What is Veganuary and how can restaurants use it to embrace plant-based menus?
What started as a challenge by a non-profit organisation has now become a global movement. Every January, Veganuary encourages people to give vegan eating a try, with the hope that many will stick with it beyond the month. The vegan food trend is here to stay, over 25 million people globally signed up for Veganuary in 2024, and around 2.7 million people in the UK are living a fully vegan lifestyle. These numbers can’t be ignored, and there’s no better time for your restaurant to jump on the bandwagon. Embracing this shift could be the added value your business needs to stand out.
So how can you create plant-based dishes that work in hospitality?
When it comes to vegan dishes in hospitality, the key to success is variety and creativity. A plain salad just won’t cut it anymore, and your customers want to see that you’ve put real thought into your vegan offerings.
Try reimagining classic dishes with vegan versions and tap into key trends like plant-based meats, innovative plant proteins, and exciting new flavours. The goal is to make your menu inclusive while staying true to your brand's identity..
So, how are plant-based consumer trends shaping UK menus?
In the UK, health conscious plant-based eating has become more popular, and with plant-based alternative food consumption doubling in the UK over the last 10 years, more and more consumers are opting for plant-based meals not just for the health benefits, but because they realise they don’t have to compromise on taste anymore.
This rise in popularity could be down to a few things- since the pandemic, people are increasingly conscious of their health, concerned about rising costs, and more focused on sustainability. With 2,100 new vegan products and menu options launched in January 2024, it’s easier than ever to enjoy delicious plant-based meals.
Basically, there's never been a better time to tap into the growing demand for plant-based options. Promoting Veganuary in your venue shows your commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, attracting new customers and boosting your reputation. That said, when planning your menu, it’s important to ensure that taste is never sacrificed—this is key to keeping your vegan customers coming back for more.
6 top tips for creating a plant-based menu for Veganuary
Creating a standout plant-based menu isn’t just about offering a few vegan options, it’s about fully embracing the trend and making your customers feel excited about it. Here are some top tips to help you design a menu that stands out this Veganuary:
1. Create vegan versions of classic dishes
To stay true to your brand, reimagine fan favourites with plant-based ingredients. Think vegan burgers, plant-based pasta dishes, or a vegan twist on your signature dish. This gives your menu a fresh and exciting feel, and could also encourage non vegans to try your plant-based offerings when they see a familiar dish on the menu.
2. Incorporate plant-based proteins
From tofu to chickpeas and lentils, plant-based proteins are the building blocks of great vegan dishes. Don't just rely on soy alternatives, explore other emerging options like seitan or jackfruit for texture and flavour that stand out from the crowd and encourage customers to be adventurous.
3. Be mindful of flavour
Vegan dishes can sometimes fall flat if they’re not packed with flavour. To make sure your vegan options stand out on the menu, it's essential to focus on layering flavours and textures. Consider using bold, adventurous spices, marinades and herbs to bring some complexity to plant-based dishes. Vegan food doesn't need to be bland or simplistic, it can be rich, exciting, and ultimately delicious.
4. Use purchase-to-pay software for smarter sourcing
Use a recipe and menu engineering software to identify the best suppliers for plant-based ingredients. With smarter sourcing, you can streamline your purchasing process, reduce waste, and make cost-effective choices when sourcing vegan-friendly products. Your menu should reflect quality and affordability, which is easy when you have the right tools in place to manage your inventory.
When you’re introducing new options to your menu, It’s also important to keep a tight trip on allergen and nutritional information, and software can help you stay compliant.
5. Make it easy to upsell to customers
Make sure your plant-based dishes are placed strategically on your menu to increase visibility. Use your purchase-to-pay software to track sales data and adjust pricing or placement based on what works. Offering a premium vegan option, like a gourmet plant-based burger, in a higher-visibility spot can encourage upselling without alienating non-vegan customers.
6. Promote your vegan options throughout the venue
Don’t just leave your vegan options to be found on the menu, make sure they’re highlighted in your venue’s design, on chalkboards, or through your brand’s social media. You could even share behind-the-scenes content about the sourcing and preparation of your plant-based dishes to generate excitement and anticipation for customers.
Ready to embrace plant-based this Veganuary?
In this article, we’ve explored how to create a plant-based menu that excites your customers, keeps them coming back, and makes the most of the Veganuary movement. From getting creative with classic dishes, to advertising your vegan offerings across your venue, there are plenty of ways to optimise your offerings and reduce costs.
Hospitality purchase-to-pay software can help streamline your menu creation process and make your plant-based options even more profitable. Whether you’re using it to simplify sourcing or menu engineering tools to optimise your pricing strategy, Access Hospitality has the solutions you need to make Veganuary a success.
Get started today and watch your plant-based menu shine.