In the ever-expanding world of food influencers and social media celebrities, Giuseppe “Sepps” Federici has carved out a unique niche, blending his deep-rooted love for Italian cuisine with a passion for plant-based eating. With a growing online community, a cookbook on the way, and a focus on health, sustainability, and family traditions, Sepps’ journey is nothing short of inspiring.
What’s Trending sat down with Sepps to learn more about his path to success, how he became a global social media sensation, and how his plant-based lifestyle has shaped his approach to food.
The Spark That Ignited Sepp’s Culinary Passion
Sepps’ culinary journey began in 2016, but the seeds were planted much earlier. Growing up in Stoke-On-Trent with his grandmother, who hailed from Sicily, Sepps was introduced to the wonders of traditional Italian home cooking. This close connection to his Italian heritage, paired with a profound personal experience, ultimately led him to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and pursue a career centered around food.
It was his father’s battle with stage-four colon cancer that set Sepps on his path to discovering the power of plant-based eating. “My dad was diagnosed with cancer, and I started researching ways to potentially reverse or prevent the disease. Everything pointed to a plant-based diet,” Sepps shared. After a year of supporting his father through his illness, Sepps convinced him to give veganism a try. His father’s recovery fueled Sepps’ belief in the transformative power of plant-based eating.
As Sepps delved deeper into the health benefits of plant-based diets, he also discovered the environmental and ethical reasons behind the lifestyle. “I wanted to share the benefits of plant-based eating with others, so I started posting about the meals I was cooking on social media,” Sepps explained. “Growing up in an Italian household, I had always loved food, and sharing my passion for it online was a natural outlet.”
@sepps_eats It’s pronounced broo-skett-ah 🍅 #bruschetta #nonna #nonnaskitchen #nonnamarianna
The Role of Nonna in Sepps’ Cooking Philosophy
Central to Sepps’ culinary identity is his bond with his grandmother, whom he fondly calls “Nonna.” Growing up, Sepps spent countless hours in the kitchen with her, learning the art of cooking Italian dishes that had been passed down through generations. For Sepps, food was always a way to express love and connect with family, and his Nonna played a pivotal role in shaping his approach to cooking.
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“Nonna instilled in me that the best way to show love is through food and the dinner table,” Sepps said, reflecting on the lessons he learned growing up. “I believe that cooking is about nourishing people and creating a sense of community, and that’s something I carry with me in every meal I prepare.”
Sepps’ deep connection to his heritage shines through in his recipes, as he continues to honor the flavors of Sicily while adding a modern, plant-based twist. “I’ve learned that you can veganize so many traditional Sicilian dishes, like arancini and pasta with broccoli,” he explained. “It’s about staying true to the essence of the food while making it accessible to those who want to follow a plant-based lifestyle.”
The Plant-Based Italian Cookbook: Cooking with Nonna
Sepps’ much-anticipated cookbook, Cooking with Nonna, is set to release in the U.S. soon. The book offers readers a perfect blend of traditional Italian recipes and modern plant-based interpretations, making it a must-have for anyone interested in healthy, Italian-inspired cooking.
@sepps_eats if you told me 2 years ago that posting recipe videos would allow me to stay in 5 star hotels I wouldn’t have believed a word 🤣…forever grateful for these crazy opportunities. Staying in #SIRO was an experience, the hospitality and facilities were 10/10 will definitely return as a paying guest. (pr stay) P.S taken a bit of time off since the book has been out just to travel and recharge but I’M BACK with new recipe content from next week! Sepps X #siroonezaabeel #onezabeeltower
“What I love about the book is that it has something for everyone,” Sepps shared. “There are traditional Italian dishes, like pasta with aubergine and garlic, alongside modern takes on classics like tiramisu and cannoli. It’s perfect for dinner parties, birthdays, or any gathering. The recipes are adaptable, which makes it easy for anyone to create plant-based versions of their favorite Italian dishes.”
The cookbook also stands out for its focus on whole food ingredients and accessibility. “Italian cooking is all about tasting as you go and seasoning to your preferences,” Sepps explained. “This book encourages readers to adjust recipes based on their own tastes, making it a versatile resource for cooks of all levels.”
