People choose to participate in Veganuary for many different reasons. For some, it is about animal welfare. For others, it is about personal health or reducing their carbon footprint. Understanding the “why” behind your choice can help keep you motivated when challenges arise.
Research from the University of Oxford found that plant-based diets can reduce food-related emissions by 74% The same study highlighted that producing beef results in considerably higher greenhouse gases and land use compared to plant-based proteins like beans and peas. By simply changing what is on your plate, you can significantly lower your personal environmental impact.
Environmental Impact
One of the most powerful arguments for plant-based eating is its positive effect on the planet. Food production is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and animal products are responsible for a large portion of this.Research from the University of Oxford found that plant-based diets can reduce food-related emissions by 80% The same study highlighted that producing beef results in considerably higher greenhouse gases and land use compared to plant-based proteins like beans and peas. By simply changing what is on your plate, you can significantly lower your personal environmental impact.
Health Benefits
A well-planned vegan diet can offer substantial health benefits. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that appropriately planned vegetarian and vegan diets are for adults. They note that these diets can offer long-term advantages, such as improving health outcomes associated with cardiometabolic diseases.
plant-based trends to watch in 2026
1. Ingredients take centre stage
Plant-based food is moving beyond imitation meats. Chefs are putting vegetables, grains, pulses, sea ingredients, and fermentation at the heart of menus, creating dishes that are flavourful, visually exciting, and craveable
2. Clean, transparent and authentic sourcing
Consumers want simple ingredients and honest sourcing. Clean-label dishes, slow cooking, fermentation, and pickling techniques are driving flavour and authenticity, while meeting growing expectations for transparency.
3. Comfort food reimagined
Nostalgic favourites are being reinterpreted with global flavours, premium ingredients, and plant-based creativity, delivering indulgence without compromising nutrition or sustainability.
4. Nutrition beyond protein
While protein remains important, menus now also focus on fibre, gut health, mental wellbeing, and balanced nutrition. Functional mushrooms, sea vegetables, and adaptogens are moving from niche to everyday dining.
5. Sustainability as standard
Zero-waste cooking, root-to-stem techniques, and regenerative sourcing are becoming operational essentials, addressing cost pressures, supply challenges, and consumer expectations alike.
Subway
Previous years have seen Subway launch exciting new products like a vegan ‘meatball’ sub, meat-free ‘chicken tikka’ sandwiches, and more. This year, the chain’s groundbreaking new sandwich filling is… falafel.
The “vibrant” Smashed Falafel sandwich filling is being trialled in 300 UK stores this January. A fresh take on a vegan staple, this falafel is made from milder, sweeter green chickpeas, blended with fresh herbs and spices.
Smashed Falafel is available from 7th January.
The Reality of the Modern Vegan Lifestyle
Choosing a vegan lifestyle is a profound decision. Whether you’re driven by a deep ethical commitment to animal welfare, a pressing concern for environmental sustainability, or a personal quest for better health, your motivation is valid and powerful. You’ve committed to a path of conscious consumption. But there’s a reality that quickly sets in: the modern grocery store is a labyrinth, and the food industry is not designed to make your life easy. This is the ultimate to help you navigate it.
Every aisle presents a new challenge. Vague labels, misleading marketing claims, and an endless list of cryptic ingredients transform a simple shopping trip into a high-stakes forensic investigation. You stand in front of a product, phone in hand, trying to decipher if “natural flavors” is a benign plant extract or a euphemism for beaver glands (castoreum). You’re trying to live with intention, but you’re bogged down by uncertainty.
This guide is built on a simple premise: you can master this complex world. You can shop with absolute confidence, eat with peace of mind, and reclaim the time and mental energy currently spent on label detective work. We’ll break down the science, expose the industry’s tricks, and give you the framework to build a sustainable, joyful vegan life. And we’ll show you how technology can eliminate the friction, turning confusion into clarity in less than a second.
VEGETARIAN TRAVEL / VEGAN TRAVEL
After being a vegetarian for more than 15 years, I have come up with numerous guides on how to find vegetarian food around the world.
You will find a consolidated view of all my vegetarian below. Hope you find this helpful when you are planning your next trip.
