blogs on Household Cleaning and Homeware.

 

Have fun!

Whether it's your first foray into veganism or you've tried Veganuary a few times – don't forget to have fun with it! There are so many exciting products to try and ones you'll realise you were already using or buying that are vegan. You'll be surprised at just how easy it can be!

If you accidentally slip up this Veganuary, don't give up and give it your best try. You'll be glad to have completed the challenge come February, and you may notice how good you feel and perhaps even some health benefits.

To make things more exciting and to help others, make sure to share your Trademarked Veganuary finds with us online and tag @vegantrademark on Instagram and X (Twitter).

Further Support

There's further support and delicious recipes you can use throughout Veganuary on The Vegan Society's website, as well as our Easy Vegan Swaps blog and affordable and nutritious vegan dishes to help you live vegan for less.

Make sure you're following our News page and @vegantrademark on social media for more guides and exciting launches coming this January 2024.

If you're already seasoned at excluding animal foods and products, share this blog with friends, family and colleagues taking part in Veganuary this year.

Vitamins

It's also a good time to remind anyone taking part in Veganuary about supplementation from our vegan multivitamin, VEG 1. It includes all the essentials you need, like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium and more.

Wishing you a wonderful and compassionate Veganuary and New Year!

By Vegan Society Brand Marketing Officer, Nishat Rahman.

We're well into the swing of the holiday season, and for many, Christmas Day is synonymous with indulgent feasts and festive delights. If you're vegan or hosting vegan guests, Christmas dinner doesn't have to be daunting! This blog explores an array of delectable Vegan Trademark certified supermarket selections that will make creating a delicious, vegan festive feast hassle-free. 

A show-stopping vegan centrepiece 

For a vegan Christmas dinner centrepiece that will wow vegans and meat eaters alike, Asda and Morrisons both have delicious vegan versions of traditional Christmas dishes. From a nut roast to a mushroom wellington to a vegan turkey alternative, the crown jewel of your Christmas Dinner is easier than ever to source, thanks to tasty supermarket finds certified by the Vegan Trademark. 

• Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan No-Turkey Crown: Embrace the holiday spirit with a classic No-Turkey Crown from Asda OMV! Succulent, flavorful, and meat-free, it's a perfect vegan main for the whole family. 
• Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan Festive Butternut & Chestnut Roast: For those who prefer nut roasts, elevate your Christmas feast with the richness of butternut and chestnut in this delectable nut roast from Asda OMV! 
• Morrisons Plant Revolution Vegetable Wellington: Kick off your vegan feast with the savoury goodness of Morrisons' Vegetable Wellington. Packed with a medley of vegetables, this flaky pastry delight is sure to be a showstopper. 
• Asda OMV! No Turkey & Trimmings for one: A Christmas dinner centre dish for one, this selection of vegan turkey, stuffing balls and no pigs in blankets is a great option if you have a vegan coming to yours for Christmas or you want a quick and easy dinner over the festive period. 

Traditional Trimmings: 

Some may say that the Christmas dinner side dish selection is their favourite part. From No-Pigs In Blankets to hearty Brussels sprouts, a selection of tasty veggies and sides on your table to accompany your main is an essential. Whoever said vegetables are boring? Packed with festive flavours of garlic, herbs and spices, roasted vegetables can be a side dish the whole family is fighting over. Not forgetting of course, the gravy and cranberry sauce to tie it all together. 

• Morrisons No-Pigs in Blankets: No need to miss out on this traditional trimming - find a vegan twist on the Christmas classic at Morrisons! 
• Asda Crisp & Fluffy Roast Potatoes: The perfect roast potatoes are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, don't you think? You can make the side dish prep easier on yourself by picking up these roast potatoes from Asda. 
• Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan Christmas Trimming Selection: A vegan Christmas side selection that will be a tasty accompaniment to your main, featuring sage and onion stuffing balls, No Pigs in Blankets, and caramelised red onion cocktail sausages. 
• Asda Free From Chicken Gravy Granules: What's a roast dinner without a gravy? You can pick up Vegan Trademark certified chicken-style gravy granules from Asda. Bonus - these are gluten-free too! 

Vegan Christmas starters 

No Christmas dinner is complete without a starter! Whether you’re planning a huge spread of festive vegan goodies or want something simple, with a little effort, you can rustle up a delicious dish full of festive flavours. Why not check out our vegan Christmas recipes that have been created as part of The Vegan Society's Live Vegan For Less Campaign? The Carrot soup is a winter classic – not only is it delicious, but it’s healthy, hassle-free and will help you save on money! 

Vegan Christmas desserts 

For those with a sweet tooth or those intent on keeping it traditional, there are plenty of vegan alternatives to popular Christmas desserts that the whole family can dig into. Most importantly though, will you be having yours with vegan custard or vegan ice cream? 

