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If you are a wine enthusiast or want to learn more about the different types of wines, this is the article for you. This article covers and the wine reviews all types of wine and their characteristics so that you can identify them easily. There are many varieties of wines, with each one boasting its own unique tastes and aromas. Following are the different types of wine.

Red Wines-These are the most well-known wines and are mainly dry. They are ideal for enjoying with red meat or strong cheese.

White Wines-This is the second type of wine in terms of popularity. It’s very versatile when pairing foods because it goes well with fish, poultry, salads.

Rose Wine– This variety has recently grown in popularity and is a blend of red and white wines. They are often sweet and fruity, making them perfect for dessert or as an aperitif.

Sparkling Wine-This wine category includes both Champagne and sparkling wines from other regions. It’s best served chilled and can be enjoyed as an apertif or with desserts.

Dessert Wines-These wines are made to accompany desserts and have high sugar levels. They come in Red, White, and Rose combinations.

Fortified Wines– Fortified wines are those that have been enriched with distilled spirits such as brandy or whiskey. This addition makes them more alcoholic and increases their shelf life.

Table Wines– Table wines make up the majority of wine production and are meant to be drunk with food. They come in red, white, and rose types.

Pale Lager-This type of beer is light in color and flavor. It’s the most popular style of beer in the world and can be enjoyed on its own or with food.

Ale-Ales are beers with a fruity taste and are darker in color than lagers. They’re best served at room temperature and pair well with strong cheese or desserts.

Stout-This type of beer is dark, rich, and full-bodied. It’s perfect for colder weather and goes great with meat dishes or chocolate desserts.

Lager-Lagers are the most prevalent type of beer in the world. They are light-colored and have a crisp, clean taste. They can be enjoyed on their own or with food.

Pilsner– This type of beer is pale yellow in color and has a mild flavor. It’s easy to drink but pairs well with seafood dishes or spicy foods.

Wheat Beer-This variety has become increasingly popular due to its wide range of flavors that include banana, clove, or bubble gum, depending on the brand you choose.

Belgian Ale-These beers are dark brown in color and very strong (upwards of 12% alcohol). Some varieties even use candy sugar during brewing, giving them their sweet taste. Pair them with desserts or meaty, savory dishes for best results.

Lambic-This type of beer is fermented using wild yeast. It’s sour and fruity in taste, making it a great choice for pairing with cheese or chocolate desserts.

Bock– This variety has roots dating back to the 1400s, making them one of the oldest styles. They are usually light brown or reddish in color and have malty flavors. Pair them with hearty meat dishes like steak or roast pork.

Stout-Porter-These dark beers are traditionally brewed from malt roasted over an open fire giving them their distinct burnt flavor because they were popular among people who worked hard all day (such as sailors). These pair well with savory foods rich in protein.

 

Choosing a wine might be challenging for the ordinary wine consumer who enjoys wine but isn’t a connoisseur. It also gets complicated by the foreign and often baffling terminology wine experts use to describe the beverage. According to surveys, the average wine buyer has no idea what the flavors and smells on a label or menu mean, which may deter them from purchasing wine. Customers may also choose the inexpensive option since the brand is more straightforward and less harmful. The difficulty is that less expensive wine is typically mass-produced and lacks the flavor and quality of artisanal wine. Here are things to think about when selecting a wine to help you make an informed selection.

• Understand Different Styles And Tastes

Once it comes to shopping for beverages and food, having some awareness of what you’re buying is essential. Individuals must be able to tell the difference between red and white wines at the very least. Also, learn about the differences between the two categories. Focus on sparkling wines and frequent dessert kinds if you want a sweet flavor. Darker red wines are ideal for an overall dry taste. Because various winemakers employ different techniques, no two wines will be identical.

