How to host a vegan Coffee Morning

Blog
Published: 17 September 2025
From secret vegan treats to free from desserts, our blog is packed with advice on how to host an inclusive and vegan Coffee Morning.

Katrina Grier Vegan baker and Volunteering Mass Engagement Manager at Macmillan

A group of people are standing together in a garden. They are laughing and enjoying themselves at a Coffee Morning.

Over the years, the vegan lifestyle has become more mainstream. But what is veganism?

It refers to a diet that avoids food that comes from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

There are many reasons why someone may be vegan. It could be because of their beliefs, religion or because of a food allergy.

Now more than ever it is easier to cater to this diet. Whether you want to make your Coffee Morning more inclusive, or want to try out some new recipes, our top tips will help you host a vegan-friendly event.

Vegan recipe ideas for your Coffee Morning

Rich and fudgy brownies are cut into square chunks and placed on white baking parchment. Photo by Michelle Tsang on Unsplash.
Vegan brownies
A vegan pavlova topped with a bed of fresh raspberries and blackberries. These are sat on top of fresh whipped vegan cream.
Vegan pavlova
Several vegan peanut butter and banana cupcakes are on a cooling rack. The top of the cupcakes are decorated with frosting, chocolate flakes, and baked banana pieces. Next to the cupcakes is a broken bar of chocolate.
Vegan peanut butter and banana cupcakes
View more of our vegan recipes

How to check if a product is vegan

Did you know that many everyday food products you use may be 'accidentally vegan'? This means they naturally do not contain any animal products - making them perfect for a vegan diet!

Here are some simple ways to check if a product is vegan:

  • See if the product has been labelled as 'free-from' or 'allergen-free.' For example, products labelled a 'free-from-milk' will not contain milk and are safe for people with an allergy or intolerance.
  • Check if the product has the vegan certification logo on it. The logo may look different depending on what organisation has certified it. It is also similar to the vegetarian logo. Be aware that some vegetarian products can contain animal products in it. It is still best to check the ingredients on the product to ensure that it does not contain any animal products, especially if someone has an allergen or intolerance.
  • Look for 'suitable for vegans' on the package. Similar to the vegan certification logo, some food companies may include this on their product packaging. Again, you should still check the ingredients to ensure that the products does not contain animal products in it.
  • Check for hidden non-vegan ingredients. The Vegan website has a list of non-vegan substances commonly found in food ingredients.

If a product says 'may contain animal products', these can be okay for some people who follow a vegan lifestyle. However, it's always best to check with your guests as different people have different beliefs surrounding veganism.

Top tip: Check out the Veganuary website for accidentally vegan food products which includes a list of common UK brands!

Alternative milks for your Coffee Morning

Someone is pouring a glass of milk alternative (nut based milk) from a glass jug into a glass cup. Photo by Kaja Sariwating on Unsplash.
Photo by Kaja Sariwating

Not sure what milk alternative to use at your Coffee Morning? We have tips on what is best to use depending on what it is used for.

  • Tea and coffee - oat milk. This is one of the most popular milk alternatives. There are many different brands to chose from and styles of oat milk. If you are making lattes, why not try a barista-style oat milk?
  • Drinking - cashew milk. This is a creamy and rich alternative perfect for drinking on its own. It's also perfect for mixing with vegan protein powder!
  • Best for baking - soya milk. The creamy and neutral consistency of this milk is a great substitute for recipes.
  • Best for allergies - rice milk. This is the most allergen friendly milk. However, it can be quite thin so won't taste as good in hot drinks.
  • Hot chocolate - hazelnut milk or coconut milk. Mix these with a vegan hot chocolate powder to add an extra level of sweetness to the drink.

Resources for your vegan Coffee Morning

A graphic that contains a screengrab of our Coffee Morning cake labels.A graphic that contains a screengrab of our Coffee Morning cake labels.
Cake labels
Use these to write what you're serving and what ingredients are in it.
A graphic showing a preview of the Coffee Morning Wall Planner on a light green background.A graphic showing a preview of the Coffee Morning Wall Planner on a light green background.
Coffee Morning wall planner
This wall planner makes it easy to get Coffee Morning ready. If you're doing a vegan Coffee Morning, don't forget to put that under the theme column.
A person writing on a Coffee Morning poster with the details of their event. The poster is on a table decorated for a Coffee Morning. A person writing on a Coffee Morning poster with the details of their event. The poster is on a table decorated for a Coffee Morning.
More Coffee Morning resources
From fundraising game ideas to invites and posters, check our our free Coffee Morning resources.
  • What food regulations do I need to follow for my Coffee Morning? What do I need to know about allergens?

    Members of the public are not subject to the food standards regulations or the UK Food Information Amendment, also known as Natasha's law (even if products were to be wrapped in cling film etc).

    Where a school or organisation is "hosting" the Coffee Morning and inviting the public to donate goods, again they would not be subject to this regulation.

    If a school or organisation is a registered food business and supplies their own products they would be subject to the regulation (as for any products they produce).

    It is considered best practice to list allergens where possible, but as above not a legal requirement for the public.

    For more information please visit the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.

Sign up today to host a Coffee Morning

Fill in our short form to sign up to host a Coffee Morning! Whether you want to host a fully vegan event, or try your hand at some free from recipes, your Coffee Morning is a great way to bring people together to make a difference.

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0330 102 7810

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