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Insights, stories, and perspectives on Jewish veganism and sustainability
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A Low-Fat Vegan Diet Yields Better Outcomes Than a Mediterranean Diet For Weight Loss
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition has found that a low-fat vegan diet is more effective for weight loss than a Mediterranean diet, particularly among overweight adults. The 16-week randomized trial involved 62 overweight participants, who were assigned either a low-fat vegan diet or a Mediterranean diet. Results showed that those on the […]
A healthy, vegan Seudat Hamafseket this Yom Kippur
As Yom Kippur approaches, those who fast benefit from a nourishing seudat hamafseket (pre-fast meal). It is important to choose the right foods to help sustain energy and stay hydrated. The day before Yom Kippur 23 should prioritise fiber-rich and complex carbohydrates like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and whole grains to provide long-lasting energy and stay […]
Recap: JVS Rosh Hashana Seder
A Sweet and Compassioante New Year: Celebrating Rosh Hashanah with the JVS kehillah On Monday, erev Rosh Hashanah, the JVS community came together to celebrate the a New Year with age old traditions, songs, conversation & a delicious three course meal. We began with candels, kiddush, a round challah & apples from our tree dipped […]
Rosh Hashanah for Vegans: A Symbolic and Compassionate Seder
Rosh Hashanah is rich with symbolism, and for those following a vegan lifestyle, the simanim seder offers a powerful way to connect with tradition through food. Nearly all of the symbolic foods traditionally eaten at this time are naturally plant-based, making the experience especially meaningful and accessible. The seder can include individual tasting plates or […]
87-year-old vegan runner striving to complete 100 ultra-marathons before his 100th birthday
Paul Youd, an 87-year-old from Somerset, is aiming to complete 100 ultra-marathons before his 100th birthday. He has already finished over 25 races, including the 50km Thames Path Challenge in just over 12 hours. Paul has been vegan for over 22 years, making the switch in his mid-60s for both ethical and health purposes. The […]
Defra aims to create more than 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042 in England
DEFRA’s National Biodiversity Targets Team is aiming to restore or create over 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat across England by 2042. To help meet this ambitious goal, they’re working closely with Natural England to keep track of progress and make sure things are moving in the right direction. One great example is the project ‘Wetter […]
The importance of plant-based pet food for the planet & for our pets
A study carried out in the US found that dog and cat food products were responsible for 20% of the total livestock animals slaughtered (17.7% for dogs and 2.3% for cats). Representing a fifth of livestock demand, pet food production contributes significantly to animal suffering and environmental damage. Feeding the livestock that are killed for […]
Garden to Plate event: 8th September ’25
On Sunday 8th of September, the JVS Gardening club enjoyed a wonderful Garden to Plate event. Our top gardener Simone and the volunteers had their second biggest harvest of the vegetable crops being grown from seeds in the JVS garden. The bounty included a variety of tomatoes, golden courgettes, golden beetroots, purple French beans, runner […]
How could a plant-based diet could save animals from extinction
How could a plant-based diet could save animals from extinction? Animals are the ones who fall victim to those who do not engage in plant-based diets. Over 70% of the 80 billion land animals farmed globally are slaughtered within cruel factory farms each year. Meanwhile, adopting a plant-based diet reduces this demand for animal agriculture. […]
Fashion, Climate & Justice: An Afternoon with Purpose: 5th October
Fashion is more than clothes; it’s how we express ourselves, connect with others, respond to our environment and make change. This Sustainable Fashion Week, JVS is excited to host an beautiful afternoon of exploring the intersection of fashion, climate and justice, join by word poet, activist and and workshop facilitator Leah Thorn, founder of the […]
Keeping our homes warm sustainably this autumn
The upcoming festivals Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkut and Simchat Torah are approaching & the days are getting shorter and colder. What are some ways we can keep our homes warm while using less electricity in line with the mitzvah of tikkun olam? Firstly, one way to preserve energy is to only use it when […]
Lidl introduces new plant-based range called Vemondo Plant!
