Catering for vegans

November is the month to embrace both World Vegan Day (on the 1^st) and World Vegan Month. The dates coincide with the formation of the Vegan Society in November 1994.

50 years earlier, in 1944, The Vegan Society began as an offshoot of The Vegetarian Society – to distinguish between simply not eating any meat, and not eating any animal products at all.

Are there more vegans than before?

According to a survey carried out by the Vegan Society in 2016, veganism is growing in popularity. In the last 10 years the number of Brits following a vegan way of life has risen by more than 360%. Numbers now equate to 542,000 – over 1% of the population. Around half of those following a vegan diet are aged 15-34.

This growth looks set to continue, since as well environmental and welfare issues, there are many perceived health benefits of a vegan diet. These include lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, a lower body mass index, and reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer.

What can vegans eat?

A vegan diet is entirely plant-based, avoiding meat, fish, shellfish, dairy products, eggs and honey. Instead it embraces meals made from vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, grains, pulses, beans. Therefore, as long as you don’t slather the toast with butter, a simple lunch of beans on toast can be vegan!

What can I put on the menu for vegan customers?

So – what to offer your vegan customers? Remember vegan dishes are suitable for your vegetarian customers as well, so there’s no need to offer separate options.

For inspiration, look to dishes where the traditional cuisine relies more on plants than meat. There are plenty to choose from – lentil daal from India, vegetable fajitas from Mexico, chickpea dishes such as houmous and falafels from the Middle East, vegetable tempura from Japan – all tasty and simple options to get you started. Just remember to ensure you use vegetable oils rather than beef dripping for any frying.

If you need more ideas there’s a great Italian vegan recipe here (omit the Parmesan) plus the Vegan Society has some great menu hints for starters, main courses and puds and cakes on its website.

Many of the products in the Total Foodservice range are already suitable for vegans. Check ingredients lists – particularly for eggs and milk – or speak to a member of our sales team for more information.