Why You and Your Family Should Try Veganuary This Year
The new year’s here, and if you’re thinking about trying something different with the family, Veganuary might be worth a look. It’s a month-long challenge to eat plant-based through January, and honestly we think you’ll find it’s easier (and tastier) than you’d think. Whether you’re doing it for your health, the planet, or because the kids are suddenly obsessed with animal welfare after watching a documentary, Veganuary’s a good way to see what all the fuss is about. Here’s what we learned when we gave it a go.
What is Veganuary and Why Give It a Try?
Veganuary is a non-profit campaign that kicked off in 2014, encouraging people to try vegan eating for January (and maybe stick with it after). It’s grown massive since then, with families all over the UK signing up each year.
We’ve done Veganuary a few times now with the kids, and each time we’ve been surprised by how doable it is. The first year, we weren’t sure how it’d go down, especially with fussy eaters at the table. But it turned into something really positive. The kids got involved in choosing recipes, we found foods we’d never tried before, and mealtimes actually became more interesting, not less.
What we didn’t expect was how much variety there is. Veganuary isn’t just about cutting things out, it’s about trying new stuff. We ended up making things like sweet potato and chickpea curry, creamy coconut pasta, and even vegan “fish” and chips that went down a treat. The desserts were a revelation too. We made chocolate avocado mousse and the kids couldn’t believe how good it was. They loved experimenting, and suddenly broccoli wasn’t the enemy anymore when it came with a peanut satay dip.
Beyond the food, Veganuary sparked some really good conversations. The kids started asking questions about where food comes from, how farming affects the environment, and why some people choose not to eat animals. It was a chance to talk about bigger issues in a way that felt natural and age-appropriate.
Why We Think Veganuary Works for Families
There’s something about doing Veganuary as a family that makes it stick. You’re all in it together, which means less “but I don’t want that” drama at dinner. Plus, it’s only a month, so it doesn’t feel like a huge commitment. If you love it, great. If not, at least you’ve tried something new and probably picked up a few recipes along the way.
The health benefits are real too. More plants means more fibre, vitamins, and generally feeling a bit better. And cutting down on meat and dairy, even for a month, makes a genuine difference to the planet. It’s one of those things you can actually do as a family that feels meaningful without being complicated.
Veganuary: Over a Decade of Plant-Based Progress
Veganuary’s been going strong for over 10 years now, and it’s grown absolutely massive. What started as a small campaign in the UK has turned into a proper global movement, with people from over 228 countries and territories taking part.
The numbers for 2025 are pretty impressive. Over 1,480 new vegan products and menu items launched specifically for Veganuary this year. That’s everything from supermarket ready meals to restaurant specials. Big names like Burger King, McDonald’s, Wagamama, Pret, Greggs, and Subway all added more plant-based options to their menus. Even local cafés and independent restaurants got involved.
The campaign got some serious attention too, featuring in over 12,000 media stories worldwide. And here’s the thing: 98% of people who tried Veganuary said they’d recommend it to a friend. That’s got to tell you something.
What’s New for Veganuary 2026
There’s loads to help you get started this year. The Official Veganuary Cookbook is out now (you can grab it on Amazon), packed with tried and tested recipes from 10 years of the campaign. It’s genuinely useful if you’re after some proper meal ideas.
There’s also a free Plant Protein e-cookbook you can download, with recipes from Olympic rower Imogen Grant, Team GB powerlifter Sophia Ellis, strongman Patrik Baboumian, and nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert. Good if you’re worried about getting enough protein on a plant-based diet.
The Veganuary podcast is back too, with guests like activist Ed Winters and actor Samantha Renke. Worth a listen if you’re after some inspiration or just curious about the whole thing.
And if you fancy some celebrity recipes, there’s a free 2026 celebrity cookbook with contributions from Olivia Colman, Ainsley Harriott, Levi Roots, and Kwoklyn Wan. Download it and see what takes your fancy.
Getting Enough Protein, Iron, Calcium and Other Nutrients
When we first tried Veganuary, we worried about getting enough protein, iron and calcium. Turns out, it’s really straightforward with a bit of know-how.
Protein’s easy. Lentils, chickpeas, nuts, tofu, and even whole grains all pack plenty in. We made lentil soups, chickpea curries, and the kids loved peanut butter on toast (which counts!).
Calcium doesn’t just come from milk. Fortified plant milks, tofu, beans, and leafy greens like kale and broccoli are all brilliant sources. We switched to oat or soy milk and honestly we preferred them, especially oat milk in our hot drinks.
Iron was simpler than expected too. Porridge, lentils, seeds, and yes, dark chocolate, all help. We started sprinkling pumpkin seeds on meals for an extra boost. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like tomatoes or peppers) to help your body absorb it better.
Vitamin D and B12 need a bit more attention. We take vitamin D supplements through winter anyway (most UK families should), and for B12 we use fortified foods like nutritional yeast and plant milks, plus a weekly supplement.
With kids, we made it fun rather than stressful. If you’re pregnant or have specific concerns, you’re best to chat to your GP or a nutritionist first, but for most families it’s surprisingly simple.
Planning a Vegan Menu for the Whole Family
Planning vegan meals that everyone’ll actually eat is easier than you’d think. We started by looking at what we already made: pasta, rice, baked beans, cereals. Loads of family favourites are already vegan or easy to adapt.
The secret is to plan ahead. We write a rough meal plan each week, which saves those 5pm “what’s for dinner?” panics. Quick options like instant noodles, soup, or microwave veggie pots are lifesavers on busy days.
Batch cooking changed everything for us. Spend an hour or two on Sunday making big pots of chilli, curry, or veggie lasagne, then freeze portions. Weeknight dinners sorted, and more time with the kids instead of stuck at the stove.
We keep things interesting with themed nights. Taco Tuesday with spicy beans, Italian night with mushroom pasta, stir-fry Friday with tofu. The kids love it, and it stops meals feeling samey.
Get the children involved too. Let them pick a meal each week or help with cooking. We’ve found they’re much more likely to eat something they’ve made themselves, and it’s a good chance to chat about food and where it comes from.
Making Vegan Food Actually Tasty
Vegan food can be absolutely delicious when you use plenty of herbs, spices and good cooking methods. Our air fryer’s been brilliant for making crispy potatoes, cauliflower wings, and even vegan sausages without loads of oil.
One-pot meals are perfect for busy families. Chuck everything in together, minimal washing up, maximum flavour. Win-win.
Why Bother with Veganism Beyond January?
There are some genuine benefits to eating more plant-based that go beyond the month. We’ve felt healthier and had more energy (though that might partly be ditching the Christmas cheese board).
It’s better for the planet too. Less meat and dairy means lower carbon emissions and water use, which feels good when the kids are learning about climate change at school.
And for us, it fits with wanting to be kinder to animals. You don’t have to be perfect or go fully vegan forever, but even cutting down makes a difference.
Ready to Try Veganuary?
So there you have it. Veganuary’s a proper chance to shake things up, try new foods, and maybe make some changes that last well beyond January. It’s not about being perfect. Actually, we’ve found some vegan cheeses we properly rate now, like Violife slices for sandwiches and the Applewood vegan smoky block on crackers.
And we found the best bit of doing Veganuary as a family means you’re all in it together. Sign up, get the kids involved, and see what you discover. Whether you stick with it or just pick up a few new favourite meals, it’s worth giving it a go. We were pleasantly surprised, and we reckon you will be too.
For more recipe inspiration to keep things interesting throughout Veganuary and beyond, check out our handpicked Top 20 Vegan Cookbooks for loads of family-friendly ideas.