VEGANUARY
Meat-free
doesn’t mean
taste free
I
n 2021, more than half a million people signed up to Veganuary pledging to try a vegan diet. It’s a movement that has grown hugely in recent years, as people move away from animal products and towards better health by making the change to plant-based food. And with firms working to meet demand by introducing new products, ditching the meat and dairy has never been easier. As Veganuary 2022 approaches, Pulse’s resident vegan Sammy Jones checked the numbers and spoke with a couple of the businesses in Milton Keynes helping to ensure that meat-free doesn’t mean bland and boring... Veganuary launched in the UK in 2014 and is focused on changing consumer behaviours and attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and as enjoyable as possible through the month. More than 580,000 people from 209 countries took part in Veganuary 2021 by signing-up to give plant-based food a try. Knowing that around 10 times as many people usually take part in Veganuary than officially sign-up through the website, means more than five million people gave vegan eating a go! New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and television presenter and conservationist Chris Packham are among those supporting the initiative.
Chris said: “Trashing the planet does none of us any good, as the coronavirus pandemic shows all too clearly. But we can emerge from this stronger and wiser, with a renewed commitment to protecting the environment, its inhabitants and our own futures. Being vegan is a great way to support the natural world and to
40% of Veganuary participants plan to stay vegan 75% of those not staying vegan are reducing meat by 50% or more Reasons for taking part in 2021: 46% Animals, 22% Health, 21% Environment Plant-based dairy grew from £300m in 2017 to £608m in 2021, while plantbased meat alternatives grew from £308m in 2017 to £616m in 2021
Chris Packham and New York City Mayor Eric Adams (inset) are backing Veganuary
live sustainably.” Last year, thousands of businesses took part in Veganuary, while more than 825 new plant-based products and menus were launched including Pret’s Meatless Meatball Hot Wrap, M&S’ No Salt Beef Pretzel Roll, Subway’s Tastes Like Chicken Sub and Domino’s Chick-Ain’t pizza. Want to give it a go for 2022? Sign up by visiting veganuary.com/try-vegan
For the latest local news visit www.nnpulse.co.uk | NN Pulse Magazine | January 2022
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