January is upon us once more and with it comes...post-Christmas debt and a chocolate hangover.
Yep, it's not our favourite month of the year, but we've decided not to be Debbie Downers about it. Sure, drinking your way through December might not have been as productive to your 2022 gym goals as you originally thought, but it's not the be-all and end-all for your new year's resolutions.
Outside of becoming a gym bunny, January can be about changing other habits. If you fancy cutting out alcohol for a month, you can try your hand at dry January, or in the case of this article, we might suggest limiting your animal product consumption.
Now now, we're not here to push a vegan lifestyle onto you, you're free to do completely as you wish. We're just saying that joining in on the Veganuary hype would a completely attainable goal for the new year.
So, along that vein, here's a nice round up of all the bits and bobs us folks at heat are buying this Veganuary.
It can be quite overwhelming cutting out all of your animal products overnight (who knew parmesan wasn't vegan?) so we've put together a collection of some of our fave alternatives to get you started. We've even picked some of our favourite kitchen appliances so you can live your best plant-based chef life.
You go, hun.
SHOP: Top buys for your best Veganuary yet, chosen by the heat team
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Veganuary shopping picks for 2022
Vegan 1460 Ankle Boots
Chosen by commercial content writer Caitlin Casey @qwertycaitlinIf you didn't already know, get to know this little vegan secret. Dr Martens do vegan shoes which are just as good as their usual leather, just even better for the planet ofc. Whether you want the classic lace up Dr Martens, Chelsea boots or even sandals, there's something for everyone. I might even say they're even comfier than the originals…
Noughty Tough Cookie Shampoo and Conditioner
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithAs someone who swims, my hair gets so dry so quickly, so I've been making an extra effort to keep the moisture in and the split ends OUT. Noughty haircare is vegan, cruelty-free and SLS-free so my hair is getting nothing but the good stuff (97% good stuff, to be precise) and I can honestly say that after just two weeks of using it, I can already see a difference. C'est magnifique. Click here for the conditioner.
Candy Kittens Vegan Sweets, Sour Watermelon
Chosen by storytelling executive @sampricewriter Loved by vegan and non-vegan friends alike, Candy Kittens are always a success. The taste, texture and consistency get a thumbs up all round. With a subtle flavour of sour watermelon and a little bit of fizziness, they're a great treat when you're in the mood for something sweet. (Plus, they're shaped like cats so that's a very cute added bonus in itself).
e.l.f Hydrating Camo Concealer
Chosen by associate editor Eden-Olivia Lord @eden_liv_lordI love this concealer it's one of my favourites and I actually need a new one. It's hydrating, full coverage and it leaves you with a satin finish. Plus e.l.f. is an inclusive brand so 10/10 I will be supporting and all their products are vegan and cruelty free.
BOSH! on a Budget
Chosen by digital writer Nathan Katnoria @nathan_katJanuary using means pinching the pennies a bit as we try to stretch December's wages across the approximately 2769 weeks that this month lasts so thank goodness for Bosh's new cookbook which features over 100 mouthwatering plant-based recipes that can be recreated on a budget. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen whipping up loads of tasty treats.
offer Boots Good Gut Live Friendly Bacteria Capsules
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithI'm not ashamed to admit that I have landed on gut health TikTok and, well, taking part in veganuary means it's not as easy to get my usual probiotic yoghurt or kefir fix. Thankfully, Boots have come to the rescue with their vegan healthy gut supplements and, with over 25 billion cultures, they're sure to do me good. Don't believe me? Check out @yesofcoursemynameisemily on TikTok...
Nando's Vegan Perinaise Peri Peri Mild Mayonnaise
Chosen by team assistant Daisy Hall @daisyhall1I don't mean to be dramatic but Nando's Vegan Perinaise might just be the greatest vegan condiment. Scratch that the greatest vegan food. Scratch that the greatest vegan product. It will make all your dishes this Veganuary so much better. You know you need some.
That Tofu Thing - Tofu Press
Chosen by commercial content writer Lily Anderson @lily.anderson_xWho knew you had to press the water out of tofu? Not me, that's for sure. Finally, I can make my favourite fakeaway dish from home. Not to blow my own trumpet or anything but I reckon after buying this handy tool, my tofu katsu curry will be pretty on par with Waga's.
Vegan Babybels
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes @a1meejakesOkay, as someone who deems regular Babybels as an holy grail snack, the vegan version aren't as good. All cards on the table, they will never win. However, drop the comparison and they are definitely very tasty all on their own. They're not as spongey as regular Babybels and more of a cream cheese sorta texture, but if you are doing Veganuary and missing snackable cheese, you will love these.
The Velvetiser Hot Chocolate Maker
Chosen by commercial content writer Caitlin Casey @qwertycaitlinThere's still time for cosy winter warm drinks and I am obsessed with the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser at the mo. Mix in plant milk with any of their vegan hot chocolates for super frothy chocolate drinks. My fave is their Hazelnut Praline hot chocolate with coconut milk – total hug in a mug. Also perf for our lactose-free friends out there.
Veja V-10 Vegan Trainers
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithVeja trainers are the shoes of 2022, if you ask me, and what better way to enter the new year than with the brand's vegan leather V-10s. Just as good as their leather counterparts, Veja's vegan V-10s are the same price, wear the same and the majority of the shoes' materials are even made up of recycled materials. It's a win, win, win.
