How World Vegan Day Has Inspired Global Change for 30 Years

It’s been 30 years since World Vegan Day was celebrated for the first time. The idea came from Louise Wallis, former president of The Vegan Society, who created World Vegan Day to help commemorate the organization’s 50th birthday. 

Just as it did then, today, the holiday–which is acknowledged by activists, chefs, and compassionate vegans globally on November 1 every year–aims to raise awareness of the plant-based lifestyle and the health, environmental, and ethical benefits that come with it. 

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This year, World Vegan Day is bigger than ever, and you can expect to see more restaurant offers and brand deals online and near you in honor of the global celebration. But this time, World Vegan Day isn’t just about enjoying delicious, animal-free food. It’s also about reflecting and celebrating progress—especially as this year, The Vegan Society is also celebrating 80 years since its founding by Donald Watson and Elsie Shrigley in the 1940s. 

We recently spoke with Maisie Stedman, The Vegan Society’s spokesperson, to get an idea of just how impactful this day is, and how far the vegan movement has come since the 20th century.

VegNews: It’s been three decades since the first World Vegan Day, and so much has changed since then. With plant-based foods more accessible than ever, it seems like veganism has officially gone mainstream. Looking back, why do you think public perception has changed over the years?

Maisie Stedman: What was once seen as a fringe movement is now a widely understood and accepted ethical belief. The reasons behind this shift are numerous: the positive portrayal in the media has contributed to its changing image; documentaries on the shocking realities of animal agriculture have gained prominence; peaceful activists are educating the public about veganism on the streets and in schools; supermarkets and restaurants launch convenient, tasty vegan food options; delicious vegan recipes have multiplied online and on social media as society becomes increasingly health-conscious; and top vegan athletes keep proving that you can be fit and healthy on a plant-based diet.

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VegNews: Looking back, are there any milestones or key moments that have been especially significant in advancing the vegan movement?

Stedman: One of the earliest and most impactful moments was the coining of the term “vegan” itself in 1944. Our founders recognized the need to distinguish a lifestyle that excluded all animal products.  And of course, in 1994, The Vegan Society established World Vegan Day, now celebrated every November 1st, which has become a day of awareness and inspiration across the globe. This celebration continues to spark dialogues, introduce plant-based options, and inspire people to consider veganism for animals, the planet, and health. Campaigns, such as Veganuary and of course those we have at The Vegan Society, have also had a huge impact on the acceptance, understanding, and advancement of the movement. 

“It’s incredible that the word ‘vegan’ didn’t even exist until 1944 when The Vegan Society defined it but can now be seen on menus and products around the world.”

VegNews: Veganuary has seen astronomical growth over the years.

Stedman: When it first took place in 2013, it had 3,000 participants, and in 2024, more than 1.8 million people received Veganuary resources, with many millions more participating unofficially. It’s a great representation of the growth in interest in the vegan movement!

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VegNews: What would you say are some of the most impactful achievements of The Vegan Society over the past 30 years?

Stedman: The past three decades have seen The Vegan Society solidify its position as a leader in vegan advocacy through numerous groundbreaking initiatives. Our commitment to accurate, evidence-based information is supported by teams of dedicated experts. For instance, our team of dietitians has played a pivotal role in ensuring accurate nutritional guidance for vegans, as well as advocating within the healthcare community. Our Education Network collaborates with teachers and educational institutions to incorporate vegan principles into the curriculum.

VegNews: We’ve seen major legal changes, too. 

Stedman: Our International Vegan Rights Network strengthens legal advocacy and protections for vegans around the world. Our legal specialist, Jeanette Rowley, has successfully advocated for vegan rights across different legal contexts. Jeanette’s expertise is sought globally, and she has served as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in landmark cases, ensuring that veganism is recognized and respected under the law. 

“[Our] achievements represent The Vegan Society’s dedication to making veganism accessible, supported, and respected worldwide. With every milestone, we strive to build a compassionate world where veganism is understood, celebrated, and easily embraced.”

VegNews: Research suggests that all of this growth has inspired more people to move away from animal products, even if it’s just adopting a more flexitarian approach or going meat-free on Mondays. What would you say to those who are considering going even further and adopting a 100 percent vegan diet? 

Stedman: We don’t need to eat or use animals to live happy, healthy lives—it’s perfectly possible to get all the nutrients your body needs from plant sources. When transitioning to a vegan diet, it’s important to equip yourself with your “why”—a solid understanding of why you’ve chosen to live a vegan lifestyle. Arm yourself with plenty of resources and experiment and have fun with new recipes and plant-based alternatives to discover new favorites! Visit The Vegan Society’s website for information about the environmental and ethical benefits of choosing a vegan lifestyle, nutrition tips, recipes, and more.