Sainsbury’s removes card joking about pig slaughter

This week’s edition is brought to you by Planty. Delicious plant-based food, created by Michelin-star chefs using fresh, natural ingredients.

Good morning. You’re reading VedgyVoice #6. This should really be #7, but unfortunately last week I was struck down with a nasty virus (no I’m not dying from a lack of protein or b12) and even getting out of bed was a step too far. On the plus side this week’s newsletter is twice as good to make up for it.

What’s Happening?

Sainsbury’s removes Christmas card joking about animal slaughter following complaint by vegan Heather Mills:

UK supermarket Sainsbury's has withdrawn a Christmas card from its shelves following complaints from vegan advocate Heather Mills and others. The card depicted pigs in snow with one saying, "Don't worry, I hear we’re getting some blankets," a reference to 'pigs in blankets,' a dish involving sausage and bacon. The image and its implied joke about the animals being killed for food sparked a backlash on social media after Mills shared it on Instagram, leading to its removal from sale as fellow animal advocates expressed their dismay.

I like a good laugh, and I’m not easily offended. But I really think this is just in very bad taste. Imagine a similar joke alluding to the slaughter of dogs or cats… people would be beside themselves. Poor show Sainsbury’s but at least they have done the right thing in the end.

University students' union votes to go vegan:

Students at the University of Warwick have successfully voted for three union-operated catering facilities to transition to entirely vegan menus by 2027. This makes the university's students' union the eighth in the UK to pass a resolution to eliminate meat and dairy products. Vivek Venkatram, president of the university's vegan and vegetarian society, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the catering staff to create affordable, nutritious, and tasty plant-based meals.

Can a vegan diet prevent hot flashes at menopause?

Hot flashes can sometimes be reduced through lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and not eating spicy foods. Now, new research recently published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine says that following a low-fat vegan diet that includes soy leads to a decrease of menopausal hot flash by as much as 95%.

The secret to selling more plant-based products? Don’t say ‘vegan’:

According to a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), consumers are “significantly less likely” to choose plant-based food if it’s labeled vegan. So, if you’re a brand looking to sell more facon (that’s fake bacon for the uninitiated), the answer is simple: don’t say “vegan”.

Swizzels pushes its vegan range for Veganuary:

In its fourth year running a campaign in support of Veganuary, Swizzels has made what started as a Veganuary-only movement a year-round trend with the key focus message: ‘All These, All year, All Vegan’, to promote the extensive range of vegan sugar confectionery.

How To Make Vegan Feta At Home From Scratch:

Over the last few years, there has been skyrocketing demand for vegan cheese. There are now dairy-free alternatives for most popular cheeses available in supermarkets and grocery stores all over the world, but there’s nothing quite like making your own. Many people may be unaware that it’s pretty simple to make vegan cheese yourself, and this macadamia vegan feta recipe will show you how to do just that.

Recommended Watching

Jordan Peterson exposes the truth about veganism

AKA Jordan Peterson has been slavering nonsense about veganism. And as always you can trust Earthling Ed to set things straight with an indisputable barrage of facts and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Well played Ed.

What’s Cooking?

Lentil Bolognese

You just can’t beat a rich and tangy bolognese! Particularly when it’s paired with rigatoni pasta. When making bolognese we regularly use a plant-based mince alternative (Plant Pioneers frozen mince is great). But just using lentils is also a great option for a more natural, whole foods approach to this dish which still provides an excellent taste and texture.

Quote of the Week

Local Spotlight

To aid in my recovery my better half brought me back an amazing selection of vegan Punjabi street food last weekend from The Tiffin, who had a stall at a local food market. They are based in Kirkcaldy, Fife, but often appear at various local markets. We had vegan haggis balls, cauliflower pakora and veg pakora. All we’re absolutely delicious and it’s great to find fully vegan Indian food.

GetVedgy Ramblings

Welcome to your go-to vegan guide on one of the most vital nutrients in our diet: iron. As a vegan, it’s essential to understand not just the importance of iron, but also where to find it, how your body uses it, and, crucially, how to ensure you’re getting enough.

Signing-off

If you’ve made it this far thanks for reading the VedgyVoice. If there’s anything additional you would like to see included in this weekly roundup I’d love to hear your feedback. And if you’ve enjoyed it please do share with friends and family (details below). See you next week.

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