Lidl GB hoped to increase its sales of meat and dairy alternatives by 400% in 2025, but this has been significantly exceeded by almost 700%! The new range includes plant based: fish goujons, chicken pieces, beef burgers, peri peri chicken, Moroccan style burgers, bacon rashers, schnitzel, and cordon blue. Additionally, more falafel, tofu and plant-based […]
Natural World’s Strongest Man is Vegan for Three Years in a Row
Tom Butts has won the Natural World’s Strongest Man competition for the 90kg weight category for the third year in a row. He claimed the prize for first place in 4/7 of the competitive events. He became vegan 5 years ago for animal welfare motivations and went onto won 1st place at the Official British […]
VAT on meat and dairy products saves 170,000 lives anually across Europe
Research published earlier this year has shown the importance of encouraging consumers to shift towards plant-based diets. Currently, most diets are imbalanced, which is detrimental to both our health and the climate. A paper published in Nature Food journal found that VAT reductions on fruit and vegetables, combined with increased VAT on meat and dairy […]
Recap: Our Summer Social
On Wednesday 27th August we celebrated our summer social. We munched on falafel, pitta, hummus, pickles fresh salads, chips while schmoozing over wine, beer and soft drinks. After a wander around the JVS garden, we carried on the social inside. There were our regular members alongside new faces, including a number of younger JVS individuals […]
Jewish people are duty bound to remember the kindness of animals
There are moments throughout the Tanakh where we hear of humans who are saved by the mercy and kindness of animals. This includes the lions who did not hurt Daniel when he fell into their den (Ktuvim, Chapter 6) and the ravens who gave bread to the prophet Elijah, saving his life (Nevi’im 1, Chapter […]
Calculating the Innocent Lives Saved by the UK’s Growing Vegan Community
A new report by The Vegan Society has found that 3% of the population is now vegan, with 10% reducing their intake of animal products. Young people and women are most likely to make this change, with the highest rates of vegans residing in the South West and the lowest rates in the East Midlands. […]
‘Just Egg’ is now available in the UK
‘Just Egg’ is now available in the UK! Tired of a tofu scramble? Made with mung beans, this a vegan egg like no other. Cook it, bake with it, scramble your way. Some recommended recipe ideas include Eggy French Toast, quiches, Yorkshire puddings, shakshuka and of course omelettes & scrambled eggs. Now being sold at […]
Garden volunteer celebration: from garden to plate cooking
On Monday evening, we celebrated the hard work of our garden volunteers, our beautiful vegetable garden, and the abundance it is now producing. Many of those who joined us have been part of this journey from the very beginning — planting vegetables from seedlings, nurturing seedlings on windowsills, and tending to the beds. We came […]
The Mitzvah of ‘Feeding Animals First’
According to halakha (Jewish law), it is cruel for us to eat while animals dependent on us for food, thus we must always feed animals before we eat ourselves. In the Midrash, there is a story of Noah, who while on the ark did not feed the Lion in good time, leaving him hungry. As […]
Enhance your pitta, laffa and couscous with Redefine Meat’s Shwarma, now sold in Ocado
Enhance your pitta, laffa and couscous with Redefine Meat’s Shwarma, now sold in Ocado. This shwarma is quick to cook & tastes super authentic, flavoured with coriander, clove, cumin, cinnamon and other plant-based spices. The plant-based meat offers 22g of protein, 4g of fibre, contains no cholesterol and is even a source of vitamin B12! […]
Iceland’s New Commitments to Shrimp and Hen Welfare
Iceland is the fourth biggest retailer of eggs from caged eggs in the UK and is known for its disregard of animal welfare. However, after campaigning by The Humane League and the Shrimp Welfare Project, Iceland supermarkets have finally committed to better welfare conditions to be introduced for chickens and shrimp. By 2027, Iceland has […]
Blessed Hands ‘A very engaging, funny, and touching performance with some fantastic food’
Last week, we were thrilled to host Dr Michal Nahman’s Blessed Hands/ / Bendichas Manos: Cooking Up a Show With My Turkish Jewish Granny — an experiment, show, cookery class, and dinner rolled into one. Participants cooked a meal together based on seven years of research into Sephardi and other Jewish foodways, while watching and […]
The Mitzvah of Shiluah Haken or ‘Sending of the Nest’
“If you are to take an egg or young from the mother’s nest, you must first send the mother away so that she does not feel the loss of her young and is left to be free. By fulfilling this mitzvah, one will lengthen their days.” – D’varim 22:6-7 (Deuteronomy) The Torah recognises the harm […]
Oatly to be the first ‘Climate Solutions’ Food Company
