Every January, the UK retail world gets a little shake-up. Veganuary arrives, people get curious, and suddenly there’s a surge in shoppers looking for plant-based options. Whether they’re full-time vegans, flexitarians, or just trying something new to reset their habits. It’s an exciting moment for customers, but it’s an even bigger moment for retailers who want to attract modern shoppers and stay ahead of trends.
But here’s the real point: Veganuary isn’t just a “January thing” anymore. It’s become a launchpad for year-round behaviour. Once people discover great vegan treats, they don’t stop looking for them when February rolls around. The demand carries on, and that’s exactly why stocking vegan treats all year makes sense.
Veganuary Is Growing Every Year - And So Is Consumer Demand
When Veganuary began in 2014, only 3,300 people in the UK signed up. Now the campaign attracts more than 700,000 participants globally, with the UK still leading the way. And that’s just the official sign-ups!! Many people take part informally without filling in a form.
Around 9% of UK adults say they participate in Veganuary in some way each year, and during January, plant-based product sales can rise by up to thirty percent. It’s a month where shoppers are actively exploring and if vegan treats are on your shelves, they will get noticed.
Vegan Buying Has Shifted From Trend to Habit
The biggest change isn’t January enthusiasm - it’s the behaviour that follows. The number of vegans in the UK has risen sharply over the last decade, reaching around 1.6 million. Add in more than seven million flexitarians who regularly choose plant-based food, and you’ve suddenly got a very large audience looking for vegan options every single week.
More than 40% of UK households now buy vegan products weekly. This isn’t seasonal behaviour. It’s everyday shopping. And the retailers who offer plant-based treats consistently throughout the year position themselves as inclusive, forward-thinking and relevant to modern customer needs.
Why Vegan Treats Belong on Shelves All Year (Not Just January)
Retailers benefit massively from stocking vegan options year-round. It means more people can buy from you without worrying about dietary restrictions. It also makes gifting easier - especially when people are buying for mixed dietary groups and need something that works for everyone without second-guessing.
And let’s be honest: vegan sweets have come a long way. They aren’t the dull, tough originals from years ago. Ours also come beautifully packaged, which makes them perfect for gifting displays! When customers see inclusive treats that look this good, it makes their decision simple.
Vegan Gifting Is Growing Fast - And the Data Proves It
One of the biggest emerging trends is vegan gifting. Online searches for “vegan gifts” spike by roughly 300% during Veganuary, but unlike other search trends, they don’t drop off afterwards. Searches stay more than 100% higher throughout the year compared to five years ago. This shows that customers are genuinely looking for vegan gifting options beyond the Veganuary buzz.
Younger shoppers (Especially Gen Z and Millennials) are driving this demand. They care about inclusivity, they love food gifting, and they prefer gifts that feel accessible to everyone. Vegan sweets remove the guesswork. One product that anybody can enjoy means fewer restrictions, fewer awkward moments and more confident gift-giving.
What This Means for Retailers and Stockists
The rise in vegan snacking and gifting is a clear opportunity. Retailers who consistently stock vegan treats attract a wider audience, offer better gifting options, and stay competitive as customer expectations shift. Vibrant packaging, clear messaging and inclusive products naturally increase impulse buys and make your merchandising more appealing.
Year-round vegan options send a strong message: your store is modern, thoughtful and ready for everyone - not just a select few.
Veganuary may spark the excitement each year, but the demand doesn’t disappear once January ends. Vegan treats have become part of everyday shopping habits, and customers expect to see them all year. Stocking plant-based sweets isn’t a seasonal add-on anymorem, it’s a smart, long-term retail strategy.
Vegan treats are tasty, eye-catching and easy to gift. And honestly, having options that everyone can enjoy just makes life easier - for you and your customers.
