Blog — #veganuary
It’s a new year and that usually brings with it new year’s resolutions and there are plenty of January challenges to take on.
Dry January is a popular way to abstain from alcohol for 31 days while RED January (run every day) or signing up to the gym can kickstart a new fitness regime.
This year’s new, new year’s resolution that is grabbing the headlines is Veganuary.
The campaign actually started in 2014 and has seen more than half a million people in 178 countries try vegan for January… and beyond.
You can find out more information on the campaign including recipes here: https://uk.veganuary.com/
This year has already seen a record number of people sign up undoubtedly helped by a number of high-profile retailers either expanding their ranges and taking up more shelf space for plant-based food or launching vegan products in time for the campaign.
Here are just a few if you are looking for some inspiration!
Last year Greggs took on their own legendary sausage roll, launching a vegan friendly version with a bespoke Quorn filling.
This year they have launched a vegan Steak Bake. Designed to mirror some of the original Steak Bake’s classic features, including 96 layers of light and crisp puff pastry, it’s teamed up with Quorn to wrap it around savoury flavour mycoprotein pieces and diced onions in a rich gravy.
The vegan steak bake is £1.55 and vegan sausage roll £1.
Cooplands also have their own vegan sausage roll and have some fantastic breads on offer.
McDonalds have introduced Veggie Dippers to its menu. The dippers are a tasty blend of red pepper and sundried tomato pesto, all coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs, and vegan certified by the Vegetarian Society.
On their own, the veggie dippers cost £3.69 for four sticks – or £5.39 as part of large meal deal or £4.99 for medium.
The veggie dippers also come as part of the first-ever vegan Happy Meal. 2 pieces, Pineapple Stick, Buxton® Mineral Water (Still) 250ml for £2.99.
KFC have introduced the KFV!
The Original Recipe Vegan Burger is a meat-free alternative to the classic chicken Fillet Burger, replacing the usual chicken breast fillet with a bespoke vegan Quorn™ fillet, which is coated in the Colonel’s iconic blend of 11 herbs and spices. It’s served with vegan mayonnaise and crisp iceberg lettuce, all in a soft-glazed bun. The KFV is £3.99 or £4.99 in a combo.
Frankie & Benny’s have unveiled a menu of choices for Veganuary.
Pizza lovers can rejoice with options including the Verdure which features roasted courgettes, pepper and torn vegan balls made with oats, broad bean and pea protein, topped with a vegan mozzarella alternative and fresh parsley on tomato sauce. The classic Calzone has also had a makeover. The Vegano folded pizza is filled with roasted peppers, courgette, soy protein, Neapolitan tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella alternative and basil and served with a salad on the side
They also their range of classic pasta dishes such as arrabbiata and Mediterranean vegetable lasagne.
The burger menu has been refreshed and includes the Smoky Beet Burger with a soya, beetroot and tomato patty plus lettuce and gherkin. It is served with vegan mayo (naturally) and fries.
The Viva la Vegan Burger is a vegan 1/4 pounder, lettuce, tomato, red onions, gherkin with a vegan burger sauce. Again, this comes with fries and you can add a vegan melted cheese sauce.
Finally, they also have an American style 6” vegan sausage with fried onions and vegan mayonnaise and fries for all hot dog lovers.
If you have a sweet tooth meet the Chocomisu, a vegan sponge soaked in a coffee and brandy syrup, layered with chocolate and coffee vegan cream. The new Apple Crumble features a sweet apple compote topped with vegan oats and a scoop of vegan ice cream or choose the Chocolate and Raspberry Lava Cake. This a warm chocolate and raspberry sponge with a gooey top and served with a scoop of vegan choc-chip ice cream
Check out their full menu here: https://www.frankieandbennys.com/veganuary-2020
Love a Subway? You can now take your bread selection and have it filled with their plant-based Meatless Meatballs smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with vegan cheese for £3.39 for a six inch or £5.39 to go foot long.
As well as our cafes and restaurants, supermarkets stock a wide range of plant-based foods from leading brands such as Quorn, Linda McCartney and the Meatless farm.
One of our favourite brands is This. Found in the chillers at Holland & Barrett, This have created plant-based versions of classic chicken Tikka and bacon rashers amongst others.
Asda have launched a Plant Based range and it is all approved by the Vegan Society. There are over 40 new products to try with prices starting at £1.50. These include a spaghetti and veggie balls, red pepper burgers, three been chilli and rice and a range of curries, wraps and finger-foods.
Sainsbury’s have a wide range of brands in their fridges already and their Plant Pioneers range is also growing alongside their popular Shroomdog vegan sausages and includes Mexican Style and Sweet & Smoky BBQ Jackfruit, vegan fishless fingers, a smoky Jack quarter pounder and a no-Lamb Shawarma with Jackfruit.
Aldi are adding to their range with new ready meals and snacks including a spicy cauliflower pizza, a BBQ Jackfruit pizza and a no-Pork Sausage roll.
M&S already have their Plant Kitchen range offering on-the-go sandwiches and grain bowls, hearty quick-fix suppers, and staples like a no-beef burger and substitute mince and nut milks. This has been added to with the introduction of a no-chicken kiev, no-duck spring rolls and a no-smoked salmon and potato salad.
After a hard day’s shopping, put your feet up and relax in Costa and enjoy their new vegan smoky ham and cheeze toastie with a drink and snack for £4.95.
