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Accidentally Vegan? Everyday Foods That Are Plant-Based Without Even Trying

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Accidentally Vegan? Everyday Foods That Are Plant-Based Without Even Trying 

When you’re trying to eat more plant-based, it’s easy to imagine you’ll have to overhaul your entire shopping list. But here’s the good news: you’re probably already eating vegan food without even knowing it! 

Welcome to the world of accidentally vegan products – those everyday foods that just happen to be free of animal ingredients. No special labels. No extra cost. No fuss. 

Halfway Heroes is all about making this journey easy and sustainable – and these sneaky plant-based heroes prove you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to eat more kindly for the planet. 

Halfway Heroes is all about making this journey easy and sustainable – and these sneaky plant-based heroes prove you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to eat more kindly for the planet. 

 What Does “Accidentally Vegan” Mean? 

“Accidentally vegan” products weren’t made for vegans specifically. They’re just regular, mainstream foods that don’t contain any animal ingredients. 

It means you can keep eating plenty of things you already love – with zero sacrifice. And they make cutting down on animal products so much easier (and tastier). 

🍪 Snacks and Treats 

Plant-based doesn’t mean giving up all the fun. Some classic favourites are accidentally vegan: 

  • Biscuits: Oreo, Jammie Dodgers, Biscoff, Party Rings, Bourbon, Rich Tea and Ginger Nut 
  • Crisps: A variety – often salted, salt and vinegar, BBQ 
  • Sweets: Jelly Tots, Fruit Pastilles, Starburst 
  • Chocolate: Many dark chocolate bars 

✅ Tip: Always double-check ingredients – recipes can vary by brand! 

🥫 Pantry Staples 

Your store cupboard is already half-ready for plant-based meals: 

  • Dried pasta (most is egg-free) 
  • Rice and grains 
  • Canned beans and pulses 
  • Peanut butter and other nut butters 
  • Tinned tomatoes and coconut milk 

These are budget-friendly, versatile and perfect for bulking out meals without any animal products. 

     🌶️ Sauces and Condiments 

    Spice things up with these plant-based essentials: 

    • Tomato ketchup 
    • Soy sauce 
    • Hot sauces (ie sriracha, sweet chilli) 
    • Certain curry pastes (just watch out for shrimp or fish sauce in some) 
    • Many mustards 

    ✅ Look for simple ingredient lists – store-brand basics are often vegan! 

    just watch out for shrimp or fish sauce in some) 

    • Many mustards 

    ✅ Look for simple ingredient lists – store-brand basics are often vegan! 

    🥯 Breakfast Staples 

    Starting your day plant-based can be super easy: 

    • Most hash browns 
    • Baked beans 
    • Many cereals (ie Shreddies, Weetabix) 
    • Crumpets, bagels and pitas (often dairy- and egg-free) 
    • Certain supermarket breads and rolls

      How to Spot Accidentally Vegan Products 

      • Read the ingredient list: Look out for animal products such as milk powder, whey, egg, gelatine, honey or certain vitamins 
      • “May contain” warnings are there to warn allergy sufferers: That’s for allergy cross-contamination, not actual ingredients 
      • Simpler is often better: Basic or value ranges usually skip the unnecessary extras 

      Why This Matters 

      Eating plant-based doesn’t have to mean spending big on speciality vegan brands or learning new recipes every night. 

      It’s about making easy, familiar swaps that add up over time. Accidentally vegan products mean: 

      • less stress when shopping 
      • no giving up your favourite flavours 
      • an easier, more approachable transition 

      Let’s Make It Fun 

      We want you to feel good about every plant-based choice – even the sneaky, no-effort ones. Because at the end of the day, every swap you make is a win for: 

      🌍 The planet 
      🐄 Animals 
      🌱 Your own journey 

      Note: always check the ingredients, as food manufacturers regularly adapt recipes. Items listed here do not contain ingredients derived from animals at the time of writing, but many have been made in factories that handle non-vegan products. Please refer to the manufacturer to learn more about the individual product’s risk for cross contamination or cross contact – especially if you suffer from allergies. 

