Veganuary 2025 Is Inspiring Millions to Try the Vegan Diet
Veganuary 2025 is everywhere as the January challenge encourages millions to try a plant-based diet to help reverse climate change, improve their health and stop animal suffering
Los Angeles, January 9th, 2025 — What started as a humble kitchen table conversation in 2013 has transformed into an international movement. Veganuary, the global campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet for January, is a wildly popular phenomenon inspiring millions to embrace more compassionate, sustainable and healthier choices. With its nonjudgmental, welcoming approach, Veganuary has skyrocketed in popularity, drawing participants from over 20 countries. Sandra Hungate, the U.S. Director of Veganuary, recently shared insights with UnchainedTV’s Jane Velez-Mitchell about the campaign’s incredible growth leading into January 2025. Watch the video below and get the very latest.
Veganuary is EVERYWHERE!
The Beginnings of a Global Movement
Veganuary was launched in 2014 in the UK, thanks to founders Matthew Glover and Jane Land. Their mission was simple yet powerful: to wake people up to the joys and advantages of a vegan lifestyle. Over the years, the campaign has grown exponentially, bolstered by celebrity endorsements, international media coverage and a dedicated team working year-round to expand its reach.
At its core, Veganuary provides participants with tools to succeed. From a free celebrity cookbook featuring contributions by Woody Harrelson, Pamela Anderson and other stars, to daily emails packed with meal plans and nutrition advice, the program ensures that trying vegan involves little to no hassle or sacrifice. “We want to make sure it’s fun and welcoming,” Hungate emphasized, adding that the initiative’s nonjudgmental tone allows participants to explore veganism without pressure or fear of failure.
Veganuary: proof that one well-thought-out idea can ignite global change.
Veganuary continues to grow. By making veganism approachable and exciting, the campaign inspires people worldwide to rethink their diets, their health, and their relationship with other sentient beings and the planet.
To learn more about the genesis of Veganuary, watch this video on UnchainedTV where PLANT CEO Anant Joshi interviews Veganuary Co-founder Matthew Glover:
The Veganuary Effect
The “Veganuary Effect” extends beyond individual choices, influencing businesses, workplaces, and governments. Major cities like West Hollywood have even adopted resolutions to promote the campaign. Meanwhile, the global vegan food market is projected to reach $91 billion by 2027, underscoring a growing demand for plant-based options.
Over 50 restaurants in New York City alone participated in the 2024 Veganuary campaign, alongside popular chains like Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Mellow Mushroom, and Plant Burger. Even regions not traditionally associated with veganism, like St. Louis, Missouri, embraced the movement, with businesses like Clementine’s Creamery offering 50% vegan options on their menu. “Veganuary truly is everywhere,” Hungate exclaimed, highlighting the campaign’s ability to inspire creativity and inclusivity across industries, states and nations.
While Veganuary celebrates its successes, it also faces challenges, particularly from industries and other institutions that are resistant to change. Critics often frame veganism as overly restrictive or reliant on processed foods, a narrative Veganuary counters with facts and education. Research from the campaign reveals that 48% of participants reported improved health after just one month, while 27% said they chose to remain vegan six months later. The campaign’s message is clear: small, daily steps can lead to big, lasting changes.
Watch this video about how Veganuary CEO Ria Rehberg turned it into a global phenomenon.
“We actually have participants from every country in the world except, as of yet, North Korea” — Sandra Hungate, Veganuary U.S.
Check out this show and more at UnchainedTV.
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