“The View” is one of those shows where you watch it because you like one (or more) of the hosts or in this case hostesses. I watched when Meredith Viera was on and when Rosie O’Donnell took over last September, i was fine with the move, even looked forward to it, as Rosie always has something to say about anything even remotely controversial. (for starters bush, Iraq, fat people, gays, etc) I don’t have a problem with Rosie, i do have a problem with her co-host Elizabeth Hassellbeck as she comes across as holier than Marcia Brady. Her sanctimonious and self-righteous baloney really gets on my nerves at times, and this week it went too far with her not defending her Hollywood galpal, Rosie. She could and should have defended Rosie earlier this week when the media as usual snarped at Rosie for, yet again, “being anti-American”. If it weren’t for “The View”, no one would even know of Elizabeth Hassellbeck, and instead of being grateful and humble for this lucky twist in her career, she has turned into quite a belladonna. As of today it was reported that Rosie has officially resigned as co-host, and will not be returning to The View, caught in the middle of this nasty cat fight, was Alicia Silverstone (of clueless fame) who is a strict and vocal vegan, who apparently snubbed Hassellbeck on Wednesdays show, probably because she is anti-stupid people and did not appreciate the way Elizabeth carried on against Rosie.
There is always a good reason to share a favorite plant-based meal. Some occasions are worldwide awareness days, others are national campaigns, and a few are important cultural or religious festivals where vegetarian food plays a central role. You do not need to wait for a special day to enjoy a meat-free dinner, but knowing these occasions gives you a reason to discover recipes, invite friends, or learn about another community’s food traditions.
If you arrived here looking for National Vegetarian Week, you are in the right place. The original Veggie-Blog post celebrated that campaign years ago, when it was held in late May. This updated guide puts it in a wider international calendar so you can find vegetarian and vegan celebrations throughout the year.
Important: "National" in an event’s name does not necessarily mean a government-declared or paid public holiday. Most entries below are nonprofit campaigns, awareness events, or cultural festivals. The months are a planning guide, not a promise that a particular organizer will run an event every year. Check the organizer before travelling or announcing specific dates.
The featured image is a computer-generated illustration, not a photo of a real event.
Vegetarian and vegan awareness calendar at a glance
Month
Event or campaign
Where it is observed
What it is
January
Veganuary
International
A month-long invitation to try vegan eating
March
MeatOut
US-led, with international participation
Plant-based outreach and a meat-free challenge
April
Earth Day
International
An environmental observance; not vegetarian-specific
June
World Environment Day
International
A UN environmental observance; not vegetarian-specific
September / October
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Thailand
A religious and cultural celebration featuring jay food
September / October
Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Malaysia and other communities
Taoist observance featuring vegetarian food and rituals
October*
National Vegetarian Week
United Kingdom
The Vegetarian Society’s annual campaign
October
World Vegetarian Day / Vegetarian Awareness Month
International
A day and month of vegetarian awareness
October
World Food Day
International
A UN food-systems observance; not vegetarian-specific
November
World Vegan Day / World Vegan Month
International
Vegan awareness and community activities
Every week
Meatless Monday
Many countries
A recurring invitation to eat without meat
National Vegetarian Week’s month is based on a recent organizer-announced edition, not a permanent fixed month. Confirm the latest campaign calendar.
January: Veganuary makes plant-based eating approachable
Veganuary encourages people to try a vegan diet during January, whether for a full month or as the beginning of a longer change. The campaign began in the UK and now reaches participants across many countries. It is not a government holiday; it is a voluntary, nonprofit initiative.
A good way to take part is to start with meals you already enjoy: lentil bolognese instead of meat sauce, tofu stir-fry instead of chicken, or bean chili topped with avocado. Pick a few repeatable breakfasts and lunches rather than replacing your whole kitchen overnight. People with food allergies or special dietary needs should adapt recipes to suit them.
March: MeatOut and the idea of one plant-based day
MeatOut began as a US-based campaign encouraging people to explore meals without animal products. Organizers and supporters have also promoted it outside the United States. It is an awareness initiative, and local proclamations do not make it a nationwide public holiday.