Oatly popcorn-flavored milk
At pushing boundaries is inherent to the company’s DNA. “The world’s first oat drink company” set out to in 1994, and 32 years later, it’s safe to say they’ve exceeded expectations. With a combination of eco-friendly formulations that deliver on taste and texture, and its cheeky brand identity, Oatly has set itself apart from competitors. And its popcorn-flavored milk is poised to steal the spotlight even more.
Set for a US release later this year, this novel bev tastes just like buttered popcorn. At-home baristas will relish in its potential for one-of-a-kind drinks—from popcorn cold foam toppers for an artisanal cold brew to caramel popcorn matcha lattes, the drink options know no bounds.
Switch Foods’ vegan meat
Juicy chicken shawarma enjoyed in a warm, fluffy pita; herbaceous kafta on a bed of vermicelli rice and cucumber salad tossed in chermoula; and smoky, charred kebabs paired with a tangy yogurt-tahini sauce—skip the exorbitant delivery fees and put that passport away—mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors start in your kitchen thanks to new line of authentic meats.
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Switch Foods is poised to revolutionize the freezer aisle with specialty seasoned meats that go beyond standard burger patties and chicken nuggets.
Shire’s Naturals ravioli
At tender cheese-stuffed ravioli begins with cashews, Himalayan pink salt, cultures, and … classical music.
As cashews undergo fermentation as part of the cheesemaking process, cheesemongers at this New Hampshire-based company play Ludwig van Beethoven to help the final product achieve a mild zest reminiscent of its dairy-based counterpart.
It’s a method backed by scientists at Reuters, who found that sound waves impact the flavor of cheese as it ages. Once perfected, t
he cashew cheese is stuffed into pasta for toothsome, pillowy ravioli.
Go for the classic cheese, or mix it up with cheesy varieties featuring roasted garlic and spinach.
This East Coast brand is already a familiar favorite for those who live in the region, but left coasters—don’t give up hope.
Shire’s Naturals is currently eyeing a West Coast expansion alongside a new product line (hint: kid-friendly vegan ravioli inspired by Chef Boyardee).
At tender cheese-stuffed ravioli begins with cashews, Himalayan pink salt, cultures, and … classical music. As cashews undergo fermentation as part of the cheesemaking process, cheesemongers at this New Hampshire-based company play Ludwig van Beethoven to help the final product achieve a mild zest reminiscent of its dairy-based counterpart. It’s a method backed by scientists at Reuters, who found that sound waves impact the flavor of cheese as it ages. Once perfected, the cashew cheese is stuffed into pasta for toothsome, pillowy ravioli. Go for the classic cheese, or mix it up with cheesy varieties featuring roasted garlic and spinach.
This East Coast brand is already a familiar favorite for those who live in the region, but left coasters—don’t give up hope. Shire’s Naturals is currently eyeing a West Coast expansion alongside a new product line (hint: kid-friendly vegan ravioli inspired by Chef Boyardee).
How is veganism different from a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet is a way of eating, usually chosen for health, that may still include the occasional animal product. Veganism is an ethical commitment that extends past food into clothing and personal care. All vegans eat plant-based; not all plant-based eaters are vegan.
At EarthBased, we’re committed to making your vegan journey as smooth as possible. Our platform offers a curated selection of products to cater to your evolving needs. From plant-based protein sources to cruelty-free fashion, we’ve got you covered.
Remember, every step you take towards a vegan lifestyle, no matter how small, contributes to a more compassionate and sustainable world.
FAQ’s
1. What is the difference between vegetarian and vegan food?
Vegetarian diets avoid meat, while vegan diets avoid all animal-derived products, including dairy, eggs, and honey.
2. Is vegan food healthy?
A well-planned vegan diet can be healthy and provide essential nutrients from fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
3. What are the best sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans?
Popular plant-based protein sources include lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and soy products.
4. What are some popular vegetarian foods in 2026?
Popular options include plant-based bowls, vegetable curries, lentil dishes, healthy salads, meat alternatives, and protein-rich meals.
5. Can beginners easily switch to a vegan diet?
Yes, beginners can transition gradually by adding more plant-based meals and replacing animal products with suitable alternatives.