Veganism has become part of the mainstream over the past decade. A lifestyle characterised by trying to prevent animal suffering, veganism involves the avoidance of food, clothing, and other products derived from animals. The number of people following this lifestyle has increased significantly in the last 10 years.
According to the Goodness Project, just 150,000 people in the UK said they followed a vegan lifestyle in 2014 – around 0.25% of the population. However, according to Finder, 3.4 million (6.4%) planned on doing so in 2025.
This may in large part have been driven by Veganuary, an annual awareness campaign you may well have seen advertised before. Held each January, Veganuary involves following a plant-based diet for the first 31 days of the year.
The campaign has increased in popularity over time, with celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix, and Deborah Meaden extolling the benefits of a vegan diet.
So, whether you’re a dedicated animal activist or you’re thinking about trying a plant-based diet for the first time, discover five great reasons to give Veganuary a go in 2026.
1. It could reduce your grocery bill
First and foremost, following a vegan diet for a month could save you a bit of money in the new year.
According to a 2021 study by the University of Oxford, following a vegan diet could reduce your food expenditure by up to a third. It was the cheapest diet studied, with vegetarian diets coming in a close second, while “flexitarian” diets that include low amounts of meat reduced costs by around 14%.
If you found yourself spending more than usual over the festive period, taking part in Veganuary could help you get a handle on your costs.
While this is true when comparing meat and vegetables, it’s worth noting that plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy may actually be more expensive.
Vegan burgers, sausages, and cheeses often cost more than their traditional counterparts. So, although you may be able to make some savings, you could actually end up spending more if you swap out your favourite meat and dairy products for their vegan equivalents.
2. It could benefit your health
One of the most publicised benefits of veganism is the potential positive effects it can have on your health.
Provided that you focus on whole rather than processed foods, a vegan diet will generally include more fruits and vegetables. This will usually increase your intake of good vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, which can provide various health benefits. These include:
- Weight loss
- Lower blood sugar levels
- A lower risk of heart disease
- Protection from certain cancers
- Reduced cholesterol
Equally, it’s important to be aware of the nutrients you could miss from your diet. For example, you usually can’t get vitamin B12 from plants, as it tends to be found in soil that animals eat before being passed to you. So, you may need to supplement this to ensure you’re still getting enough for your body.
Similarly, vegan diets are often criticised for not providing sufficient protein. Fortunately, it’s certainly possible to get enough protein from a vegan diet if you consume plenty of high-protein plant-based foods, such as:
- Tofu, tempeh, and seitan
- Lentils and other legumes and beans
- Nuts and seeds
Many of these foods contain all the essential amino acids required for them to be considered “complete” proteins. Even if they don’t, you can combine sources to ensure you’re eating sufficient protein to stay healthy.
As long as you choose your foods mindfully, you’ll be able to get what you need from a vegan diet while enjoying the health benefits described above.
3. You’ll reduce your impact on the environment
Not only can following a vegan diet be good for your body, but it can also be good for the planet.
Animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, according to a study available on MDPI, emissions from animal agriculture contribute 16.5% of total global emissions. That’s a minimum estimate and the total could be higher.
As a result, it may come as little surprise that there’s a significant difference in emissions when comparing omnivore and vegan diets. A University of Oxford study suggests that a vegan diet has just 30% of the environmental impact of a high-meat diet.
Following a vegan diet for a month will obviously not eliminate this issue entirely. But even small contributions can make a difference. Taking part in Veganuary could be an effective way for you to reduce your personal environmental impact.
4. You’ll get to try a whole range of new foods and recipes
Perhaps the biggest benefit of trying Veganuary is that you’ll have the opportunity to try different foods and cook new recipes that you might previously have ignored.
The Veganuary website has a range of recipes you can try at home. Meanwhile, when you’re out and about, look out for “ve” or a leaf symbol on menus at restaurants, cafes, and food outlets to sample vegan options at the places you go to regularly.
Whether you’re eating at home or in public, you might find a new favourite that you’ll come back to long after January is over.
5. You can try out the vegan lifestyle without committing to it forever
The arguments for veganism are certainly persuasive. But making the switch is a major lifestyle shift, changing habits that you might have followed your entire life. As a result, even if you are persuaded, it can still feel daunting to switch permanently.
Veganuary can be a great way to dip your toe into what might be a healthier and more sustainable diet, without the pressure of needing to carry it on.
You might even enjoy it so much that you keep elements of it in your diet. That could be ensuring your meals are vegan for one or two days a week, or exclusively choosing the plant-based option when eating at restaurants with friends and family.
Whatever the long-term impact on your behaviour, Veganuary gives you the opportunity to try out an animal-free diet with no obligation to keep doing so.