• Asda Plant Based OMV! 4 Iced Christmas Cake Slices: Indulge your sweet tooth and embrace the traditional Christmas flavours with the rich and fruity goodness of these iced Christmas cake slices from Asda. 
• The Coconut Collab Melt in the Middle Pudding: An indulgent, melty chocolate pudding you can find at Sainsbury's, this is a velvety smooth treat you can enjoy.  
• Morrisons Plant Revolution Trifle: Dive into layers of deliciousness with the Plant Revolution Trifle from Morrisons – a delightful vegan dessert. 
• Just Love Food Vegan Chocolate Cake: a dairy-free dessert for the chocolate lovers at your table: chocolate sponge cake filled and covered with a chocolate-flavoured frosting. Topped with dark chocolate drops and a chocolate drizzle!  
• Asda Free From Christmas Pudding: Love it or leave it, Christmas pudding is a staple of the festive season! Find a vegan version of this Christmas classic at Asda.  
• We Love Cake Chocolate Pudding: A deliciously decadent dessert that's also gluten-free! Found in the frozen aisle, pop this pudding in the oven and serve with vegan ice cream or custard for a melt-in-your-mouth delight. 
• Asda Plant Based OMV! Crumble Top Mince Pies: Perhaps a treat for Christmas Eve, these vegan mince pies from Asda are sure to be a winner with your friends and family. With a cinnamon and ginger spice crumble and a sweet dusting, these Christmas classics are not one to miss! 

Seasonal sweet treats  

Ever been waiting for Christmas dinner, and it feels like an age away? If you’re hosting this year and want to keep guests topped up with treats while they wait for the main event, take a look at some of these festive sweet treats to tide them over. If you’re not hosting and you just want something sweet to snack on to celebrate the festivities, go right ahead! 

• Asda Plant Based OMV! Gingerbread Flavour Loaded Choc Slab: Satisfy your sweet cravings with this gingerbread-flavoured loaded chocolate slab – a perfect festive treat. 
• Asda Free From Choc & Orange Segments: Experience the divine combination of chocolate and orange in these delectable segments. 
• A range of festive sweets and chocolates can be found at Asda, including but not limited to: Rainbow Candy Canes, Double Choc & Hazelnut Cookies, Dark Choc & Honeycomb Cake Pop Bites, Free From Jingle Reindeer Lolly, Extra Special Choc Stars, and the Extra Special Free From Valencian Orange Choc Slab.  

A vegan cheesy nibble 

Who could forget the cheese board?! Give your Christmas spread the wow factor with some of these vegan cheesy nibbles and after-dinner (or before - we’re not telling you what to do…) treats. Make sure to check out some of our ideas on cheese and wine pairings in our blog for inspiration, and don't forget the garnishes to give your vegan cheeseboard some flair! 

• Morrisons Vegan Cheese Selection Box: Elevate your cheeseboard with a selection box offering a variety of vegan cheese options from Morrisons. 
• Applewood Vegan Smoky Cheese Alternative: Delight in the smoky goodness of Applewood Vegan Smoky Cheese Alternative – enjoy it with crackers and caramelised onion chutney.  
• Ilchester Vegan Melting Mature Cheese Alternative: Delicious, melted or not, this versatile cheese alternative is available in slices, making serving it on a vegan cheeseboard a quick and easy job! 
• Asda Free From Mature Cheddar Alternative: An easily accessible and tasty option, check out Asda's Free From range featuring this Mature Cheddar Alternative, perfect for your vegan cheeseboard.  
• Asda OMV! Deliciously Vegan Cheddar Alternative Bake with Spring Onion & Garlic: For garlic lovers, this cheese alternative bake is a delicious treat paired with some crusty bread to dip in for an indulgent starter. 

Don't forget the drinks  

From fizzy Prosecco and sparkling wine to a warming vegan hot chocolate to wind you down on the big day, you don’t need to settle for less if you’re shopping vegan. Here are some options that are registered with the Vegan Trademark. 

• Prodolce: Raise a toast with vegan certified sparkling wine from Prodolce, adding a touch of fizz to your celebration. 
• Mighty Brew Heritage Sparkling Kombucha: Refresh your palate with the tangy Might Brew Heritage Sparkling Kombucha. 
• Kokoa Collection Luxury Single Origin Hot Chocolate: For those with a sweet tooth, nothing beats a hot chocolate on cold December nights. Easy-to-melt chocolate tablets from Kokoa Collection are ready for you to transform them into a delicious luxury hot chocolate drink.  
• Brewdog Hoppy Christmas: Tangy citrus, papaya and pineapple rest on a solid malty base for a merry and bright IPA that’s going to get you (or the beer-lover in your life) feeling all kinds of festive! 

Be savvy with your spending 

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but there are plenty of ways you can save on food and drink options for the big day. For tips on being savvy with your spending this Christmas, check out the Vegan Society’s blog, which covers tasty, cost-effective recipes and some ideas you can take on board to help make the big day have a smaller impact on your budget. 

