For shoppers who are full-time vegan/veggie, attempting Veganuary or just trying to reduce their meat intake - we've got good news.
Aldi, recently crowned the cheapest supermarket of the year, has released a brand new affordable vegan 'fakeaway' range - four delicious meat alternatives designed to mimic takeaway favourites, with prices starting from just 99p.
Being vegan doesn't mean forgoing a succulent takeaway any more, as hungry shoppers can now choose from:
- Plant Menu No Chicken Nuggets - 99p
- No Chicken Indian Spiced Strips - £1.99
- Specially Selected No Chicken Balls with Sweet Chilli Dip - £2.29
- Salt & Vinegar No Fish Fillets - £1.99
But what does the range taste and look like - does it deliver on its promise and might meat eaters be tempted to choose it over a traditional carnivorous takeaway? Let's find out.
I've been vegetarian for six years and am completing Veganuary in a bid to improve my vegan cooking and introduce new plant-based meals into my repertoire - so I couldn't wait to try their offerings.
Salt & Vinegar No Fish Fillets - £1.99
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Aldi says: Vegans can now enjoy the nation’s traditional teatime delight, fish and chips, with Aldi’s new Salt & Vinegar No Fish Fillets (£1.99, 2 pack).
The crispy fin-tastic fish-free fillets are made from a combination of vegetables which are coated in gorgeously golden breadcrumbs and are lightly seasoned with salt and vinegar – it’s even wrapped in newspaper for the full takeaway effect!
Add the Four Seasons Homestyle Chips (99p, 1kg) to complete the British classic. Available in stores now.
The Mirror says: Tucking into crispy, battered fish is one of the things I missed the most about going vegetarian. While I can still eat the chips, few vegan options exist that include batter - arguably the aspect that produces the famously tempting fish and chip shop smell.
So I was delighted to find Aldi's No Fish Fillet tastes exactly like the real thing, with a crunchy, salty outer coating that crisps up nicely in the oven, and a light, fluffy filling.
My favourite of the range, I'd definitely purchase this again.
Taste - 10/10
Look - 10/10
Chicken Indian Spiced Strips - £1.99
Aldi says: The nation’s second favourite takeaway doesn’t need to be off limits for plant-based palettes thanks to Aldi’s new Indian inspired product.
Shoppers can treat themselves to the new fiery No Chicken Indian Spiced Strips (£1.99), which were voted as ‘Best Vegan Goujons’ in the Olive Vegan Supermarket Awards 2022 and are landing in stores from 11th January.
The Mirror says: Not for those who aren't used to any spice - these Spiced Strips pack quite a punch.
Tasting exactly like your usual chicken goujon but with much more flavour, we recommend trying these with a sweet chilli dip.
We let them crisp up for a little longer than the instructions on the box, and they probably look the best out of the range.
Taste - 8/10
Look - 10/10
Plant Menu No Chicken Nuggets - 99p
Aldi says: Aldi’s new Plant Menu No Chicken Nuggets (99p, 220g) offer the tantalising taste inspired by McDonald’s whilst being meat-free.
The succulent selection of ten nuggets have a crispy golden coating that tastes as mouth-watering as the meaty versions.
At a whopping 72% cheaper than 9 McDonald’s McNuggets which cost £3.49, Aldi shoppers will be lovin it’ . Available in stores from 17 th January.
The Mirror says: These vegan nuggets are surprisingly different from competitors - which might be because of the thickness and crispiness of the batter.
The fake meat filling has slightly less flavour than its counterparts but the coating has a great kick which makes up for it.
Its texture is lovely and reminiscent of McDonald's McNuggets but much kinder to the planet and to our animal friends.
Taste - 7/10
Look - 9/10
Specially Selected No Chicken Balls with Sweet Chilli Dip - £2.29
Aldi says: Those that enjoy a Chinese takeaway can try Aldi’s new Specially Selected No Chicken Balls with Sweet Chilli Dip (260g, £2.29), which make the perfect starter or side and are available in stores now.
The Mirror says: You genuinely wouldn't taste the difference if these were served in a sweet and sour Chinese takeaway. They're a perfect replica of a chicken ball with the same texture and battered coating.
They could be a little bland without a sauce - but luckily they come with a sweet chilli dip which compliments them perfectly.
Taste - 7/10
Look - 8/10
* Aldi’s vegan fakeaway range is available in stores now
