PETA UK Vegan Food Awards 2013
The PETA UK Vegan Food Awards 2013 highlight the very best in today’s gourmet cruelty-free cuisine. As more and more people in the UK, including celebrities such as Leona Lewis, Caroline Flack, Russell Brand and Morrissey, choose a diet that’s free from animal products, excellent vegan options are popping up everywhere!
Whether you’re a chocoholic, a cheese addict or a burger lover, you’ll find delectable vegan versions of your favourite foods among our winners. Most of these mouth-watering products are available in the aisles of your local supermarket or on the high street, a sign that veganism — in addition to being the most compassionate, healthiest and greenest option — is also an increasingly popular and convenient choice. And unlike animal-based fare, vegan foods are free from cholesterol and saturated animal fat, making them kind to your waistline as well as to animals!
Whittling down the abundance of superb vegan delicacies out there was a tough job, but without further ado, here are our top picks:
BEST DAIRY-FREE MILK:
ALPRO ALMOND MILKPour it on cereal, put it in your tea or use it in your favourite vegan baking recipes – this great-tasting and versatile non-dairy milk is a real store cupboard staple.
BEST FAUX MEAT:
FRY’S CHICKEN-STYLE STRIPSFamily company Fry’s knows how to satisfy any residual meat cravings that you might have, giving you the taste of chicken without any of the cruelty.
BEST EGG-FREE MAYONNAISE:
PLAMILA condiment fit for a king, Plamil’s mayo is ideal for smothering salads, jazzing up sandwiches or even dipping chips into, continental style — and no chicken had to suffer to make it!
BEST DAIRY-FREE CHEESE:
VEGUSTO NO-MOO MELTYVegusto proves itself the master of concocting vegan cheesy goodness with this meltingly good, spreadable product, making it easy for vegan cooks to add homemade pizza to their repertoire.
BEST FAUX FISH:
VBITES GOURMET FISH STYLE STEAKSThese breadcrumb-coated “steaks” really do taste … fishy. But you can feast on them without guilt, knowing that their production left our oceans intact.
BEST VEGAN BURGER:
VEGUSTO MUSHROOM AND CHEESE BURGERA delicious entry from Vegusto steals the coveted veggie-burger crown. Made from mushrooms and No-Moo cheese, this meat-free patty makes barbecues a pleasure for compassionate eaters.
BEST VEGAN SAUSAGE:
LINDA MCCARTNEY VEGETARIAN SAUSAGESThese are perfect when you’re craving bangers and mash — vegan style. For texture, seasoning and overall yum-factor, these sausages are a clear winner.
BEST VEGAN CURRY:
SAINSBURY’S VEGETABLE JALFREZISpice up your TV dinner with this colourful curry. Crack out the poppadoms and eat it with a mound of fragrant rice for a meal that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort.
BEST VEGAN NOODLES:
WAGAMAMA YASAI ITAMERice noodles in a spicy coconut and lemongrass soup with tofu and oodles of fresh veggies — this generous dish will entrance your tastebuds and go a long way towards your five-a-day!
BEST VEGAN PASTY OR PIE:
WEST CORNWALL PASTY CO WHEATMEAL VEGETABLE PASTYHearty, wholesome fare, this pasty impressed us with its combination of delightfully crisp pastry and a satisfying chunky filling.
BEST VEGAN READY MEAL:
INNOCENT VEG POT CARIBBEANThis perfectly sized portion of scrumptious jerk curry won us over with its tropical seasoning and ethical credentials — innocent always uses sustainable ingredients and recyclable packaging.
BEST VEGAN PIZZA:
VBITES MEATLESS FEASTSlob out on the sofa and eat it straight out of the box, or serve it up civilised with a nice salad — however you choose to munch on this topping-laden pizza, you’re sure to enjoy it.
BEST VEGAN SANDWICH OR WRAP:
PRET A MANGER NAKED AVOCADO BLOOMERPacked full of fresh, delicious ingredients, this sandwich is a sure-fire pleaser. And with more than 240 branches of Pret up and down the country, vegans on the move need never go hungry again!
BEST VEGAN BISCUITS/CAKE:
THE CO-OPERATIVE BAKERY CUSTARD DOUGHNUTSIndulgence time! These extremely moreish doughnuts have long been a favourite among sweet-toothed PETA staffers, so awarding them this prize was a no-brainer.
BEST VEGAN DESSERT:
TESCO APPLE STRUDELYou can’t go wrong with simple, classic desserts like this one. Tesco gets the balance of delicate pastry and fruity filling spot-on, and as well as being delicious, it’s also refreshingly good value.
BEST DAIRY-FREE ICE CREAM:
SWEDISH GLACENo cows were harmed in the making of this luxurious and creamy frozen treat. Tempting flavours include classic Smooth Vanilla, Rich Chocolate and Juicy Raspberry.
BEST VEGAN CONFECTIONERY:
HOTEL CHOCOLAT HAZELNUT BÛCHE DARK AND NUTTY CHOCOLATE LOGThis is a decadent, rich and super-chocolatey concoction that’s perfect for slicing and sharing with loved ones on special occasions. It also makes a great gift for the vegan chocolate lovers in your life.
BEST DAIRY-FREE YOGHURT:
PROVAMEL ORGANIC ORANGE & REDBUSH SOYA YOGHURTWhether you eat it as a breakfast treat or a healthy dessert, this zesty low-fat yoghurt won’t disappoint with its lovely creamy texture and subtle fruit flavour.
BEST VEGAN LUXURY FOOD ITEM:
CAVI-ARTWhen you feel like getting fancy, this Danish seaweed-based caviar substitute is bound to impress with its delicate taste and glossy, crisp consistency.
MOST INNOVATIVE NEW VEGAN PRODUCT:
CHEF SEAN PAUL REDDING FAUX GRASThis bespoke product proves that there’s no need (or excuse) to force-feed ducks and geese for a taste of luxury. Sean Paul Redding’s pâté is 100 per cent humane and 100 per cent delicious — look for it on shop shelves very soon!