Conclusion: 

This Christmas, delight in the abundance of vegan options available to create a festive feast that caters to all tastes. From centrepieces to treats, the Vegan Trademark certified food and drinks available from a range of brands promise a Christmas Day filled with flavour, compassion, and joy. Happy feasting! 

We hope this Christmas Dinner guide has provided you with lots of inspiration for the special day with your loved ones. Or if someone is cooking for you but not sure what to buy, make sure to send this to them to give them some pointers! If your Christmas table features any of these suggestions over the festive break, be sure to share photos with us and tag @vegantrademark on Instagram and Twitter (X). 

By Vegan Society Brand Marketing Officer, Charis Collier 

 

The precision breeding act, passed earlier this year, permits changing the DNA of animals to increase production of animal products 

 

What is precision breeding, and why does it matter to vegans? 

Many farmers are unhappy about the stresses upon the animals they farm, as well as upon themselves. Despite this, animal agriculture industries are always seeking ways to maximise their profits and extract more value from non-human animals. A practice called ‘selective breeding’ has been used for centuries to create animals with more desirable traits to farmers, for example, producing more milk or putting on weight more quickly. 

Precision breeding is, according to the Food Standards Agency, a way of changing the DNA of animals precisely, using techniques including gene-editing. It speeds up the selective breeding process, meaning that traits desirable to animal farmers can be maximised more quickly. This differs from genetically modified organisms (GM), as the changes produced through GM could never have been achieved through traditional breeding techniques. 

Precision breeding in UK law 

In March 2023 the UK government passed the precision breeding act, which permits precision bred plants and animals. They state that these technologies have the potential to increase disease resistance in crops, reduce pesticide use, lower costs to farmers and increase food production. The government states that the animal precision breeding law includes a system to safeguard animal welfare. 

Such promises do not hold weight. Any ‘precision bred’ animals are highly likely to be subjected to early death, as is the case with the vast majority of animals exploited in the food system. Such suffering is unnecessary, as the use of non-human animals for food is not needed from a nutritional point of view. This is alongside the fact that animal farming causes suffering and contributes to environmental collapse. 

Non-human animals are sentient; they are all individuals with their own feelings, abilities, personalities and preferences. Animals bred into the farming system lead short, uncomfortable lives in which they are not able to follow their natural instincts and behaviours. All animals deserve respect and compassion, but in the food industry they are treated as commodities rather than the individuals they are. Clearly, what is accepted as ‘animal welfare’ standards fall far below what these animals deserve. 

Specific harms of precision breeding techniques 

There are also specific harms that may arise from precision breeding technologies. Traditional breeding methods, such as selective breeding, has already created animals who suffer at the expense of the increased yield they produce. For example, chickens have been bred to lay hundreds of eggs per year, putting them at risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Dairy cows have been bred to produce the highest milk yield possible, causing many to suffer from lameness, mastitis and reproductive disorders. Visit our fact page to learn more about how cows and chickens suffer in the dairy and egg industries. Precision breeding risks only speeding up these issues which cause distress and suffering to so many animals. 

In addition to this, the Wildlife and Countryside Link has said that precision breeding will have ‘complex consequences that are impossible to fully predict’ including ‘highly credible risks’. 

Although precision plant breeding technologies may be valuable to help us endure until we reverse the climate change and biodiversity crises, there must be clear limits. In particular, we must respect our collective ethical commitment to avoid unnecessary harm and suffering in this sphere too. This means there must be no use of animals in the process, neither to insert animal genes into plants, nor to test the resulting ‘precision bred’ plant strains.  

Vegan alternatives 

Many have hailed the passing of the precision breeding law as a way to combat the climate crisis and feed more people. However, the best way to achieve these aims is to support farmers to transition to plant-based agriculture, as laid out by Harwatt and Hyack in their 2019 report Eating Away At Climate Change With Negative Emissions. Such techniques would help us to significantly increase food security, land management sustainability and resilience.  

By transitioning to plant-based land management for food as well as industrial inputs, we can free up extensive land in the UK and beyond. Restoring UK natural forest cover maximises climate benefits. Relying less on fruit and vegetable imports, and producing more UK-grown plant-based foods aligns with public health goals and public demand.  

The UK is a world-leader in sustainable plant-based land management techniques, pioneered by growers such as Iain Tolhurst and Jenny Hall, who have written a book entitled Growing Green – Organic Techniques for a Sustainable Future.  

We need to see joined-up policy-making for food, farming, climate change, biodiversity, public health and the UK economy. Our report Planting Value in the Food System outlines how policy can support these crucial changes. We call on the government to start rapidly acting on this long-overdue need for plant-based land management, food and other industrial systems. 

Find out about The Vegan Society’s Grow Green campaign, which aims to encourage a shift towards plant-based agriculture.