If the thought of going vegan for a whole month feels a bit daunting, you’re not alone. For many, the idea of swapping out their favourite comfort foods like burgers, bacon, or chicken can be overwhelming. But what if you could keep those cravings in check without sacrificing the flavours or textures you love? Enter the world of vegan swaps — easy plant-based alternatives that can help you transition smoothly into Veganuary 2025.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact, improve your health, or simply give veganism a try for the month, swapping animal-based foods for plant-based options can be easier than you think. In fact, you may even find that some of these swaps are so delicious, you’ll want to keep them in your meals well beyond January.

We spoke to Chef Isabella Flint, the founder of Fanatically Food, to get her expert tips on the five best vegan swaps for common meat-based dishes. She also explained how these swaps can still offer all the flavour and satisfaction of your favourite meals, but with a lighter environmental footprint and a healthier twist. Ready to dive in?

Why Try Vegan Swaps?

January is often a time for new beginnings — a chance to reset, adopt healthier habits, and try something new. For many, Veganuary offers the perfect opportunity to test out a vegan diet, with all its potential benefits. Going vegan for a month is not only a great way to improve your health, but it also plays a role in reducing animal suffering and combating climate change.

By cutting out animal products, you can help reduce the demand for intensive animal agriculture, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The added bonus? Vegan diets are packed with fibre, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making them beneficial for everything from gut health to reducing your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

However, we understand that making the switch can feel like a big leap, especially when you’re used to eating meat. That’s where these easy swaps come in! They’ll help satisfy your cravings for familiar foods while keeping things 100% plant-based.

1. Jackfruit as Pulled Pork

First on our list is jackfruit, a tropical fruit that has taken the vegan world by storm. If you’re sceptical about fruit standing in for pulled pork, you might want to think again. Jackfruit has a unique texture that’s remarkably similar to the shredded consistency of pulled pork, making it a fantastic alternative for sandwiches, tacos, and wraps.

Chef Isabella Flint loves using jackfruit for its ability to absorb the flavours it’s cooked with, making it perfect for marinating. “When you season jackfruit with a tangy BBQ sauce or other rich marinades, the texture mimics that of pulled pork perfectly,” she says. The result? A hearty, satisfying dish that’s every bit as tasty as the real thing.

Beyond its texture, jackfruit is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. This fruit can even help support digestive health, reduce blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol levels. So, not only is it a brilliant meat alternative, but it’s also great for your health.

If you want to make the transition to a plant-based diet even easier, you could always consider ordering vegan ready meals delivered to your door, like those offered by Root Kitchen. This way, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked flavours without the hassle of cooking from scratch!

2. Tempeh as Bacon

If the idea of giving up bacon feels like a dealbreaker for your Veganuary, don’t worry — tempeh is here to save the day. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a nutrient-rich protein source that’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. It’s particularly known for its ability to absorb flavours, which makes it perfect for dishes where bacon’s smoky, salty, and crispy profile is key.

Flint recommends cutting tempeh into thin strips, frying it up in a hot pan, and seasoning it with a bit of soy sauce or liquid smoke for that unmistakable bacon taste. “Tempeh becomes wonderfully crispy when cooked, and while it doesn’t taste exactly like bacon, it comes surprisingly close,” she says. You can enjoy it in everything from vegan BLTs to pasta dishes, breakfast scrambles, or as a topping for salads.

Tempeh isn’t just tasty — it’s also a healthy choice. It’s an excellent source of protein, fibre, and minerals like iron and calcium. Plus, it has probiotic benefits from the fermentation process, which can support gut health.

Looking for convenient vegan meals during your Veganuary journey? Tempeh makes a great addition to a variety of dishes, and if you’re looking to try some new recipes without the effort, companies like Root Kitchen offer a wide range of vegan frozen food to stock up on for quick and tasty meals.

