نویسنده: emma_parrott

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.  

The holiday season can be an expensive time and to help take some stress out of the festivities, we’ve put together a list of ways you can shop savvy and make a budget you can stick to!

Write a list of holiday expenses

When making a festive budget, the best place to start is by making a list of all your expected expenses over the holiday season. This will allow you to have a basic idea of the things you will need to pay for, allowing you to prioritise your saving and spending accordingly. Holiday expenses can include things such as gifts for loved ones, travel expenses, cards, festive food outside of your normal budget, shipping costs, gift-wrapping supplies and charitable contributions.

Decide on your spending limit

Now that you know what you will be spending your money on, it’s good to determine how much you can realistically put aside to cover these expenses. Once you have taken a look at your household budget, you could  allocate a set amount appropriately to each holiday expense and keep a record of this to help to track your budget. Be sure to make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for, the amount you would like to spend on each of them and remember to note down your purchases as you go.

 Shop smarter

Shopping online is a great way to save time and compare prices to find the best deal. Be sure to take advantage of pre-holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday and look out for voucher codes, discounts and free shipping options to help cut costs.  However, as tempting as sales may be, remember to stick to your budget and not purchase more than is necessary! Avoiding social media when you can around the holiday season may help with this.

If you’d rather not shop online, try visiting charity shops, car boot sales or second-hand shops. Extra tip: when shopping in-store, try to pay with a cash-only system as much as possible as using a credit card can lead to overspending.

Enjoy a festive feast for less

If you’re looking for a delicious, cheap and cheerful three-course meal to treat friends and family with this holiday season, be sure to download our Live Vegan for Less festive menu working out at just £22.18 for six people! You can also save money on your festive feast further by asking friends and family to contribute either by chipping in for the cost or bringing along some food of their own.

Arrange a secret Santa

Buying presents is often seen as one of the most stressful parts of the holidays. However,  opting to do a secret Santa with friends and family is a great way to reduce your spending during the festive season. It’s important to make sure that everyone involved agrees to a spending limit on presents and some suggestions to ensure your money is well spent!

Don’t compare your situation to others

As tedious as it may seem to create a festive budgeting plan, you should remind yourself that you are doing a very positive thing by creating a budget and finding ways to stick to it – not only will it help you stay organised throughout the holiday season but it will save you the financial hangover as we enter into the New Year. And remember, the festive period isn’t about how much we spend on the fanciest presents, but rather spending time with loved ones, which is the best gift of all!
 
We hope this list of money-saving tips has helped you feel a bit more positive about heading into the festivities so that you can make the most of them. For more tips on how you can live a vegan lifestyle on a budget, visit our Live Vegan for Less webpage and follow our #LiveVeganForLess campaign on social media.

Create some extra festive cheer without breaking the bank

As we all know, it’s so easy to overspend when the holidays roll around. Once Halloween is over, we're bombarded by adverts for Christmas gift ideas. The temptation of treating all your friends and family, and turning your home into a winter wonderland, can be too much to resist. We often have a difficult start to the new year, trying to get back on track with our finances – an extra stress which doesn’t make the coldest and bleakest month any more fun.

But if you have a bit of time to spend planning and DIYing, you can create a wonderful Christmas without breaking the bank. You don’t even need any specialist skills – we’re not all master craftspeople after all! Here are a few ideas for things you can try making at home, to ensure this year’s celebrations are extra special.

Homemade cards and labels

Keeping Christmas cards received the year before is always a good idea if you like getting crafty. Cut out the shapes from the front of old cards to use as labels on presents – saving money and also reducing waste.

You can also make your own cards at home, and you don’t need to be an artistic genius. A pressed leaf can create a beautiful and unique print – simply paint it and press it onto the front of a blank card. For an even more festive design, use different leaves to create printed Christmas trees. Leaf prints can also make lovely presents when inserted into a second-hand frame and given to a loved one.

 

DIY gift ideas

There’s nothing better than homemade gifts to make a friend or family member feel special this holiday season. Here are some of our favourite easy DIY Christmas gifts, which can be made by complete beginners and will help you to save money. No painting or sewing skills needed, and you don't need a hot glue gun!