'Oatly' is the first food company to be officially a 'Climate Solutions Company'! Their creamy, plant-based oat milk has gained worthy recognition. As a 'Climate Solutions' company, 90% of their revenue is achieved through climate-friendly endeavours and the company is transforming their sector. Additionally, they are annually publicising their various goals and net-zero emission aims. […]
The Three Weeks in Judaism: A Vegan Perspective (5785/2025)
Dear Reader, In the Jewish calendar, the period we're in now, is known as The Three Weeks. It a time of mourning and reflection. It begins on the 17th Tammuz and ends with Tisha B'Av (9th Av), a day that commemorates the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem. Traditionally, it is a time of restraint, […]
Government backs £12 m hub for lab grown meat and fermentation
A new £12 million investment by the government via EPSRC will back the Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing Hub (CARMA), based at the University of Bath. The initiative will advance research into cultivated meat and precision fermentation to scale sustainable proteins without slaughter. Teams including Hoxton Farms and Quest Meat will explore ways to produce ethical meat alternatives […]
Calderdale Council (W.Yorks) to serve only vegan food at official events
Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire is planning to serve exclusively vegan catering at meetings and receptions if a new food policy is approved. The move forms part of its climate leadership strategy as it pursues net zero emissions for the region by 2038. The council aims to favour seasonal and minimally processed plant based meals […]
Vegan Cream Liqueur Launches in Bristol
A new female-founded brand in Bristol is making waves with its vegan cream liqueur. Created as a kinder and more sustainable alternative to dairy-based drinks, it’s aimed at those who love cocktails but care about the planet too. The liqueur is made with plant ingredients and ethical packaging, and the founders want it to be […]
Vegan NIBs: Oatly Matcha Latte Now in UK Supermarkets
Oatly has launched a new matcha latte in the UK and it’s already on shelves at Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Made with oat milk and premium matcha, it comes ready to drink and costs £2.95 per litre (at the time of this post). It’s designed for people who want a quick, dairy-free caffeine boost without having […]
King Charles Visits Vegan Chocolate Shop in Scotland
King Charles visited Fetcha Chocolates, a small vegan chocolatier in Campbeltown, during a recent trip to Scotland. The visit was a big moment for the team, who hand-make their dairy-free chocolates using ethically sourced ingredients. The shop focuses on sustainability and flavour, and their range includes everything from truffles to caramel bars. The King's visit […]
Must-Try This Summer: Crispy Tofu Sandwich
Plant Based News just dropped the recipe of the summer. A crispy tofu sandwich that hits all the right notes. Crunchy outside, juicy centre, tangy slaw and a spicy mayo that tastes like summer. It is easy to make, satisfying and completely vegan. Plant-based classic flavours built on whole foods. Perfect for BBQs, lunch in […]
Campaigners renew calls for vegan internal catering at Bristol Council
Vegan activists recently encouraged Bristol City Council to adopt a fully plant‑based catering policy for internal meetings and events. They argue it would reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and align with Bristol’s climate strategy. Council members are reviewing suggestions for new catering contracts that could phase out meat and dairy entirely. Though current plans aim […]
Vegan NIBs: Plant‑Based Food Alliance urges policy shift to fight climate change
The newly‑formed Plant‑Based Food Alliance UK has called on the government to support the shift away from animal products to hit net zero goals. Backed by Oatly, Alpro and The Vegan Society, the group wants environmental labelling, public health campaigns, and schemes to help farmers transition to plant niche production. Research from Oxford highlights a […]
Forest Green Rovers Reveal Vegan Football Kit
Forest Green Rovers have unveiled what they say is the world’s first football kit certified by The Vegan Society. Made in partnership with sustainable sportswear brand Reflo, the kit is fully recyclable and designed to stand out with a green leopard print. Fans are split on the bold look, yet the club is standing by […]
Vegan Dogs “Get the Green Light from Vets”
The British Veterinary Association now officially supports vegan diets for dogs, as long as they are nutritionally balanced. This is an enormous shift and follows new research showing that plant based dog food can be just as healthy as meat based diets. Pet owners no longer need to choose between ethics and animal wellbeing. With […]
Oatly Gets Climate Certified
Oatly has recently been named a Climate Solutions Company. It is the first food brand to receive this label and it shows real progress. The certification is based on science backed methods, rather than greenwashing. Oatly has always talked the talk but this is proof they are delivering. From sourcing oats to reducing packaging impact, […]
