Have you been wondering how you can do-your-bit for the planet this year? Or do you want to improve your health by adopting a more plant-powered lifestyle? Across the world, hundreds of thousands of people are reducing their intake of animal products this Veganuary – and we want to help! Check out our 2023 list of plant-based essentials – full of helpful products, offers and tips to help you “veganise” your diet.

MEAT ALTERNATIVES

Every flexitarian has a favourite kind of meat that they’ll struggle to give up entirely. But the good news is that you don’t have to wave goodbye to your favourite meaty flavours and textures when you switch to a vegan diet. There are so many delicious, plant-based meat alternatives available across UK supermarkets that can taste just as good (if not better) than the real deal. And the best part? You can enjoy them with the knowledge that they are better for the planet, animals, and often your own health!

Here are some of our favourite meat alternatives readily available in most UK stores:

• M&S Plant Kitchen No Chicken Kyiv – £4.25, M&S
• THIS Isn’t Beef Plant-based Mince – £2.25, Waitrose
• Squeaky Bean Deli Pastrami Style – £2.50, Tesco
• Wicked Kitchen 12 Italian Inspired Amazeballs – £2.75, Tesco
• Meatless Farm Plant-based Chicken Breast – £2.50, Sainsbury’s
• GRO The Incredible Burger – £2, Co-op

DAIRY ALTERNATIVES

Did you know that most people cannot actually digest dairy? Around 75% of the entire world’s population struggle to digest dairy products past infancy. But it’s not just about lactose intolerance – people choose plant milks over cow’s milk for a variety of reasons, whether it is for their nutritional value, animal welfare, lower environmental impact, to avoid dairy-milk allergens, or simply out of personal preference.

Check out our favourite dairy-free must-haves:

• Cathedral City Our Plant Based Deliciously Dairy Free – £3.20, Sainsbury’s
• Sheese Vegan Garlic & Herb Spread – £1.99, Lidl
• Oatly Strawberry Oatgurt – £1.70, Asda
• GU Plant Zillionaire Cheesecake – £3, Sainsbury’s 
• Pure Heavenly Dark Chocolate – 3 for £5, Pure Heavenly

KITCHEN CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS

We know that changing your diet can seem daunting, and that the idea of a vegan diet can seem restrictive in many ways. However, the world of vegan cooking opens your eyes to a whole new world of flavours and foods that can develop your cooking skills and make you fall in love with plant-based cuisine. We recommend stocking up your cupboards with the following ingredients which are commonly used in many vegan recipes:

• Nutritional yeast: a cheesy and nutritious seasoning perfect for bechamel sauces and cheese-based dishes
• Liquid smoke: a liquid flavouring to help you recreate smoky BBQ flavours without any animal products
• Vital Wheat Gluten: if you fancy making your own plant-based “meat”, you can make protein-rich seitan from wheat gluten and a choice of your own flavourings/spices
• Fresh and frozen vegetables: experiment with different vitamin-rich veggies. Vegetables are so good for you and packed full of flavour!
• Spices and stock cubes: lots of vegan cooking involves a range of spices to help bring out the best flavours in plant-based dishes. If you miss meaty-flavours, we recommend getting a hold of some Oxo Meat-Free stock cubes.
• Agave syrup: for all those honey-lovers who need a vegan-friendly syrup for pancakes, smoothie bowls, or baking
• Legumes: lentils, beans and chickpeas are full of protein and fibre, and are a staple for many vegan dishes

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR EARS

Nowadays, there is a podcast on almost any and every topic. Listening to podcasts is an efficient and increasingly  popular way of staying up-to-date on happenings in the world, getting in-depth insights into a particular topic, or simply giving yourself pleasing auditory company. 

Check out our top plant-powered podcasts to listen to:

• The Plant-Based News Podcast is for those who want to stay up-to-date on all things vegan and plant-based. It covers trends, research, reviews, and a whole lot more. Podcast host Robbie Lockie, who is also the Co-founder and Director of Plant-based News, helps inform people about veganism and provides ongoing encouragement for the plant-based movement.
• Just Beings features discussions on how to shift towards a more plant-based and just world. The show is hosted by actress, writer, and passionate animal advocate, Evanna Lynch (who you might know as Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter films), and Dr Melanie Joy, a social psychologist and award-winning author.
• What The Focaccia?! is full of inspiring conversations about the different aspects of plant-powered living. Featuring discussions about growing, cooking, and eating plants, the show is hosted by inspiring plant-based chefs Niki Webster (of Rebel Recipes) and Bettina Bordi (of Bettina’s Kitchen).
• Wellness Unpacked with Ella Mills explores health in a welcoming and easy-to-digest way. Mills, who is best known for her ‘Deliciously Ella’ food blog, chats to doctors and scientists about the myths and realities of the plant-based lifestyle, and provides support for those on a journey to better habits.