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There’s no doubt about it – 2016 has been a fantastic year for veganism. With sales of vegan food products soaring by more than 1500% this year, PETA is celebrating some of the hottest new vegan products with their fourth annual Vegan Food Awards…
It’s never been easier to eat vegan, and the accessibility of plant-based foods continues to increase. Supermarket offerings of meat-free and dairy-free products are booming, making vegan treats easier to find than ever before. On the other end of the spectrum, the range of luxurious vegan products is also impressive – meaning compassionate foodies can indulge guilt-free in the finest of goodies, from hand-crafted cheese to chocolate truffles.
This year’s Vegan Food Awards are the most exciting yet. Whether you’re curious about adding more vegan food to your diet or you enjoy a totally plant-based lifestyle, these products are sure to satisfy.
BEST DAIRY-FREE MILK
Koko Dairy Free Original + Calcium
Coconut fans will go wild for this delicious plant-based milk. Besides the delicate coconut flavour, Koko gets extra points for being high in vitamins and minerals, as well as providing a great source of calcium. It even works in tea!
BEST VEGAN MEAT
Sgaia Foods has really spoilt us with this authentic “mheat” product. These artisan-made rashers are sure to satisfy vegan meat fans – no wonder they’re Sgaia’s best seller.
BEST EGG-FREE MAYONNAISE
With its appealing creaminess and slight tanginess, this product is a dead ringer for its eggy ancestor, and its origins are far more palatable. It’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches, dolloping onto garlic potatoes, or whisking to make delicious salad dressings.
BEST VEGAN CHEESE
Nutcrafter Creamery Extra Aged Gomasio Cheddar Style Cheese
These plant-based chefs have reproduced the traditional fermentation process of dairy cheese using activated cashews to produce artisanal goodies with delightfully inventive flavours that mature over time. The “Gomasio Cheddar” is not to be missed – aged for four weeks in muslin cloth, this cheese brings pure indulgence to the vegan market.
BEST VEGAN FISH
The Railway Hotel “Fish” & Chips
A quirky pub and music venue with a devoted following, The Railway Hotel puts Southend on the map for vegan diners. Its “Fish” & Chips don’t shrimp on style or flavour, and visitors can enjoy a British classic with a clean conscience.
BEST VEGAN BURGER
Linda McCartney Foods Vegetarian 1/4lb Burgers
The newly vegan recipe for these quarter-pound burgers is a real showstopper. Grilled, barbecued, or baked, they retain their meaty texture and succulent flavour. Flip them into a soft bun with all the trimmings and tuck in.
BEST VEGAN SAUSAGE
With so many vegan sausages on the market these days, it was difficult to choose just one, but these Tofurky sausages are hard to beat. With their authentic Italian flavours of basil and sun-dried tomatoes, these are perfect in pasta, as a pizza topping, or straight off the grill! Nom.
BEST VEGAN CHICKEN
Fry’s Chicken-Style Burgers
Consistently fabulous Fry’s has done it again – these Chicken-Style Burgers have received rave reviews from vegans and meat-eaters alike and can be stored in the freezer to be whipped out for quick and delicious meals.
BEST VEGAN CURRY
JD Wetherspoon Pubs Sweet Potato, Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Long a UK institution, JD Wetherspoon pubs are now also a popular destination for vegan-friendly dining. Their expanded vegan menu includes our top pick – a delicious sweet potato, chickpea, and spinach curry with vegan naan bread to sop up every last drop.
BEST VEGAN PIE
With organic fresh veg, kidney beans, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes, and a wholemeal pastry case, Clive’s Mexican Chilli Pie makes for a wholesome meal. A kick of spice and lime brings all the flavour of Mexico to this humble little pastry.
BEST VEGAN READY MEAL
Amy’s has teamed up with Daiya for this gorgeous ready meal which offers the creamy decadence of melty dairy-free cheese as well as the rich tang of tomato sauce over layers of vibrant veg. It’s vegan comfort food made easy. You’ll want to keep your freezer well stocked.