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      Perfect Is the Enemy of Good: Why You Don’t Have to Get It Right to Make a Difference

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      Perfect Is the Enemy of Good: Why You Don’t Have to Get It Right to Make a Difference 

      We hear it all the time from people who want to eat more plant-based:

      “I’m not ready to give up cheese.” 

      “I don’t even know where to start.”

      “I don’t want to be a hypocrite.”

      But here’s the thing – you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. 

      At Halfway Heroes, we believe progress beats perfection every single time. In fact, chasing perfection can be the very thing that stops people from making any change at all. 

      Perfection Can Be a Trap 

      Trying to do everything all at once – going 100% plant-based overnight, never slipping up, hitting every sustainability goal – can feel overwhelming very quickly. 

      And when it gets hard that voice of doubt creeps in: 

      “You’re not doing enough.”

      “You’ve failed already.”

      “Might as well give up.” 

      That’s not helpful. And more importantly – it’s not true. 

      Progress Is Powerful 

      The truth? Every single plant-based meal you eat cuts the dishes: 

      🌍 Climate impact by half 

      💧 Water use by half 

      🐄 Impact on wildlife by half 

      🌾 Land use by 74% 

      You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do something. Start small, try things out, keep going. 

      Real Change Looks Like This: 

      • Swapping oat milk into your morning coffee 
      • Having a veggie stir-fry instead of chicken once a week 
      • Trying a new plant-based recipe with your family 
      • Slowly letting plant-based meals “crowd out” the rest 

      None of that is perfect – but all of it is good. And when you stack those good choices up over time? That’s real change. 

      A Note From Us 

      You’re not alone on this journey, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’re here to support you, cheer you on, and remind you that doing something – even halfway – is already making a huge impact. 

      So, ditch the pressure. Skip the guilt. And keep showing up, however you can. 

      Because perfect is the enemy of good – and you’re already doing great. 

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      The Methane Menace Is on the Run and Halfway Heroes Are in Hot Pursuit!

      The Methane Menace Is on the Run and Halfway Heroes Are in Hot Pursuit!

      There’s a new villain in town – and this one’s flame-grilled.

      In a bold and hilarious new stunt that’s turning heads across the UK, we’ve unleashed the ultimate showdown: a giant walking beef burger sprinting through Bristol, desperately trying to escape a squad of cape-wearing superheroes. It’s chaotic. It’s cinematic. It’s slightly absurd. And most importantly – it’s delivering a serious environmental message with a side of laughter.

      Halfway Heroes is using creativity, comedy, and food to spark real climate action. We’re on a mission to get the public to go 50 per cent plant-based, and what better way to start than by chasing The Methane Menace through the streets?

      Behind the Stunt: Why We Made the Video

      Picture this: a peaceful afternoon in a bustling Bristol park is interrupted by the sudden appearance of an enormous anthropomorphic beef burger. It’s not long before our team of Halfway Heroes – dressed in bold superhero costumes, capes flying, masks on – give chase, weaving between shocked dog walkers and amused passers-by.

      And yes, we filmed the whole thing.

      The result is a fast-paced, funny, and unexpectedly thought-provoking short film designed to do one thing: start a conversation. Because let’s face it – people don’t expect climate messaging to come with a side of slapstick. But maybe they should.

      In a media-saturated world, we wanted to do something different. Something memorable. Something that cuts through the noise and invites people to stop, laugh and then think.

      Why is the beef burger the villain? Because it represents one of the most environmentally damaging foods on the planet. Beef production is a major driver of climate change, generating 22.6 kg of CO₂e per kilogram produced in the EU, alongside causing deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution.

      The burger may be ridiculous, but the data behind it is very real.

