What’s Happening in the Vegan World This January: Big Events, New Launches & What to Look Forward to in 2026

January isn’t just the start of a new year — it’s the busiest, boldest month in the vegan world. From huge global events to foodie launches, campaigns, documentaries, and plant-based breakthroughs, January sets the tone for the year ahead.

If you’re diving into Veganuary, already vegan, or simply curious about what’s next, here’s everything happening in the vegan space this month — and why 2026 is gearing up to be a massive year for plant-based living.

1. Veganuary Goes Bigger Than Ever

Veganuary continues to dominate January, with sign-ups growing every year and millions taking part unofficially. The movement has become a cultural moment, inspiring supermarkets, restaurants, and global brands to launch vegan products exclusively for January.

What to expect this year:

  • new supermarket vegan ranges

  • restaurant chains expanding their plant-based menus

  • celebrity partnerships

  • increased media coverage of plant-based eating

Veganuary isn’t slowing down — it’s becoming a permanent part of the food calendar.

2. New Plant-Based Launches Hit Supermarkets

January is peak season for vegan product innovation. It’s when companies reveal their biggest plant-based launches, and shelves fill with limited editions and new staples that often stay year-round.

Some key categories growing fast:

  • dairy-free cheeses that melt (properly!)

  • fish-free products made from algae

  • ready-to-eat plant protein meals

  • vegan bakery ranges

  • fortified plant milks

Supermarkets use January to test what shoppers really want — and plant-based continues to outperform predictions.

3. Vegan Festivals & Events Begin Their 2026 Calendar

Most vegan festivals kick off planning, announcements, and early-year events in January. While some peak in spring and summer, January always brings the first wave of buzz.

Look out for:

  • VegFest UK announcements

  • local vegan markets reopening after Christmas

  • plant-based food festivals revealing 2026 headliners

  • sustainability fairs and eco living expos

It’s the start of a packed events calendar for vegan families, foodies, and activists.

4. Vegan Documentaries & Campaigns Drop in January

January is a big month for new vegan campaigns, often focusing on:

  • animal welfare

  • environmental issues

  • health research

  • climate-friendly diets

It’s also the time when vegan documentary releases tend to peak, helping drive public conversation around plant-based living. Every year, at least one film or campaign becomes the centre of vegan social media — expect debates, education, and plenty of motivation.

5. Plant-Based Innovation Predicted for 2026

January is also when analysts publish predictions for the coming year. For 2026, expect growth in:

Algae-based nutrition

Not just omega-3 — algae is set to appear in protein, snacks, and fortified foods.

Minimal-ingredient plant foods

Shorter labels. Cleaner formulas. More wholefood-based products.

Luxury vegan beauty

High-end skincare and makeup brands are shifting to cruelty-free formulations.

Vegan families & kids’ nutrition

More brands (like Vegums) creating fun, accessible, family-friendly supplements.

Eco-packaged wellness

Plastic-free vitamins and refillable options will become the norm, not the niche.

2026 looks set to be one of the most exciting years for plant-based innovation yet.

6. What This All Means for You

Whether you’re new to veganism or have been plant-based for years, January is the best month to explore, taste, try, and get inspired. New products land, festivals return, supermarkets experiment, and the whole vegan world feels alive.

It’s also the perfect time to support your health with a reliable vegan multivitamin or omega-3 supplement — especially during darker winter months when Vitamin D, B12, and essential nutrients matter most.

The vegan scene is expanding fast, and January is the month where everything begins. From Veganuary momentum to exciting product launches and early 2026 predictions, there’s never been a better time to dive in and be part of the community.