• Jars of roasted nuts. Choose from sweet varieties, such as maple roasted almonds, or go for savoury – spicy cashews are delicious.
• Homemade spa night treats. These can include bath bombs, sugar scrubs, lip balms and more, and can be made with a few simple ingredients such as coconut oil, bicarbonate of soda and essential oils.
• Infused olive oil. One of our favourite flavours is garlic and rosemary olive oil. Simply add your flavours to a Mason jar, top it up with oil, leave it to infuse for a couple of weeks and add a homemade label. The perfect gift for a food lover.
• Framed photos. So many of us fall into the pattern of taking hundreds of photos, and never printing any off. Why not surprise a loved one with a printed photo from a special moment, presented in a picture frame? Charity shops are fantastic for frames of all sizes.
• Chocolate bark. Melt a plain bar of plant-based chocolate, spread it on baking parchment and add in roasted nuts, vegan marshmallows, dried fruit and anything else you can think of! You can even melt different kinds of vegan chocolate and then swirl them together for a beautiful marble effect. Once solid, wrap the bark in baking paper and tie it up with string for a rustic effect.
• Pressed flower art. Pressing flowers can take several weeks, but you can use a microwave to speed the process up. Displaying the flowers in a frame can make a wonderful keepsake for someone.
• Gin, whiskey and rum bottles are often miniature works of art. Cleaning them out and adding a rechargeable string of fairy lights as a cork can make really classy handmade gifts.
• Hot chocolate. Why not treat your loved ones to a tub of their favourite vegan hot chocolate to stay cosy during the winter months? Accompany this with a decorative mug from a charity shop and add some tasty vegan biscuits for the perfect winter treat!

DIY Christmas decorations

Bringing the outside in will make your home feel extra Christmassy. Collecting natural materials such as branches, foliage, berries and pine cones from the garden or on a winter walk will give you all the materials you need. Use these as table decorations, tuck sprigs of greenery behind mirrors and pictures, add them to a mantelpiece or windowsill, or even have a go at making your own wreath. You don't even need to buy a Christmas tree – if you have a small potted tree in the garden, bring it inside and decorate it with your favourite ornaments.

Making snow globes with little ones can be a fun festive pastime. All you need is a jam jar, glue, a collection of small kids’ toys such as Lego figurines and some glitter. Assemble the scene by sticking figurines to the inside of the lid. Once it’s secure, add water and glitter to the jar, screw the lid on, turn it upside down and display!

Newspaper or magazine pages can be used to make streamers or paper stars. You can string these from lampshades, up the stairs or on the wall to add an extra festive touch.

  

Explore our Live Vegan for Less resources, including delicious budget recipes and more blogs. Look out for #LiveVeganForLess on socials. This festive season, why not treat a loved one to a Vegan Society gift membership?

International Men’s Day is celebrated annually on 19 November. This day serves to advocate for men's health, wellbeing, and positive value in our society – virtues that align with the ethos of veganism.

In the spirit of highlighting positive role models, we’re taking this opportunity to share five inspirational vegan men who live by example of a lifestyle that prioritises health, compassion, and environmental responsibility. 

Benjamin Zephaniah 

Dr Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah is a performance poet, writer, musician, actor and broadcaster. Throughout the 90s his books, records and television appearances rose in the UK including his first book of children's poetry, the pro-vegan Talking Turkeys (1995), which went to the top of children's book rankings. As an advocate for veganism, Benjamin often writes about animals, presenting a stark view of their experiences. His most recent book is an autobiography called The Life of Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah (2023), where he includes a chapter on animal liberation and his vegan journey. Benjamin wrote Love the Life, which was then performed and produced as a video in 2017 for World Vegan Month. As well as producing poetry, novels, screenplays, and stage plays, Benjamin has also written and presented documentaries for television and radio. He is a Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London and a Vegan Society Ambassador. He has 16 honorary doctorates and a hospital wing at The Ealing Hospital in West London named after him in recognition of his work. 

You can find Benjamin on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and more information on his website. 

Zacchary Bird 

Zacchary Bird is a recipe developer and author of Vegan Junk Food: A Down & Dirty Cookbook (2020), The Vegan Butcher (2022) and The Vegan Baker (2023) cookbooks. As well as his cookbooks, he creates funny and tongue-in-cheek content for his social media audience. Zac references typical thoughts people have towards veganism or vegan experiences in general and uses humour to make light of them and to educate. His popular videos cite ‘when vegans look up the menu and decide what they’re having before going to a new restaurant’, and ‘a day if the life of an average vegan’. Zac has produced a series of videos which share vegan offerings from around the world as he is travelling. 

