Veganuary makes plant-based eating accessible, helping millions reduce their consumption of animal products and build lasting change for animals and the planet.
Every January, millions of people around the world take a meaningful step toward a more compassionate food system by participating in Veganuary, a global campaign that encourages people to try a vegan diet for 31 days.
At World Animal Protection, we know lasting change doesn’t require perfection. It starts with progress. Veganuary matters because it makes eating fewer animal products feel achievable, inviting more people into the movement to protect animals and build a more sustainable future.
Why Veganuary Works
For many people, switching to a plant-based diet can feel overwhelming (it was for me 15 years ago!). Food choices are deeply personal, shaped by culture, habit, and access. Veganuary removes the pressure of an immediate, permanent lifestyle change by offering a 30-day challenge instead.
That shorter commitment lowers barriers and builds confidence. When people feel supported and curious—rather than judged—they’re more likely to try plant-based eating and discover that it’s easier, more affordable, and more satisfying than expected.
Veganuary by the Numbers
Veganuary’s impact continues to grow each year. In 2025, an estimated 25.8 million people worldwide took part in the challenge, making it one of the largest coordinated efforts to reduce animal product consumption.
More importantly, many participants continue making changes well beyond January:
- 81% of participants who were not already vegan planned to make long-term changes to their diet, including significantly reducing animal products.
- 31% said they intend to stay fully vegan after completing Veganuary.
- Many others reported continuing to eat more plant-based meals months later.
In addition to changing individuals’ diets, nearly 1,500 new vegan products and menu items were launched in 2025 to coincide with the campaign, giving people who aren’t vegan more opportunities to choose a compassionate dish. These outcomes show that Veganuary is not a temporary trend. It’s a catalyst for lasting behavior change.
Why Veganuary Matters for Animal Well-Being
Buying or consuming fewer animal products reduces demand for factory farming systems, a model that strives to raise and slaughter as many animals as possible as quickly as possible, causing immense suffering and depleting our natural resources. From overcrowded living conditions to painful procedures and premature deaths, these systems prioritize efficiency over animal well-being.
Veganuary helps people connect their desire to make responsible food choices to animal protection in a tangible way. Every plant-based meal means fewer animals suffer, and when millions of people participate, the collective impact is significant.
Building a Broader, More Inclusive Movement
Veganuary succeeds because it welcomes everyone. You don’t need to identify as vegan to take part; you simply need to be willing to try eating differently for a month.
That inclusivity helps build a broader coalition of people committed to reducing animal suffering, addressing climate change, and supporting a more sustainable food system. As participation grows, businesses respond by expanding plant-based options, making compassionate choices more accessible year-round.
Looking for tips, tricks, and delicious vegan recipes? Join Plant-Powered Changemakers today to meet others on similar plant-based journeys!
