Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
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Monday, 8 December 2025
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Caring celebrities have joined together to urge Brits to make a new year’s resolution for the sake of the animals, the planet and our own health
Not only would taking part help protect animals and nature but it could also help save money in January after Christmas and New Year festivities.
The supportive stars include TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher, who is a passionate animal advocate told That's Food and Drink: “I’m delighted to be joining the millions taking part in Veganuary’s 31-day challenge.
“Not only does it help animals but it will help the planet too. Making big changes can feel daunting doing it alone but that’s why taking part as a community feels really supportive.”
This year’s supporters include Oscar-winning actor Olivia Colman, chefs Ainsley Harriott, Levi Roots and Kwoklyn Wan, and actor Elaine Hendrix, each contributing a favourite plant-based dish to Veganuary’s free 2026 Celebrity Cookbook, available exclusively to everyone who registers via the website.
Participants will also receive Veganuary’s brand new Plant Protein Cookbook – a collection of protein-packed recipes from athletes, nutritionists and fitness professionals to help them explore plant-powered meals.
Samantha Renke says, "Going vegan is about living in line with my values of kindness, compassion and inclusivity. I’ve often felt throughout my life as a Disabled woman overlooked, vulnerable and objectified...My Disability activism and my animal activism go hand in hand.
"However, unlike animals, I have a voice and I’ll use my voice to advocate and protect them to the best of my ability. Veganuary is a fantastic way for anyone to try that for themselves, without pressure or perfection.”
An exclusive poll conducted by YouGov for Veganuary learned over one in ten UK adults (12%) are saying they’re likely to take part this coming Januar, with more interest building.
The data also shows plant-based eating is part of everyday life for many people, regardless of whether they identify as vegan, or not.
More than a third (37%) say they’re likely to buy plant-based products like dairy-free cheese or meat alternatives this January. These findings highlight that the appetite for plant-based choices remains strong.
New Year, Same You – Veganuary launches its 2026 campaign
As the much-loved campaign enters its twelfth year, Veganuary is flipping the usual New Year’s narrative on its head. Instead of pushing people to become someone ‘better’, Veganuary reminds people that taking part doesn’t require changing who they are, just making a few simple swaps that naturally fit into everyday life.
The ‘New Year, Same You’ campaign brings this message to life through upbeat, feel-good PSAs that spotlight the many different motivations for eating more plant-based food. Whether someone is a foodie, fitness enthusiast, animal advocate or nature lover, Veganuary welcomes everyone to take part in their own way.
Same kindness. Now to all kinds.
Same gains. Now plant-powered.
Same trail. Smaller footprint.
Over 25 million people worldwide took part in 2025, with new campaigns launching in Iceland and Ireland for the first time this year.
Supporting this wider global reach, the Veganuary pledge is now available in Hindi, making the 31-day challenge accessible to millions more people all over the world.
The graphics can be viewed and downloaded here.
Veganuary’s CEO, Wendy Matthews, says: “Veganuary has never been about being perfect and you don’t need to reinvent yourself to take part. Most people already love animals, care about their health and are thinking about how to live more lightly on the planet. This January, we’re here to help you make small shifts that reflect what you already care about most. It’s less about changing and more about returning to who you already are.”
Veganuary is free to join, and people can take part at veganuary.com to receive their Celebrity eCookbook, Plant Protein eCookbook, the Official Veganuary Starter Kit and 31 daily emails packed with nutritional info, delicious recipes, meal plans and helpful advice.
Since Veganuary launched its first pledge in January 2014, millions of people – coming from almost every country in the world – have taken part. It has truly become a global phenomenon.
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Saturday, 6 December 2025
Creatine: Why We Should Take It – and the Everyday Foods That Contain It
Creatine has become one of the most widely discussed supplements in the world of fitness, health, and general wellbeing.
While it’s often associated with bodybuilders or competitive athletes, creatine is actually something most of us use every day without realising it.