For a family activity, invite everyone to build their own grain bowl: cooked rice or quinoa, black beans, chopped vegetables, a crunchy topping, and a sauce. Make the experience about tasty food rather than winning an argument about diets. You can explore the campaign at MeatOut.
April: Earth Day is a chance to talk about food and the environment
Earth Day is an international environmental observance, not a vegetarian holiday. Still, food can be one useful part of a broader conversation about resources, waste, farming, and the choices available to households.
Try planning a meal around seasonal vegetables or reducing food waste: turn wilted greens into soup, freeze leftovers in labelled portions, and use cooked beans in wraps the following day. Earth Day activities can involve much more than food, including litter cleanups and community gardening.
June: World Environment Day and everyday kitchen habits
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, World Environment Day brings attention to environmental issues. It is not organized as a vegan or vegetarian campaign, so don’t promote it as one.
A plant-forward cooking night can nonetheless fit into a school’s, community group’s, or family’s wider environmental activity. Consider using reusable tableware, choosing ingredients already in the pantry, or having friends exchange practical tips for using leftovers. Avoid declaring that any single meal solves a complicated global problem; focus instead on useful actions people can try.
September and October: Vegetarian food and living traditions in Asia
Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Thailand
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, known locally through Chinese-Thai traditions, is a religious and cultural observance connected with the Nine Emperor Gods. During the festival, yellow flags identify many vendors offering jay food. This style of food avoids meat and commonly excludes several pungent ingredients such as garlic and onion. Individual ingredients and preparation practices still deserve checking if you are strictly vegan or have allergies.
The festival follows a lunar calendar, which is why September or October is more useful for an evergreen guide than a fixed day. The celebration is not simply a street-food fair: it includes shrine rituals and processions. Visitors should dress respectfully and follow local guidance, particularly around religious ceremonies.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Penang, Malaysia
In Penang, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival also involves Taoist ceremonies and temporary vegetarian food stalls. Families may visit temples, eat vegetarian food as part of religious practice, and gather for processions. The timing moves with the lunar calendar, usually appearing in September or October.
For both locations, the best approach is to read local announcements before making a trip and to ask vendors about ingredients rather than assuming every item is identical. These festivals belong to living communities and should be described respectfully, not reduced to a list of food photo opportunities.
October: World Vegetarian Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month
World Vegetarian Day is one of the clearest international celebrations dedicated specifically to vegetarian living. It was established by the North American Vegetarian Society and helps open Vegetarian Awareness Month in October. These are awareness observances, not globally mandated public holidays.
There are many friendly ways to celebrate. Organize a meat-free lunch at work; ask relatives to bring a dish inspired by their heritage; or swap recipes with friends who are curious but unsure where to begin. You could even feature an inexpensive dish each week, showing that enjoyable vegetarian food does not need complicated specialty products.
If you run a blog, this is a natural opportunity to publish something original and helpful: a genuinely tested recipe, a careful explanation of a food label, or an interview conducted with permission. You can read more from the World Vegetarian Day organizers.
October and other months: National Vegetarian Week in the UK
National Vegetarian Week is a United Kingdom campaign run by the Vegetarian Society. It gives people a chance to cook, discover ingredients, and explore vegetarian dishes. Its published timing has changed across editions, so October describes a recent campaign month rather than a fixed annual rule. When this blog first wrote about it, the week fell in late May.
For an evergreen article like this one, checking the Vegetarian Society’s official National Vegetarian Week page is more accurate than copying an old week’s dates. If you live outside the UK, you can still use the week as inspiration without calling it an official holiday in your own country.
An easy celebration could be a vegetarian potluck with a clear ingredient card next to each dish. Label whether recipes contain eggs, milk, nuts, soy, or wheat. Vegetarian food is not automatically vegan, and considerate labels help guests make informed choices.
October: World Food Day connects food with wider questions
World Food Day, associated with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, considers food security, agriculture, and access to nutritious food. It is not a vegetarian campaign, but it can encourage a thoughtful conversation about food waste, affordable ingredients, and how communities feed themselves.