• Price

After deciding the wine type you would like to purchase from an outlet like wine shop Australia, you should consider the amount of money you’ve budgeted to pay for it. It’s a popular misconception that pricey wine is better than less expensive wine. While this is true in some instances, the quality of the wine does not necessarily correspond to the price. Wine might be more expensive depending on the location it gets produced in or the producer’s brand name. The smartest thing to do is set a budget and look for a wine that you know is from a winery within that budget. Mass-produced wine sold in supermarket liquor stores often has a label made to appear as though it came from a winery, but it is their brand. Remember that price should be considered while choosing a wine, but only as a budgetary consideration, not as a reference for quality. You will be frustrated if you go to a supermarket liquor store searching for a low-cost, high-quality wine.

• Food

There’s no denying that pairing food with wine may result in exquisite flavors. If you’re unsure which wine to pair with your food, a decent rule of thumb is white wine goes well with white meat, and red wine goes well with red meat. That isn’t always the way, but it’s a great place to start. The most excellent advice is to plan and conduct some research before purchasing. There is a multitude of knowledge available on the internet, and you should research some superb food and wine pairings before making any judgments.

Conclusion

Finally, if you purchase wine from one of the many great stores like wine shop Australia that sell outstanding wine, there is a strong chance you will appreciate it. Wine should be part of a gastronomic journey, and it’s critical to learn and discover new wines that you appreciate constantly. Now and then, there are some very fantastic alternative types emerging from other areas of the world, so the best advice is to have an open mind and be prepared to try new things.

 

Humans have been using herbs and spices for thousands of years. Many of these were valued because of their health benefits. Of course, they were also used for cooking. Can you imagine what your food will taste like without herbs and spices? They allow people to have a taste of the Flavours of the World. Modern science has now proven that they do carry health benefits. You can even get many of them in supplement form. Below are some of the most beneficial herbs and spices you can use.

Cinnamon

This is a popular spice that is used in cooking and baking. But it also has plenty of health benefits. It contains cinnamaldehyde, which gives it its medicinal properties. The fragrant spice is a powerful antioxidant. It can fight inflammation and can lower cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Cinnamon can benefit those suffering from diabetes because it can reduce blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. The ideal dose of cinnamon is ½ to 2 teaspoons per day. You can add it to your favorite beverage, such as coffee or chocolate. You can also add it to a variety of dishes.

Sage

If you’re looking for an herb to improve your memory, then sage is the answer. It can help those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. But even if you don’t have Alzheimer’s disease, you can still benefit from this sage. It can boost brain function and can possibly make you smarter. At the very least, it can help you remember important dates and information. It also has excellent healing properties. It was even used during the middle ages to prevent the plague. Sage is usually used for cooking.

Turmeric

Turmeric is popular nowadays, and it’s because of its numerous health benefits. It contains a compound known as curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. This compound can help fight oxidative damage, one of the causes of premature aging and other illnesses. The yellow spice also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is being used by patients to replace anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also boost overall health since inflammation is related to many chronic diseases. You can find turmeric in many Indian dishes, particularly those containing curry. You can also mix it with milk or plant milk to make a healthy beverage.

Cayenne

Do you love spicy food? Then you should use cayenne more often. You’ll be happy to know that it can also help you lose weight. This is because cayenne contains capsaicin, controlling appetite and boosting metabolism. This is why you can see cayenne in many weight loss supplements. It may also have anti-cancer properties. You can use cayenne to add spice to dishes and make them more exciting.

Herbs and dishes can improve the flavor of food. They can also help people to become healthier and avoid diseases. This is why you should value them and use them whenever you can. You should always keep a variety of herbs and spices in your kitchen cupboard. Always include them in your shopping list.

 

Today, it is common knowledge that coffee has many health benefits. It has antioxidants, and it is effective in preventing diabetes and weight gain. But, if you are adding spoonsful of sugar to every cup of coffee, the health benefits amount to nothing. If you are on a keto diet or want a shift in your diet, you can choose healthy coffee creamer alternatives instead of sugar in your coffee. Optionally, you can go for sugar-free extracts of almond, vanilla, or hazelnut as they are natural tasting alternatives to your sugar. Keep the benefits of coffee and have it sweet enough for your taste with these sugar alternatives.

