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Turkey-free Thanksgiving

Make your Thanksgiving special this year with a delicious turkey-free feast - try out tasty vegan and vegetarian recipes!
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Introduction

It's time to join the movement and celebrate a Turkey-free Thanksgiving on the Fourth Thursday in November! This special day was started by animal rights activists and vegetarians who wanted to raise awareness about the cruelty associated with factory farming and the consumption of animals for food. With more people becoming aware of these issues, it has become easier to find alternative protein sources, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, and even vegan turkey roasts. So why not give them a try this Thanksgiving and show your support for a more humane world?

History of Turkey-free Thanksgiving

Turkey-free Thanksgiving Dates

Turkey-free Thanksgiving Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Farm Animal Rights Movement Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) was founded, advocating for animal rights and promoting vegetarianism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Day for Farmed Animals Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Day for Farmed Animals took off globally, urging people to go meat-free for a day to highlight the mistreatment of farm animals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tofurky Hits the Market</div><div class='timeline-text'>Tofurky, a popular meat substitute, is introduced to the market providing a delicious alternative for holiday meals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebrity Support to Turkey-free Thanksgiving</div><div class='timeline-text'>Well-known celebrities including Paul McCartney, Ellen DeGeneres, and Oprah start promoting cruelty-free and vegetarian diets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emergence of Vegan Roasts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Various brands start producing vegan turkey roasts, making the transition to turkey-free Thanksgiving easier and tastier for many.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Veganism</div><div class='timeline-text'>Reports show an increase in the number of people adopting vegan diets, helping to drive the popularity of Turkey-free Thanksgiving.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Turkey-free Thanksgiving

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a potluck feast. Encourage everyone to bring their favorite vegan dishes and desserts. Everyone will love the variety and you’ll get to try out new recipes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a vegan buffet</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many restaurants have vegan buffets on Thanksgiving. Make reservations and try out some delicious vegan dishes without having to do the cooking yourself.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a volunteer event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at a local food bank or animal shelter on Thanksgiving Day. It's an amazing way to give back to the community and make sure that everyone has access to food and companionship.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for dinner</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many restaurants that offer vegan dishes on Thanksgiving. Look up vegan restaurants in your area and book a reservation for a delicious vegan meal with your family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a few trays of vegan snacks, pop some popcorn and rent some movies. Have everyone bring their favorite movie and spend the night relaxing in front of the TV.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Turkey-free Thanksgiving

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is healthier</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Turkey-free Thanksgiving gives an opportunity to enjoy a healthier meal, as opposed to one centered around fatty meats like turkey. This can help cut down on animal fats and cholesterol consumption, potentially leading to improved heart health and a longer life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cuts down on waste</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By skipping the traditional poultry dish, you're reducing your carbon footprint by eliminating the need to purchase and cook a large bird. In addition, you won't be left with a ton of leftovers that will end up in the trash once you've finished eating.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opens up creative possibilities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you forgo the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, it opens up a world of possibilities for interesting and delicious dishes. Vegetarian feasts are full of unique flavors and textures, from roasted root vegetables to quinoa stuffing to cranberry sauce. Plus, they often take less time to prepare than their meaty counterparts!</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Facts for a Turkey-Free Thanksgiving

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plant-Based Dinners Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions</h3><p class='facts-content'>By celebrating a Turkey-free Thanksgiving, you are significantly reducing your meal’s carbon footprint. Plant-based meals require less water and land, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional meat-based feasts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Turkey-free Thanksgiving saves animal lives</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, around 46 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving dinners. By opting for a turkey-free feast, you are taking a significant step towards animal welfare.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plant-Based Meals Can Lower the Risk of Chronic Diseases</h3><p class='facts-content'>Diets full of fruits and vegetables have been linked to lower risk of developing chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>You Can Support Local Farmers</h3><p class='facts-content'>By choosing vegetables and grains for your Thanksgiving meal, you have a great opportunity to support local farmers and growers.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plant-based Desserts are Delicious!</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cruelty-free desserts can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. From vegan pumpkin pie to apple crumble and cookies, the possibilities are endless!</p></div></div>

Turkey-free Thanksgiving FAQs

When is Turkey-free Thanksgiving?

Turkey-free Thanksgiving Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 23

Thursday

2024

Nov 28

Thursday

2025

Nov 27

Thursday

2026

Nov 26

Thursday

2027

Nov 25

Thursday

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