In the last few years, the concept of veganism has gone from a rarity to a hugely popular lifestyle choice. Even if you yourself are not vegan, the chances are you know someone who is, or someone who opts for a few meat-free and diary-free options throughout the week. It’s not difficult to see why; with so many new vegan options now available to customers as well as the use of vegan digital marketing, it’s never been easier to go vegan and learn about it.
According to one study, an estimated 2.66 million Brits are taking part in Veganuary 2019, a record-breaking number. Another study from The Vegan Society revealed that within the UK:
- 56% of adults in the UK practice vegan buying behaviours
- 19% have cut down on buying meat and are checking cosmetics and toiletries for animal-testing
- 13% actively choose meat-free or dairy-free meals when eating out
- 51% are happy to see vegan food in shops and restaurants
There’s also an increase in people opting for the ‘flexitarian’ approach instead of forgoing meat and dairy entirely. This is where people opt for vegan or vegetarian meals every so often and actively reduce their meat intake. In fact, 34% of meat eaters in the UK had reduced their meat intake as of July 2018, where only 28% had done in 2017. Maybe because of this, the mindset towards vegans has drastically improved, with 43% of people saying they respected vegans for their lifestyle.
But what has caused the popularity boost? Looking at the results of last year’s Veganuary, a movement that challenges people to sign up for a month of vegan eating, the top reason for people signing up was animal rights concerns (43%). This was followed by 39% of people who signed up for health reasons, and 10% who said it was for environmental reasons.
Perhaps there’s also a hint of vanity in the choice to go vegan, given the reported correlation of Google search for the word ‘vegan’ and the word ‘Instagram’. In a world where we love to take photos of our meals and share them on social media, it’s not difficult to believe that Instagram has helped circulate numerous brightly-coloured vegan dishes to help improve its previously ill-held reputation of being nothing but leaves. Vegan food choices have definitely expanded in recent years, which is sure to have helped tempt more and more people into ditching animal products. For example, Live Kindly outlined some amazing vegan food trends for 2019 that sounds truly delicious:
- Vegan seafood is set to take centre stage, as arguably the final frontier for plant-based substitutes to offer up.
- Vegan ice-cream and deserts are also on the rise, with the likes of Ben & Jerry’s releasing vegan ice-cream options in 2018 and leading the way for other ice-cream companies to follow suit.
- Vegan jerky is pinned to be the vegan snack of 2019, offering up a meaty, chewy treat without any animal product!
- Vegan cheese will expand its repertoire in 2019, with more variety of offerings such as parmesan-style and Blue-type cheese. Vegans and lactose-intolerant people, rejoice!
Of course, this means there are ways for businesses to get in on the vegan trend. A recent survey found that 91% of vegans are having a tough time finding to-go meal options. The market is certainly there, just look at Greggs — their headline-grabbing vegan sausage roll launch in early 2019 saw the meat-free version of their customer favourite appear in 900 stores. But after becoming the fastest selling launch for the company in more than six years, it is now set to head to 1,800 stores. There are however many vegan meal delivery services, if you take the time to look.
Making the switch to a vegan diet can be so beneficial on a personal level too. A new study was brought to the public eye by The Guardian, outlining that the “five-a-day” notion for fruit and vegetable consumption is, sadly, not entirely accurate. In fact, the study from the Imperial College London advises 10-a-day! The now-recommended 800g of fruit and veg daily would help reduce heart disease, strokes and premature deaths. Picking up a few vegan meals throughout the week, or switching to a vegan diet entirely, would certainly help hit this healthy target.
You might not be ready to give up cheese and meat just yet, but you can easily increase your vegetable intake. Even a small garden can house a few home-grown herbs and fruits! You can grab a compost bag and start cultivating your own supply of tomatoes for a home-made tomato sauce, or cucumbers for the freshest salad you’ll ever taste! Don’t forget your proteins — a vegan diet has loads to choose from, and you can grow some in your garden alongside the veggies. Think beans and seeds, like sunflower seeds or soybeans.
Will you be looking to add a few vegan options to your week? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how far vegan cooking has come, and if nothing else, you’ll reap the many environmental and health benefits.