1. Coconut sugar 

The wonders of coconut are endless. You can use coconut oil as an oil substitute, drink coconut juice for hydration, and coconut milk if you are lactose intolerant. Coconut sugar is now gaining popularity. It has a low glycemic index, and like any coconut product, it gives off a taste of coconut. It may be a turn-off to some but a selling point to others. You will love using it in your coffee.

2. Unsweetened cocoa powder 

Good news to those that love mochas, you can now have your cocoa and drink it too with no sugar. Unsweetened cocoa powder is not like sweetened cocoa as it will not have a sweet taste. However, if you want to cut sugar from your coffee or diet, this is a great sugar alternative. Add a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa and make your coffee full of chocolatey goodness.

3. Honey 

Unlike what most people think, honey is not only for tea and sugar for your coffee. However, honey tastes just as sweet in coffee. It has many health benefits, and thus it is worth adding it to your diet, even when you are not using it in your coffee. Local honey acts as a natural source of antioxidants and energy and prevents allergies. 

4. Stevia 

Most people know stevia as a sugar substitute because of how they market it. Thus, most people think it is artificial, and it is not. It is in powder form, but it is a plant derivative of a plant found in Paraguay and brazil. While comparing stevia to most sugar substitutes, the use of stevia does not leave an aftertaste. While using stevia, you may not notice that it is a sugar alternative.

5. Agave 

Agave nectar is derived from cacti and is a natural sweetener. Agave nectar is a good alternative as it has a low glycemic index. Studies show patients with type 2 diabetes found that a high glycemic index contributed to the disease. But, there is no conclusive research that fructose could pose any health risk. For this reason, agave deserves to be a good alternative to sugar.

6. Maple syrup

Maple syrup is not just for your pancakes. It is a good alternative to sugar for your coffee. During cold seasons, the maple flavor is a great addition. Importantly, ensure the maple syrup you choose is not diluted with high fructose syrup, as this will offset all the health benefits. Try this and enjoy the new coffee taste and flavor in your coffee.

7. Sea salt 

Salt as a sweetener does not make sense, but adding sea salt to your coffee will help enhance your coffee’s, natural sweetness. Plus, the need to add sugar to your coffee is due to bitterness. Thus, when you add a pinch of salt to your coffee or the coffee grounds. In this way, it brings out the sweet taste of the coffee. Importantly, ensure you do not use too much to avoid making your coffee salty.

To conclude, the above are various ways you can sweeten your coffee and benefit from the pack of nutrients. Through trying out some of the above alternatives to sugar, you are sure to get the sweet taste you crave without any health risks. If you feel the coffee does not taste right, in most cases, it is not about the lack of sugar. Share with friends and family to share what you know and others about a good alternative to sugar for good coffee.

 

So you’ve decided to try your hand at baking. You want to make something special for a loved one, or maybe you just want to give cooking a shot. If you’ve got all the ingredients together but you’re still confused whether you’ll get everything right, read on. Baking for the very first time can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

Here are some amazing tips that will help you bake the perfect treats for the first time:

1. Preheat your oven: Being prepared is the best way to make sure you don’t ruin that cake or batch of cookies. While preparing your ingredients, turn on your oven and let it heat at the temperature called for in the recipe. This will ensure even cooking and pretty baked goods!

2. Grease your baking pans properly: This is one of the most important tips on how to bake for the first time. When you grease a pan, make sure that all of it gets covered or you will end up with stuck-on bits no matter how long you let it cook!

3. Use an oven thermometer: – Baking is a science process so being precise with time, temperature, and ingredients is important. Using an oven thermometer will help you maintain accurate readings.

4. Remember to pre-measure your ingredients: Don’t start baking only to realize halfway through that you are out of eggs! Make sure all your baking needs are accounted for before you begin. Don’t forget the party treat cups or baking gloves either!

