best vegan food ideas

Whether you’re cutting down on meat and dairy, trying Veganuary this month, or you’re a fully committed vegan already, there’s no getting away from the fact that plant-based food is not only having a moment, it’s here to stay. And that means that there’s more vegan cheese, vegan chocolate and vegan burgers on offer than ever! 

It’s also clear that the food we choose to eat has an impact on both the environment and the people who work within the food industry, it now being widely accepted that eating less meat and dairy, or none at all, is one of the most effective ways of reducing your personal carbon footprint. That also makes vegan life a great way of supporting Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to eat vegan, buy vegan and cook vegan….

(NB this article was written before coronavirus restrictions were in place)

Fake steak 

Following the huge success of its vegan sausage roll in 2019, British bakery chain Greggs launched its vegan steak bake in early January 2020. With its hearty filling and flaky pastry, it’s been a huge hit with meat eaters and veggies alike. 

Pizza veganese 

If you eat in at a branch of Pizza Hut there is a huge choice of vegan pizza, including gluten free vegan pizza dough and a variety of bases (NB these options aren’t necessarily available for delivery). 

Maccy V’s 

Mcdonald’s has just launched its first ever fully vegan McDonald’s meal in the UK. From January 2020 you can enjoy Veggie Dippers, which are approved by the Vegan Society. The crispy breadcrumbs coat a filling of rice, peppers and sundried tomatoes, and come with vegan fries, and are also available as a Happy Meal. 

Pure Filth 

Filth Burger, the brainchild of food writer and chef Gizzi Erskine and nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson, has been popping up at temporary spaces all over London since 2016. Their plant-based burgers are made from almost entirely British produce, so are great for reducing your carbon footprint, too. They’ve just opened in Shoreditch House and have more exciting plans for the coming year.

Vegan spice 

This highly acclaimed book - Zaika: Vegan Recipes from India, by Romy Gill - has over 100 recipes celebrating the zaika (which means flavours) of India. Choose from curries, side dishes, and even drinks. 

Veganomincon 

Brought to you by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero, this best selling cookbook has been reissued for its 10th anniversary with updates on their ever-popular recipes . 

Bish, bash, nosh 

BOSH! Healthy Vegan has become a classic best seller since its release in 2018; in fact, it’s the highest selling vegan cookbook ever! It’s the creation YouTube sensations Ian Theasby and Henry Firth. 

In the veginning 

Jack Monroe’s Vegani(ish) is perfect if you’re new to the vegan world, with its outlook being that if everyone ate a couple of vegan meals every week, the whole planet would be much better off. Jack also has a strong focus on making meals affordable.

Top of the chocs 

Tony’s Chocolonely boasts two vegan chocolate options - 70% dark and Dark Almond Sea Salt - and vegans are going crazy for the stuff. As well as tasting great, it has fantastic packaging and best of all, is certified Fairtrade and is working to end slavery and illegal child labour on cocoa farms in West Africa. 

Easy cheesy 

Swiss vegan food company Vegusto’s No-Moo Mild-Aromatic vegan cheese scores high on taste tests and is widely available across the world, including in Australia, France and Germany. It also does a “melty” version, perfect for toasties and sauces. 

Don’t milk it 

Our favourite in Oat-ly’s range of dairy-free milk alternatives is the Barista Edition - great for making frothy coffees and the only thing we’ve found that makes a decent cup of tea (we’re British here are the #TOGETHERBAND head office, so this is vital!). We also love that Oat-ly has a full sustainability report on its website. 

@rachelama_

Rachel is a London-based YouTube star, Instagrammer and tastemaker. Her recipes are West African and Caribbean influenced, and are simple and affordable as well as incredibly tasty. 

@demicolleen

This London-based vegan covers food and beauty, is an advocate for wearing year-round SPF and models for sustainable period products brand Dame. She posts her meals on her other account @demicolleenveganeats.

@poorlondonvegan

Meg documents how to stick to a plant-based diet on a budget. Meal ideas included estimated costs per portion.

@madebyblitz

If you're worried about whether or not a vegan diet will provide you with enough protein, Calum is here to help with a new dish every single day.