Zinger Organic ginger shot (70ml x 15 shots)
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes @a1meejakesI don't want to get all Gwynny Paltrow on you reader, but 2022 is the year of balance and growth! That's why I'm all about the morning ginger shot. I like them spicy enough to remind myself I'm alive (ha!) and enough ginger to ward off any type of illness this winter. Of course, they are completely vegan, too.
Mii Cosmetics - Absolute Face Base
Chosen by junior digital writer Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithI've been looking for a 'mask-proof' foundation for SO long and, honestly, if you're looking for the same, this is your best bet. It's vegan, it's cruelty free and, for the quality, it's an absolute steal. You won't regret buying this...and neither will your make-up stained face mask (seriously, put that thing in the wash).
Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
Chosen by storytelling executive @sampricewriter Having naturally wavy hair that has a tendency to frizz, (especially after a round of bleach) it's safe to say that my hair needs a little bit more maintenance these days. I've been trying to show my hair some love by using the right products for my hair type, when I came across Curlsmith's Bond Curl Rehab Salve. It's vegan friendly, cruelty free and doesn't contain any sulphates or parabens, which is all the better when it comes to hair products. While it's a little on the expensive side, a little goes a long way and even a small amount of product can help define waves and curls. We love to see it.
Alpro SOYA Chocolate Flavoured Drink
Chosen by storytelling executive Angelica Daujotas @angedaujotasHands down the best chocolate milk ever. No exaggeration, my life changed when I tried this vegan treat; the velvety, rich flavour was unlike any other chocolate milk I've ever tasted. Drinking it chilled from the fridge is amazing, but using it as a base for your hot chocolate, you've truly struck gold.
BOSH!: Simple recipes. Unbelievable results. All plants.
Chosen by commercial content writer Jade Moscrop @jademoscropI'm sick of rotating the same meals each week, so to try and get more creative with my cooking, I've turned to the best-selling vegan cookbook around from BOSH!. With quick weekday meals and outrageously good junk food for the weekends, it's become my new go-to.
Lindt Classic Recipe Vegan Smooth Bar
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithPraise the Lord because Lindt have FINALLY released a vegan chocolate bar worth talking about. I'll admit, in the past I have been guilty of raving about a vegan chocolate bar that was not particularly rave worthy just because it was edible, but when I tell you this is the real deal, I promise I'm telling the truth. Lindt's distinct classic recipe flavour is one everyone can recognise and, in their new vegan oat bar, they've somehow hit the nail on the head without the dairy. It's creamy, it's sweet and most importantly for me, it doesn't just taste like extra sugary dark chocolate like most vegan 'milk' chocs. Major thumbs up.
All Plants Subscription Box
Chosen by shopping editor Aimee Jakes @a1meejakesEating plant-based is now too easy, thanks to Allplants. You can choose from plenty of delicious dishes, including 'Chicken' Katsu Curry and Nacho Bean Chilli, which you can store in your freezer and only takes a few minutes to microwave. Each meal is healthy, balanced and 100% vegan (and tastes so good you'll literally do a double take). My personal fave is the Mac and 'Cheese', which I'd happily eat every single day until I die. Me? Dramatic? Never...
Powder Highlighter by Beauty Bay
Chosen by associate editor Eden-Olivia Lord @eden_liv_lordI'm actually shocked at how pigmented these highlighters are because they only cost £5 so I definitely will be buying one in another shade. You can never have enough highlighter and this one is vegan and cruelty free.
Misfits Vegan Protein Bar, Variety Case
Chosen by digital writer Nathan Katnoria @nathan_katI decided to give these vegan protein bars a go last year after seeing them all over TikTok and was seriously impressed by how tasty they were. Despite being low in sugar, they still feel like a treat and contain a decent 15g of protein per bar. There's a wide range of delish flavours including Banoffee, Dark Choc Raspberry and Cookies and Cream, but I'll be trying out the Speculoos this Veganuary.
Impala Women's Inline Skates
Chosen by deputy commercial content editor Jade Moscrop @jademoscropI fell in love with skating in 2020 and while I love my quads, I fancy something a little different for 2022. These vegan inline skates from Impala tick all the boxes - cute, quick and PETA-approved, so I'll be zooming around my estate in style. Skating's a brilliant workout and it all counts towards my New Year's resolution of getting outside more and living my best healthy life - I can't wait for them to arrive.
BCAA Strawberry Sweets with prebiotics
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithJanuary may be about health, but that doesn't mean you have to give up eating things that you crave. With Blockhead's new strawberry sweets, you don't even need to feel guilty, with each pack only coming in at 36 cals. They're naturally flavoured, full of prebiotics and essential amino acids, and they're only £1.75 a pack. It's a yes from me.
Bondi Sands Eye Spy Vitamin C Eye Cream
Chosen by audience dev exec Lucy Smith @luceeeeesmithFinding plant-based skincare is actually way harder than it looks, so when I spotted that the Bondi Sands vitamin C eye cream was actually vegan, I just had to add it to my shopping list. Plus, £9.99 for an eye cream is a STEAL, these days.
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So, you've stocked up on all the best vegan bits so you can draw at least ONE positive from this God awful month 😂. You must be twiddling your thumbs a bit now, but not to worry, because we've got plenty more content where that came from...
The gyms are open this year after the hell of a January that was 2022, so there's no excuse not to give your fitness wardrobe a bit of a zhuzh.
Check out our fave squat proof leggings now. And hey, have you seen the £17.99 Amazon leggings Zara McDermott works out in? They super good, trust us.