Image source: Pom Pom Party

5. Use fresh and dry ingredients: Baking is a science and in order to get the perfect treat, your ingredients need to be just right. Using fresh ingredients will ensure that they are not too wet or too dry for your cookies/cupcakes/loaf breads etc.

6. Read through the recipe before you start: This seems like a no brainer, but you would be surprised at the number of people that start baking without even glancing at the steps or ingredients. Also make sure to measure out your ingredients to ensure they are accurate.

7. Prepare your work space before starting: The last thing you want is to have spills and messes all over your clean kitchen. This will make your baking process that much more complicated and stressful. Make sure to put down a towel and clear off all of the dishes you need before you begin!

8. Most importantly: Have fun and enjoy yourself! The whole point of baking is to create something wonderful, so don’t get stressed out if it doesn’t turn out the way you want the first time around. There’s always next time!

9. If something does go wrong, don’t give up: If your cookies didn’t turn out like you planned, don’t get discouraged and throw them all away. Fix them with add-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips. You can even try adding a delicious glaze to make the situation a little better. And if it’s a complete disaster, you can always go out for a bite!

 

Many people buy food and stuff online, and this includes coffee. However, there are so many choices out there that it can become too overwhelming, even if you’re a coffee lover and an experienced drinker.

You can discover many excellent options, and it’s understandable to choose something that you’re familiar with, such as the Arabica beans. However, you may want to get the others you’ve never bought before to know how they taste.

Enjoying your favorite brew is easy if you’re familiar with the product. However, you need to be careful when choosing the beans and be more aware of their preparation, storage, roast, and origins with the new ones.

If you’re choosing a gourmet coffee that will suit your taste, then you’re on the right page. The end result is to get you something that you will love.

Choosing the Beans

Each bean will have its own distinctive flavors and taste depending on where it was roasted or grown. You can find that some may enjoy a slight bitterness, but others prefer their brews to be sweet. You can click this link for information about coffees and the different espressos, cappuccinos, frappes, and lattes available out there. Get sampler packs, if possible, to know more about the various beans in small quantities before deciding.

The easiest way in selecting is to decide which roast is right for you is to narrow down a selection of gourmet blends and single-origin beans. The lengths and temperatures of the roasting will affect the flavors of most beans.

Usually, the green ones are roasted, and they can change from their usual acidity into a full-bodied and smoother taste. The light roast ones have shorter times, and they retain an earthy taste. The dark ones have the flavors of burnt or smoky because of the longer roasting process involved.

Other characteristics include the light roast may have the typical earthy, fruity, or nutty flavors. They have a lighter body, a bright and lively taste, and they can appear similar to light brown cinnamon. Medium roasts have the typical flavors of caramel or cocoa. They have a mid-bodied flavor with balanced levels of acidity. Their appearance can be compared to that of milk chocolate droplets that accidentally splattered on the beans.

The darker ones are smoky, burnt, or bittersweet. They have a heavy or full-bodied flavor, and the acidity levels are low. They taste flat, and their looks are similar to that of a very oily and black bean. If you know what you like, you can shop for the roasts on many websites or stores near you to get something different.

Choices of Grinds

Various grinds are available, and they have a lot of options that will meet your coffee needs. There’s the non-roasted gourmet coffee bean that is colored green. This has a longer shelf life. This is followed by the roasted varieties and, finally, ground coffee. It’s best to order the beans whole and grind them in smaller batches when you need to brew them immediately. You can get more information about coffee preparation on this site here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_preparation. Other options that you may consider are the following:

• Buy a medium grind that will be perfect for drip-type machines
• A fine espresso grind is recommended for machines that specialize in Espresso
• Course French grind may mean that you have to use a French press in the process.

Storage Options

After ordering the roasted or whole beans. Here are some storage techniques that can help you preserve their flavors longer.