Vegan NIBs: New report shows widespread animal welfare misinformation in food media
The Animal Law Foundation reviewed nearly 50 producers and nine major supermarkets across the UK and found over 84 percent used misleading imagery of animals grazing outdoors in humane conditions. In reality most farmed animals live indoors in intensive systems. The report calls this “humane‑washing” and warns imagery misleads consumers about real conditions in slaughterhouses […]
More Veggie Options Cuts Meat Sales Significantly
A new Cambridge study found that simply offering more plant based meals in cafeterias can slash meat sales by up to 80%. The research showed that tripling veggie options made people switch without needing extra persuasion. It is not about banning meat, just making it easier to choose plants. These changes had zero impact on […]
LSE New Department of Sentience
The London School of Economics (LSE) is opening a new department for animal sentience in the Autumn of 2025. Animal sentience is the capacity for emotion and physical pleasure or pain. We are sentient and so are most other animals. This department will contribute to our understanding of sentience and promote animal welfare and rights. […]
Plant Based Petition Hits 20,000 and Counting
Dale Vince’s petition calling for state support of plant based diets recently hit 20,000 signatures. It demands the government stop promoting meat and dairy through public ads and instead support sustainable diets. The response from Parliament is now mandatory and could bring this conversation into mainstream politics. With climate, health and farming systems all in […]
Our Food Strategy Shouts Out Plant Based Future
The Vegan Society is abuzz, after the latest government food strategy gave a nod to the environmental harm of animal farming. The paper supports better access to nutritious plant based food and calls for changes in how food is produced. The Society is highlighting the need for follow through. Policies need to reflect the reality […]
O2 Vegan Edition: thanks to Billie Eilish Transformation
Billie Eilish just made her UK tour fully plant based. Every food vendor at the O2 and other venues is serving only vegan options. The shows also feature an Eco Village where fans can learn about climate change and sustainable living. This isn’t just about snacks and merch, it is an emphatic statement. Billie is […]
Planet Friendly Lifestyle
What’s on your plate matters way more than you’d think. New research shows vegan meals have a carbon footprint 60% lower than meat-based ones, and even 24% lower than veggie ones. Add that to lower water pollution, less land use, and less destruction of ecosystems, and honestly, it’s a no-brainer. Whether you’re full vegan or […]
Jude’s Is Going (50%) Vegan
Shoutout Jude’s Ice Cream, who reportedly are going 50% plant-based by the end of this year! Their vegan range already makes up 36% of what they sell, and they’re aiming for a 43% drop in carbon emissions overall. Beyond trendy flavours, this is about ice cream that doesn’t cost the earth (literally). So next time […]
FYI: 80% of Farmland Is For Animals, Not You
Here’s something wild: 80% of global farmland is used for livestock or animal feed, yet it only gives us 18% of our calories. The maths isn’t mathing. That space could grow crops to feed lots more people or restore ecosystems. By going vegan or even reducing meat, we're helping flip that script. More space for […]
July: Seasonal Produce
July is a peak month for fresh, homegrown produce here. Juicy berries, including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. They are at their best, great for puddings or snacking. Tomatoes ripen under the sun, bursting with flavour, while cucumbers, courgettes (you may have spotted some in our JVS Community Garden). Thriving this month are peppers. They bring […]
27th July 2025, Immersive Cooking Show: Sold Out
An afternoon of flavour, fun and fascinating stories. We'll be joined by Dr Michal Nahman for a cookery masterclass with a twist. Think Ottoman Turkey, 1492 Spain and a mystery Middle Eastern city, all from our kitchen. Expect songs, laughs, delicious food and moving tales from Jewish, Muslim, Christian and British communities.
Greener Veganism Starts in Our Neighbourhoods
Veganism isn’t solely about what’s not on our plates, it’s also about where our food comes from. Want to level up your impact? Start with local growers, community gardens, and an allotment. By supporting local, we're cutting transport emissions and helping build resilient, sustainable communities. Bonus: fresh AF veggies that taste 10x better than anything […]
Richard Makin Is Cooking Up a Vegan Storm
If you’ve ever tried a sad tofu scramble and thought, “This is not it,” let Richard Makin fix that. His new book, Anything You Can Cook, I Can Cook Vegan, is the ultimate flex, taking everyday classics and making them plant-based without losing the taste and flavour. It’s been named one of the top vegan […]