For a classroom or household project, choose a staple such as lentils, beans, oats, or rice and explore how different cuisines use it. Compare cooking methods and build a balanced meal with vegetables and other foods. Avoid suggesting a single diet is suitable for every person or circumstance.
November: World Vegan Day and World Vegan Month
World Vegan Day grew from The Vegan Society’s anniversary and is now associated with World Vegan Month in November. Vegetarianism and veganism are related but different: vegetarian diets omit meat and fish, while vegan practice seeks to avoid animal exploitation and animal-derived products beyond food as far as possible and practicable.
A November celebration might be a vegan dinner party, a cooking class, or an ingredient-label challenge. Explore plant-based milk, yogurt, or sauces for recipes that traditionally contain dairy. If you publish a recipe labelled vegan, review every ingredient, including toppings and packaged condiments.
You do not need an annual holiday to discover vegetarian cooking. Meatless Monday is a recurring international initiative encouraging people to skip meat once a week. This can be a manageable starting point for households that are not ready for a month-long challenge.
Rotate a few reliable meals: black-bean tacos, a vegetable frittata for vegetarians who eat eggs, a coconut chickpea curry, and baked potatoes with lentil filling. Ask people what they enjoyed and adjust the plan. Keeping it enjoyable is often more useful than trying to make every week an elaborate occasion.
Vegetarian holidays versus religious vegetarian festivals
A campaign such as Veganuary is an invitation from a nonprofit. A UN observance such as World Food Day has a different purpose. A religious festival such as Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is part of a community’s faith and cultural life. They can all be relevant to readers interested in vegetarian food, but they should not be presented as interchangeable.
Similarly, a country-specific campaign is not automatically a national public holiday. If you are travelling or running an event, check public-holiday information, local organizers, and festival rules separately. When a lunar calendar is involved, never assume that the same month—or even the same week—applies every year.
Five easy ways to celebrate without travelling
Host a bring-a-dish evening. Invite friends to cook a favorite meat-free dish and share the ingredients.
Learn one food tradition respectfully. Read about its history before making a version of the dish at home.
Make a family recipe vegan or vegetarian. Adjust one ingredient at a time and write down what worked.
Help a newcomer. Share shopping basics, simple recipe methods, and realistic advice without pressure.
Write down your favorites. Build a small personal recipe list you can return to after the celebration is over.
To get started with something easy, try the veggie omelette collection, including an egg-free chickpea version. Check each recipe’s ingredients if you need a fully vegan meal.
Questions readers ask
Is World Vegetarian Day an official public holiday?
No. It is an international awareness observance. It does not automatically create a day off work or school anywhere in the world.
What month is National Vegetarian Week?
The UK Vegetarian Society announces its dates for each campaign. October has been used in a recent edition, but other months have been used in past years. Consult the organizer rather than assuming one fixed week.
When is World Vegan Month?
World Vegan Month takes place in November, with World Vegan Day also observed during that month.
Why do some festival months change from year to year?
Some festivals follow a lunar calendar, so their dates shift against the Gregorian calendar. Organizers may also move secular campaigns for practical reasons.
Keep the celebration going
Whether you try a single vegetarian meal in January, discover a new family favorite in October, or cook for friends in November, the best celebration is one that makes good food easier to share. Bookmark this calendar, check the organizers’ latest announcements, and tell us in the comments: Which vegetarian or vegan celebration happens where you live—and what do you like to cook for it?
A label can make a makeup product sound kinder, cleaner, or greener in seconds. But do the words vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, and natural actually mean the same thing? Not at all. Understanding the difference is the quickest way to make beauty purchases that match your values without falling for vague advertising.
This guide is for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who wants to buy cosmetics more thoughtfully. It covers makeup, skincare, haircare, and personal-care products, explains the most useful certifications, and offers a practical checklist you can bring to the store. You do not need a shelf full of expensive products to get started.
The featured image is a computer-generated illustration, not a photo of real products or brands.
Vegan cosmetics vs. cruelty-free cosmetics: the difference
Vegan cosmetics are formulated without animal-derived ingredients. That is an ingredients claim: no beeswax, carmine, lanolin, or other animal materials. A serious independent vegan certification may examine ingredients, supply chains, and animal-testing practices, too. However, the word vegan printed by a brand on its own is not identical to independent certification.
