“if you’re considering swapping turkey for tofu, we’ve lined up some of the hottest products and experiences for a very vegan Christmas.”

---

This World Vegan Month, we’re thinking about what the vegan diet means to meat eaters, flexitarians and vegetarians.  

With an ever-increasing variety of new products, more people are opening their minds (and mouths!) to plant-based alternatives, balancing their diets and getting more variety.  

A recent US NPD study found that 89% of people eating plant-based meat and dairy alternatives aren’t vegan or vegetarian – they just want more variation. And in the UK, a third of consumers have deliberately reduced their meat intake or cut it out of their diet completely, with approximately 6.5 million adults following either a vegetarian, pescetarian or vegan lifestyle, 

In retail and foodservice, plant-based offerings have evolved far beyond salads and falafel. In fact, the UK launched more vegan products than any other nation, with vegan NPD representing 16% of all food launches last year. Additionally, vegan options in restaurants increased by 237 percent. 

Seitan and banana blossom burgers are recreating the look and texture of meat and fish, and new recipes for tempting sweet treats and creamy plant-based cheeses and milks (using ingredients such as coconuts) are evolving too. It’s safe to say that vegan indulgence has arrived – music to our ears for this festive season! 

There are a host of reasons why more people are dipping their toes in the plant-based pond, trying new products and experiences. Many flexitarians are diversifying their diets for environmental reasons, others for nutritional benefits, ethical and animal welfare causes and just to try something new.  

So, whatever you want to achieve this holiday season, and if you’re considering swapping turkey for tofu, we’ve lined up some of the hottest products and experiences for a very vegan Christmas.  

Eating out 

Afternoon tea’s is a winner all year round, but there’s an extra sparkle to it at Christmas. If you’re keen for a vegan experience, hop on board the B Bus tour to gaze at London’s Christmas lights while feasting on vegan treats and tea. Or stroll down The Strand for The Savoy’s Festive Vegan Afternoon Tea – complete with cumin-spiced ratatouille sandwiches and vegan takes on lemon pound cake, chocolate cake and spiced panna cotta.  

Or if shopping ‘til you drop festive brew in hand is more your thing, try Starbucks’ Vegan ‘Toasted’ Marshmallow Hot Chocolate (infused with marshmallow syrup and dairy-free mocha sauce) or Caffé Nero’s Ginger Hot Chocolate or Caramelised Almond Hot Chocolate with plant-based milk. 

 

Home cooking – the main event:  

Tired of turkey and the inevitable Boxing Day curry? Try something new over Christmas… 

• Co-op’s Vegan Roasting Joint is made of seitan turkey, bursting with cranberries and apricots, wrapped in seitan bacon 

• Marks & Spencer’s Vegan Butternut, Almond & Pecan Nut Roast or M&S Plant Kitchen root veg tarte tatin (£10) – wine, thyme and rosemary 

• Sainsbury’s No Beef Wellington – with seitan, mushroom and parsnip loaf  (£7)

• Waitrose Vegan Root en Croute (£5.99)  

• COOK Butternut Squash Nut Roast Stacks (£10)  

• Tesco Finest Butternut, Mushroom and Chestnut Wreath (£4.50)