Demand for no/low alcohol drinks and vegan food at events has gone way beyond the Veganuary and Dry January bandwagons. In 2025, delegates are swapping steak for seitan and vino for virgin cocktails.
But how do you incorporate these trends without sacrificing the wow factor and rattling a few carnivorous cages?
Well, you’re not going to score any brownie points by forcing kale smoothies on everyone! So, you need to find that sweet spot between inclusivity, sustainability, and outright deliciousness. Here’s how to get no/low drinks and vegan food at events spot on.

Go Plant-Powered with Captivating Vegan Food at Events
Vegan food at events is no longer just for the quinoa crowd.
A recent Vegan Food and Living magazine article Demand for vegan options at events rises by 280% in 5 years states: “Estimates indicate that in 2024, approximately 2.5 million people (equating to 4.7% of the adult population) identify as vegan in the UK. This represents a continued increase from previous years, where estimates were between 2-4%. So it’s no surprise that requests for vegan options at weddings, conferences and Christmas parties have risen.”
As a result of this soaring national buy-in, vegan food at events is now a legit way to impress your attendees and stay eco-friendly. But there’s a knack to it.
So, why go vegan (even for a day)?
· Sustainability - Plant-based dishes have a lower carbon footprint, promoting an environmentally conscious message.
· Fresh and local - Vegan menus often highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, like an invitation to flavour town!
· Broad appeal - Even meat-lovers are dabbling in plant-based options these days. Accordingly, focus on presentation and flavour, because no one’s turning down a beautifully plated dish, whatever it’s made of.
But how do you nail it?
· Start small - Introduce vegan food at events alongside traditional choices. For example, a vegan starter can be a conversation piece, not a controversy.
· Go gourmet - Think beyond a tofu burger and tempt them with jackfruit tacos, wild mushroom extravaganzas, and decadent vegan chocolate desserts.
· Tell the story – Communicate where ingredients are sourced and the environmental benefits, because people love a good backstory (and a great Instagram caption).
Just remember, the moderation craze is also taking unsuspecting bars by storm!

Booze-Free, Not Boring
Gone are the days when alcohol-free meant sipping orange juice in a wine glass. Delegates now expect more creative alternatives as the no/low movement continues to rise. But, why bother?
· Broad appeal – Drinking in moderation is trending across generations, from Gen Z to Boomers.
· Networking without the hangover - More delegates are keen to mingle but still make that 8am Pilates class.
· Quality counts - Traditional soft drink options aren’t cutting it now there’s botanical infusions and sparkling tea on the market.
As for serving up success, try:
· Signature mocktails – Ask your venue or outside caterer to craft a unique, Insta-worthy no/low spritzer or mock-arita with a clever name in your brand colours.
· Caffeine boosts – Speciality coffees or cold brews are a hit for daytime meetings, conferences, and events.
· No/low wine, beer and spirits - Drinks brands have upped their game with high-quality options that don’t skimp on taste. So, use and abuse them (in the nicest possible way!).

Think of it as Future-Proofing Your Events
At the end of the day, no/low drinks and vegan food at events aren’t going anywhere. And incorporating them doesn’t mean alienating your audience. After all, not everyone’s ready to ditch their beef and beer, and that’s ok.
Inclusivity is key to ensuring everyone feels catered for, which means offering old school choices while also moving with evolving behaviours and preferences.
For these reasons, curate menus and beverage options to keep all your attendees happy, whether they’re edamame bean enthusiasts, fish aficionados, or mad for meat!
Get in touch with us at The Venue Hunters, and let’s chat venues, menus, and everything in between. Our FREE venue finding and supplier sourcing services are here to help you ride the wellness wave with style.
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