Veganuary: The perfect time for vegan chocolate gifts

Make Veganuary a time to indulge in cacao-rich vegan* chocolate gifts with Hotel Chocolat

Veganuary is a well-established tradition here in the UK and around the world. For those interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, it’s the ideal start to the New Year. It’s also a great opportunity for those who want a little break from dairy animal products. Perhaps you have a friend or partner who has a birthday during Veganuary. Or maybe you’d like to treat yourself with plant-based delights. Either way, we have a range of vegan* chocolate gifts that provide cacao-rich indulgence with every bite.

Who says vegan* chocolate can’t be just as opulent and satisfying as milk or white chocolate? Not us.

If you need some inspiration on finding vegan food gifts that are sure to hit the mark, read on. And don’t forget to explore our collection of unbelievably vegan* chocolate.

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a global movement designed to inspire people to embrace a vegan lifestyle throughout January. It began in 2014 as a crowdfunded campaign, challenging participants to try a plant-based diet for one month. From reducing environmental impact to improving personal health and supporting animal welfare, people adopt a vegan lifestyle for many reasons, and Veganuary provides a chance to see if it’s right for you.

Over the years, this initiative has grown into an international phenomenon happening year after year. Millions of people around the world have taken part — often discovering that plant-based alternatives are just as fulfilling as their dairy counterparts.

No matter if you’re taking on the challenge for yourself or encouraging a friend, Veganuary is the perfect time to see what plant-based food and drink is on offer. Here at Hotel Chocolat, we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of vegan* chocolate and vegan* hot chocolate. Every item is crafted with the same care, innovation, and ethically sourced cacao that goes into our other chocolate collections.

Veganuary gift ideas for every occasion

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, January can seem like a quieter, slower month.

However, January is brimming with plenty more reasons to celebrate than you might first think. And for anyone searching for a gift for a plant-based loved one, Veganuary makes it even easier to find thoughtful gift inspiration. Our vegan* range has something for every special moment, from January birthdays to just-because shows of affection and every occasion in between.

Take a look at our top vegan* gift ideas to beat the January blues.

*An important note: Please be aware that we believe our dark and Nutmilk chocolate is suitable for vegans. However, as it is made in the same environment as our milk chocolate, we cannot guarantee it is free from milk.

Vegan birthday gifts

Do you have friends and family members who are celebrating their birthdays in January? Peruse our vegan* chocolate gifts for thoughtful presents that show just how much you care.

• The Unbelievably Vegan* H-Box showcases 14 chocolates and eight creative recipes made with decadent Nutmilk chocolate — our staggeringly creamy alternative to milk chocolate. This sumptuous chocolate features 45% cacao and milled hazelnuts in place of milk. From our Crunchy Peanut Butter & Nutmilk Buche to our Orange Gianduja Bombe, your giftee can experience a variety of irresistible flavours and textures in one elegant box.
  
• For a birthday celebration that highlights the toasted notes of cacao blended with salty-sweet caramel and the warmth of premium vodka, try our Salted Caramel Cacao Vodka Liqueur. Serve it on the rocks or incorporate it into your loved one’s favourite cocktail for an extra special toast.

Top tip: If you’re interested in learning more about which wines, beers, and spirits are vegan ahead of Veganuary, take a look at our guide: What alcohol is vegan?

• Our Saint Lucian Island Growers 70% Dark Hot Chocolate Sachets are perfect for anyone who enjoys cosy evenings with a mug of smooth, rich hot chocolate. Crafted with single-origin cacao from our Saint Lucian plantation, it’s an ideal gift for warming up January birthdays.

• For a truly generous gift, pair our hot chocolate sachets with The Velvetiser™. Our revolutionary at-home hot chocolate system creates barista-grade drinks with a luxuriously velvety texture.

St Dwynwen’s Day

Also known as Welsh Valentine’s Day, St Dwynwen’s Day is a celebration that dates back to the 5th century, honouring the patron saint of lovers in Wales.

