Whether you have been following a plant based diet for a while or if you are getting ahead of the game for your first taste of Veganuary it can be challenging to follow a vegan diet at Christmas, especially if you are attending a dinner party where the majority of the people are not vegan and many the traditional festive dishes are not vegan-friendly (bacon in Brussels sprouts, who's idea was that?!). However, with a little planning and preparation, it is possible to have a delicious and satisfying vegan Christmas.

Here are our three top tips for sticking to a vegan diet this Christmas:

1. Bring your own dinner: If you are heading to a party where you won't have much control over the menu, consider bringing some of your own vegan dishes to share. This way, you can be sure that you have at least a few options that meet your dietary needs.

2. Give some love to the sides: Even if the main dish isn't vegan, there are often plenty of vegan side dishes that you can enjoy, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

3. Don't be afraid to speak up: If you are attending a party where you are not sure what vegan options will be available, don't be afraid to shout up and let the host know about your dietary needs. They may be able to accommodate you or suggest some options that you can bring.

If you are a whizz in the kitchen, there are loads of delicious vegan versions of festive favourites that you can rustle up in the kitchen so that you can easily veganise your Christmas dinner. We asked our development chef Lyndon to give us some inspirations and this is what he says:

1. Vegan roast: There are many plant-based proteins that can be used to create a delicious vegan roast, such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can roast these proteins with vegetables and serve them with gravy made from vegetable broth and plant-based butter.

2. Vegan stuffing: Stuffing can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and plant-based butter instead of chicken broth and butter. You can also include a variety of vegetables, such as onions, celery, and carrots, and use vegan bread or croutons as the base.

3. Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic Christmas side dish that can easily be made vegan by using plant-based milk and butter instead of dairy products. You can also add in some roasted garlic or chopped herbs for extra flavour.

4. Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a delicious and super simple side dish that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike. Some good options for roasting include Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.

5. Vegan gravy: Gravy can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and plant-based butter or margarine instead of chicken broth and butter. You can also add in some chopped herbs or spices for extra flavor.

6. Cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce is a classic festive side that is naturally vegan. You can make it by simmering cranberries, sugar, and orange juice until the cranberries have broken down and the sauce has thickened.

7. Vegan pies: There are many vegan pie options that can be enjoyed as part of a Christmas dinner, such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or apple pie. You can make the crust using vegan butter or vegetable shortening, and use plant-based milk and eggs in the filling.

So there you go!  Overall, being vegan at Christmas can be a little bit of a challenge, but with some planning and preparation, it is possible to have a delicious and enjoyable festive season and head into Veganuary like a boss!

From everyone at Root Kitchen, have an awesome Christmas and an amazing 2023.