• Coffee is a porous substance, and it will tend to absorb other aromas and tastes near it. You should avoid storing it inside the cupboards where it would be near the other strong food. Avoid putting them inside the fridge as well.
• The oil extracts give the coffee a distinctive and strong flavor. You should avoid freezing this because it will prevent the oil from breaking down.
• Keep the packets away from direct heat, light, moisture, and air.

Preparations

You’ll have various ways of turning your coffee into a flavorful cup and a delicious one at that.

• Clean the coffeemaker and ensure that there are no mineral deposits at the bottom. You can check the manuals for cleaning instructions.
• Use fresh and cold water
• Transfer the brewed coffee into a carafe
• Allow the whole pot to brew before pouring into a cup so you’ll get a balanced more coffee.

Vegan diets are growing in number. People are more inclined towards leading a healthier lifestyle by switching to this diet. However, those still skeptical about vegan diets often judge it as a “boring” concept.

Well! Have you tried cannabis? This article will help you take a closer look at some of the details related to this concept.

But first, let’s clarify one thing!

Cannabis: Is it Vegan?

This is simple. Cannabis is a plant, so it doesn’t contain any animal product. But is it that simple? Not all products can be animal product-free. Why? Because many producers are using fertilizers made out of animal nutrients. So, indirectly there are some traces.

But here’s the catch. If you are buying products that are organic, you can expect them to be vegan. So, yes, you won’t have to surf through labels more if you look at the term “vegan” mentioned on the label.

So, what next?

While you might think you will have to start your home-grown cannabis cultivation for a vegan cannabis diet, that’s not at all true. If you prefer to eat vegan cannabis edibles, click here to find the ways to get them delivered to your doorstep. You will find a lot of brands that promote vegan cannabis products to cater to the individuals who practice veganism.

You can also use those products to make your vegan edibles at home. For instance, vegan chocolate can help you make some fantastic chocolate-based recipes to satisfy your palette. This is, in fact, a great way to make cookies, brownies, or other tasty edibles that are 100% vegan.

Now let’s move on to the most important question here…

Does Vegan Cannabis Taste Bad?

It does taste different since you are opting for cleaner and non-veganic weed. However, it doesn’t taste as bad as you think. Also, if you opt for vegan cannabis strains, you can smoke by leaving far less residue than the others. And guess what, they are delicious and have some prominent flavors that you will love to consume. Plus, as we suggested above, you can use these vegan cannabis products and make something on your own as well. Try and experiment and develop a recipe that tastes “amazing” and is mouth-watering.

Who said only other people could have delicious delicacies when you can make something on your own?

Wrapping up

The cannabis industry is clearly growing at a blistering rate. Many predict that consumers in the U.S. and Canada will spend around $4.1 billion on treats and edibles. And the best part is that there is something for everyone here.

Now you must have a clear understanding of cannabis and veganism. However, if you find a reliable provider who indulges in organic growing practices, you must not leave this chance to grab your sample right away. Also, many brands are coming up with a variety of vegan edible options nowadays. All you have to do is check the label, and you are good to go.

 

Home-cooked meals are recommended and healthy by health professionals. Eating out is not wrong. Sometimes we just need a break from cooking. Dining out can be a once in a while thing for your family to keep their health in check. There are outside spots with healthy meals, but we tend to junk, making home-cooked meals a better option. People find cooking at home exhausting due to the effort involved, not knowing how beneficial this option is in health and beyond.

Home meals are great because preparing junk food at home is available. You can have a routine that involves healthy meals that are prepared the right way. Ordering in or going out to eat sounds easy, but when you learn the benefits of a home-cooked meal, you will see the need to make your meals at home. Below are a few reasons why you should cooking meals at home often.

1. Ensuring the Kitchen is Well Designed

Ensuring your kitchen is designed well to enhance your cooking experience is an advantage of the home-cooked meals option. When you choose to eat food prepared at home, you will pay attention to the design you select for your kitchen. There are kitchen designs that make cooking easier to control. Installing an undermount kitchen sink is paramount when you want to prevent dirt from sticking to countertops while cooking. Your kitchen needs to motivate you to stay consistent in making home-cooked meals.

