It’s 2022 and woke culture is thriving. Veganism is the fastest growing movement in the world; according to the Good Food Institute, the sales of plant-based foods grew three times faster than overall food sales in 2021. Even if most of the population haven’t fully committed to a plant based lifestyle, many have been trying to cut down on meat consumption; whether it be for animals, the environment, human rights or health. This year has been the year of alternatives, as many UK supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose alike expand their ‘free from’ section.
However, Christmas is around the corner. Suppliers are holding their breath, waiting in trepidation to see who stocks up on turkeys and who turns to tofurkey’s. Who will fall off the wagon and who will ride it out? If you’re keen to stay on a plant based track, then you’ve come to the right place (especially if this is your first meat-free Christmas). With the volume of alternatives stocking the shelves this month, ditching the turkey will be easier than ever.
Here are our picks for a plant based alternative to a tradition starter, main course and dessert this Christmas.
Starter/Nibbles:
- This isn’t Pigs in Blanket (£4.50).The perfect starter or side dish with your roast, these pigs in blankets have all the taste and none of the pig.
- Meat-free sausage rolls (£1.50)A delightful starter to go around the family before dinner are these Green Cuisine sausage rolls. Move over Greggs.
- Plant-based Cheese Board (£6.50)M&S are making their plant-prints this Christmas with a delicious vegan cheese board. Whether you start the evening with some cheese and crackers or dip in after dessert, nobody will be missing out this year.
Main Course:
1. Vegan Turkey Crown (£5.00)
Asda has won the heart of vegans all over with this vegan turkey crown. Since Tofurkey was discontinued in the UK due to importing complications, Asda has come to the rescue.
2. Plantlife Nut Roast (£5.50)
If meaty substitutes aren’t for you, then try a nut roast this year. It’s a healthy, affordable and tasty alternative.
3. Tesco Plant Chef No Pork & Cranberry Wellington (£5.00)
An absolute hit with all Tesco goers, pull out your club card and get yourself one of these plant based no pork and cranberry wellington’s.
Dessert:
1. Free from Christmas Pudding (£1.50)Sultanas, raisins, cider and rum, this is the perfect mixture of sweet treats and alcohol. And incredibly affordable!
2. Alcohol Free Orange & Cranberry Christmas Pudding (£4.50)
If alcohol isn’t for you this Christmas, then you can still have your cake and eat it with this alcohol free orange and cranberry Christmas pudding.
3. Gü Free From Chocolate & Vanilla Cheesecake (£2.50)
And if Christmas puddings just aren’t for you, then there are still plenty of options. One of them being this delicious chocolate and vanilla cheesecake.
All of these wonderful dishes can be found in your local supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainbsury’s, Asda and M&S. And don’t forget to install Foodlama on your computer to make online Christmas shopping just that bit easier!
