31 Dec 2025

Veganuary 2026: Five Things You Need to Know

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As we step into 2026, many of us are setting new intentions for our health, our energy, and the way we care for our bodies. That’s exactly why Veganuary 2026 arrives at the perfect moment — it’s a world wide invitation to explore a more plant-based lifestyle with fun and flavor.

Veganuary begins on January 1st. You can celebrate plant-based nutrition for the entire month. Perfect timing after the food friendly holiday season. It’s been a good two months of eat, drink and be merry. So maybe this challenge is for you. You can pledge to try a vegan option daily. You can even pledge to eat vegan meals all day for the entire month.

Before I created Black Girls Eat and my coaching program Plant-Based and Joyful, my relationship with food changed after my own personal health scare. Your girl was hurting from head to toe and could not figure out what was going on. Growing up in the Bronx, I watched too many women battle diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. I didn’t start with perfection — I started with curiosity. That curiosity became my lifestyle, and now my mission: helping Black women build health through real, joyful, plant-based ideas for meals and snacks.

What is Veganuary? A Food Lifestyle Refresher

Veganuary encourages participants to consider a vegan lifestyle. There’s a key focus on saving animals from harm. This is the time to skip eggs, dairy, meat and seafood. It’s a great opportunity to put your focus on adding lots of plants to your plate. Welcome to a whole new world of fruits, veggies, grains and seeds. Below is a refresher for you as you consider celebrating 31 days of a vegan lifestyle.

  • Vegan
  • A vegan diet excludes all animal products: meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
  • Vegetarian
  • A vegetarian diet excludes meat and fish but may include dairy and eggs.
  • Pescatarian
  • A pescatarian diet excludes meat and poultry but includes fish and seafood.

Remember that there is no such thing as “best.” The best approach is the one that supports you, your body and your lifestyle goals.

Woman in green vegan-ish tshirt ready for veganuary

When Did Veganuary Get Its Start?

Veganuary launched in the UK in 2014. Creators Jane Land and Matthew Glover can now find participants in the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Germany and Sweden. Back in 2015, there were just over 12,000 taking the pledge. In 2022, the number grew to more than 600,000. In January, 2025 the initiative saw around 25.9 million people participate globally. The trend does not seem to be slowing down. People are taking the pledge for a variety of reasons including, not wanting to harm animals and their own health and well being.

The Veganuary website offers tons of free resources, guides and recipes. If you are looking for a way to jumpstart yourself into a plant-based lifestyle, participating in Veganuary might be the way to go.

Veganuary Sign with Fruits and Vegetables

Veganuary 2026: 5 Things You Need to Know

1. Veganuary Is Bigger Than Ever

What started as a small UK challenge has become a global movement. Every January, millions of people sign up to participate. There is a spotlight on plant-based recipes, grocery options, restaurant menus and community support. You got this… You are not alone.

2. Progress Over Perfection

Veganuary is not about being perfect — it’s about exploring what happens when you choose more whole, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Many people notice improvements in:

  • Energy levels
  • Digestion
  • Blood sugar balance
  • Heart health
  • Inflammation
  • Mental clarity

For Black women, who face higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, increasing plant-based nutrition can be life-changing. It changed a lot for me and my loved ones. It also helps that I make the meals tasty and I have fun looking for new ways to get more fruits, veggies and grains on our plates.

3. Plant-Based Eating Has Never Been More Accessible

From grocery stores to fast-casual restaurants, you will find vegan and plant-forward meals everywhere in 2026. But the real magic happens when at home when we cook and remember the culture. Don’t leave your favorite foods and seasonings behind this January. Re-imagine them and enjoy. How about?

4. You Don’t Have to Be Vegan Forever

Seriously. There are some who will pursue a vegan lifestyle after January 31st. Some of you will move on from plant-curious to plant-focused. And yes, there are some of you who will revisit animal products but maybe with a new awareness. It all counts and there is no judgement. We are all doing the best that we can.

What’s true is that the research consistently shows that diets high in whole plant foods are associated with lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and chronic inflammation.

5. It’s All About Being Plant-Based and Joyful

Black Girls Eat, is all about being plant-based and joyful. I hope that each food moment is one that you relish and that shopping for plant-based foods becomes something that you look forward to. Not a punishment.

January 1st, 2026 is your invitation to start Veganuary. It’s your time to explore new flavors, learn what foods make your body feel awesome, break free from food guilt and create habits that support your future.

🌱 The Final Word

Veganuary 2026 isn’t about following a trend.
It’s about choosing health, energy, and a future that feels good in your body. And you deserve that kind of care — every single day. I’m here for ya!

LA is a plant-based advocate because she believes in the power of plants in the fight for good health and wellness. If this post resonates with you, save it and share it with your community. Want to stay connected?

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