The history of International Waffle Day

International Waffle Day was originally celebrated in Sweden (called Våffeldagen). Over the years, the celebration has expanded internationally, with countries worldwide participating.

Waffles originally arrived in Sweden in the early 1600s and as time passed, a wider variety of waffles emerged. They became sweeter in the 1700s after more butter and sugar were added to the recipes. In 1830, the Belgian waffle was created – giving a much thicker texture than regular waffles.

To give you some inspiration for making your own waffles, why not try Lotus biscuit and banana waffles; or apple crumble bubble waffles? Some Scottish businesses are offering toppings on their takeaway waffles, such as Bailey’s cheesecake; smores and brownie; lobster; buttermilk fried chicken with honey butter and maple syrup, or buffalo chicken… how can you resist?

Be sure to keep an eye out whilst on your daily walk for some waffle inspiration from businesses near you.

What about vegan waffles?

For those on plant-based diets, or perhaps those looking to try something new, you can also create vegan waffles in your own kitchen! A vegan diet contains only plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants; vegans do not eat produce that comes from animals, including dairy products and eggs. For a product to be vegan, it must be free from any animal-derived ingredients, including honey, beeswax and certain types of collagen and lipids. But what are the benefits of a plant-based diet?

Benefits of plant-based diets include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer; it may also reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity and type 2 diabetes. People who follow plant-based diets are likely to have lower overall cholesterol levels and plant-based diets may also assist with weight loss.

The relationship between plant-based diets and planet Earth

Studies show that plant-based diets tend to have far lower carbon, water and ecological footprints than those of meat or fish eaters.

Taking produce of animal-origin, such as dairy and eggs, off our plates is considered one of the best things we can do for the planet. An interesting read is our previous article on ‘Climate Change: How is it changing our diets?’.

Why not be part of the Vegan trend this International Waffle Day?

The number of Brits adopting a plant-based diet is growing at a startling rate – not only to help the environment but also to improve their health. New research reveals that a quarter of young British millennials (aged 21-30) say that the COVID-19 pandemic has made a plant-based diet more appealing. Almost 600,000 people signed up for Veganuary in 2021, an increase of 50% from 2020. An increase in demand has seen the manufacturing of vegan and plant-based food products grow.

In 2019, the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation. Almost one in four food products launched in the UK in 2019 was labelled vegan. You may have queued for a Greggs vegan sausage roll or opted for a vegan burger from KFC – our vegan options are rapidly growing!

So this year, why not ditch the eggs and use bananas, unsweetened applesauce or almond milk as substitutes for your waffles?

Meanwhile, happy International Waffle Day – and enjoy those waffles!