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 flavors in the sauce. On top of that, jackfruit is low in calories, high in fiber 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 flavors of any dish and it is fantastic in a Jungle curry with its fragrant and punchy flavor. 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
Here's something that might surprise you: some of the boldest, most flavor-packed Thai curries are naturally vegan. Jungle curry, which comes from the rural highlands of Southern Thailand, was traditionally made without coconut milk – just pure, unapologetic chile heat, herbs, and whatever vegetables were on hand. It's not a compromise. It's the original.
If you're doing Veganuary this year, Thai curry is one of the smartest moves you can make. Jackfruit gives you that pulled-pork texture in a green curry, and tofu – when you get it right – turns into these golden, crispy little bites that soak up every bit of that fragrant, spicy sauce. You're not substituting anything. You're cooking something that's been plant-based for generations, long before it became a trend.
Mae Jum's curry pastes are all registered with the Vegan Society, so there's no second-guessing about fish sauce or shrimp paste. It's the real deal, and it's vegan from the ground up. That means you can make restaurant-quality Thai curry at home any night of the week, and Veganuary suddenly feels a whole lot more delicious.
