Skip to content
One Fork

Glossary · Ethics

Veganuary

A global campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet for January, promoting health and environmental benefits.

Definition

What 'Veganuary' means

Veganuary is a nonprofit organization that runs an annual challenge each January, urging participants to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the month. Founded in 2014 in the UK, it provides recipes, meal plans, and support to help individuals reduce animal product consumption. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health impacts of animal agriculture, and has inspired millions to try veganism.

Related terms

Animal Rights
Ethics

The ethical position that sentient animals have inherent moral worth and should not be used as resources.

Animal Welfare
Ethics

Animal welfare concerns the ethical responsibility to ensure farmed animals avoid suffering and experience positive well-being.

Utilitarianism
Ethics

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that judges actions by their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering.

All glossary terms

In depth

The longer answer

Veganuary is a global campaign that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Participants commit to avoiding all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, for 31 days. The initiative, launched in 2014 by a UK-based nonprofit, provides free resources like meal plans, recipes, and daily support emails. You encounter it through social media, workplace challenges, or community events, often framed as a fresh start for the new year.

The campaign operates on a simple behavioral mechanism: a temporary, structured commitment reduces the psychological barrier to dietary change. Participants receive a starter kit with tips for reading labels, eating out, and handling social situations. Many grocery stores and restaurants now feature Veganuary-specific promotions, such as plant-based menu items or discounts. The organization tracks sign-ups globally, reporting over 600,000 participants in 2023, though actual numbers may be higher due to informal participation.

For someone eating or shopping, Veganuary offers a low-risk way to explore plant-based eating without a permanent promise. It can reveal how satisfying vegan meals can be and may lead to lasting habits—studies suggest many participants reduce animal product consumption afterward. However, critics note that a month-long commitment may not address deeper systemic issues, and some people find the sudden shift challenging without proper planning for nutritional balance.

At a glance

Quick facts

Founded year
2014 in the UK
Typical participants
Over 600,000 in 2023
Primary resources
Meal plans, recipes, email support
Common criticism
Short-term commitment may lack depth

In practice

What this means for you

  • Sign up on the official website for free daily emails with tips and recipes throughout January.
  • Check restaurant menus for Veganuary specials; many chains add plant-based options during the month.
  • Stock your pantry with staples like beans, lentils, tofu, and nutritional yeast before starting.
  • Tell friends and family you're trying Veganuary to gain support and avoid awkward meal situations.

FAQ

Common questions

Do I have to go 100% vegan for the whole month?
No, the campaign encourages you to do your best, but it's not a strict test. Many people start with a few days a week and build up. The goal is to try, not to be perfect.
Is Veganuary expensive compared to my normal diet?
It can be cheaper if you focus on whole foods like rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables. Pre-made vegan products can be pricier, but a plant-based diet based on staples often costs less than one with meat and dairy.
What if I slip up and eat something non-vegan during the month?
That's okay. Veganuary is about progress, not perfection. Just continue with your next meal. Many participants find that even partial participation reduces their animal product intake long-term.