Cruelty-free cosmetics address animal testing. A credible certification checks more than whether the finished product was tested; it can include suppliers and ingredient manufacturers. Still, cruelty-free does not necessarily mean a mascara or lipstick contains no animal-derived ingredients.
A product can therefore be cruelty-free but not vegan, or marketed as vegan without independent evidence about animal-testing policies. If both issues matter to you, check both claims. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that phrases such as “cruelty-free” and “not tested on animals” do not have fixed legal definitions in US cosmetics labeling.
Claim on packaging
What it is intended to tell you
What it does not prove on its own
Vegan
No animal-derived ingredients
That a self-declared product has undergone independent verification
Cruelty-free
No animal testing under the brand’s stated policy or a certification program
That the formula contains no animal ingredients
Vegetarian
Typically avoids ingredients from slaughtered animals, depending on the standard
That the product excludes honey, milk derivatives, or beeswax
Plant-based
Plant ingredients are emphasized
That every ingredient is vegan, or that animal testing was excluded
Natural / clean
A marketing or formulation description, depending on the brand
Vegan status, cruelty-free status, or superior safety
These categories overlap, but they are not substitutes for one another. When a claim is important, ask which organization defines it and how the company verifies compliance.
Beauty certifications worth recognizing
The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark
The Vegan Society’s sunflower-shaped Vegan Trademark is a useful signal that a product has been checked against the organization’s standard. The standard covers animal-derived ingredients and animal testing initiated by the company or conducted on its behalf. A company selling an unverified product that simply says “vegan” should not be assumed to have passed the same checks.
Leaping Bunny standards focus on preventing new animal testing through commitments, supplier monitoring, and independent checks. In 2026, Cruelty Free International introduced an updated name and logo for its global approval program. You may encounter older and newer packaging while brands transition, so verify the brand through the certifier rather than judging by a vaguely similar bunny drawing.
Use the Cruelty Free International approval program to understand its criteria. The program checks animal-testing commitments; it is not itself a vegan-ingredient guarantee.
Vegetarian Society labels
The Vegetarian Society offers separate vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based certification marks. That distinction matters because a vegetarian formula may contain ingredients that a vegan shopper avoids. You can read its explanation of vegan and cruelty-free beauty.
No logo replaces careful reading. Certification scope matters: it might apply to an individual product, a product line, or a brand, depending on the scheme. Check what the label specifically covers before assuming every item made by a company qualifies.
Seven cosmetic ingredients to look at twice
Many ingredient names sound technical but are familiar substances under another name. These examples are useful starting points—not a complete list or proof that a particular product is unsuitable.
Carmine (sometimes CI 75470): a red pigment obtained from cochineal insects; check lipsticks, blushes, and other colored products.
Beeswax (Cera Alba): an animal-derived wax that can appear in balms, mascaras, and lip products.
Lanolin: a waxy substance obtained from sheep’s wool, used in some skincare and lip-care products.
Shellac: a resin obtained from lac insects, sometimes used in coatings or cosmetic formulations.
Collagen: traditionally animal-derived, though alternative sources and biotechnology-based forms also exist; verify the product’s specific source.
Keratin: traditionally associated with animal hair, feathers, and similar materials; source and formulation matter.
Glycerin or stearic acid: these can come from plant, animal, or synthetic sources. The ingredient name by itself may not settle the question, so ask the manufacturer if its origin is unclear.
Other terms such as guanine or certain forms of squalene may also deserve a closer look. A reliable product-specific vegan certification can save time when a long ingredients list is difficult to interpret.
How to check a makeup or skincare product in five minutes
You do not have to become a cosmetic chemist. This simple routine covers most of the important questions.
Step 1 — Identify what you are buying. Is it lipstick, sunscreen, shampoo, facial cream, or a fragrance? Look at the full ingredient list for that exact product and shade. Different shades and formulations can use different colorants or waxes.
Step 2 — Look for recognized certification. Is there a vegan mark, a cruelty-free mark, or both? Search the certifier’s own product or brand directory instead of accepting a logo-looking image on packaging at face value.
