‘I Miss Cheese’: The GOOD Vegan Alternatives
When I first decided to turn veggie, around 4 years ago, the supermarket offered very little in the way of alternatives. There was the classic yet bland bean burger, which usually tasted of blended peas and carrots, or the staple and trusty veggie sausage. Recently I’ve been trying to eat vegan as much as possible, which includes laboriously trying as many vegan brownies as possible. Luckily, I’m up to the challenge. After much consideration, contemplation and consumption I’ve come up with an iron clad list of things for you to try.
Firstly, a brand I’ve only recently come across, Wicked Healthy Kitchen. This was a happy accident, mainly due to their explosive launch of plant-based products in Tesco.
I’m a huge fan of pizza, I could probably eat it everyday, so finding an alternative has been difficult. The main issue is and always will be, cheese. Most vegan cheese isn’t worth anyone’s time as it rarely melts and tastes like plastic. This pizza did not, it was great from start to finish. If you’re not great with spice, then I’d advise you to whack on some vegan mayo and you’ll be golden. A lot of people have a problem with mushrooms, which I understand, they can be daunting. However, the mushrooms on this pizza are cut into tiny chunks and you can’t taste them, so please don’t be put off. The pizza may also look quite small, but with the variety of toppings on a sourdough base it really hits the spot.
When it comes to vegan desserts I think there is still a long way to go, mainly due to the fact that an egg is an egg, and there aren’t many plant-based options to replace the binding power of an egg. However, the Wicked Kitchen brownie was still really nice, but it could’ve been more gooey. Although the serving size is 2, there’s a lot of bang for your buck and you could easily feed 4. I’d definitely recommend you pair it with some Swedish Glace ice-cream for maximum taste.
there is also a Red Velvet Brownie stocked in Tesco, which in my opinion sounds even better.
Secondly, I’ve got to mention Plant Pioneers found in Sainsbury’s, it far surpasses their original Love Your Veg range. To my knowledge it’s relatively new to the scene, but it’s making a big impact with my tastebuds.
Burgers are such a staple; filling, delicious and a great comfort food. As I mentioned, I’ve tried a vast amount of burgers in my time. After much scepticism I tried jackfruit, I was always put off as I hate cooked fruit and I’m very fussy when it comes to the texture of things. I was more than pleasantly surprised when I decided to join the hype, it was delicious. This burger in particular is moist, meaty and full of flavour. Add a brioche bun, some cheese (vegan or not) and some chutney/relish and you’ll thank me later. If you’re struggling to give up meat, or just want to eat less of it but miss the taste, this is THE burger for you.
Spaghetti Bolognese? Meatball sub? Warm hearty food on a wet and windy day is something you can’t beat, especially thanks to the multitude of storms that have kindly hit the UK recently. If you’ve tried the Quorn Swedish Meatballs, then forget they exist and don’t look back, Sainsbury’s have really out done themselves. The plant pioneers meatballs have a much better consistency and texture, I found the Quorn ones to become quite tough after they cool down. As I tend to find Sainsbury’s more expensive in general, they are also a bargain at £1.75, you can make a great meal for friends and family for under a fiver.
Obviously these products aren’t going to taste exactly like the real deal, but they are packed with veg, don’t break the bank and are better for the planet, therefore humans. Happy munching to one and all.
Written by Kelsey Goldstein
I’m Kelsey, 23, and recently graduated from Bristol University. I’m currently living at home, saving to go travelling ASAP. Dogs and food are my everything.