Planning Veganuary? Sign up to research study before Christmas!

If you’re planning to take part in Veganuary, University of Exeter researchers want to hear from you to take part in a study, well before you hit your festive roast.

They need participants to sign up in December, so that they can compare habits and attitudes before and after the  meat-free month

Exeter research has previously found that the plant-based month can help people to reduce their meat intake well beyond the end of January. However, their research has also identified challenges that can hinder people sticking to the diet for the whole month. Barriers include having to navigate food choices in social settings, a lack of plant-based options when eating out, missing non-vegan foods, and the perceived inconvenience of plant-based cooking.

University of Exeter PhD researcher Sophie Hearn said: “Our previous research shows us that taking part in Veganuary can lead to lasting habits of eating less meat, but we know people do face challenges.  Our new study aims to help people feel more confident in making plant-based choices. This could further enhance how effective Veganuary and similar initiatives can be in the longer term. We need people to sign up to our next research study in December, to help us test strategies to support people overcome the challenges they may face in sticking to a plant-based diet in January.”

The study is aiming to recruit 200 people who currently eat meat and are planning to not eat meat during January for Veganuary. The study involves completing a series of short surveys between December and May.

Professor Natalia Lawrence, at the University of Exeter, said:  “We know that reducing meat intake can have a number of benefits including on health, the environment, animal welfare, and on finances. We want to help people who take part in Veganuary to make these changes in the longer term, too. Although many people will be more focussed on their festive feast during December, we need that baseline information now to be able to monitor the differences during and after Veganuary.”

During Veganuary, the University of Exeter will offer students and staff promotions on plant-based menu options in its retail outlets, to encourage participation. The University is committed to reducing meat consumption throughout the year. It operates a “meat second” approach to menus, so vegetarian  options are most prominent. University catering services across Exeter and at the University’s Penryn Campus also offer  lower prices for vegan and vegetarian options, and reduce meat content by supplementing with plant-based alternatives such as Quorn, soya and jackfruit. Staff event catering is increasingly vegetarian by default, meaning attendees who want meat need to request it in advance.

Simon Law, Director, Catering, Retail Services and Commercial Development at the University of Exeter, said:  “As a university, we’re committed to contributing to a healthier, greener and fairer society. We want to support our staff in healthier options, while continuing to provide choice to our diverse community. We’re delighted to support Veganuary with some exciting and cost-effective vegetarian food options across our campuses.”

To sign up to the research, visit the  recruitment page  before the end of December.