Step 3 — Scan for obvious animal-derived ingredients. Start with carmine, beeswax, lanolin, shellac, collagen, and keratin. Remember that ingredients with several possible sources need more information.
Step 4 — Read the animal-testing policy carefully. Does the company discuss suppliers, ingredients, third-party manufacturers, and markets in which it sells? “We do not test our finished products” leaves more unanswered questions than a credible independent verification.
Step 5 — Check suitability beyond vegan status. Skin sensitivity, allergies, ingredient preferences, price, and whether a product works for you are separate issues. Vegan cosmetics are not automatically hypoallergenic or suitable for every skin type.
If you are still uncertain, send one specific question rather than asking the brand whether it is “ethical.” A useful message is: “Can you confirm whether this exact shade contains any animal-derived ingredients, and whether your animal-testing policy covers ingredient suppliers and third-party manufacturers?”
How to build a simple vegan beauty routine
For beginners, the easiest approach is to use up suitable products you already own and research replacements as needed. You can start with a few practical categories instead of rebuilding your entire bathroom cabinet in a weekend.
Face and skincare
A gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen appropriate for your skin and climate may be a more useful foundation than a complicated multi-step regimen. Check their ingredient lists and relevant vegan or cruelty-free claims individually. Choose sun protection based on established protection standards, not simply whether a package looks natural.
Makeup
Concealer, tinted products, blush, lipstick, mascara, and makeup brushes can all involve different ingredients and materials. For lip and eye products, shade-specific colorants are worth checking. For brushes, examine whether the bristles are synthetic or animal hair rather than judging from the handle or branding.
Hair and body
Shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, deodorant, and lotions are often the easiest starting points for a one-item-at-a-time switch. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and consider guidance from a qualified professional where appropriate. A cruelty-free certification is about testing standards, not personal tolerability.
Packaging and waste
A refillable or concentrated product may help reduce packaging, but “vegan,” “plastic-free,” “recyclable,” and “low-carbon” are different claims. Consider refill availability, how a package is disposed of locally, and whether you will actually use the product before it expires. A reusable product you finish can be a better practical choice than buying multiple unnecessary items because they have green-looking labels.
Common vegan beauty shopping mistakes
Mistake: assuming every bunny icon represents certification. Decorative rabbits and unverified graphics are not the same as a current certifier listing.
Mistake: assuming a cruelty-free product must be vegan. A cruelty-free lip balm might still contain beeswax, for example.
Mistake: assuming “all-natural” means animal-free. Beeswax and lanolin are natural substances of animal origin.
Mistake: assuming a brand’s entire catalog has the same status. Check the specific product or shade, and confirm whether certification applies at product or brand level.
Mistake: treating beauty as a celebrity guessing game. A musician’s vegetarian diet does not establish which cosmetics they wear, endorse, or personally purchase.
Mistake: equating vegan labeling with safety. Ingredient suitability and product safety need separate consideration; the FDA notes that manufacturers remain responsible for substantiating cosmetic safety.
What about Carrie Underwood cosmetics?
The original version of this Veggie Blog post, published in May 2007, was a lighthearted note about visitors arriving through unusual Yahoo search terms, including a search relating to Carrie Underwood cosmetics. The original writer explicitly said they did not know what cosmetics she used. It was never evidence of a particular makeup brand, sponsorship, or personal beauty routine.
That old search anecdote raises a useful modern point: celebrity association is not a substitute for product information. Even when a public figure talks about vegetarian food, it tells us nothing reliable about a specific lipstick’s ingredients or animal-testing history. This guide therefore recommends checking certifications and formulas, not guessing from fame or search trends.
Quick checklist: is this product right for me?
Before buying, consider these six questions:
Is the exact product and shade labeled vegan or independently certified vegan?
Is the animal-testing claim backed by a clear, verifiable policy or independent approval?
Have I checked for obvious animal-derived ingredients and uncertain ingredient sources?
Does the certification cover this product, rather than only some products from the brand?
Does the product suit my practical needs, budget, and skin or hair preferences?
