Veganuary: Start the Year Embracing Positive Change for Yourself and the Planet!
Veganuary is a global initiative launched over 10 years ago that invites people worldwide to try a vegan diet throughout the month of January. Its name comes from combining "VEGAN" + "JANUARY."
What better time to "change course" toward healthier, plant-based eating?
Born in the United Kingdom, this campaign has gained tremendous international popularity, with millions of participants in many countries worldwide, including Spain. Its mission is to raise awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of a completely plant-based diet, encouraging positive lifestyle changes one meal at a time.
The Origins of Veganuary and Its Global Impact
Veganuary was created and launched in 2014 by Jane Land and Matthew Glover with the goal of promoting vegan eating. The idea was to offer practical and informational support to anyone interested in adopting veganism, making it as easy and accessible as possible while ensuring the backing of a large community.
In a short time, Veganuary has become an annual event involving hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, with numbers growing every year. In 2024, millions of people from 228 countries joined the initiative. In Spain, the number of participants continues to grow annually, not just for ethical reasons but also to discover new foods, explore new flavors, and, why not, improve their health.
The Rise of Veganuary in Spain
Spain is one of the European countries where veganism is gaining significant traction at an impressive pace. According to a 2023 survey, approximately 3% of the population identifies as vegan, and this number continues to rise. In a country traditionally known for its meat- and fish-based cuisine, the change is noticeable. More and more restaurants offer plant-based dishes, many kitchens now feature exclusively plant-based menus, and supermarkets are expanding their range of vegan products.
The Veganuary campaign has directly contributed to this shift, generating greater interest and curiosity. Every January, many people try veganism, leveraging the visibility of the initiative to make more conscious decisions, often with the support of friends, family, or those around them. Additionally, Spain, like other countries, has seen the growth of local initiatives such as events, cooking courses, educational food programs, social media pages, and websites that support the initiative and its participants.
How to Participate and Why to Try It
The best part of Veganuary is that you don’t need to be vegan to join: it’s simply about trying a 100% plant-based diet for a month, supported by free resources, recipes, and useful information provided by the organization. By signing up with your email, you’ll receive daily recipes, nutritional advice, brochures, and much more information about adopting a vegan lifestyle, along with ongoing support through newsletters, online groups, and other resources to help overcome challenges during the transition.
For some, it may seem complicated or challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes a fun and rewarding experience.
Data collected in recent years shows that 10% of the population in Spain is interested in reducing their meat consumption, with many approaching Veganuary as a first step toward a more plant-based diet.
Research also indicates that around 40% of those who try the challenge during January continue with at least part of the diet long-term, thanks to the perceived health and wellness benefits.
Tips to Make Veganuary Easy and Fun
- Take time to discover new ingredients: Use this month to explore plant-based foods you’ve never tried before, such as tempeh, seitan, legumes, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and plant-based drinks. Each new discovery can make the experience even more exciting.
- Join the community: Participate in the ever-growing online groups where you can share recipes, ask for suggestions, and draw inspiration from other participants. There are many pages and apps supporting the initiative.
- Cook together: Invite friends or family to join you! Cook together and enjoy discovering how delicious and satisfying vegan dishes can be.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: Don’t see it as a competition but as an opportunity to explore new horizons. If you can’t be perfect, it’s okay! The important thing is to take small steps, one meal at a time.
Participating in Veganuary is not just about trying a new way of eating but also about reflecting on the impact of dietary choices on the environment and animals.
Often, these are the true motivations that inspire people to continue beyond January.
Don’t hesitate to embark on this adventure.
Find all the information on the official website!
Try it for yourself: discover new flavors, do good for your body, and support the planet!