Switching to a vegan lifestyle is a big shift — exciting, empowering, and sometimes a little overwhelming. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and everyone has their own way in. But we’ve spotted a few patterns that pop up a lot. These vegan beginner mistakes UK readers often experience are totally normal — and totally fixable.
If you’ve just made the change or are thinking about it, here are a few things to watch out for.
1. Leaning Too Hard on Meat Substitutes
When you’re newly vegan, it’s tempting to swap out meat for the most convincing alternative you can find. But many store-bought meat substitutes are overly processed and often underwhelming in flavour. It’s worth exploring whole ingredients like jackfruit, portobello mushrooms, and lentils that offer amazing texture and richness — without needing a long ingredient list.
2. Assuming Every Plate is Balanced
Going vegan doesn’t automatically mean every meal is balanced. A colourful plate can still be lacking in contrast or satisfaction. Mix up your meals with crunchy nuts, toasted seeds, creamy additions like tahini or blended cashews, and something fresh and vibrant. Building layers of texture is key.
3. Ignoring Fats and Flavour
Some new vegans steer clear of oils or natural fats — but that’s often what makes a dish feel complete. Incorporate small amounts of flavour-rich oils like flaxseed, walnut, or canola. Add crushed walnuts or cashews to grain bowls. It’s not about quantity — it’s about balance and enjoyment.
4. Overthinking Every Bite
This one’s big: trying to be the “perfect vegan” can take the joy out of food. Flexibility matters. The more you experiment, the easier and more natural it feels. You don’t need to get it right every time — you just need to keep moving forward with what works for you.
Learning from Vegan Beginner Mistakes UK Style
We believe you’re not one of those vegans — the ones who panic over every detail or forget to enjoy the food. If you’ve made a few of these beginner moves, we get it — we probably have too. Share your journey, tips, or snack wins in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’ve made vegan life your own.
And when you need plant-based snacks or pantry staples that don’t overcomplicate things, Chandra Foods is here to help — flavour-first, always.