You can find Zac on Instagram, TikTok and learn more about his work on his website. 

Danny Long Legz 

Daniel Grant, aka Danny Long Legz, is a recipe developer and a vegan food, travel and fitness influencer. His passion for sharing food content was inspired by his university classmates who were interested in the Afro-Caribbean-inspired vegan food that he regularly brought in to eat. He creates recipes like this and shares them with his Instagram and TikTok audiences, the most popular recipe being his Coconut Drops recipe which garnered 1.3 million views on TikTok, and growing. Daniel also shares reviews of vegan products and has created recipes for The Vegan Society including Pumpkin Fritters with Scotch bonnet hot sauce and Rasta Pasta for the society’s Live Vegan for Less campaign. 
 
You can find Daniel on Instagram and TikTok. 

Romesh Ranganathan  

Romesh Ranganathan is a comedian, actor and radio host who rose to fame after a set at The Apollo (2013) with his deadpan, self-deprecating stand-up comedy style. He has openly spoken about how his comedic style coincides with his own personal struggles with mental health on the popular Diary of a CEO podcast (2023). Romesh provides a relatable and pragmatic approach to veganism and has been an outspoken advocate for veganism on mainstream BBC programmes like The Great British Bake Off and The Ranganation. He actively engages in vegan spaces and often appears as a public figure at vegan events, he was popular at Vegan Camp Out 2023 appearing as the headline act on the main stage. 

You can find Romesh on Instagram, Facebook, X and his website. 

Brendon Bale 

Brendon Bale is a rugby athlete and entrepreneur who co-founded ‘the world's first vegan rugby club’, the Green Gazelles. Through this work, Brendon challenges the status quo placed on men to eat meat, particularly for athletes, after experiencing the social pressures of eating meat himself he describes “coming from the ex-forces and being a rugby player my whole life, I was taught to eat meat and omelettes to “get all your protein in””. The community club’s values include spreading kindness to animals and tackling climate change by inspiring others through sport and plant-based nutrition. Earlier in 2023, Brendan became CEO of the non-profit vegan labelling organisation, Vegan Friendly, and is making strides towards creating a sustainable future. 
 
You can find Brendon on Instagram, and the Green Gazelles Instagram and website. 

 

This World Vegan Month we have re-launched our Vegan and Thriving campaign with a short film and a series of video interviews which challenge the stereotype of what it means to be vegan, specifically in relation to masculinity. Visit our Vegan and Thriving campaign page to find out more and follow the hashtag #BuiltForKindness on social media.

Tomi Makanjuola, content creator from The Vegan Nigerian, shares her top tips for planning the perfect vegan wedding.

When I first announced to my family that my husband and I were planning a vegan Nigerian wedding, I was met with skeptical looks and gentle prods to rethink my decision. At one point, a fervent debate ensued at the dinner table. The underlying concerns were clear: how can you have a Nigerian celebration without our traditional food? Moreover, what would guests think?

Fast forward to the wedding day, and those same critics were lining up for seconds and complimenting the tasty renditions of jollof rice and pounded yam with egusi. With careful planning, we had the vegan wedding of our dreams and the event was no doubt an enlightening experience for many of our guests.

Vegan weddings can be a challenge to organise, but with some thoughtfulness and a pinch of creativity, you can make it a heartfelt reflection of your compassionate values.

Whether you're navigating cultural expectations or simply aiming for an ethical celebration, here's your guide to planning the perfect vegan wedding.

1. Vegan Wedding Catering

Curating a vegan wedding menu, especially with the rich and diverse flavours of Nigerian cuisine, was a delightful challenge for us. We enlisted the help of a Nigerian caterer that had experience making vegan food; they were aware of all the necessary tweaks such as using vegetable stock and substituting meat with tofu and other plant-based alternatives.

Appetisers like vegan 'meat pie', spicy suya mushrooms and plantain skewers were a hit. We were able to wow our guests with a buffet feast of well-loved classics such as efo riro with amala, jollof rice, fried rice, moin moin, pepper stew made with vegan chick'n, and desserts that included beautifully garnished puff puff and apple crumble with custard.

