Let’s talk about Veganuary. This month, A record-breaking number of people signed up for a month of plant-based food only. In fact, the number of participants seen in January 2019, has now doubled for 2021. Plus, since the very start of the non-profit campaign, over a million people have taken part in the challenge. Impressive.
Of course, Mr Vegan, is a firm part of our office life, so we couldn’t wait to compile a piece in the quest to discover who else is up for trying the varying alternatives to meat.
For the first time ever, mainstream supermarkets are showcasing television and radio adverts to actively promote Veganuary. British supermarkets have also created special pages, dedicated to providing specific information around Veganuary, with diverse recipes now featuring on their websites and social media channels.
Seemingly, it’s not a marketing opportunity for the supermarkets anymore. From observation, they’re genuinely promoting all of the benefits that a plant-based diet has to offer, whilst motivating people to make the pledge. Equally, they also know that going plant-based is the way forward to encourage sustainability. It’s never been easier to get your hands on the good stuff.
Actions worth noting from specific supermarkets, include:
Asda are set to launch the UK’s first, in-store, vegan butcher counter.
Tesco have added new options to their ‘Plant Chef’ range, alongside new, vegan bakery items.
Morrisons have released a Veganuary food box.
Branded launches are landing on the shelves thick and fast, so if you’re in search of innovative menu inspiration, we’ll be sure to cover the newness. Firstly, let’s begin with the existing, widely known and much-loved offerings that can’t be missed off the list. Then, we’ll move onto the game-changers that are currently coming in strong.
1. Beyond Meat Burger
Known for being almost the same as a real burger, Beyond Meat takes plant-based alternatives to another level. Non-vegans love these, too.
2. Vivera
Vivera are bringing out two new products this month. First up, the Southern Fried Plant Chicken Nuggets, which come with a smoky BBQ sauce to dip. Next, they’re introducing Lincolnshire Style Plant Bangers, which taste almost the same as the real ones.
3. Hellmann’s Vegan Mayo
This month, Hellmann’s has three new flavours joining their vegan mayo line-up. There will be Chipotle, Garlic and Baconnaise, with Hellmann’s hailing that the latter will help vegans to get their bacon fix. You can find these at Asda, Ocado and Amazon Fresh.
4. White Rabbit – The Vegan Arrabbiata
Calling all pizza lovers. This delight has launched at Sainsbury’s and features a wheat base with toppings including spicy chicken pieces, vegan ‘mozzarella’ and sundried tomatoes. There’s also an accompanying, plant-based focaccine to go with the pizza. Bellissimo.
5. Olly’s Dark Chocolate Pretzel Thins
For a real treat, Olly’s have launched chocolate covered pretzel thins, now available in vegan, Belgian dark chocolate. It’s fair to say, we’re extremely excited to try these.
6. Heinz Plant Pantry
This Veganuary, Heinz are making their mark with the release of a new range of vegan products, aptly named, Plant Pantry. Also, some of their most favoured brand offerings will now have a plant-based version. There’s now a Vegan Salad Cream, Seriously Good Vegan Mayo and Seriously Good Vegan Garlic Aioli Mayo. Stock up, friends.