Top tips for taking plant-based living beyond Veganuary

Take your newfound plant-based lifestyle beyond Veganuary with these handy hints

Over the last few years, the Veganuary challenge has seen a major jump in popularity, making it a must-try new year’s resolution for many. And with 62% of past participants revealing plans to stay vegan permanently, it seems this fun New Year’s challenge is rapidly becoming something more!

However, you may be wondering: how sustainable is a vegan lifestyle in the long term?

Well, at Hotel Chocolat, we believe that a vegan lifestyle is not only achievable, but it can also be fully enjoyable. That’s why with these top tips, and our vegan* chocolate range, we’re here to support you as you navigate your new plant-based lifestyle.

*Please note that while we believe our dark and Nutmilk chocolate is suitable for vegans, it is made in the same environment as our milk chocolate, so we cannot guarantee it is free from milk. 

Treat yourself to some vegan substitutes

It’s important to have a good selection of vegan substitutes on hand to ensure you’re not missing out when it comes to treats or taste. And the good news is many brands now offer a vegan alternative to their traditional products (which sometimes taste even better than the original).

In many cases, you can find fantastic substitutes in your cupboards already. Banana, for instance, is great for binding ingredients in cakes, making it a wonderful alternative to eggs. Similarly, aquafaba (the liquid from a tin of chickpeas) works in place of eggs in meringues. Discover more helpful vegan ingredient swaps.

Bookmark your favourite Veganuary recipes and plan ahead

When it comes to following a vegan diet, it’s always a good idea to be organised with meal preparation and ideas.  

So, if you’ve found a favourite meal or two over the Veganuary period, why not keep a  portion stored in the freezer for days when you’re just too busy to cook? Likewise, having a  collection of vegan recipes tried, tested and bookmarked will ensure a tasty meal is never too far away.

Keep trying new dishes – variety is the spice of life

That being said, while it’s great to have a favourite vegan dish to rely on, it’s also important to continue trying new recipes to avoid meals becoming repetitive. Many vegan meals and treats rely on unique spices and flavours, so following a plant-based diet is a good excuse to get truly experimental in the kitchen.

There are some really great vegan cookbooks out there to guide you on your way, but why not also take a look at our collection of vegan recipes? Whether you fancy yourself a baker with our Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake recipe or a chocolatier with these Vegan Truffle recipes, we’re sure we’ve got the guide for you.

Pack in your nutrients

While veganism can boast enormous health benefits, it’s important to make sure you’re still incorporating essential nutrients and vitamins into your diet. However, this doesn’t have to mean loading up on supplements and protein shakes.

Some light research online or guidance from a vegan handbook will quickly highlight the most important food groups to focus on. You can get your fair share of protein and nutrients from the nature around you, but it’s also worth doing a little research into any supplements which may complement and uphold your diet. 

Don’t punish yourself if you don’t stick to it

Finding your feet in the vegan world can be challenging, there’s no doubt about it. Not only does plant-based living involve making major changes to your diet, but it also takes time to adjust to this new lifestyle.

If you find yourself making a mistake and perhaps eating something non-vegan, don’t worry! Remember, nobody’s perfect, and just like honing in any new skill, adopting a vegan diet takes practice. Take it at your own pace, and don’t punish yourself if you find that staying plant-based beyond Veganuary isn’t for you.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing

It’s also important to listen to your body, so if you’re finding a full-time vegan diet too challenging or if you’ve noticed your energy levels dipping, why not think about going vegan for a few days a week instead of full-time? 

This is a popular lifestyle choice for many, particularly those with busy schedules or multiple mouths to feed. Perhaps opt for a no-meat Monday and dairy-free Friday.

It’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a ‘bad vegan.’ Any vegan changes you make, no matter how small, have positive effects on the environment, your diet and the welfare of animals.  

So remember, your small changes are still making a big difference.

Enjoy vegan chocolate treats

When considering a vegan diet, many of us may picture salad, upon salad, upon salad. However, we’re sure by now you know this is far from reality. Plant-based diets can still allow you to dive into endless delicious delicacies, which certainly extend to chocolate and treats.

In recent years, increasing demand for vegan dessert alternatives has led plant-based treats to a level on par with their non-vegan counterparts. From rice pudding to cheesecake – and of course, chocolate – there really is a vegan-friendly delight out there for everyone. 

Plus, many of these plant-based treats contain ethically sourced and environmentally conscious ingredients, so you can snack guilt-free, knowing that you’re contributing to a  more sustainable food industry.

Veganuary and beyond: vegan* chocolate from Hotel Chocolat

Have you explored our Nutmilk collection? This unbelievably vegan* range has been designed to bring all the flavour, smoothness, and decadence of milk chocolate without that key ingredient. Instead, our master chocolatiers use finely milled hazelnuts, creating a melt-in-the-mouth texture akin to the most luxurious milk chocolate.

From snappable 45% Nutmilk Batons to our silky-smooth Raspberry Nutmilk Ganache Selector pack, there’s no end to this chocolate’s versatility. Perhaps you’re looking for a comforting vegan hot chocolate — our 45% Nutmilk Hot Chocolate melts into a dreamy consistency that’s sure to satisfy.

Those who prefer their chocolate on the darker side don’t need to miss out, either. Many of our dark chocolate options are made to vegan* recipes. Our classic 70% Dark Chocolate Batons, rich 80% Fruit & Nut Selector, and intense 100% Dark Chocolate Batons are all brimming with nuanced cacao notes.

Are you looking for a gift for a vegan friend? Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a treat to say congratulations on completing Veganuary, we have an array of thoughtful gifts. Our Vegan Sleekster features 33 staggeringly creamy truffles, caramels, Batons, and more. Each one is full of flavour and made with our ethically sourced cacao. For pocket-sized nibbles, look to our Panned Pecan Nutmilk Pralines and Chocolate Orange Tangs — ideal tokens of affection. 

There’s never been a better time to try taking your plant-powered lifestyle beyond  Veganuary. Browse our selection of vegan chocolate today, and continue your journey in style.