Veganuary: there’s money in a meat-free approach

Widespread media coverage around ultra-processed foods  (UPFs) shone a light on the importance of clean labels and as a result consumers now pay more attention to the impact of UPFs on their health. Therefore, prioritise veg-centric dishes over meat substitutes.

Some 76% of consumers buy food with added benefits³, so if your vegan dishes contain nutrients that customers may be looking for more of in their diets, look to market this on your menu. “Protein-rich” and “high in fibre” descriptions on menus can help you capitalise on the trend toward healthier living. In addition, if a certain dish is particularly high in fruit or vegetables, it should also be highlighted with “two of your five a day” definitely enough to encourage some customers to select that option.

As Veganuary draws nearer and customers begin to look out for the best places to eat vegan options over the month, social media will be a vital means to draw in diners. So it’s crucial to think about how you’ll market these choices and more specifically what they will look like on camera and in newsfeeds.

Consider how you can make your dishes more instagrammable with the addition of interesting and eye-catching ingredients. Plenty of colourful vegetables served on similarly vibrant tableware can help convey quality and generate interest in an outlet’s offer.  

Naturally, more camera-friendly and aesthetically-appealing options will have a far better chance of being posted on your guests’ socials ramping up the attention your food will receive online and generating further business.

The perfect way to package a stellar Veganuary offer is to pair meat-free dishes with vegan drinks, the good news is that the vast majority of drinks on offer from spirits to soft drinks in the on-trade are vegan-friendly.

However some beers and wines can be made in a way which uses animal products. Double check any drinks you are promoting either on your menu or on signage online during Veganuary to make sure they are appropriate. However Carlsberg, Poretti, Brooklyn and more use no products of animal or fish origin in their production, making them suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

Remember hot drinks too. Soya, oat, almond and coconut milk are all popular alternatives to cow’s milk in gourmet coffee and tea. Stock up on Plenish Barista to ensure you have one or two available to customers, helping to reinforce a truly comprehensive offer in Veganuary and beyond.