2. Using Healthier Ingredients

You cannot control the ingredients used in your meals when you order out. Eating at home gives you control when preparing the food. You will have an idea of what you need to cook and how healthy the ingredients you choose to use are for your family. Home-cooked meals are high in nutrients since you control what goes in your food. Being in control helps avoid the high fat, salt, and sugar in foods prepared outside that lead to ailments. You can also ensure you use fresh ingredients in your meals by purchasing them personally.

Of course, buying healthy ingredients from the market would mean that we buy more from the local stores, or directly from the local farmers. This would mean that our palette would be restricted to what is available seasonally. And thus, this points out that you are not getting all the nutrients from your diet alone. In this case, you might have to take supplements to ensure that your diet is packed with all the nutrients and that you are not deficient in any. With online healthcare experts like those available at numan, it’s much easier than ever to get a personalised supplement plan just for you. You only have to take a quick online quiz for these experts to know what you lack in terms of nutrients.

3. Save Money

Buying different ingredients can earn you a discount, saving money to be put to better use. The ingredients may not cost as much as a takeout meal. The ingredients you purchase can also be used in more than one meal, making home-cooked meals a good option. Going out to eat also requires transport or delivery costs, which you can cut down and invest in other rewarding things. After making a meal, the ability to store leftovers in the fridge is another tactic to save money when having homemade meals.

4. Improves Family Bond

The family bond is essential to keep relatives and loved ones connected. The time used to make meals together at home can be a reconnecting moment for the family. Involving your family in cooking is a fun activity that helps kids learn healthy habits. After cooking, the family will have time to sit and eat together while talking about the day, a valuable social time for family connection. Cooking at home as a family also helps discover new ways of cooking depending on personal preference while experimenting with different healthy ingredients and methods.

5. Improves Consistency in Dieting

Staying committed to a diet to live a healthy and fit lifestyle is hectic when you go out to eat. You will find tempting meals in different places, and resisting will be hard. When you make your meals, staying committed to a diet is easy because you control what you cook. It will be easy to invest in healthy meals and eat them when you do not have the options to improve your fitness and health.

6. Saving Time

The time you take to eat out is enough to prepare a meal that the family will love. People think of the effort in cooking meals at home and forget the time to drive out and wait for your order to be ready. Making your meals at home can save time because you will not have to leave, and you can store leftovers to eat during lunch or another time.

Knowing why you should opt for meals cooked at home is essential when skeptical about what is best. It is vital to settle for an option that is beneficial to your health and lifestyle in general. The list above shows you why you should choose to cook meals at home other than driving out to eat all the time.

 

Protein is the magic word that seems to drive conversations whether you’re in the kitchen or the gym. If you’re striving to cut weight or build muscles, your most obvious answer is going to be ‘protein.’

Given the high demand for this nutrient, people are always left wondering what would ensure the intake of the highest quality protein. The straight answer to that query is no single source of protein can be adequate. What you want is a variety of sources starting from edamame to proffee. You might be wondering what these are, or how to make proffee or edamame. To discover the answers, keep reading.

Animal Proteins

Animal proteins are one of the best and readily available sources of protein. According to a Harvard Health report, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8g of protein for every kilogram or 0.36g per pound of body weight for a regular person (athletes may have different requirements).

Researchers point out that just the intake of the daily recommended limit of protein is not enough. You have to equally diversify the protein intake in 20 – 30 grams parcels throughout the day for maximum absorption by the body. Here are some widely recommended sources of animal protein:

• Poultry 

Red meat can increase bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence it is recommended to substitute red meat as much as possible with poultry. A 100g skinless roasted chicken contains 6.63g of fat and 25.01g of protein.

• Eggs 

Eggs are an exceptional source of protein and essential fatty acids (EFA). One medium egg packs 5.53 g of protein. You can swap your breakfast cereal with whole eggs or egg whites to feel fuller for longer.

