Veganuary is here and supermarkets are seeing hauls of veg-curious shoppers ready to raid their free-from sections.
The first port of call for consumers wanting to try out some tasty plant-based treats? Vegan sausages. Meatless sausages have come on leaps and bounds since veganism first took off. With brands such as Richmond, Beyond Meat and Linda McCartney championing the fridge favourite, vegan sausages are the key to introducing plant-based elements into your diet.
Increasing concerns about animal welfare and the well-being of the planet have prompted swathes of consumers to introduce vegan bites to their weekly shops. This increased interest in veganism is reflected in the stats.
According to Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals (Viva), in 2021, the global vegan food market was close to $16 billion (£12,552,080) and is expected to reach a value of over $24 billion (£18,882,000,000) by 2026. Around 80 per cent of the top meat producers are now making vegan food, and according to Sainsbury’s Future of Food report, vegetarians and vegans will make up a quarter of the population by 2025.
Unlike other free-from products such as cheese which arguably still have a long way to go, plant-based sausages are full of flavour and readily available up and down the country. Even non-plant-based eaters are opting for vegan sausages over the traditional meat versions.
They may seem like a recent invention, but vegan sausages have been around for over a century.
It’s entirely fitting that the very first vegan sausage was invented by a German, a nationality praised for their sausage superiority. Konrad Adenauer, the first post-war German Chancellor, wanted to combat worsening food shortages after the war. Meat was sparse, so Adenauer conjured up the idea of soy-based replacements. In 1918, the first meatless sausage was created, and was coined the ‘peace sausage.’ Soy is still a main ingredient of vegan sausages today. As is wheat protein, pea protein, and mushrooms.
For Veganuary and beyond, add some vegan sausages to your online shopping basket.
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Richmond 8 Vegan Meat Free Sausages
Richmond’s vegan sausages reign supreme. These deeply flavoured bangers are ideal for casseroles, warming winter suppers and mustard and fried onion-topped hot dogs.
Buy now £1.80, Waitrose
Linda McCartney's Frozen Vegan Sausages
Linda McCartney has become a household name for her meatless, munch-worthy products. Bung these frozen sausages in the freezer ready to make easy post-work meals complete with buttery mash and honey-roasted veg.
Buy now £1.75, Waitrose
This Isn't Pork Plant Based Sausages
Opt for something a touch weightier with some This Isn't Pork Plant Based Sausages. Bronze to perfection in the oven and team with a dollop of plant-based gravy and Hasselback potatoes to see you through the grey January days.
Buy now £3.00, Ocado
Beyond Meat Beyond Sausage Plant-Based Sausages
Serve up the ultimate BBQ with a helping hand from Beyond Meat. The celebrity-endorsed brand is known for scrumptious meatless offerings, spanning burgers to sausages and more.
Buy now £3.15, Waitrose
Abel & Cole Tofu Grill Sausages Organic
A swanky sausage to impress guests, Abel & Cole’s tofu offering is for soy lovers. Lightly seasoned with peppery spices, try them grilled or fried to serve up a feast.
Buy now £4.95, Abel & Cole
Meatless Farm Plant Based Chipolata Sausages
Chop up some chipolatas for sausage, butter bean and tomato bakes. These finely cut sausages are crafted from pea protein and add some flavoursome texture to any evening spread.
Buy now £2.75, Sainsbury's
Plant Menu Ultimate No Pork Vegan Sausages
Vegan foodies adore Aldi’s selection of vegan sausages. Plant Menu’s porkless sausages are a delectable mix of pea protein, coconut oil, rapeseed oil and shea oils. Store in the freezer for the ultimate comfort meal moment.
Buy now £2.29, Aldi
PlantLiving: Mushroom & Leek Sausages
Succulent, savoury notes of mushrooms, roasted onion and leeks seasoned with wholegrain mustard come to life in these vegan sausages. Top with mustard and dig into a plant-based banquet.
Buy now £2.75, Waitrose
Tesco Plant Chef 6 Cumberland Style Bangers
It’s hard to beat a classic Cumberland, and even harder when no animal products are involved. Choose Tesco’s Plant Chef bangers if you’re after an affordable, filling dinner option.
Buy now £1.95, Tesco
OMV! Deliciously Vegan 6 Butcher Inspired No Pork Sausages
Keep it simple with a sprinkling of spices. OMV!’s butcher-inspired sausages feature no-nonsense. They are free from artificial flavours, colours or hydrogenated fat. Coat in ketchup and enjoy a sizzling supper.
Buy now £2.95, Asda
