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(Washington, DC – November 22nd) – Ditching animal products during the holiday season can be both fun and rewarding, especially as plant-based options are becoming more widely available and creative. Here are five ways to enjoy a festive, animal-free holiday season, courtesy of Veganuary:
1. Plant-Based Versions of Traditional Favorites
Many classic holiday dishes can be made vegan with just a few tweaks. Try these plant-based swaps:
- Vegan Roast: Instead of turkey or ham, opt for a plant-based roast like a seitan or tofu-based “turkey,” or a savory stuffed squash or lentil loaf.
- Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes: Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and dairy-free butter to make creamy mashed potatoes without the dairy. Just be sure to grab the unsweetened, unflavored version!
- Vegan Stuffing: Make a delicious stuffing using vegetable broth, plant-based sausage, mushrooms, and fresh herbs.
2. Creative Plant-Based Appetizers
There are tons of plant-based appetizers that will impress your guests and keep the holiday cheer flowing:
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Use a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, nutritional yeast, and herbs for a tasty bite-sized treat.
- Dips and Spreads: Serve dairy-free dips like guacamole, hummus, or cashew-based cheese spreads. You can pair them with veggies or vegan crackers for a festive spread.
3. Vegan Holiday Desserts
The holiday season is full of sweet treats, so there’s no reason to miss out just because you’re avoiding animal products. There are plenty of vegan dessert options, including:
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie: Swap eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds, and use a dairy-free butter in the crust.
- Dairy-Free Eggnog: There are plenty of non-dairy eggnog options available (made with almond, soy, or oat milk), or you can make your own using coconut milk and spices.
4. Vegan-Friendly Dinners
You can still have hearty and satisfying main dishes that are entirely plant-based:
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Make a savory filling with lentils, vegetables, and a rich mushroom gravy, topped with mashed potatoes.
- Chickpea “Turkey”: A chickpea loaf with vegan gravy can be a satisfying centerpiece for your meal.
- Vegan Lasagna: Layer up some vegan cheese, marinara sauce, tofu ricotta, and veggies for a festive and filling main.
5. Vegan Holiday Beverages
To complement your meals, there are plenty of delicious vegan drinks to enjoy without dairy:
- Vegan Hot Chocolate: Use oat milk or coconut milk for a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with dairy-free whipped cream or vegan marshmallows.
- Spiced Cider: A warming spiced apple cider is a great festive drink that’s naturally vegan.
Bonus Tip: Shop for Plant-Based Holiday Ready-Made Foods
If cooking isn’t your thing or you’re short on time, many grocery stores now offer pre-made vegan holiday meals and treats. Brands like Field Roast, Lightlife, and Beyond Meat offer plant-based roasts and sausage, and you can also find vegan pies and even non-dairy cheese platters, making it easier to skip the meat and dairy without the hassle.
By planning ahead and exploring plant-based options, you can create a festive and delicious holiday spread that everyone will enjoy, whether vegan or not!
For more holiday tips and tricks and to take part in Veganuary this year, check out veganuary.com!
About Veganuary
Veganuary is a nonprofit organization that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond. Since Veganuary launched its first pledge 10 years ago – in January 2014 – millions of people, coming from almost every country in the world, have officially taken part, with campaign hubs in Germany, USA, Chile, Argentina, India, Spain and the UK. This New Year’s revolution has also been embraced by businesses, with hundreds of companies taking part in Veganuary last year, launching thousands of new vegan products and menu items. Veganuary is free to join, and people can sign up at veganuary.com.
Photo: courtesy of Field Roast.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Nguyen
MBO Media