Am I choosing it because I need it, rather than because of vague green marketing?
Save this checklist to your phone before your next trip to a beauty aisle or online store.
Questions readers ask
Can cruelty-free cosmetics contain beeswax?
Yes. Cruelty-free addresses animal testing; a product can still include beeswax, lanolin, or another animal-derived ingredient unless a separate vegan requirement excludes it.
Is carmine vegan?
No. Carmine is an insect-derived pigment and is not considered vegan. Look for ingredient wording such as carmine or CI 75470, especially in colored cosmetics.
What does Leaping Bunny certification mean?
It relates to animal-testing practices and a monitored supply chain under Cruelty Free International’s approval program (now also shown under the Cruelty Free International name and logo). It is not, by itself, proof that every ingredient is vegan. Verify the listing through the certifier.
How can I check whether a cruelty-free logo is genuine?
Find the approving organization’s official website and look for the brand in its current approved directory. Logos and program names can change over time, so the official listing is a better check than an old picture.
The takeaway: read the label, then check the evidence
The easiest way to shop for kinder cosmetics is to separate three questions: What is the product made from? How was it tested? Does it work for me? A trusted vegan mark can help with ingredient and production requirements; a credible cruelty-free approval can help with animal-testing policies. Neither removes the need to consider a product’s safety, usefulness, and cost.
If you have found a particularly clear product label or have a question about an unfamiliar ingredient, share it in the comments. Your example might help another reader shop with more confidence.
Editorial note: This is independent shopping education, not a product endorsement or medical recommendation. Verification standards and product formulas may change; check current manufacturer and certifier information before purchasing.
If you need a chocolate boost (and who doesn’t), this site based in Texas, offers up delectable, delicious, and cruelty-free cocoa concoctions which are also affordable priced, a 9 ounce box (16 pieces) of Vegan Belgian Mints will set you back all of $24.95 with free shipping. Can you say awesome you can find some sweet shoes, sandals, flops, heels, and even gym shoes that are earth-friendly, animal-friendly, and are super super cute, too.
My weekly blogger mention goes to in cinq. Aside from being in the club (a/k/a is a vegetarian), she is a university student and as a part of an art project, created a blog, in which she chronicles others who submit self-portrait sand they “reveal themselves in a 9-word cinquain poem. This week there is a guy from outer space, a guy from Princeton, a guy in a brown sofa, and a girl far far away. The collection is really neat and very revealing. You can also submit you own self-portrait. I think i will contribute mine, i’ll post back a mention when i do.
Come back tomorrow for more quirky new product mentions. Missy.
When I first read this news in 2007 it made me feel sick, and it also felt like a big step backward. The makers of the Mars bar planned to put an ingredient from a calf’s stomach into some of their chocolate. Here is what was announced and why it matters to vegetarians.
What did Mars announce?
In May 2007, Mars UK (then called Masterfoods) said it would change the whey in some of its products from a vegetarian source to one that contained traces of rennet. According to the BBC, the products affected were the Mars, Snickers, Maltesers and Galaxy brands, and the rennet was also going to be used in the ice cream versions of the bars. The company later admitted that its products would no longer be suitable for “extremely strict vegetarians.”
What is rennet?
Rennet is an enzyme preparation used to curdle milk when cheese is made. As the Vegetarian Society explains, rennet is traditionally made from the stomach enzymes of animals, usually calves, so cheese made with it is not vegetarian. Cheesemakers can also use microbial rennet, which comes from a fungus, or plant rennets such as thistle, and cheeses made with them are suitable for vegetarians.
Why did a chocolate bar need rennet at all?
Whey is the liquid left after milk is curdled for cheese, and food makers use it in many products. If the cheese was made with animal rennet, the whey carries traces of it. That is why a bar of chocolate with no meat in it can still fail a vegetarian test, and it is also why I asked at the time what benefit the change could bring besides profit.
How can you avoid hidden animal ingredients?
Read the label and look for “suitable for vegetarians” marks, especially on products with whey, cheese or gelatin. Companies change recipes without much notice, so a product you bought last year might not pass today. Our guide to the main types of vegetarian diet explains where different vegetarians draw the line.