On the 25th of January, “Dydd Santes Dwynwen” offers a chance to celebrate romance, affection, and thoughtful gestures. Gift a partner, friend, or secret admirer with a little something from our vegan* chocolate range. It’s the perfect way to say “rwy’n dy garu di” — I love you.

Our Unbelievably Vegan* Sleekster showcases the same irresistible eight recipes as our Unbelievably Vegan* H-Box — only this time, your recipient can enjoy 33 melt-in-your-mouth chocolates. If you’re lucky, they may even be willing to share…

World Vegan Chocolate Day

What better time to explore the nuanced flavours and textures of our sumptuous Nutmilk chocolate than on World Vegan Chocolate Day? Taking place on the 31st of January, this is the perfect occasion to treat yourself and your loved ones with cacao-rich treasures made to impress.

Our Saint Lucian Island Growers 70% Dark Chocolate Slab Selector offers the perfect chance to see just how flavoursome and multifaceted single-origin cacao can be. This rich, smooth chocolate captures the essence of our Saint Lucian cacao with deep, toasted notes and a satisfying finish.

To really delve into the complexity cacao has to offer, our Rare & Vintage 100% Dark Chocolate Batons give an insight into the pure, undiluted flavour of high-quality cacao. Each baton showcases a rich intensity and an authentic expression of cacao’s natural characteristics.

They make an excellent World Vegan Chocolate Day gift for connoisseurs who appreciate bold, uncompromising flavours or anyone who’s simply curious about the true depth of cacao.

And for those who enjoy the zesty notes of citrus chocolate, our Chocolate Orange Tangs embrace the vibrant pairing of our signature 70% dark chocolate and real fruit for an uplifting flavour combination.

Planning ahead for Valentine’s Day

January is also the perfect time to plan ahead for Valentine’s Day — especially if the special person in your life is vegan or taking part in Veganuary.

Does your significant other have a favourite vegan* Chocolate Selector? Treat them to a pack or two for a surefire way to their heart. Perhaps our Gandujia Bombes are always on their wishlist — this recipe infuses silky Nutmilk chocolate with rich hazelnut paste for an indulgent experience.

Or maybe they’ve been hoping to try our Raspberry Nutmilk Selector. Made with tart-pressed berries, 70% dark chocolate, and our opulent Nutmilk chocolate, these ganache truffles offer a vibrant balance of fruity and creamy notes.

Did you know you can also mix and match three Selector packs for £14? This offer provides the ideal chance to personalise your gift and ensure it’s tailored to your loved one’s tastes. Explore our full range of Chocolate Selectors to see what else we have available.

Vegan chocolate gifts for self-care

Looking at Veganuary gifts for your partner, friends, and family? Don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself, too. After all, you also deserve to indulge in the rich, satisfying world of cacao.

Our collection of Vegan* Hot Chocolate varieties offers a moment of comfort, perfect for unwinding after a busy day or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

To enjoy a variety of hot chocolate recipes made with gossamer-fine chocolate flakes, order our Vegan* Hot Chocolate Selection Box. From Dark with Mint to 85% Dark, there’s a hot chocolate for every mood and preference.

Embrace the warming tingle of our Chilli Dark Hot Chocolate. Or let our staggeringly creamy 45% Nutmilk Hot Chocolate soothe your senses as you unwind on a chilly January evening. 

Don’t forget to prepare your hot chocolate with The Velvetiser™ — the ultimate addition to any kitchen. In 2.5 minutes, you’ll have a silky-smooth cup of café-worthy hot chocolate, ready to accompany your perfect moment of self-care.

Vegan chocolate gifts designed to impress

January is the perfect time to embrace fresh starts, share kindness, and enjoy new experiences. Whatever the event, our plant-based* creations bring elegance and care to the table throughout Veganuary.

Treat a loved one or take a moment to indulge yourself with our vegan* chocolate range, designed to deliver exceptional flavours, textures, and moments of joy while honouring the artistry of cacao.

Explore the full Hotel Chocolat collection and uncover irresistible vegan* gifts for every occasion during Veganuary — and beyond.