January is Veganuary. Also in Berlin. But don't worry! Nobody has to be 100% perfectly vegan on the first day. It's more about being inspired and being conscious about your consumption. To help you get started, we've put together 11 tips to get you off to a flying start
Tip 1: Frischhain brings fresh flavour to your bread roll
Cheese! Probably one of the most difficult foods to switch to a plant-based alternative. But that's where Formo comes in. The Berlin-based company produces cheese alternatives based on koji. Koji is found in miso and soy sauce, for example, and provides the typical umami flavour. The koji proteins are then fermented and matured in the same way as animal cheese. You can find out more about the production process online on Formo's website. So far, you can find Formo's cream cheese alternative Frischhain in stores. However, the range includes many other cheeses (alternatives) that are not yet on the market. That's something we can look forward to.
Tip 2: REWE - voll pflanzlich makes your vegan heart beat faster
REWE - voll pflanzlich has been on Warschauer Straße since spring 2024. The range is completely vegan. You don't need to worry about accidentally reaching for non-vegan products when doing your veganuary shopping here. Basically, you'll find everything you'd find in a regular REWE. Fruit and vegetables, baked goods, frozen food, tasty snacks and drinks. Only everything is vegan. Shopping can be quite overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out the vegan lifestyle. With some items, you have to take a closer look at the ingredients list to make sure you don't miss any hidden animal products. REWE - voll pflanzlich will hopefully take away some of this overwhelming feeling.
When: Monday - Saturday 7am - 11pm
Where: Warschauer Straße 33, Friedrichshain
Tip 3: The vegan butcher's shop that doesn't sell meat
The name may sound a little strange, but after the vegan butcher's shop successfully took off in Dresden and Munich, it is now finally available in Berlin. The small shop is located on Kastanien Allee. Upon entering, the fresh food counter immediately catches the eye. Cheese, salads and various sausages and cold cuts are on offer. Here you will find familiar flavours without animal products. All products are made exclusively from natural ingredients and most of the products are even produced in-house. In addition to the fresh food counter, the vegan butcher's shop also sells sauces, soups and freshly prepared snacks. It's definitely worth a visit!
When: Monday - Saturday 11am - 7pm
Where: Kastanienallee 40, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 4: Get inspired at the Vegan Sundays
The Vegan Sundays take place several times a year at the Eierhäuschen in Plänterwald. Organised by Green Market Berlin, they offer a wide selection of vegan delicacies, handmade products and inspiration for a more sustainable lifestyle. In addition to a variety of street food, you can also expect music, market stalls and workshops to take part in. The Vegan Sundays combine enjoyment with the creation of a more sustainable consciousness. They are therefore definitely worth a visit for vegans and those interested in veganism.
When: Dates for 2025 not yet known
Where: Plänterwald by the Spree beer garden - Zum Anleger Kiehnwerderallee 2, Treptow
Tip 5: Explore Berlin's variety of vegan restaurants
The variety of vegan restaurants in Berlin is a real paradise for vegans. You'll find everything from pizza, hummus, ramen, home cooking, donuts and much more. The choice can sometimes be almost overwhelming. On our Blog you can discover many vegan restaurants. Nevertheless, we have put together a small list of highlights for you:
- La Stella Nera (Italian)
- Kanaan (Israeli/Palestinian)
- Das Försters (German home cooking)
- Secret Garden (Sushi)
- Oukan (Japanese vegan fine dining)
- Happa (Sustainable Cuisine)
- Swing Kitchen (Burger)
Tip 6: Hummus like at home - LikeHome Hummus
Hummus is probably one of the most popular dips. And best of all, it's naturally vegan! LikeHome is a Berlin-based brand that brings high-quality, fresh hummus made from chickpeas and sesame paste into your home. The products are prepared according to an original oriental recipe and can be used in a variety of ways. Be it as a starter, for dipping or refining other dishes. In addition to the fact that the products are all 100% vegan, they are also gluten and lactose-free.
Where: EDEKA, REWE
Tip 7: Have a cosy browse in the vegan neighbourhood shop Dr. Pogo
The small neighbourhood shop Dr. Pogo in Neukölln is quite inconspicuous. It is located between Richardplatz and Karl-Marx-Platz. On 90 square metres, you will find vegan food, snacks, cosmetics, books and information about the vegan lifestyle. True to the motto "Small but nice", you can browse in a relaxed atmosphere and perhaps discover one or two special products.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am - 8pm, Wednesday 12pm - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm
Where: Karl-Marx-Platz 24, Neukölln
Tip 8: Attend vegan cooking classes
Vegan cooking and baking is not as complicated as you might imagine. With the right technique, anything is possible. But if you're still unsure about which binding agents you can use instead of eggs or how to make tofu irresistible, a vegan cooking class could be just what you've been missing. And since we're in Berlin, there are several options for you. The cooking class will not only teach you new recipes and flavours, but you will also get to know one or two tricks in the kitchen and like-minded people. The best way to find out about the wide range of offers is online.
Tip 9: Sustainable and vegan shopping
With three locations in Berlin, Loveco is your place to go, when it comes to fair and vegan produced fashion. In addition to fashion, you can also buy jewellery and cosmetics here. Another recommendation is the multi-brand store DearGoods. The two Berlin branches are located in Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte. The range includes timeless and fairly produced eco-fashion, as well as accessories and bags. You can find more tips for sustainable fashion on our blog.
11 tips for slow fashion in Berlin
Tip 10: Veganz - the well-known vegan Berlin brand
The Veganz brand was founded in Berlin in 2011 and has been producing vegan food ever since. The range includes a large variety of breakfast and evening foods, as well as snacks and chilled foods. Veganz offers you delicious, more sustainable alternatives to animal products. The brand aims to inspire and motivate both vegans and non-vegans to be more conscious of our environment. You can find Veganz products in selected supermarkets as well as in the company's own online shop.
Where: REWE, DM, Rossmann, online retail
Tip 11: Discover Berlin's vegan cafés and bakeries
Just as there are countless vegan restaurants to discover in Berlin, there is also a considerable selection of vegan cafés and bakeries. You are spoilt for choice between cheesecakes, colourful donuts, delicious bagels and sandwiches. For more information and inspiration, you should definitely read our blog on vegan bakeries!
11 tips for vegan bakeries in Berlin
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