Here are some vegan catering tips to keep in mind:

A) Opt for universally appealing dishes

Some of your guests might be unfamiliar with plant-based food, so serve crowd pleasers such as hearty stews, finger foods and vibrant salads made with seasonal produce.

B) Seek out caterers who have experience with vegan menus

It is important to work with the right caterer when designing a vegan menu. This ensures a wide variety of food options and expertise in vegan cooking techniques.

C) Have a tasting session

A tasting session before finalising the menu is the best way to guarantee delicious food and allows you to adjust based on feedback.

D) Ensure that your sweet treats are as delectable as possible

Vegan desserts have come a long way, from decadent vegan chocolate cakes to fancy pastries and fruit pies. If you are planning to have a vegan wedding cake, this is also the perfect opportunity to support local vegan bakeries.

E) Make sure that you are serving vegan wine

One thing to remember is that certain alcoholic drinks, such as wine, can be non-vegan due to the type of processing used. Be intentional about choosing vegan wines or go for other vegan-friendly drink options.

2. Wedding Favours

Although not always necessary, favours can be a nice gesture of gratitude. Here are a few vegan and eco-friendly options that are so good your guests won't forget them on the table or leave them to gather dust at home:

A) Edible treats

Think vegan truffles, spiced nuts, or even personalised spice blends or tea.

B) Plant-based gifts

Small succulents or seed packets make for beautiful, eco-friendly favours.

C) Reusable keepsakes

Engraved bamboo cutlery, handmade soaps or personalised tote bags (which we gave to our guests) can be both practical and memorable.

3. Vegan Wedding Attire

When it comes to vegan clothing, it is all about material. Here are things to consider:

A) Clothing

A traditional wedding dress or suit might incorporate materials like silk, wool or pearls. Choose vegan-friendly alternatives and synthetic materials to achieve similar looks for your dream dress, bridesmaid dresses and suits.

B) Shoes

Vegan footwear can be just as stylish as their non-vegan counterparts. Whether you're looking for elegant heels, flats or loafers, there are cruelty free and cost-effective options out there that don't include leather or other animal-based materials.

C) Jewellery

Many jewellers now offer ethical and vegan options, ensuring no harm to animals or the environment in their creation.

4. Make-Up

The world of cosmetics can be tricky and it is important to do your research and choose products without animal-derived ingredients.

If you're hiring a make-up artist or hairstylist for your wedding, ensure they're familiar with vegan products and have them in their kit.

Foundations and concealers should be marked vegan and should not contain lanolin or beeswax. For lipsticks and eye products, watch out for ingredients such as carmine (a pigment from crushed insects). Opt for brushes made from synthetic fibres rather than animal hair.

5. Decorations and Florals

When it comes to decorating your wedding venue, bring your ceremony to life with sustainable options such as biodegradable centre pieces or reusable ornaments. For our high table, we had an autumnal display that featured fresh fruits, vegetables and leaves.

As for flower arrangements and bouquets, ensure that your florist doesn't use materials like silk ribbons.

6. Managing Expectations

Communication and empathy are key when dealing with scepticism from friends and family, and there are several ways to address concerns. Don't be afraid to share the reasons for your choices, whether they are ethical, environmental, health-based, or all three. Sharing documentaries, articles or even personal stories can further shed light on why you are choosing vegan options for your special day.

Giving your wedding guests a heads up will ensure that they are prepared, but beyond that sometimes the best thing to do is to let the vegan meal and special touches speak for themselves!

In conclusion, a vegan wedding is a joyous way to celebrate love while honouring your values. With meticulous planning and creativity, your big day can be a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern ethical choices. As I learned from my own experience, a vegan wedding can also serve as inspiration to your wedding guests!

 

Author Bio: Tomi Makanjuola is the content creator behind the award-winning platform The Vegan Nigerian. Her latest cookbook Vegan Nigerian Kitchen is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to dive deeper into Nigerian/West African cuisine and food culture. In there, you’ll find over 100 mouth-watering and accessible recipes. You can follow Tomi on Instagram and Facebook (@vegannigerian) for more vegan food inspiration.