What is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a global movement and campaign that encourages people to embrace a vegan lifestyle for the entire month of January. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of adopting a plant-based diet. Participants try to commit to a month of abstaining from all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
As all Mae Jum products are proudly registered with the vegan society, we like to promote the movement and encourage our customers to take on the 31 day challenge or even to include more plant-based meals during January.
When did the Veganuary movement start?
The campaign was first launched in the United Kingdom in 2014 and has since gained international recognition and participation. The idea behind Veganuary is to provide individuals with a structured and supportive environment to explore the vegan lifestyle, even if only for a temporary period. Each year, millions of people from various countries take the Veganuary pledge, making it one of the most popular and impactful movements promoting plant-based living.
Why should you try a vegan lifestyle?
There are several reasons why individuals choose to participate in Veganuary. One of the primary motivations is a concern for animal welfare. Adopting a vegan lifestyle helps reduce the demand for animal products, thereby minimising the impact of factory farming and the associated ethical concerns related to animal exploitation.
Environmental sustainability is another crucial aspect that drives many people to embrace Veganuary. The production of animal products is often associated with deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing a plant-based diet can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.
Furthermore, Veganuary promotes the potential health benefits associated with a plant-based diet. Many studies suggest that adopting a vegan lifestyle may lead to lower cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved overall well-being. It has often been reported that a plant-based diet has increased the individual’s energy levels, improved their digestion, and even seen some weight loss during and after the Challenge.
Vegan Thai Curry Inspiration
Jackfruit Thai Green Curry
Unripe jackfruit is a great meat alternative in a curry as it has a great texture with a neutral taste, which means it will take in all the amazing flavours in the sauce. On top of that, jackfruit is low in calories, high in fibre with no fat! It is definitely an ingredient to be introduced into your kitchens! Try it instead of chicken with your next Thai green curry. Take a look at our recipe here for the full list of ingredients and cooking method.
Buy Vegan Thai Green Curry Paste
Tofu Thai Jungle Curry
Why not try this spicy Thai Jungle curry with tofu! It’s often said that tofu is tasteless, boring and squishy but it doesn’t have to be like that. Tofu is great at absorbing the flavours of any dish and it is fantastic in a Jungle curry with its fragrant and punchy flavour. A good tip for preparing tofu is to press out the water before cooking as it will help with its firmness. Follow our recipe here for the full list of ingredients and cooking method.
Buy Vegan Thai Jungle Curry Paste
Where can I find more information on Veganuary?
Throughout January, the Veganuary website provides support and resources to anyone who wishes to participate, including recipes, meal plans, and nutritional information. While some participants may choose to maintain a vegan lifestyle beyond January, others may incorporate more plant-based meals into their regular diets, contributing to a positive shift toward a more sustainable and compassionate way of living.
Final Thought
One of the lovely surprises about cooking Thai food during Veganuary is discovering just how naturally plant-based so much of it already is. Thai jungle curry, for instance, was traditionally made without coconut milk in the rural areas of Southern Thailand – it relied entirely on the intensity of the paste and the freshness of the vegetables. That punchy, herbaceous heat you get from a proper jungle curry isn't trying to replace anything. It's the dish in its truest form.
If you're taking on the Veganuary challenge this January, or even just adding a few more plant-based meals into your week, Thai curries are genuinely one of the easiest ways to make it feel like a treat rather than a compromise. Jackfruit has that meaty texture that soaks up all the flavour of a green curry, and tofu – when you press it properly and let it crisp up a bit – becomes this perfect little flavour sponge in a jungle curry. You're not missing out. You're just cooking something brilliant.
All of Mae Jum's curry pastes are registered with the Vegan Society, which means you can cook with confidence knowing there are no hidden fish sauce or shrimp paste surprises. It's authentic Thai cooking that happens to be vegan – not a vegan version of Thai cooking. And that makes all the difference when you're standing at the hob on a Tuesday night, trying to make Veganuary feel a bit more exciting than another bowl of chickpea stew.
