Published in April, 2024
Spring 2024 edition of V for Life’s electronic magazine.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians and those who cater for them.
Published in November, 2023
Third edition of VfL’s magazine exclusively for older vegans and vegetarians.
Preview only. For a paper copy of the magazine, please visit our online shop.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians.
Published in December, 2022
A collection of vegan and vegetarian recipes, perfect for vegans, vegetarians or those with egg or milk allergies, who need a texture-modified diet.
You can purchase a paper copy here, or by calling 0161 257 0887.
The publication primarily provides advice for professional chefs and those catering for older people.
Published in January, 2022
Catering for vegans and vegetarians (veg*ns) needn’t be difficult. You don’t need to serve completely different dishes. This guide contains recipes for 14 classic, traditional dishes, which can be made vegan with a few simple swaps. You'll also find useful tips and shortcuts, such as how best to cater for veg*ns when preparing a Sunday lunch or a BBQ.
You can purchase a paper copy here, or by calling 0161 257 0887.
The publication primarily provides advice for professional chefs and those catering for older people.
Published in September, 2021
Are you confident about protecting your vegan or vegetarian identity and beliefs – now and in the future?
VfL's self-advocacy pack outlines the laws that safeguard dignity and choices in care. It details the steps you can take to ensure that you are cared for in line with your beliefs.
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians and their loved ones.
Published in September, 2021
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians and their loved ones.
Published in September, 2021
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians and their loved ones.
Published in September, 2021
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
This publication is aimed at older vegans and vegetarians and their loved ones.
Published in May, 2021
This guide will help you identify hidden animal products and explain more about what to consider when shopping and caring for a veg*n, ensuring that you can provide exceptional person-centred care at all times.
This publication is aimed at those caring for a vegan or vegetarian.
Published in September, 2020
Ideal for care home and hospital caterers, this BDA-endorsed publication answers frequently asked questions concerning older vegetarians and vegans, such as:
Published in September 2020 and updated here for 2023 to reflect the latest scientific evidence.
Protein, page 3, 'You don’t need to combine specific protein foods at each meal because your body can store amino acids until needed.'
This sentence should now read: 'You don’t need to combine specific protein foods at each meal.’
Iodine, page 9, 'Therefore a supplement containing iodine is the most reliable source for vegans.'
This sentence should now read: ’Therefore a supplement containing iodine may be the most reliable source for vegans.’
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
For V for Life’s position statement on vegetarianism and veganism, please click here.
Published in May, 2020
Discover how to create a range of tasty vegan bakes – from light, airy sponges, to traditional puddings, and eggless meringue.
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
The publication primarily provides advice for professional chefs and those catering for older people.
Published in November, 2019
Having ready meals delivered directly to your home has become an increasingly popular choice for many people across the UK – particularly those who are more frail. Veggie Meals to your Door shows it’s possible to enjoy the convenience of these meals without having to compromise your vegetarian or vegan principles.
Veggie meals to your door update December 2022
The following companies are now no longer offering services:
5. Easy Living
7. First Choice Catering Co.
18. Sodexo
35. New Norm
37. Ofishial Food
The following companies have amended contact information:
8. Gourmet Meal Care have a new telephone number - 01384 76995.
An estimated 350,000 older people in the UK are vegetarian or vegan. While most of these are in glowing health and still cook for themselves, others may be more vulnerable. Vegetarian for Life’s 2019 survey suggests that around 7,000 older vegetarians and vegans live in care homes. Others rely on community meals services, such as ‘meals on wheels’, as a lifeline to living independently.
The versatility and convenience of the meals featured in this guide will also appeal to individuals who don’t need support with meals. Available either chilled, frozen or even freeze-dried they easily can match your lifestyle – less waste and less strain on your budget!
Published in May, 2019
A guide to catering for people with allergies, intolerances, and religious, philosophical and cultural dietary beliefs.
To purchase a hard copy of the guide, please click here.
We can also provide half-day equality, diversity and inclusivity training in-house for your care setting. The training covers in more detail what a ‘special’ diet is, the 14 allergens, the law around protected beliefs, where to find alternative products such as gluten- and dairy-free and a practical cookery demonstration using some of our favourite ‘free-from’ products. To find out more, please contact us.
This publication is designed to make it easier to cater for any service users who require a ‘free-from’ or ‘special’ diet’.
Published in December, 2018
Our brand new Festive Delights recipe guide has nine delicious festive-friendly recipes to choose from, including a warming carrot, ginger and orange soup, angelic mince pies that everyone will love, and a Snickers pie. We have also included some great tips on how to prepare vegan- and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Published in May, 2017
The recipes in Take V were specially created by Vegetarian for Life’s Roving Chefs, Maggie and Ollie. With only five ingredients they’re low-cost, quick, and easy-to-make – without lacking flavour or nutrition.
Published in January, 2017
As a commemoration of the life of the poet Robert Burns and his contribution to Scottish culture, Burns Night is celebrated annually around the world. Why not make this Burns night on 25 January a memorable one, by cooking our Haggis Wellington? And the perfect end to a rousing evening just has to be a baked raspberry cheesecake. We suspect that you’ll be tempted to make this all year round!
Shortly after Burns Night, love is in the air, with Valentine’s Day on 14 February. We have the perfect meal to mark the romance and sweetness of the day; rounded off with a luxurious Valentine’s Day beetroot chocolate cake.
This booklet is aimed at anyone celebrating Burns Night or Valentine's Day. For many older people in a care setting, such occasions can help rekindle warm and comforting memories from their younger years. Additionally, they can help people to build warm memories of their new home and friends.
Published in September, 2016
If you are about to begin catering for an older vegan person you might be feeling slightly apprehensive and have many questions running through your mind. We have put together this Vegan Rescue Pack to support you. We’re sure that in no time at all you will feel confident and become a happy vegan cook!
Published in March, 2016
The first of March is the feast day of St David, the patron saint of Wales. In Wales and all over the world, Welsh men and women gather together and celebrate St David and all things Welsh through concerts, dinner and processions. Historic tales suggest that St David was a vegetarian who ate only bread, herbs and vegetables and who just drank water. For this reason he is known as the patron saint of vegetarians and vegans! So, to help you celebrate St David’s Day and the early days of Spring we’ve put together some delicious heart-warming vegetarian recipes.
Published in October, 2015
Cooking for one is often the reality for many older people. So we have developed this recipe booklet especially for senior vegetarians and vegans who cook for themselves. Most of these ‘no-fuss’ recipes are easy to make. As well as recipes, we’ve included a sample menu planner, and a section on ingredients that might be unfamiliar to some readers. There’s also a refresher on nutrition, a guide to useful equipment, and some useful resources, including details of our grants scheme.
This publication is aimed at older vegetarians and vegans or those who cater for them.
Published in March, 2015
All around the world Easter is celebrated as a time of new life and fresh beginnings. We hope that we have captured this feeling of optimism with some delicious and refreshing recipes to help all of your residents celebrate Easter and the arrival of Spring.
Published in October, 2014
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus in Britain and all over the world, and also by Jains and Sikhs. We are pleased to provide a few South Asian recipes to mark the occasion. We’ve given them a healthy twist so they can be enjoyed all year round.
Published in May, 2013
32-page guide for older adults who are adjusting to living to a pension… or who are just money-saving scrimpers! Packed with practical tips for smart shopping and cooking on a budget. Explains how to make real savings by planning, savvy shopping and cooking, and sensible storage. Recipes throughout.