Our bodies make it naturally, we get it through ordinary foods, and supplementing with it can offer benefits far beyond simply helping with a gym session.
Below, we explore why creatine matters, how to take it safely, and which foods naturally contain it.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a compound made from three amino acids, arginine, glycine, and methionine. It helps your muscles and brain produce energy quickly, especially during moments of high demand such as lifting something heavy, sprinting for the bus, or concentrating intensely on a complex task.
The body stores creatine in the muscles as phosphocreatine, which is used to regenerate ATP – our main energy source. This is why creatine is so popular for strength and performance, but it has much wider benefits too.
Why Consider Taking Creatine?
1. Improved Strength and Muscle Performance
Creatine can increase your ability to produce short bursts of power. Studies show it helps improve strength, speed and endurance during high-intensity exercise. This is why it’s loved by athletes, but even everyday gym-goers often notice the difference.
2. Supports Brain Health
Emerging research suggests creatine may help support cognitive performance, particularly during sleep deprivation or stressful mental tasks. The brain also relies heavily on ATP, so having more available energy can make a noticeable impact.
3. Helps Maintain Muscle as We Age
Creatine is increasingly recommended for older adults. It can support muscle retention, which helps maintain mobility, balance and quality of life as we get older.
4. May Aid Recovery
Some studies indicate creatine may reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise, making it useful for both athletes and those who exercise lightly but regularly.
5. Safe and Well-Researched
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most-tested supplements on the planet. When used properly, it is generally considered safe for healthy adults.
How to Take Creatine Safely
Recommended Dose
Most people take 3–5g of creatine monohydrate per day.
This is enough to keep your muscles fully saturated over time without the need for a “loading phase”.
Loading Phase (Optional)
Some choose to load creatine to see quicker results:
20g per day split across 4 doses for 5–7 days,
followed by 3–5g per day thereafter.
This isn't essential, but some people find they experience the benefits faster.
When to Take It
The timing isn’t critical. You can take it:
in the morning,
with food,
after exercise,
or whenever suits your routine.
Taking creatine with a meal that contains carbohydrates or protein may help absorption.
How to Take It
Creatine monohydrate dissolves easily in:
water,
fruit juice,
a protein shake,
or yoghurt.
Choose a creatine monohydrate product, ideally with a simple ingredient list.
Who Should Avoid Creatine?
Creatine may not be suitable for people with certain pre-existing kidney conditions. Anyone with a medical condition or taking prescribed medication should speak to their GP or pharmacist before beginning supplementation.
Foods That Naturally Contain Creatine
Creatine is found mainly in animal-based foods, particularly meat and fish. Cooking can reduce the creatine content slightly, but they still provide a useful daily intake.
Here are the richest sources:
Beef
One of the best natural sources.
A typical 450g of raw beef contains roughly 1g of creatine.
Pork
Similar to beef, pork provides a steady supply of natural creatine.
Fish
Certain fish are especially rich, including:
Herring – one of the highest natural sources
Salmon
Tuna
Chicken and Turkey
These contain lower amounts than red meat, but still contribute to your daily intake.
Dairy and Eggs
These contain small amounts, but much less than meat and fish.
Plant Foods
Creatine is not naturally found in plant foods, which is why vegetarians and vegans often have lower baseline creatine levels and may benefit particularly from supplementation.
Should You Take a Creatine Supplement?
You may consider supplementation if you:
want more energy for workouts
want to build or maintain muscle
feel mentally drained or need help with focus
follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
are looking for a well-researched supplement to support healthy ageing
Most people find creatine simple, affordable, and easy to incorporate into their routine.
Final Thoughts
Creatine isn’t just for athletes, it’s a natural compound that plays a vital role in how we move, think and maintain strength. Whether you get it through food or choose to take a daily supplement, creatine can support your health in a wide range of helpful ways.
If you’re thinking of adding creatine to your routine, start with a low daily dose, drink plenty of water, and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any existing health concerns.
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