Veganism has become more and more popular over the last decade, and the rise in people signing up to Veganuary has increased manyfold since first launched in 2014.
In 2024 more than 1,800,000 people joined in!
What used to be seen as an outlandish or difficult diet is now much more accepted and accessible. Vegan options are now available in most restaurants as well as supermarkets stocking vegan alternatives.
The mission of the campaign, run by the non-profit organisation Veganuary, is to “inspire and support people to try vegan”. The movement focuses on the environmental damage the meat/dairy industry is doing to our planet as well as animal cruelty.
In Bristol particularly there has been a growing vegan community and a number of vegan restaurants popping up. With Bristol being named one of the best cities in the UK for being vegan by Plant-based News. Furthermore, even those who are not vegan or vegetarian are incorporating more veg-focussed meals into their diet and trying more meat-free alternatives.
Root restaurant in South Bristol describes itself as having a veg-led menu. Adam Heaton, one of the restaurant managers, says this has lots of advantages: “We aim to source the freshest and most local produce we can. Our menus are hyper seasonal and constantly evolving which maintains a level of excitement”.
However, Adam also points out that despite more and more health conscious food places or vegan alternatives popping up, this diet is not always accessible for everyone: “You’re not short of fantastic restaurants, green grocers and shops that allow you to make healthier decisions but we have to be aware that with the rise in costs this isn’t accessible for everyone.
“Being vegan can impose massive changes to your life in your purchasing, eating habits and social circles which can make it difficult regardless of how locally accessible vegan options are to you.”
Psychological research suggests that there are many good reasons to begin a new regime on the first day of a new year. Many people tend to restrict themselves; for example, Dry January is also popular. Adam is worried that people attempting Veganuary may hold themselves to an “ideal standard” and then not be able to maintain it, so go back to their old ways. He said, “Any positive change is still positive change” and that we “should look at doing what we can, where we can”.
To those who balk at the thought of eating a vegan dish, Adam suggests trying Root’s Smoked Beetroot served on Walnut Butter with Blood Orange and Dill, “This dish is a staple for us here at Root and one that I believe would convert those who shy away from the vegetable.”
So, are you taking part in Veganuary 2025?
For further advice on a vegan diet, go to https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/the-vegan-diet/
Words by Genevieve Brown