BRITS would be willing to ditch meaty crisps, ice cream and cake to maintain a vegan lifestyle – but would struggle to go without cheese and chicken.
A study of 2000 adults in the UK found that almost a third are motivated to change their diets to be kind to the planet.
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Brits were most likely to give up honey, mayonnaise, chocolate, and mayonnaise.
However, it seems dairy products could be a huge factor in those struggling to maintain a vegan diet in January, with 40 per cent saying they’d battle to give up cheese, 32 per cent cow’s milk and 30 per cent eggs.
Commissioned by snack brand Nature’s Heart, the study also found almost a third want to try more plant-based alternatives in 2022 and 29 per cent would like to make some elements of their diet vegan.
Although more than a quarter believe there are limited options for vegans, and 34 per cent admitted they’d struggle to think of what to eat for a vegan breakfast.
Yogurt (16%), sausages (15%) and bacon (14%%) are all popular food items that people can’t resist.
When it comes to the first meal of the day, 25 per cent are under the impression that vegan alternatives aren’t as exciting.
Over half of those surveyed admitted to skipping breakfast, with 28% claiming that this was due to a lack of time. Breakfast takes an average of 12 minutes.
It also emerged 21 per cent simply don’t get excited by breakfast as a meal, according to the OnePoll figures.
With more than half of women saying they simply aren’t hungry in the morning, compared to just 36 per cent of men.
Tom Benton, General Manager at Nature’s Heart, said: “It’s promising to see what people are willing to go without for the month of Veganuary.
“The annual initiative is a great way to encourage people to try different foods and raise awareness of alternative diets.
“The research shows that people are under the impression there are limited options to create an exciting and fulfilling vegan meal, whether it’s breakfast or dinner.
“We want to help people see vegan breakfasts in a different light – the top 20 foods show that people are less willing to give up breakfast items than other foods.
There are many options to make a delicious and appealing breakfast dish. Check out our Instagram feed throughout January for some healthy, winter-warming vegan breakfast inspiration.”
According to the study, 35% would give up something to Veganuary and expect to keep it for at least another month.
With over a third saying they already have or would consider taking part in Veganuary, more than a quarter did – or want to – in order to make their diet more exciting.
You can also do it for your health (46%), for the planet (44%), or for new food (43%)
GOING VEGAN
The planet is more important to women than it was to men, with 50% of women saying that they would or have participated in Veganuary to protect the environment, as opposed to 39% of men.
When deciding which plant-based products people would like to increase their intake in January, breakfast options were highly ranked. These included porridge oats and nuts, dried fruits, avocado, and meat substitutes like vegan bacon.
People want a good breakfast that is tasty (51%), fills them up (47%), and is easy to prepare (41%)
18% of polled respondents are open to trying one vegan meal per week before they commit to a vegan diet.
The research shows that 44 per cent believe that if everyone made a small plant-based change to their diet it would make a big difference to the planet, which means that we’re well aware as a nation of the potential impact having a plant-based diet can have.
Tom Benton added: “We’re delighted to see that dried fruits and nuts are amongst the top foods that people want to eat more of during January.
“It doesn’t need to take a massive amount of effort or time to be kinder to ourselves and the planet.
“If a vegan diet seems too difficult, it is possible to make small changes in your daily meals.
“Switching to a nutritious vegan breakfast is a good way to start a Veganuary journey and can set you up for the day right, giving you all of the energy you need and keep you fuller for longer.”