• Fish 

Most fishes like tuna and salmon are an excellent source of lean protein and EFAs. Tuna is particularly rich in protein; a half-fillet serving of skipjack tuna packs 43.6 g of protein! Fish intake can increase levels of good cholesterol in the blood. Unlike poultry and eggs, there is a wide variety of types of fish that you can dabble in.

Plant Proteins

If you are a vegetarian, plant protein is your best friend to meet the minimum daily requirements of protein consumption. Of course, different edibles contain different amounts of essential amino acids (EAA), and protein sourced from plants have been shown to lack the full range of EAAs.

You should include a variety of plant protein sources in your diet. One of the highly preferred sources of plant protein is edamame. It is prepared by steaming unripened soybeans and can be served in a variety of preparations. One cup of edamame packs 19g of protein and aids in your weight loss journey.

But this is not the only legume that is rich in this nutrient. A cup of cooked peas contains 5.23g, while cooked pinto beans yield 15.4g of protein.

Proffee

Now, you might be wondering what if you cannot meet the daily recommended fraction of protein intake. The best answer for that is ‘proffee.’ You must have heard about protein powders and how they can supplement daily protein consumption. Proffee is a combination of coffee and protein powder.

How to make proffee? 

The process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is take a tall glass, add in the recommended dosage of protein powder and pour the coffee over it. Mix properly and drink up.

It is advisable always to try to find the best food sources to meet your nutritional requirements, as these can be absorbed by your body much more quickly.

 

In case you haven’t noticed, veganism is quite big these days. According to a study conducted by Smart-Pig, 575,000 people around the world pledged to go vegan in January, or “Veganuary”, in 2021 alone – a 43% rise from January 2020 and a 130% rise from January 2019. With around 3% of the UK currently vegan, and that figure rapidly expanding, perhaps it’s time we started thinking about getting on board.

There are plenty of perks with veganism. It’s healthy, it’s sustainable and it’s great for our sentient animal friends out there, but one thing that those resistant to the cause often fall back on is the increased cost of a vegan diet – but just how costly is it to be a vegan today?

The answer is roughly “a bit more”, but with a growing vegan population and an ever-increasing market behind it, there’s probably never been a better time to get involved.

The cost of veganism

Smart-Pig’s research found that the average person can expect to pay around £450 more per year to support a vegan diet. This is down to a few things – vegan food equivalents costing around 31% more than non-vegan contemporaries and vegan fast food and takeaways usually around 5% more expensive are just a couple of price factors to bear in mind.

Across the UK, the average person spends about £38.50 on food per week. Those on a vegan diet can expect a rise to £47.13 a week. This is down to staples like non-dairy milk and Quorn offering significant mark ups against more traditional contemporaries.

Of course, £9 extra a week or £450 a year might not seem like a mammoth amount, but things start to add up when you think about a vegan family. A fully vegan family of four will have an extra £1,795 of food costs to cover over the year, making the commitment for groups a much bigger deal than an individual one.

 It’s a better time than ever to be vegan

There is no denying that veganism is the more expensive route today, but with the tide seemingly turning in terms of cultural opinions on veganism, animal rights and healthy eating, every day we move forward is likely to become an easier one as a vegan.

In the last five to ten years in particular, food choices for vegans have exploded, with supermarkets heavily invested in plant-based menus as well as the rise of vegan cafes, takeaways and junk food culture. Just like any market once it becomes more saturated, the more vegans there are and the more the food industry caters to them, the lower production costs will get and the closer the gap will become between non-vegan and vegan food bills.

So, is now a good time to become vegan? The answer is becoming more of a ‘yes’ every single day. Any consumer thinking of shifting to a vegan diet needs to be cognisant of that extra annual cost, but with the industry currently in the process of reshaping to accommodate a significant vegan and green buyer base, hopefully that financial disparity won’t be around for too much longer at all.