VEGETARIAN, VEGAN & FREE-FROM
inspiration In search of
What’s in demand, and how can operators make their menus stand out, when it comes to their vegan, vegetarian and free-from dishes?
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Veganuary, a global organisation encouraging people to try vegan in January and beyond, has reported a new landmark with more than 600,000 people officially taking part in 2022, surpassing last year’s total of 580,000 participants, and sign-ups remaining strong right through to the end of January. Hundreds of new plant-based products and menu items have also been launched, including vegan versions of Babybel and Philadelphia cream cheese, three new vegan Krispy Kreme donuts, new vegan offerings at McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC and Nando’s, new vegan pizzas at Domino’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut and Pizza Express, vegan fish and chips at Wagamama, new vegan sandwiches at Costa, Starbucks and Caffè Nero (Starbucks also dropping its surcharge on plant milks permanently). But for many businesses it was more than just a commercial endeavour as over 75 organisations – including Harrods, Volkswagen Group UK, Superdrug, Sky, Adept Carehomes, Papa John’s, PWC, EY, M&S, Aveda and Quorn – took part in the Veganuary Workplace Challenge, encouraging their employees to try vegan in January and providing more vegan options in the workplace. The next campaign to put a vegetarian diet in the spotlight will be the Vegetarian Society’s National Vegetarian 24 CAFÉ LIFE | THECAFELIFE.CO.UK
Bru Coffee have combined vegan and health-promoting ingredients in their latest food and coffee offering.
Week (16 to 22 May 2022, www.nationalvegetarianweek.org). “We’re asking people to do whatever they can – swap one meal, eat veggie for a whole week, just go for it! Switch out meat in your meals, get experimental, and have fun,” says Richard McIlwain, chief executive of the Vegetarian Society. “Evidence shows plant-based food is better for the planet, has far less carbon emissions than meat, and for households on tight budgets it can also be a cheaper, healthy choice. “This year, we’ll be launching a range of climate-friendly recipes which are great for everyone – whether this is your first introduction to the world of vegetarian food, or you’re a veteran veggie looking for more environmentfriendly meal ideas.”
HEALTHY Bru Coffee & Gelato launched its new Very Vegan seasonal menu on 11 January. Included were Bru’s already popular Guaca Bowl (a healthy, balanced meal featuring rice, salad and guacamole), plus two brand new products - Coconut Vanilla Matcha Superblend and the Coffee Cacao Superblend. “As a business, it is important that we are intuitive to consumer demands and trends. We know that there is always an emphasis on fitness, health and detox in the New Year and the menu items that people order in January reflect this,” says Bru business development manager, Aadil Steele. “Over the last few years we’ve also noticed the increasing popularity of
