World Vegan Day was first celebrated on November 1, 1994, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Vegan Society in the UK and the coining of the term “vegan.”
Although the exact founding date of the society in November 1944 was uncertain, both the term vegan and the idea behind it were born at that time. Yet, the concept of abstaining from animal products dates back more than two thousand years.
The Evolution of Veganism
The concept of vegetarianism as a lifestyle began to take shape around 1806, when Dr. William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley introduced the idea of avoiding dairy and eggs among Europeans.
More than a century later, British vegetarians came together to form the Vegan Society in 1944. That same year, Donald Watson coined the term vegan, derived from vegetarian, to distinguish those who excluded all animal products, including dairy.
Over time, veganism expanded beyond food choices to become a movement—one that also rejected the use of fur, leather, and other animal-derived goods. A few years later, in 1960, the American Vegan Society was founded.
In 1994, the president of the Vegan Society designated November 1st as World Vegan Day—the perfect start to World Vegan Month.
Why the World Celebrates Veganism
World Vegan Day highlights animal welfare, environmental protection, and personal health.
Reducing animal product consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, supports sustainability, and—according to many doctors and nutritionists—benefits the human body as well.
A Timeline of Vegan History
500 BCE — The First Mention of Vegetarianism
Abstaining from meat dates back to ancient Mediterranean and Indian cultures. The first recorded advocate was Pythagoras of Samos, the Greek mathematician and philosopher.
1806 — Veganism as a Lifestyle
Dr. William Lambe of London was among the first Europeans to publicly promote avoiding meat, eggs, and dairy for health benefits.
1847 — The First Vegetarian Society
Formed in England, it quickly grew to 150 members.
1850 — The American Vegetarian Society
Founded shortly after the British movement gained momentum.
1944 — The Word “Vegan” Is Coined
Donald Watson introduced the term vegan, officially recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary.
1944 — The Vegan Society Is Founded
Donald Watson and Elsie Shrigley established the Vegan Society in the UK.
1988 — The Definition Expands
Veganism grew to exclude all forms of animal exploitation, including clothing and other uses.
1994 — The First World Vegan Day
Celebrated in honor of the Vegan Society’s 50th anniversary.
2005 — Death of Founder Donald Watson
By his passing at age 95, there were over 250,000 vegans in the UK and at least 2 million in the U.S.
2018 — Launch of VeGuide App
The Vegan Society released VeGuide, an app designed to help newcomers transition to a vegan lifestyle.
How to Celebrate World Vegan Day
Start November by celebrating World Vegan Day—and perhaps keep the spirit alive all month long! Here are some fun ways to join the celebration:
🌱 Try a Vegan Diet
Use this day to explore the benefits of plant-based eating. It’s easier than it seems!
Swap your burger for a green salad, cook with coconut oil instead of butter, and replace dairy with soy, oat, or almond milk.
🍳 Start Cooking Vegan
Worried that vegan food might feel restrictive? Try these delicious recipes that everyone will love—no animal products needed!
Vegan Mac and Cheese:
A creamy, savory sauce made from grated potatoes, avocado oil, raw cashews, and spices—you won’t miss the dairy version!
Vegan Peanut Butter Bars:
Made with peanut butter, almond flour, cocoa, walnuts, and dates—rich and satisfying without milk, eggs, or butter.
Chipotle Butternut Squash Chili:
A hearty mix of butternut squash, peppers, cashews, and beans, topped with tortilla chips and avocado.
No-Bake Cookies:
Quick and family-friendly, made from chocolate, oats, and peanut butter using almond milk and coconut oil.
🤝 Join a Vegan Event
Many vegan societies host festivals, cooking demos, and lectures around the world. Invite friends to prepare a fully vegan meal together—they’ll be amazed by the flavor!
💚 Discover the Health Benefits of Veganism
A vegan lifestyle can positively impact your body and the planet:
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Helps with weight loss: A plant-based diet is effective for losing extra pounds compared to traditional Western diets.
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Improves blood sugar and kidney function: Many diabetics reduce medication after switching to vegan eating.
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Lowers the risk of heart disease: Vegan diets often reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
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May prevent certain cancers: According to the WHO, up to one-third of cancers are preventable, and plant-based diets can play a role in lowering the risk.
Featured Vegan Recipes
🥢 Vegetable Fried Rice
A wholesome, colorful meal filled with brown rice and fresh vegetables.
Serves: 3
Key Ingredients: avocado oil, eggs (optional for vegetarians), onion, carrots, mixed vegetables, garlic, ginger, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
Tip: Serve hot with chili-garlic sauce or Sriracha.
🍲 Lentil Soup
A hearty, protein-packed soup rich in iron, fiber, and folate.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 55 minutes
Key Ingredients: olive oil, onions, carrots, garlic, cumin, curry powder, thyme, tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, kale, and lemon juice.
Tip: Blend part of the soup for a creamy texture and finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
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