What is a Vegan anyway?

Over the last few years, the number of vegans in the UK has quadrupled. According to the Vegan Society, 4% of Europe’s population are vegan – a number that is rising year on year. But what exactly makes a person vegan?

The most basic definition is someone who does not eat or drink products that comes from an animal. This includes meat, fish, eggs, milk and other dairy products and animal by-products such as honey from bees.

However, it is not that simple in reality. Especially if you want to buy the best vegan gifts.

Types of vegan

The type of vegan described above, someone who does not eat or drink anything containing animal products is called a dietary vegan. There are others who take their veganism further, extending into other areas of life.

An ethical vegan will not consume any animal products but will also make sure to get no other benefit from them either. They will not use any animal products like leather and sheep’s wool for clothing, footwear or bags. They would not purchase any products that have been tested on animals or contain any animal by-products.

Another type of vegan is an environmental vegan. The term is used for people who live a vegan lifestyle because of the environmental impact of the industrial farming of animals. There are very severe issues caused by animal farming – overfishing, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and as a result of this, a loss of biodiversity. Some believe that cutting out animal diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 28%!

An excellent documentary to watch is Cowspiracy. We won’t give away the whole thing, but another point they make about veganism is the amount of money that could be saved. They estimate that if everyone in the world took on a vegan, plant-based diet, over $1 trillion dollars would be saved in healthcare, both directly and indirectly, and nearly 600 billion in environmental savings by the year 2050 – that’s only 29 years away by the way!

There may also be religious reasons why people chose a vegan diet and lifestyle.

Walnut Tree for Vegans. Best vegan gifts.

We have 33 certified vegan products listed on our website currently – with the hope for many more to come in the future.

It’s probably not surprising to you that most of our dried fruit and nuts are on there, but there are others that might! For example, take our glacé fruit. Just by looking at the shiny, glazed fruits, you’d be forgiven for thinking there was pig or fish gelatin in there somewhere. But no – these elegant delicacies are in fact vegan friendly!

Similarly, our marron glacé, with only 6 ingredients and none of them animal-based, is a great choice for anyone looking for a sophisticated, stylish gift for your vegan co-worker, friend or family member. This treat is SO good, it even won a Great Taste Award in 2016. Don’t worry, we haven’t changed the recipe!

We also have some options for the chocolate lovers who follow a plant-based diet. There’s our dark chocolate spoons, perfect with an almond milk coffee, or our range of chocolate covered fruits – apricot, mango, orange slices, ginger and lemon peel. All scrumptious. All vegan. The best vegan gifts

Read about Walnut Tree

Great Taste Awards

With Great Taste Awards for marron glacé, glacé fruit, dark chocolate ginger and pate de fruit. You will always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.

Who we supply

Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.

Why buy from us?

You’re buying directly from the source, so will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.

Our charitable contributions

Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk

Local areas to our factory

Best vegan gifts