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Veganuary

Ready to take on the challenge of Veganuary? Join a growing movement and discover delicious plant-based alternatives for a healthier lifestyle!

Friday
1–31
January 2027
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEAll of January
OBSERVED INInternationally
CATEGORYHealth
SUBCATEGORYNutrition
INTRO

Introduction

Start the new year off with a healthy and compassionate start by participating in Veganuary on January 1! This annual event began in 2014 as a way to encourage people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. It has since grown into a global movement with thousands of participants from all over the world pledging to give up animal products for the entire month. Whether you're already vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, Veganuary is a perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and learn about the benefits of a cruelty-free lifestyle. So why not join in and make a positive impact on your health, the environment, and animal welfare?

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TIMELINE

Veganuary Timeline

Birth of Veganism

The term "vegan" and the beginnings of the vegan movement were established by Donald Watson in the UK.

Meatless Monday Kickoff

The global "Meatless Monday" movement started, which encouraged people to eliminate meat from their diet one day a week.

Inception of Veganuary

Veganuary was started by a UK non-profit to inspire people to try vegan for January and throughout the rest of the year.

Increasing Participants

By 2017, participation in Veganuary had doubled each year since its inception.

Global Impact

Over a quarter of a million people signed up to take part in Veganuary across 190 countries, demonstrating its global reach.

Veganuary Mainstream Recognition

Major food chains like KFC, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut released vegan menus for Veganuary, further increasing its mainstream recognition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Veganuary

EDITOR'S PICK

Try a new vegan recipe every day

Challenge yourself to cook at least one new vegan recipe every day during Veganuary. This is a fun way to explore new ingredients and get creative in the kitchen.

ATTEND

Attend a vegan cooking class

Sign up for a vegan cooking class to learn new techniques and recipes. This is a great way to expand your culinary skills and meet other like-minded individuals.

HOST

Host a vegan potluck

Invite friends and family over for a vegan potluck where everyone brings a dish to share. This is a fun and delicious way to introduce others to the joys of plant-based eating.

JOIN

Join a vegan challenge or support group

Join an online vegan challenge or support group to connect with others who are also participating in Veganuary. This is a great way to share tips, recipes, and encouragement throughout the month.

VISIT

Visit a local farm sanctuary

Take a trip to a local farm sanctuary to learn about and connect with rescued animals. This is a great way to deepen your understanding of the ethical and compassionate reasons behind veganism.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Veganuary

It can improve your health

Many people report feeling healthier after trying a vegan diet for a month. Plant-based foods are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

It's a great opportunity to try new foods

Veganuary encourages people to explore plant-based options and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes into their diet. This is a fantastic chance to discover new recipes and expand your culinary horizons!

It's better for the environment

One of the main reasons people participate in Veganuary is to reduce their environmental impact. A plant-based diet has been shown to have a lower carbon footprint and use less resources than a diet heavy in animal products.

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