How to maintain a sustainable vegan lifestyle and thrive beyond Veganuary
So you dipped your toes into veganism this January and you enjoyed it. And like 30% of people who took part in Veganuary 2024*, you intend to continue staying vegan. But how do you sustain it? We've put together 10 tips to help you navigate challenges and thrive as a full-time vegan after Veganuary, covering both diet and lifestyle.
1. Look for the Vegan Trademark
It’s a quick and easy way to spot vegan products, that gives you peace of mind knowing a dedicated team at The Vegan Society has put in the time and expertise required for checking the product is vegan every step of the way. A product certified by the Vegan Trademark does not contain any animal-based ingredients and has not been tested on animals by the company or on its behalf. So whether you're shopping for food, cosmetics or household cleaning products, if it's carrying our trademark, it has been thoroughly checked against the strictest standards and by the oldest and most trusted vegan labelling scheme.
2. Recreate Your Favourite Recipes
Whether it's recipes from your childhood or a regular feature in your weekly meal plans, nail down the vegan version of your favourite recipes! They offer you that familiar comfort and ease with continuing your vegan journey. When you're in a time pinch or you want something you know you're going to love, having these go-to recipes will help you thrive. It can also be fun to experiment with adapting old favourites with a new vegan twist – you might even discover you love the updated version even more!
We often share vegan swaps for popular recipes over on Vegan Trademark's and The Vegan Society's Instagram as well as TikTok so make sure you're following for delicious vegan recipes ideas!
3. Dining out
Dining out was the biggest challenge during Veganuary according to Veganuary 2024 participants*. If this is something you found challenging this year, here are some things to remember when dining out with both vegan and non-vegan companions:
- Look for the Vegan Trademark on menus at places like Wagamama and coffee shops like Caffè Nero and Costa Coffee.
- Most restaurants will have a vegan option but make sure to peruse the starters and sides - you can often make a good meal out of these.
- Take on the role of organiser - you get to pick restaurants with a good variety of vegan options!
- Don't sleep on your local restaurants and cafes! Often, they are ahead of the curve trying interesting new things and more able to adapt dishes and respond to your feedback when curating future menus.
- Follow vegan lifestyle and food influencers local to you for restaurant and menu item suggestions.
- Remember why you’re doing this; whether it's for the animals, the planet, your health (or all three) and make sure to dine out with vegan and vegan curious friends more often.
4. Stock up on frozen food and kitchen cupboard staples
Stocking up on frozen foods, kitchen cupboard staples and your favourite seasonings and sauces means you'll always have a vegan meal to hand whether it's something low effort that involves a baking tray and an oven, or something hearty with wholefoods like chickpeas and black beans. Some Vegan Trademark certified items you might want to stock up on:
- One Planet Pizza frozen pizzas
- Clive's Pies
- Moving Mountains Meatballs, Burgers, Hotdogs, Fishless Fingers and more
- Quorn Vegan Pieces (great to throw into curries, stir-fries and pies)
- Strong Roots Fries, Burgers, Bites and more
- We Love Cake Lemon Tarts and Chocolate & Salted Caramel tarts
- Mr Organic Baked Beans, Puy Lentils, Chopped Tomatoes, Chickpeas and Soups
- Clearspring Young Jackfruit Chunks (a great alternative for fish or pulled meats) and Instant Miso Soup
5. Find vegan swaps for your everyday non-food essentials
With ambiguous terms like 'plant-based', 'cruelty-free' and 'vegan-friendly' often used to label cosmetics and household products, it can be confusing knowing what's authentically vegan. Take stock of your everyday essentials such as skincare, toiletries, and cleaning products and once they’re used up, start transitioning to Vegan Trademark certified alternatives. Remember, products carrying our trademark:
- do not contain any animal-based ingredients.
- have not been tested on by animals by the company or on its behalf.
Check out our blogs for more information about and vegan swaps for:
- Body care
- Skincare
- Curly haircare
- Makeup and perfume
- Period care
- Pregnancy, postpartum and baby care
- Household cleaning products
6. Explore the world of vegan snacks and treats
Everyone needs a stash of snacks and sweet treats and these are plentiful in the vegan market with some pretty great alternatives which are often as good as, if not better, than their non-vegan counterparts. There’s so much fun to be had exploring them particularly on occasions like Easter, Halloween and Christmas. We've listed a few suggestions below but keep an eye on our Instagram for all the latest!
- LoveRaw Wafer Bars
- Galaxy Vegan Bars, including their new Hazelnut Praline bar
- Moo Free chocolates and Easter eggs
- Mummy Meegz Billie Bar, Chuckie Egg and Choccy Balls
- Skittles Original, Sours and more
- Booja Booja chocolate truffles and ice cream
- ASDA Ridge Cut Jerk Chicken Flavour Crisps
- ASDA Free From Nacho Cheese Flavour Tortilla Chips
- Native Original and Sweet Chilli vegan prawn crackers
- PROPER Prawn Cocktail, Barbecue, Sour Cream & Chive lentil chips and more
7. Keep up to date with our blogs for guides and tips
We regularly upload blogs featuring guides and tips for vegan food and non-food swaps as well as delicious recipes! Check out some of these:
Follow us on Instagram too for lots more vegan alternatives, tips and guides.
8. Try new things
Did you know, our taste buds regenerate approximately every two weeks? With this in mind, keep trying new things – even ones you thought you didn't like before! You'll never know what new treasures you'll discover. If you tried more fruits and vegetables as a result of going vegan this January (well done!), incorporate these into more dishes and keep trying new fruits, vegetables, vegan snacks and alternatives!
This goes for non-food items too – there is such a rich variety of vegan products out there to explore.
9. Get clued up on your nutritional needs
You might be worried about not getting enough nutrients like protein and vitamin B12 on a vegan diet, but contrary to what many assume, the British Dietetic Association state that 'well-planned vegan diets can support healthy living in people of all ages'. Being informed about vegan nutrition will support you in sustaining a vegan diet and help you thrive. Plus, being clued up helps you navigate awkward conversations with friends and family who might challenge you on this topic! Check out this handy guide put together by The Vegan Society's registered Dietitian, Andrea Rymer, to support you with a healthy and balanced vegan diet.
Supplements
The Vegan Society's very own daily supplement, VEG 1, can also support a healthy vegan diet. It's designed to complement a varied and balanced vegan diet to give your body all the nutrients it needs without animal products. It supports a selective approach to supplementation, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, selenium and more.
10. Find your vegan community
Whether it’s through following and interacting with vegan food and lifestyle accounts and influencers online, or connecting with new people at vegan events and festivals, community is so important in remembering your ‘why’ as well as for practical help with sticking with a vegan lifestyle. You’ll find inspiring recipes and tips and have some great conversations, whether it's about the best vegan egg or skincare alternative, or your shared values and compassion for animals.
If you had fun creating recipes or exploring products in Veganuary why not start your own blog, Instagram or TikTok account sharing your ideas, helping other beginners and building your vegan community?
Follow us
Follow the Vegan Trademark and Vegan Society on Instagram and TikTok to join the conversation with other vegans and vegan-curious followers, as well as product updates, recipes, tips and information about our campaigns. Our DMs and comment sections are always open for any questions you might have!
*Source: Veganuary 2024 Participant Survey
By Vegan Society Marketing Officer, Nishat Rahman
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
