New to cooking for a vegan or vegetarian? The Vegetarian for Life carers’ guide can help

Supporting someone at home often means helping with everyday tasks like shopping, preparing meals or cooking. If the person you care for follows a vegan or vegetarian diet, you may want to make sure you are choosing the right foods and ingredients.

For many carers, this can feel unfamiliar at first. You may have questions about what foods are suitable, how to check labels, or what simple meals you can prepare.

That’s why charity Vegetarian for Life (VfL) has created a digital carers’ guide – a practical resource designed to help anyone who is shopping, cooking or providing care for a vegan or vegetarian.

Understanding vegan and vegetarian diets

For many older people, being vegan or vegetarian is not simply about food preferences. It reflects long-held beliefs about compassion, ethics and respect for animals.

When someone receives care at home, new people may become involved in preparing food or helping with shopping. Having a clear understanding of their dietary requirements can help ensure they feel respected and comfortable in their own home.

Even small mistakes – such as using the wrong stock cube or buying a product that contains egg or dairy – can happen if you are not used to checking ingredients. This online guide is designed to make things simpler.

What you’ll find in the carers’ guide

The digital carers’ guide provides straightforward advice for anyone supporting a vegan or vegetarian at home.

It includes:

• An explanation of vegan and vegetarian diets
• Lists of suitable foods and ingredients
• Tips for checking food labels
• Simple meal ideas
• Suggestions for ready-made options
• Communication tips for carers and families

Everything is written in clear, practical language so that carers can quickly find the information they need.

Designed to support carers

Most carers want to do the right thing. The aim of the guide is not to criticise or place extra pressure on carers, but to provide helpful information that makes day-to-day tasks easier.

Having a quick reference guide can help carers feel more confident when shopping or preparing meals, and helps ensure the person they support can continue living according to their beliefs.

Access the digital carers’ guide

The Vegetarian for Life carers’ guide is free to access online and available to anyone who may be caring for a vegan or vegetarian.

Whether you are a professional carer, a family member, or someone helping a friend or neighbour, the guide offers practical advice to support vegan and vegetarian diets at home.

Access the digital carers’ guide here: vforlife.org.uk/carers

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Editors notes

Notes to the editor

For more information, images and interviews please contact Karin Ridgers info@mad-promotions.com

Vegetarian for Life 

Vegetarian for Life works to ensure that older vegans and vegetarians can continue to live in line with their values in later life. 

As the number of older vegans and vegetarians grows, many face marginalisation in care and community settings, including limited access to appropriate food and opportunities for social connection.

Through training, advocacy and direct support, we improve care practice and reduce isolation, helping care providers better understand residents’ dietary needs and values. This includes practical training for care teams and initiatives such as the UK List, a directory of organisations and care homes that make a special effort to cater for vegans and vegetarians.

Food plays a central role in identity, dignity and wellbeing in later life. Recent training with major care providers, including Maria Mallaband Care Group, has improved staff confidence in plant-based catering and influenced menu development across multiple sites.

Website: https://vegetarianforlife.org.uk