Veganuary is an annual event that educates people about veganism and challenges people to follow a vegan lifestyle in January.
According to research data from Acosta, “sustainability is set to become the cornerstone for customers and their purchase decision.” Their research showed 81 percent of consumers were willing to pay more for plant-based meat alternatives.
Naturawell is a plant-based grab ‘n’ food bar which launched at the start of the year on Carholme Road by vegetarian couple Amy White and Joezy Black.
Joezy and Amy graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2018 and after working full-time, they realised they wanted to begin something where people could get healthy meals and not have to compromise on its quality or taste.
Joezy Black said: “In Lincoln, there isn’t anywhere to go and get something that is healthy and pleasing for the eyes, so we said let’s risk it.
“This is what we want for people, where you can go out for something to eat and it is completely plant base without having to think about it.”
Although there are eateries in Lincoln that provide for those with a vegetarian or vegan diet, Naturawell is the first plant-based grab ‘n’ go food bar in the city.
The couple expressed they wanted to make their food and drinks affordable. “We were once student ourselves so we know how tight it is, it is something we felt was well-needed in Lincoln,” said Joezy.
The public response has been extremely positive. Amy said: “The response has been amazing; we have had a lot of people come and try the food and drinks and come back the next day to say what they had was absolutely amazing and they really like the whole branding behind what we are doing and theme we are going for.
“People have been really welcoming to the fact that it is all plant based whilst still catering to vegetarians as well.”
Lucy Cousins is a vegetarian, she said: “I visited Naturawell after seeing an article shared about its opening online. Since I tried their health bowls, they’ve been part of my lunchtime routine.
“The idea behind their business is brilliant and I love that they are accommodating to people with all types of diets.”
“Whatever diet you decide to adopt, we can cater to you in a sense. We welcome you into our business to come and try good food – that is the main idea behind Naturawell,” said Joezy.
Izzy Schifano is vegan and has been since she started university in 2017 after growing up as a pescetarian and vegetarian throughout her childhood. She thinks more plant-based eateries need to be introduced as there aren’t many options for those on vegan diets.
She said: “From my experience, there have been loads of times there aren’t enough options for plant-based/vegan diets. More often than not, restaurants, cafes, meal deals, anytime you’re buying food there is usually just one [vegan] option and you end up having to put loads of sides together.”