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Maintaining Authenticity in Plant-Based Italian Cooking
One of the biggest challenges for anyone attempting to veganize traditional Italian dishes is maintaining the authentic flavors and textures. Sepps’ approach to this challenge is rooted in creativity and resourcefulness. “Italian food is naturally very plant-based in many ways, especially when it comes to pasta sauces and vegetable dishes,” Sepps said. “But some dishes, like tiramisu and cannoli, required extensive testing to get the flavors just right.”
The key to Sepps’ success in veganizing these classics lies in finding plant-based alternatives that replicate the flavors and textures of their dairy counterparts. For example, Sepps uses plant-based cream cheese and double cream to recreate the creamy texture of mascarpone in his vegan tiramisu. “It’s actually easier than the traditional version, as I use Biscoff biscuits instead of ladyfingers, which adds a lovely coffee flavor,” Sepps said.
Recipes to Try from Cooking with Nonna
There are several standout recipes in Sepps’ cookbook that showcase the best of plant-based Italian cooking. One of the most praised dishes is his walnut and sunflower seed ragu, a hearty and flavorful sauce that works beautifully with pasta or as a lasagna filling. “It’s a versatile recipe that gets a seal of approval from everyone who tries it,” Sepps said.
Another fan favorite is his creamy vegan cacio e pepe. “The secret to making this dish creamy is pasta water,” Sepps revealed. “The pasta water helps create an emulsion with olive oil and cashews, resulting in a silky, dairy-free sauce that’s strikingly similar to the original.”
For those new to plant-based cooking, Sepps recommends starting with a simple but essential recipe: Nonna’s pasta sauce. “It’s the base for so many recipes in the book, and if you can master that, you’ll be able to make a variety of dishes,” he said.
A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
Sepps’ passion for plant-based eating extends beyond the kitchen. He is also a strong advocate for fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His journey into plant-based living began as a way to improve his health, and he now enjoys running half-marathons and exploring other forms of fitness.
“One of the things that inspired me was learning about the Blue Zones—regions where people live the longest, healthiest lives,” Sepps shared. “Most of these areas follow a plant-based diet, which reinforced my belief in the power of plants for health and longevity.”
@sepps_eats i’ve never heard this song before 🤣 #nonna #osurdatonnammurato @ elisa.cipro (IG) at festaitaliana
Fitness and cooking go hand in hand for Sepps. “Food is fuel,” he said. “I want to show people that eating delicious, healthy food can help them achieve their fitness goals. It’s all about nourishing your body with the right ingredients.”
Social Media Success and Future Plans
Sepps’ rise to fame has been fueled by his authenticity and consistent engagement with his audience on social media. “The key to creating authentic content is to be consistent and show up for your audience,” he explained. “I engage with my followers, listen to their feedback, and create content based on what they want.”
In addition to social media, Sepps’ career is expanding with exciting new projects, including pop-up events and book signings in the U.S. “I’m really looking forward to spending time in the U.S. for the next few months,” Sepps said. “I hope to host pop-up dinners and supper clubs, and maybe even do an event in Eataly in LA.”
Looking ahead, Sepps has even bigger plans. “One of my long-term dreams is to open a plant-based restaurant in London, inspired by the restaurant my family ran for 20 years, La Favorita,” he revealed. “I’d love to recreate the same red-checkered tables and decor, but with a fully plant-based menu.”
Sepps’ Culinary Philosophy: Food, Family, and Love
At the heart of Sepps’ cooking is a deep love for food, family, and tradition. His work is not just about creating delicious meals but about sharing his passion with the world and inspiring others to live healthier, more sustainable lives.
Whether he’s cooking with Nonna, sharing plant-based recipes online, or signing his cookbook, Sepps is committed to using food as a way to bring people together. “Food has always been a way to express love, and I want to share that with others,” he said. “That’s what makes cooking so special—it’s about creating something meaningful for the people you care about.”
Sepps’ journey from social media sensation to published cookbook author and plant-based culinary icon is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. With his roots in Italian tradition, a focus on health and sustainability, and a growing global community, Sepps is revolutionizing the way we think about plant-based cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Cooking with Nonna offers something for everyone, proving that plant-based Italian food can be both delicious and nourishing.
