8 in 10 reduce animal products in diet after plant-based challenge
29 September 2026: 5 years of participant survey data shows that over 80% consistently maintain a significant reduction in their consumption of meat, fish and dairy six months after taking part in Veganuary.
Veganuary encourages people to try vegan in January and beyond, and an estimated 30 million people worldwide took part in 2026.
Concern for the environment is among the top three motivators for taking part, alongside animal welfare and personal health.
Hannah Yates, Head of Communications at Veganuary, said: “We know that dietary change is one of the most powerful ways we can each act on the climate crisis. We’re all feeling its impacts, from a summer of record heat to a winter that threatens intense storms and disruption. That’s why we need effective, achievable routes to change our diets – and a supportive, judgement-free challenge, where you’re joined by millions on the same journey, is one of the answers.”
The organisation’s 2026 six-month participant survey released today shows:
- More than 82% say they have reduced the amount of animal products in their diet by at least half, with 35% remaining fully plant-based.
- 77% of respondents who stayed vegan reported improvements to at least one aspect of their health.
Many corporate offices and institutions also take part in Veganuary. Looking ahead to January 2027, the organisation is aiming to get the highest ever number of NHS trusts engaged in its Workplace Challenge, with a new guide for staff at GP surgeries. Coffee mornings will be held across the country as a community-led celebration of plant-based food.
Andrew Jolly, Community Engagement Manager at Veganuary, said: “Change sticks when it becomes part of your everyday and part of your community. So in 2027 we’re supporting our participants to host Veganuary coffee mornings, inviting their friends, family or colleagues to see that trying plant-based means they won’t miss out on their favourite Victoria Sponge or Red Velvet.”
The charity’s 2027 campaign is due to be launched in December.
The Official Veganuary 2026 Six-Month Survey Results can be viewed in more detail here.
Notes
Photos/videos available here.
Six months after they participated, this survey was sent to 343,459 participants who took part by receiving 31 days of support emails. We invited them to tell us about their experiences in the intervening period. 1,730 people responded.
In 2026, of respondents who stayed vegan:
- 63% saw improvements to their overall health
- 53% saw improvements to their energy levels
- 44% saw improvements to their body weight
- 52% saw improvements to their mood
- 44% saw improvements to their skin appearance
30 million people taking part in 2026 is based on participation surveys we commissioned in our core countries and population data for those countries.
Previous survey results available here:
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