BEST VEGAN PIZZA
BEST VEGAN PIZZAZizzi Vegan Rustica Margherita
This national chain has won over the UK’s vegans by offering a dairy-free cheese option on any of its pizzas. With a crispy thin crust, zesty tomato sauce, a selection of vegetable toppings, and gooey vegan cheese, we think the Vegan Rustica Margherita pizza is the best. Moreish starters and lucious desserts, too?! You had us at “vegan cheese”.
BEST VEGAN SANDWICH
Pret A Manger Chana Chaat Flat Bread
Veggie Pret is here to stay, and we hope the Chana Chaat Flat Bread is as well. A refreshing change from the usual, Pret’s flatbread hits all the right notes with chunky chickpeas, peppers, spinach, and coriander with coconut yoghurt to cool the aromatic flavour of the spices and mango compote to add a fruity zing. And with over 300 stores across the UK, you’ll never be far from this perfect lunch on the go.
BEST VEGAN DESSERT
Tesco Chocolate and Hazelnut Filled Mini Churros
Tesco saves the day with these soft, crispy, and chocolaty churros, with a hint of hazelnut. Shaken in cinnamon sugar, these mini desserts will delight any sweet tooth. ¡Muy sabroso!
BEST VEGAN CAKE
Le Pain Quotidien Cocoa & Pear Cake
This fudgy cake, filled with fresh pear and cocoa, is perfect for an afternoon tea. It is not too sweet, has a sticky glaze on top, and has the perfect level of gooeyness in the middle – we wouldn’t change a thing.
BEST VEGAN ICE CREAM
Swedish Glace Strawberry Sticks Made With Soy
Swedish Glace has raised the stakes for non-dairy ice cream. This creamy strawberry ice cream encased in a shell of chocolate is perfect for hot summer days – and all year round, for that matter!
BEST VEGAN CONFECTIONERY
Booja-Booja Almond & Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Truffles
As their packaging suggests, these stylish cubes really are as delicious as they look. They are dusted with soft cocoa powder and will melt in your mouth to reveal a core of sweet and salty caramel truffle. These raw chocolates make a perfect gift or just a luxurious treat for yourself.
BEST VEGAN YOGHURT
Alpro Pineapple–Passion Fruit & Peach Soya Yoghurt
Rich in protein, these convenient little pots also pack a punch of flavour, with the sourness of passion fruit and pineapple offsetting the creaminess of the yoghurt. The peach pot is an equally delicious treat, loaded with fruity goodness.
BEST VEGAN SALAD
LEON Vegan SuperClean Quinoa Salad
LEON puts the “super” in “superfood” with its Vegan SuperClean Quinoa Salad. For a fresh and healthy lunch on the go, this salad is hard to beat. Semi-dried tomatoes and mint bring depths of flavour to the dish, and pomegranate seeds top it all off with bursts of sweetness.
BEST VEGAN STREET FOOD
This London-based street truck serves up totally vegan Mexican delights like pulled jackfruit burritos, dairy-free cheesy nachos, and “fish” tacos. And for those with a sweet tooth, Club Mexicana even offers its own chipotle chocolate truffles – need we say more?
BEST VEGAN LUXURY FOOD
Vegetarian Caviar Club Black Caviar
This caviar makes the perfect party piece, proving that indulgent flavours don’t have to come from cruelty. Enjoy it with champagne for a dinner party starter that will definitely get people talking.
BEST INNOVATIVE VEGAN PRODUCT
Follow Your Heart’s innovative VeganEgg can be transformed into a delicious omelette, quiche, or even scramble at the flick of a whisk. The ingenious packaging makes this product a great gift for new vegans.
BEST VEGAN MENU
Gauthier Soho “Les Plantes” Menu
Alexis Gauthier’s eight-course vegan tasting experience, “Les Plantes,” features dishes containing seasonal produce, such as Purple Cauliflower Carpaccio and , followed by sweet flourishes of strawberries, roasted cherries, and . Gauthier Soho is the perfect place for a special occasion.
BEST VEGAN COOKBOOK
Vegan Street Food: Foodie Travels From India to Indonesia
Inspired by her travels, Jackie Kearney’s cookbook is an exploration of Asian cuisine, filled with whimsical recipes and exotic flavours. Whether you’re an old hand or a novice at vegan cooking, this collection of recipes will have you whipping up delicious creations in no time.
Source: PETA.