3. Portobello Mushrooms as Beef Burgers

Craving a juicy burger? You don’t have to miss out during Veganuary. Portobello mushrooms, with their rich umami flavour and meaty texture, make an excellent replacement for beef burgers. When grilled or fried, these large mushrooms take on a satisfying texture that works beautifully in a burger bun.

Chef Flint suggests seasoning the mushrooms well with herbs, garlic, and vegan cheese to add depth of flavour. “Portobello mushrooms have a naturally savoury taste that’s perfect for a burger,” she explains. You can even throw in a few vegan toppings like avocado, caramelised onions, or a tangy mustard sauce for a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic.

Not only are portobello mushrooms delicious, but they also come with a range of health benefits. They’re low in calories and fat while being high in nutrients like copper, which supports the body’s ability to form connective tissue and produce antioxidants. Plus, mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, which help boost your energy levels.

If you're short on time and need some vegan meal company options to make your life easier, Root Kitchen’s vegan ready meals delivered could be the perfect solution for getting your burger fix without the cooking!

4. Seitan as Chicken

Seitan, made from wheat gluten, is another fantastic vegan meat substitute that’s packed with protein. It has a chewy, satisfying texture that’s similar to chicken, making it a go-to for vegan stir-fries, sandwiches, and stews. Chef Flint recommends using seitan in place of chicken in your favourite dishes like vegan fajitas or even a classic chicken salad.

“Seitan can really absorb the flavours of whatever you cook it with,” says Flint. “It’s great for stir-fries or dishes that typically rely on a meaty texture, such as vegan ‘chicken’ nuggets or vegan wraps.”

What makes seitan stand out is its high protein content, making it a great option for those looking to maintain muscle mass or support their active lifestyle. It’s also rich in iron and calcium, both of which are essential for bone and blood health. Although seitan is made from gluten, it’s generally safe for those without gluten sensitivities, so it’s a great alternative to chicken if you’re looking for a meaty texture without the meat.

And if you’re in need of vegan frozen food that’s already prepped and ready to cook, Root Kitchen offers plenty of options, so you can stock your freezer with wholesome, plant-based meals and enjoy the convenience of home delivery.

5. Tofu as a Meat Substitute

Finally, we can’t forget about tofu, the vegan protein that’s been a staple in plant-based cooking for years. Tofu is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent substitute for a wide range of meat-based dishes. Whether you're making a tofu scramble as a stand-in for scrambled eggs, using it in a stir-fry instead of chicken, or grilling it for vegan kebabs, tofu can handle just about anything you throw at it.

“Tofu is fantastic at absorbing the flavours of whatever spices or sauces you’re cooking with,” says Flint. “It can easily be marinated, grilled, fried, or even crumbled into a dish like a meat filling.” The versatility of tofu makes it the ultimate vegan substitute for just about any meat-based dish, from burgers to curries.

Not only is tofu an excellent source of plant-based protein, but it also offers a host of health benefits. It contains essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium, and consuming it regularly may even help reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly for those with a history of cardiovascular issues.

If you're looking for convenient vegan meals that incorporate tofu in various ways, check out Root Kitchen for ready-made dishes that make healthy eating even easier. Whether you’re craving a stir-fry, curry, or tofu salad, their vegan meal company can deliver the perfect options straight to your door.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it — five easy vegan swaps that will help you conquer Veganuary 2025 with ease. Whether you're replacing pulled pork with jackfruit, indulging in a vegan BLT with tempeh bacon, or enjoying a juicy portobello mushroom burger, these plant-based alternatives will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavour or texture.

As you venture into your plant-based journey this January, remember that you don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to experiment, enjoy new foods, and learn how easy it can be to make sustainable and health-conscious food choices. With these swaps in your arsenal, Veganuary might just become your favourite month of the year!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to dive into the delicious world of vegan food and see how these simple swaps can make your meals both satisfying and better for the planet. If you're looking for even more help, Root Kitchen offers a variety of vegan frozen food and vegan ready meals delivered straight to your door — making Veganuary even easier to embrace.