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      A Campaign for Action, Not Perfection

      That’s where the Halfway Heroes campaign comes in. We’re not demanding perfection. We’re encouraging progress. Our mission is simple: ask people to make half their weekly meals plant-based and show them how delicious and impactful that can be.

      It’s a small step – but one with a huge carbon-saving impact.

      The Halfway Heroes Tour: Burgers, Pledges, and Planet-Saving Potential

      To bring the campaign to life, we’re hitting the road. The Halfway Heroes Tour will roll into five UK cities this summer, handing out hundreds of free vegan burgers and encouraging people to take the Halfway Hero Pledge.

      We’ll be serving up food, facts, and fun – one city at a time.

      Join the Movement

      This is a campaign rooted in positivity and possibility. It’s about empowering everyday people to be heroes in their own lives – not by doing everything, but by doing something.

      And if that “something” starts with a burger, well… we think that’s a great place to begin.

      📍 Check out tour dates and take the pledge to be a Halfway Hero here

      📢 Watch the video and follow the fun on Instagram and TikTok @vivacharity

      Because the planet needs saving – and you don’t need a cape to be a hero.

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      Halfway Heroes Is Hitting the Road – And Bringing Burgers! 

      Hold onto your buns because Halfway Heroes is going on tour! 

      We’re hitting five major UK cities this summer with a mission: to feed the nation delicious plant-based burgers and show just how easy – and tasty – climate action can be. We’re serving up flavour, fun and free food to inspire people to be heroes for the planet – one bite at a time. 

      What’s the Tour All About? 

      The Halfway Heroes campaign is about encouraging people to go 50 per cent plant-based each week to cut their carbon footprint and protect the planet. Why? Because the science is clear: reducing meat and dairy is one of the most powerful things we can do to fight climate change. 

      And the best part? You don’t need to go all in at once. This campaign is here to make that first step delicious, doable and even a little bit fun. 

      Now, we’re taking this message on the road – and we’re not coming empty-handed. 

      The Most Wanted Burger Is Coming to Town 

      As part of the tour, we’re handing out delicious burgers – totally free, completely plant-based, big on taste and low on environmental impact. Each stop will feature 300 free burger tasters provided to us by THIS, so if you’re nearby, get there early! 

      You’ll also meet our friendly street team (yes, there might be a giant burger), learn how simple it is to eat for the planet, and pick up some top tips and recipes to get started at home. 

      Whether you’re vegan-curious, climate-conscious or just really hungry – this is your chance to get inspired, have fun and taste the future of food. 

      Where We’re Going 

      We’ll be popping up in: 

      • Bristol – 18 June 
      • Bath – 20 June 
      • Leeds – 23 June 
      • Manchester – 24 June 
      • Oxford – 26 June 

      (Exact locations and times coming soon – keep an eye on our Instagram for updates!) 

      Why We’re Doing This 

      At Viva!, we know that big change starts with small steps. Not everyone is ready to go fully vegan, but a lot of people care about the environment – they just don’t know where to start. 

      Halfway Heroes is here to break down barriers with uplifting, non-judgemental messaging and show that swapping just a few meals a week can make a meaningful difference. 

      And what better way to start that journey than with a juicy plant-based burger in hand? 

      Come Along – Be a Hero 

      If you’ve ever thought about trying more plant-based meals – or know someone who has – this is the perfect time to dive in. We’ll bring the burgers. You bring the appetite. Together, we’ll show the UK that saving the planet doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. It can start with one amazing meal. 

      Let’s be honest: the world needs heroes. And they don’t need capes – they just need good food and a bit of inspiration. See you on the road! 🌍🍔 

      HALFWAY HEROES DIET

      What does the Halfway Heroes Diet actually look like?

      So, you’ve heard about Halfway Heroes – the campaign that invites you to go 50 per cent plant-based for the planet – and you want to get on board (yay!). But maybe you’re wondering… What does “halfway” really look like day to day? How do you actually do it without totally changing your life, your cravings, or your Friday pizza ritual?

      Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, tasty, and totally achievable.

      First of All… What is the Halfway Heroes Diet?

      It’s not a strict set of rules. 
      It’s not about going 100 per cent plant-based (unless you want to). 
      And it’s definitely not about guilt, labels, or perfection. 

      The Halfway Heroes Diet simply means making about half of your meals plant-based – that’s it. 
      Whether that’s 11 out of 21 weekly meals, one full day on / one day off, or plant-based until dinner — it all counts. And it all helps.

      Why Go Halfway?

      Because even 50 per cent makes a huge impact: 

      • 🌍 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions 
      • 💧 Saves water and land 
      • 🐄 Reduces demand on factory farming 
      • 💚 Improves your health and digestion 
      • 🥗 Inspires creativity in the kitchen 

      You don’t have to go all in to make a big difference.

      So… What Do Halfway Heroes Actually Eat?

      Glad you asked! Here’s a snapshot of what your week could look like.

      HALFWAY HEROES DIET

      Breakfasts

      These are already often plant-based or just require an easy swap. 

      • Cereal with oat or soy milk
      • Overnight oats with almond milk, chia, and berries 
      • Peanut butter or marmite (or both if you’re feeling brave) on toast 
      • Smoothie with banana, spinach, oat milk & peanut butter 
      • Vegan pancakes or avocado toast 
      • Coconut or soy yogurt with granola and fruit 

      Hero Move: Add flaxseed, nuts, or plant protein for an extra boost.

      Lunches

      Try making lunch your go-to plant-based meal — it’s easy and energising. 

      • Plant based ham and cheese sandwiches 
      • Jacket potato with beans 
      • Hummus and veggie-loaded sandwiches 
      • Buddha bowls (grains + greens + beans + dressing = magic) 
      • Veggie chilli or soup 

      Pro Tip: Meal prep once, enjoy all week.

      Dinners

      You don’t have to ditch family favourites – just remix them.

      Plant-based dinner ideas:

      • Spaghetti Bolognese with lentils or soya mince 
      • Black bean tacos with guac & slaw 
      • Thai coconut curry with tofu 
      • Vegan bangers and mash 
      • Veggie burgers and sweet potato fries 

      Mindset shift: It’s not “what do I give up?” – it’s “what do I try next?”

       Snacks & Treats

      • Dark chocolate (many are dairy-free!) 
      • Crisps or Popcorn 
      • Hummus and Pitta 
      • Dairy-free ice cream (Ben & Jerrys is still on the table) 
      • Fruit with nut butter

      Real Talk: What If You Slip?

      Good news — you can’t fail at this. 
      Halfway Heroes is about progress, not perfection. 

      Every plant-based meal is a win for the planet. 
      Every time you choose beans over beef, you’re voting for a kinder, healthier world. 

      So go at your own pace. Celebrate the small wins. And have fun with it!

      Ready to Be a Halfway Hero?

      Start with one plant-based day a week. 
      Try one new recipe. Swap out dairy milk. 
      Invite a friend to join you for a plant-powered dinner. 

      Because when we all go halfway, we can take the planet all the way toward a better future.

       

      UK Public Want Restaurants to Limit Their Environmental Impact Through their Menus, Survey Finds

      Research from the Viva! team has found that the UK public want restaurants to take responsibility by serving environmentally friendly food. In a recent poll of 2,000 people – half of whom were vegan – it was found that 79% of the entire group polled feel it is important that restaurants limit their impact on the world through the food they serve. The simple solution – putting more plants on plates! The poll also found that nearly seven in 10 (69%) of all respondents believe it is important to have plenty of vegan food in a city – with 52% of those citing it as being better for the environment. It’s not just the environment that people take into consideration when choosing what to eat – taste, price and health are also key factors that guide people’s menu choices.

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