How to Go Vegan
Going vegan is less about willpower and more about preparation. The people who successfully transition are those who think ahead: who stock the right kitchen basics, who have a handful of go-to recipes ready, and who approach the change as an addition (of new, interesting food) rather than a subtraction. This guide covers everything practical — what to replace, how to shop, and how to make the transition genuinely enjoyable.
Recipes
Tips
- Do it gradually if that suits you — reducing animal products over four to eight weeks is more sustainable than an abrupt overnight change for many people.
- Focus on what you are adding, not what you are removing. Plant-based cuisine is extraordinarily varied.
- Find your social workarounds early — restaurants, family meals, travel. These are usually the moments people struggle with.
Learn to Cook Plant-Based Food Properly
Our Cook Like a Pro course is 19 modules of professional plant-based cookery from Michelin-trained chefs. Step-by-step video lessons, 76 recipes, and a certificate on completion.
See Cook Like a Pro →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go vegan overnight or gradually? +
Both work. Gradual transition (reducing animal products over four to eight weeks) tends to have better long-term adherence for most people. Going cold turkey works well for those who are highly motivated and good at habit change.
What should I stock first when going vegan? +
Tinned chickpeas and lentils, plant milk (oat is the most versatile), a vegan butter substitute, nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour), good spices, tahini, and soy sauce. These cover the vast majority of plant-based recipes.
How do I replace dairy? +
Oat milk in coffee and cooking, coconut milk or oat cream in sauces, nutritional yeast for cheesy flavour, vegan butter in baking and spreading. Most replacements are now widely available in UK supermarkets.
How do I replace eggs? +
In baking, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or aquafaba (chickpea water) work for binding. Silken tofu works for scrambles. Most commercial baked goods can be made vegan by swapping eggs for a combination of baking soda and a liquid acid (like vinegar).
What if I eat out a lot? +
Most restaurants now have vegan options — call ahead if you want to be certain. Italian (pasta, pizza bases, tomato dishes), Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisines all have naturally plant-based options in most restaurants.
Related Guides
Browse the full collection
See every recipe in this collection, filtered by region and dietary preference.
View UK collection → · View US collection →