As we embark on a new year, we at Cornelius want to highlight an initiative that not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability, but also offers a chance for personal growth and awareness: Veganuary. 

What is Veganuary? 

Veganuary is a global movement that encourages people to adopt a vegan diet during January. This initiative is not simply about exploring new dietary choices, but is a step towards understanding our impact on the environment. 

Why Consider a Vegan Diet? 

The link between our diet and the environment is undeniable. Research shows that animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water usage. By adopting a plant-based diet, even temporarily, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. 

Carbon Emissions Reduction: Did you know that producing 1kg of beef emits 60kg of greenhouse gases (GHGs), whereas pulses emit under 1kg per kg produced? This stark difference highlights the significant environmental impact of red meat production.  

Land Use Efficiency: Did you know that livestock farming uses 77% of global farming land, yet produces only 18% of the world’s calories? Switching to plant-based diets can significantly improve land use efficiency. 

Water Usage: Did you know that producing 1kg of beef requires approximately 15,000 litres of water, whereas crops like potatoes, wheat, and rice require between 500-4,000 litres? Reducing red meat consumption can greatly reduce water usage. 

Biodiversity Preservation: Did you know that livestock farming is a leading cause of deforestation and habitat destruction, which threatens biodiversity? Opting for plant-based foods helps preserve natural habitats. 

Methane Emissions: Did you know that livestock, especially cattle, are one of the largest sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas? Reducing red meat consumption can cut down methane emissions significantly. 

You can find out more about the environmental impacts of food here.

What Can You Do? 

Explore Plant-Based Alternatives: Veganuary is an excellent opportunity to try plant-based meals. It’s not about a complete lifestyle overhaul, but about making conscious choices. 

Learn and Share: Use this month to learn more about the environmental impact of our food choices and share insights with colleagues and friends. 

Reflect on Our Habits: This is a chance to reflect on our everyday choices and how they align with our values of sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

We encourage everyone to participate in whatever capacity you can. Whether it’s opting for a vegan meal once a week or going fully plant-based for the month, every small step counts. 

Let’s take this journey together for our health and the health of our planet! 

Cornelius can help! 

We have a wide and diverse Health and Nutrition portfolio containing a number of ingredients that are suitable for vegan food and drink production: 

TREHA™ from Nagase is a natural solution for enhancing plant-based proteins. Trehalose, a naturally derived saccharide that’s already a part of our everyday diet, is an innovative ingredient specifically designed to effectively mask unpleasant flavours, making plant-based options more palatable and enjoyable. 

Flavonoids from HTBA is suitable for beverages and non-dairy applications. These taste modulation ingredients can improve taste and overall acceptability, reducing off-flavours from proteins, and can be optimised for non-dairy applications. 

Creavitalis® from Alzchem supports a plant-based diet through supplementing creatine. Low meat diets and meat alternatives have a reduced creatine intake, required for energy metabolism in our cells. Creavitalis® has been optimised for inclusion for vegan and vegetarian products to supplement this essential daily requirement, needed for mental and physical health benefits. 

Madagascan Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder from Neilsen-Massey Vanillas is an all-natural powder produced through a proprietary process using Madagascan Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. Ideal for dry mixes and liquid or colour sensitive products such as icings, or for flavouring beverages such as vegan protein powders. 

For anyone involved in the manufacture of dairy alternatives, meat replacement products, or vegan food production, you can read more about this topic and how Cornelius contributes through our Health and Nutrition portfolio here, or contact us for more information and samples at: sales.enquires@cornelius.co.uk